You may have landed here because you’re new to sex toys and you need some guidance on which dildos to try. If that sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place.
Dildos are nothing new. Researchers have discovered a 28,000-year-old dildo in a German cave, while literature from ancient Greece (dating back to 411 BCE) and erotic art from ancient Rome also depict the historical use of these sex toys.
So what is a dildo and is it different from a vibrator?
“A dildo is a sex toy formed as a penis that you use either during masturbation or sex to simulate penetrative sex, either vaginal or anal,” says Sofie Roos, a sexologist, relationship therapist, and writer at Passionerad.
“A dildo is made to go in and out of you while a vibrator is made for being placed at some of your erogenous zones, most often the clitoris or g-spot, and then be held still until you orgasm.”
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How using a dildo can benefit your relationship
Dildos are not just something to use when you’re solo. If you’re in a relationship, experts say that using a dildo can actually benefit your sex life as a couple. One way is through masturbation.
“When masturbating, we get to know our body better, such as new things that make us orgasm or other ways to be touched and stimulated that we didn’t know about before,” Roos says.
And if someone uses a dildo for anal penetration, “it can make you receive anal sex more easily since you’ll find ways to relax your sphincter.”
Using a dildo can also directly benefit intimate time with your partner. One study in 11,944 people from across Europe found that using a sex toy with a partner was linked with increased relationship satisfaction.
Let’s take a look at the best dildos for beginners, plus get some helpful tips from sex experts on how to have the best experience with your new toys.
How to pick a dildo
So, how do you find the best starter dildo? Here’s what the experts have to say about choosing your beginner dildo:
- Choose a size that’s comfortable for you: “If it’s your first one, try a smaller size than you think you’ll need because dildos tend to feel bigger than penises,” Roos explains. “Ten to fifteen centimeters (four to six inches) is generally a great beginner’s size.”
- Find one with a suction cup: “I recommend looking for a dildo with a suction cup in the base since that gives you more options for use,” Roos says. “You can then, for example, ride it or take it in doggy style by putting the dildo on a table leg.”
- Make sure they’re made of body-safe material: “Prioritize body-safe materials such as medical-grade silicone, stainless steel, or borosilicate glass, as these are nonporous, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean,” says Holly Wood, PhD, a tester at Bedbible.com. “Avoid porous materials like jelly or rubber, which can harbor bacteria and may contain harmful chemicals.”
- Pick a beginner dildo with a flared base: “Go with a dildo that has [a flared base], which prevents it from going all the way in,” Roos says. “This is especially important during anal use, but also vaginally since these dildos are easier to hold.”
Prices for dildos vary widely, from a very basic one at $10 USD to deluxe ones for $150 USD or more.
Tips for using a dildo
Now that you know how to choose the best beginner dildo, let’s hear from our sex experts on how to use it. Follow these five tips to get started:
1. Warm it up for a more realistic experience
Before playtime, consider warming up your dildo so it feels more like the real deal.
“Put the dildo in some lukewarm water before using it, as well as adding a great water-based lube—something that will make it feel much more realistic,” Roos says.
2. For doggy-style solo play, stick it on a table leg
If you want to use your dildo in the doggy position during solo play, Roos suggests placing it on the leg of your table for a more comfortable experience.
“Doggy style is great if you have a suction cup, but you will have a hard time reaching the dildo if putting it on the wall,” she explains. “That’s why a table leg is a great place since it helps you get closer to it.”
3. Clean the dildo after you’re done
Whether you’re engaging in solo play or with a partner, you’ll want to clean your toys ASAP afterwards.
“Most sex toys can be cleaned using warm water and a mild antibacterial soap,” Dr. Wood says.
“For best results, wash them thoroughly for at least 20 seconds—just like washing your hands—and dry them with a clean towel. This method works well for both motorized and non-motorized toys made of silicone, stainless steel, or glass.”
4. Make sure to store it properly
“Store the dildo in a dry, dark, and room-temperature place, such as in the wardrobe or bedside table,” Roos says.
“Dildos often come with a small and soft bag, so place it in there. Otherwise, use another bag you have at home. The bag prevents it from getting dirty between the sessions.”
5. Listen to your body
Of all these tips, the most important is to listen to your body while exploring dildos as a beginner (and even after you’ve become more experienced!).
“If something feels too large, rigid, or uncomfortable, trust your instincts and choose something gentler,” Dr. Wood advises.
“Starting with a simple, comfortable, and body-safe toy is a great way to build confidence and enjoy your exploration.”
10 best beginner dildos
And now let’s dive into the best beginner dildos. Our picks range in price from about $10-140 USD.
1. Best glass dildo
Pipedream Icicles No. 5
This hand-blown glass dildo is sure to bring some excitement to the bedroom. The prominent ridges are especially good for adding pleasure during penetrative play.
It is made of high-quality, hypoallergenic, and non-porous glass and is safe to heat up in the microwave or chill in the freezer.
You can purchase Pipedream Icicles No. 5 on Amazon.
2. Best budget-friendly dildo
Adam & Eve Pink Jelly Slim Dildo
Seeking the best beginner dildo but don’t want to break the bank? Then consider this budget-friendly dildo from Adam & Eve.
It is designed for vaginal and anal play with a sleek, flexible design and phallic-shaped tip for easy and painless entry. It has the look and feel of a real penis with textured veins, if you’re seeking a dildo that feels like the real deal.
You can purchase this affordable dildo on Adam & Eve.
3. Best small-size dildo
Lossless 4-Inch Short Dildo
At just four inches, this short dildo is great if you’re not looking for a huge sex toy. It is made with a non-porous silicone material and looks and feels like an actual penis, with a flesh-colored tone.
