Sex toys come in numerous forms and types, with different sex toys meant for different individuals, anatomies, and goals. Dildos and vibrators are the most common sex toys catering specifically to individuals with vulvas, though they can also be used by individuals with penises. But most people often confuse the terms dildo and vibrator, using the terms interchangeably. But what’s the actual difference between a dildo and a vibrator, especially since they look pretty much the same.
A Look at Differences Between Dildos and Vibrators
Dildos
Dildos are elongated phallic-shaped sex toys that are specifically designed to resemble a penis. In fact, many dildos are cast from the actual genitals of male porn stars, so they have the actual dimensions of male penises. Dildos can be made from glass, jelly, silicone, plastic, and various other materials. They also come in numerous colors — some are brightly colored, and some are more realistic. Depending on your preferences, you can get dildos in different shapes, sizes, textures, and hardness.
The primary goal of a dildo is to penetrate — it doesn’t vibrate. You can use a dildo for vulvar penetration or anal penetration, depending on your particular preference. Since a dildo doesn’t vibrate, you have to use your hands to guide the dildo into the ideal position, or you can ride the dildo in a squatting position. As such, you will either have to use your hands or legs to make the dildo work. A dildo can be worn as a strap-on for lesbian sex or for anal intercourse with a male partner.
If you’re using a dildo for the first time, you must practice caution. Dildos come in various shapes and sizes, including different widths and lengths, so you must go slowly. Use ample lubrication to ensure optimal comfort and minimize friction, and don’t insert the entire dildo at once. As you guide the dildo into your vulva or anus (with a butt plug for example), go slowly and find your level of comfort. Besides helping with masturbation, a dildo can also help you better understand what you want from sex.
Vibrators
A vibrator is an elongated phallic object that also vibrates. A vibrator can look like an actual penis, or it can be an elongated object that doesn’t resemble an actual penis. The primary goal of a vibrator is to vibrate, so it can deliver more powerful vaginal and clitoral orgasms. You can get vibrators in various shapes, sizes, colors, textures, densities, and motor qualities. Different vibrators have different levels of vibration, allowing you to find the ideal settings for your specific needs.
Some vibrators, such as bullet vibrators, are designed to stimulate the clitoris, whereas others work inside or outside the body. Vibrators also come in different shapes to target different erogenous zones on the body, such as the thighs, neck, feet, underarms, and other regions. Using vibrators is fairly simple — you can simply use their interface to toggle the vibrator on or off, making it deliver powerful orgasms to you. Some vibrators can also be controlled by smartphone apps, so the comfort and pleasure are all yours!
When choosing a vibrator, it’s hard not to be confounded by options. The following are some of the most common types of vibrators:
- G-Spot Vibrators: A g-spot vibrator is meant for internal use. It’s an extremely small vibrator that can reach the small, hard-to-reach spots on the body to deliver powerful orgasms.
- Clitoral Vibrators: A clitoral vibrator is meant for external use. It can be directed into the vaginal canal or anus, and it can deliver strong vibrations to induce orgasms. We recommend the cutest of them all, Biird's Evii.
- Rabbit Vibrators: A rabbit vibrator is a penetrative device that enters the vaginal canal, and it contains two vibrating bunny ears that tickle the clitoris, thereby offering dual pulsation.
- Clitoral Suckers: A clitoral sucker is a device that releases sonic pulses to shake the clitoris without active contact, which makes it great for people looking for fast-paced climaxes or to help with clitoral atrophy. It can induce increasingly powerful, full-bodied orgasms. Some clit suckers like Biird's Namii provide both suction and vibration independently or at the same time!
If you’re using a vibrator for the first time, you must read the instruction manual carefully to ensure optimal safety during operation. You must follow the instructions accurately, including for the maintenance and aftercare. A remote-controlled vibrator can also be used for numerous sexual plays with a partner. You can trade the controls to your respective vibrators, giving each other the power to control your orgasms and sexual pleasure from a distance. A vibrator can spruce up your sex life and open up new possibilities.
How to Choose Between Dildos & Vibrators
Both dildos and vibrators can deliver incredibly powerful orgasms and boost your sex life. But you must consider your particular requirements to determine if you need dildos or vibrators. And if you need vibrators, you need to consider which type of vibrator you need. Below, we highlight different situations and the type of sex toy you need.
For Cervical Stimulation
If you prefer cervical stimulation, you should go for a long and thin dildo that reaches deep.
For Prostate Stimulation
If you prefer prostate stimulation, select a dildo with a massive curve and bulbous tip like Biird's Regii.
For G-Spot Stimulation
If you prefer g-spot stimulation, get a bunny vibrator or a straight-up G-spot vibe. You could also go with a flexible dildo that has a shape made for G-Spot like Surii. Your dildo having a suction cup will help you tremendously too.
For Double Penetration
If you prefer double penetration, you can get a u-shaped double-ended dildo.
For Pegging
If you want to penetrate your male partner, you can get a strap-on dildo.
These are just some of the situations in which you may need dildos or vibrators. Whatever your goals might be, please select nonporous body-safe sex toys made of medical-grade silicone, glass, stainless steel, or ABS plastic, and use plenty of lubrication.
Interested in knowing the differences between clitoral suckers and vibrators? Check out our detailed article here.
