Dildo vs Vibrator: What is the difference?
The market has become a sea of sex toys, but two champions remain on top: the dildo and the vibrator. What can we say? These classic sex toys are the go-to options for many of us. Yet, a lot of people get the terms mixed up or assume they’re the same toys—and they’re not.
In reality, dildos and vibrators are very different, and it’s important to know what each one offers before choosing one to buy. Or you could buy both...is there such a thing as too many sex toys? So, you’re going to get the full rundown on what dildos and vibrators are—your sex life will thank you.
What is a dildo?
Let’s keep things simple. A dildo is a sex toy that’s shaped like a penis and used for insertion; vaginally, anally, or orally. But they aren’t new. They’ve been around for ages, literally.
They’re twenty-eight thousands-years-old to be exact. Dildos have been used by ancient civilizations with phallic shaped dildos made out of stone or animal horns. Wild, right? It sounds like even our early ancestors needed to release sexual frustration.
However, today, dildos can be made out of a variety of materials, shapes and sizes. They can be made of steel, rubber, silicone, glass, wood—you can even buy crystal dildos or gemstone dildos (though, we don’t recommend it).
With dildos, you must make sure your dildo is made of body safe materials. Many companies focus on manufacturing cheap sex toys without ensuring they’re made with body safe materials.
For example, crystal dildos and gemstone dildos are made of porous materials, meaning they have tiny spaces within the material that traps harmful bacteria. Instead, look for dildos made of non porous materials that are easy to clean and water-resistant. It can be stainless steel, borosilicate glass, or a medical-grade silicone dildo.
Now you know what a dildo is. But what makes a dildo isn’t about whether it’s phallic shaped or what it can do; rather, it’s about what it can’t do: vibrate.
What is a vibrator?
The history of vibrators is a little sketchy. It’s believed that Cleopatra had the first vibrator by sitting on a clay box filled with trapped bees. Is that true? Who knows.
But, what we do know is that the introduction of the vibrator into the bedroom has changed everything for women. Clitoral stimulation was once a distant dream, but with vibrators, women can make it happen.
Vibrators can be handheld, such as a rabbit vibrator, or as a bullet vibrator. Typically, vibrators are used for external use. You may notice that some toys that are designed for internal use, like Kiiroo’s G-Spot Vibrator are also considered vibrators rather than dildos. No one really knows what that is.
Which one’s better for me?
You know the differences, but which one is the better option for you? If you’re entering the world of sex toys for the first time, take this opportunity to understand what you’re looking for. Here’s a quick list of the pros and cons of dildos and vibrators:
After looking through the list, there are many things to consider. If you’re not sure what to choose, focus on what you want out of your sex toy. Do you want clitoral stimulation? Vaginal penetration? A little bit of both?
By narrowing down what sensations you wish to feel, you’ll be able to look at either option and consider shapes and sizes. For example, if you’re looking for clitoral stimulation, then choosing a vibrator such as a rabbit vibrator or bullet vibrator. They’ll be your best bet. If you’re looking for vaginal penetration, a silicone dildo will hit the spot. Or, you could get both and see which one you prefer.
Choosing a sex toy is a fun experience; you’re taking the time to learn more about your body and what makes you feel good in your sex life. Hopefully, this will help you understand the difference between dildos and vibrators and clear your head on which sex toy is best for you. Just remember, self-pleasure is a journey, and it may take some time until you find the right toy for yourself.
WRITTEN BY
Natasha Ivanovic
Natasha Ivanovic is an intimacy, dating, and relationship writer best known for her writings on Kiiroo, LovePanky, Post Pravda, and more. She's the creator and author of her short stories on TheLonelySerb. She completed her first degree in Criminology and continued and finished her Masters in Investigative Psychology, but then decided to follow her true passion of writing.
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