As a nice add-on, it also comes with a suction cup you can stick onto the floor or, as Roos advises, stick to a table leg for some doggy-style fun.
You can buy this short dildo on Amazon.
4. Best realistic dildo
Diamimio Thrusting Dildo
This realistic dildo not only looks like a penis but behaves like one, too. It was specifically designed to have glans on the head of the penis, as well as veins and scrotum.
This dildo also acts as a 3-in-1, providing stretching, vibration, and heat that imitates real intercourse. It has eight thrusting speeds and ten vibrating sensations you or your partner can explore together or during solo play.
You can purchase this realistic dildo on Amazon.
5. Best beginner dildo to try with a partner
Lovehoney Slimline G-Spot Sensual Glass Dildo
This glass dildo could be a great toy for penetrative play with your partner. Its slim design and non-intimidating size make it perfect for a beginner. It also has a bulbed head for G-spot stimulation for vagina-havers.
Made of borosilicate glass, it’s safe to cool in the refrigerator or submerge into hot water if you and your partner want to explore temperature play. It’s also waterproof so you can get into some wet fun in the shower.
You can purchase this glass dildo on Lovehoney.
6. Best anal-friendly dildo
Hainuo Vibrating Anal Beads Dildo
Are you into (or want to explore) anal play? This anal dildo should do the trick. Its design imitates anal beads, allowing you to slowly move up as you get more comfortable with the depth and size of each bead.
The prostate massager offers multiple vibration speeds so you can explore and find which one meets your sexual needs. It’s made of soft, body-safe silicone and can be used for up to 60 minutes from a full, three-hour charge.
You can buy this vibrating anal dildo on Amazon.
7. Best vibrating dildo
LELO GIGI 2
If you or your partner has a vagina, this vibrating dildo promises to deliver body-shaking G-spot orgasms. Its flattened, curved tip was designed to target the G-spot and deliver direct stimulation perfectly. This design is also great for external stimulation if you’re seeking to have clitoral orgasms.
The LELO GIGI 2 has eight settings, a long-lasting charge for extended play, and is waterproof if you want to use it in the bath or shower.
You can buy the GIGI 2 on LELO.
8. Best double-ended dildo
Adorime G-Spot Dildo Vibrator
Want your partner to get in on the fun? Then check out this vibrating double-ended dildo from Adorime.
The app-controlled dildo can stimulate the G-spot or the prostate—making it suitable for all genders to get the ultimate pleasure. It has nine vibration settings, is made with flexible silicone, and offers up to an hour of play when fully charged.
As a bonus, if you’re in a long-distance relationship, you or your partner can use the app even if you live apart.
You can buy this double-ended dildo on Amazon.
9. Best strap-on compatible dildo
X-pidany Strap-On Vibrating Dildo
Whether you’re a top wanting to take your performance to the next level, a bottom wanting to gift your partner with something special, or you want to explore having a penis, this vibrating strap-on should do the trick.
What makes it different is that it comes with two dildos for penetrative play. The large dildo is 6.4 inches to satisfy the receiving partner, and the smaller one is 3.4 inches for the giver to stimulate themselves.
The X-pidany strap-on comes with 10 vibration modes, an adjustable strap-on harness, and a remote control to change the frequency of the vibrations. It’s also made of body-safe silicone and is waterproof for some slippery fun.
You can purchase this vibrating strap-on dildo on Amazon.
10. Best luxury dildo
njoy Pure Wand
If you’re willing to shell out a few extra coins for a top-of-the-line dildo, we recommend the njoy Pure Wand. This curved, stainless steel toy is designed to stimulate the G-spot or the P-spot (prostate).
It has two bulbed ends of different sizes you can insert into the vagina or anus, making it a versatile toy that’s great for solo masturbation or sex with your partner.
You can purchase the Pure Wand on njoy.
Other sex toys to try with a partner
The fun doesn’t have to stop with dildos. If you’re comfortable exploring other sex toys, here are some products we recommend you try with your partner to spice up your bedroom time. Our picks range in price from $19-30 USD.
Vibrating couple’s ring
MOVGANI Vibrating Cock Ring with Rose Clitoral Stimulator
This vibrating couple’s ring brings dual stimulation to female-male sex. You or your partner will place the vibrating ring on the penis, and the rose-shaped vibrating massager provides clitoral stimulation to the receiving partner.
It offers seven vibration modes and has an adjustable double-ring design so the penis-haver has a comfortable and pleasurable experience.
You can buy this couple’s ring on Amazon.
Bullet vibrator
Dame Zee
This simple, compact vibrator can provide eye-rolling pleasure for you and your partner. The bullet vibrator Zee has three different speeds and is super quiet, which is beneficial if you want to play in public areas.
It is made of body-safe ABS plastic, is waterproof, and has a run time of one hour when fully charged.
Massage candle
KAMA SUTRA Ignite Massage Candle
If you’re into temperature play or just want to try something new, consider grabbing these massage candles. As the candle melts, you can use the oil to give or receive a sensual massage experience.
What’s great about this massage candle oil is that it can leave you or your partner’s skin feeling soft and smooth thanks to its moisturizing properties. As a plus, this candle comes in a variety of scents that can give your home a nice aroma.
You can purchase this massage candle on Amazon.
The final word
If you haven’t used a dildo before, it can be intimidating to try and find the right one that’s safe, comfortable, and gives you the pleasure you want. Be sure to use this guide as a resource to find something that suits your sexual needs.
The most important takeaway is to listen to your body. Try a few different sex toys and see which ones work best for you. Have fun!