How to Choose a Dildo: Size, Material & Type

A dildo is a non-vibrating, phallic-shaped toy used for internal or external stimulation. Choosing the right one comes down to size, material and type. Compare sizes using three measurements, total length, insertable length and maximum diameter, rather than the single inch number on the label. Start with a modest size and check the listed material.

The 7 Inch Bendable Real-Feel Dildo With Balls: 7.48 in total, 5.51 in insertable, 1.57 in widest diameter, PVC, suction base.

What is a dildo?

A dildo is a solid toy shaped like a penis, without a motor. It is used by hand or with a harness, and it can be used vaginally, anally or externally. Unlike a vibrator, a dildo does not vibrate, so the sensation comes entirely from the shape, the firmness and the way you move it. Dildos come in many styles: realistic designs that imitate anatomy, smooth minimalist designs, curved designs aimed at the G-spot, double-ended designs, and designs with a suction-cup base that can be fixed to a smooth surface.

Because there is no motor, the buying decision is mostly about the physical object: how long it is, how much of that length can actually be inserted, how wide it is at its widest point, what it is made of, and whether it has a base or suction cup. Those five facts tell you more than any product name. Browse the full range in our Dildos collection.

The three measurements that matter

Most dildos are sold by a single size, such as "7 inch", but that number is usually the total length, and total length is not the number that matters most. Compare these three measurements instead:

Total length is the length of the whole toy, base included. Insertable length is how much of the toy can go inside the body, which is always shorter than the total length because the base and handle stay outside. Maximum diameter is the width at the widest part of the shaft or head, and it decides how full the toy feels.

A worked example makes the difference clear. The 7 Inch Bendable Real-Feel Dildo With Balls is sold as a 7-inch dildo, and its listed measurements are: overall length 7.48 in, insertable length 5.51 in, and maximum diameter 1.57 in. So although the label says 7 inch, about 5.5 inches is the usable length, and the widest point is about 1.57 inches across. It is made of PVC, has a suction base, and is unpowered. When you compare two dildos, compare their insertable lengths and maximum diameters side by side, not just the headline size.

If a product page does not list insertable length or maximum diameter, treat that as a gap and ask for those measurements before choosing. A photograph and a single inch label are not a reliable substitute for a dimensioned specification.

The Realistic Adult Dildo for Beginners, 6 inch with Suction Cup: a beginner-sized design with a suction base.

Is 6 inches big?

Six inches of total length is a common mid-size dildo, and whether it feels big depends on insertable length and diameter, not on the headline number. A 6-inch dildo with a slim diameter feels very different from a 6-inch dildo with a wide head, and a 6-inch total length may mean only about 5 inches of insertable length once the base is counted out. If you are new to dildos, a 6-inch design with a modest diameter is a reasonable starting point, and you can compare options in the 6-Inch Dildos collection. The Realistic Adult Dildo for Beginners, 6 inch with Suction Cup is one example of a beginner-sized design with a suction base.

At the larger end, a 9-inch dildo is a big toy and is not a typical first purchase. The 9-Inch Dildos collection has nine designs, including the 9 Inch Contoured Realistic Dildo, and the Long Dildos collection covers longer designs in general. For a detailed look at very large sizes, see our guide 12-Inch vs 14-Inch Dildos: Compare the Actual Dimensions.

What are dildos made of?

Most dildos are made from silicone, PVC, TPE, glass, or metal, and each material feels and behaves differently. Silicone is the most common choice for a first dildo: it is smooth, flexible, easy to clean, and usually compatible with water-based lubricant. PVC is firmer and less expensive, and it is used in many realistic and bendable designs, including the 7-inch example above. TPE is very soft and flexible, but it is more porous than silicone, so it needs more careful cleaning. Glass is rigid, smooth and easy to clean, and it can be warmed or cooled before use. Metal is heavy, rigid and very smooth.

Two cautions. First, do not assume a material from the product name alone: some products are described as "Crystal-Look", which refers to a clear, glass-like appearance, so check the listed material on the individual product page rather than assuming it is real glass. Second, lubricant compatibility depends on the material, so follow the instructions on the product page: water-based lubricant is the safe default for most materials. For a fuller comparison of two common materials, see Glass vs Silicone Dildos: Firmness, Care and Buying Checks.

Types: realistic, suction-cup, double-ended and more

Realistic dildos imitate the shape, texture and colour of anatomy, often with a defined head, shaft detail and a realistic base. They are the most popular type overall and the best place to start if you want a lifelike feel. Our Realistic Shapes & Textures collection groups them together.

Suction-cup dildos have a suction base that sticks to a clean, smooth surface, which leaves both hands free and also makes the toy compatible with a strap-on harness. Check the hold before use: a suction cup is a support, not a load-bearing fixing, and it only works on suitable smooth surfaces.

Double-ended dildos have two usable ends, for use alone or with a partner. They are usually longer than a single-ended dildo, so check the insertable length of each end separately.

Curved and G-spot dildos have a bend or a bulbous tip aimed at the front wall of the vagina. The curve matters more than the length for this type, so compare the shape and the diameter of the tip rather than the headline size.

For dildos designed for women, including realistic and curved styles, see the Dildos for Women collection.

Clean before and after use, let it dry fully, and store in a clean, dry place away from other toys.

How to choose a dildo, step by step

1. Decide how you will use it. Internal use calls for a smooth, well-shaped shaft; external use calls for a comfortable handle or base; harness use needs a flared base or suction cup.

2. Pick a size using the three measurements. Choose the insertable length and maximum diameter first, then check the total length. If you are unsure, start smaller: a modest diameter is easier to use than a long toy with a wide head.

3. Choose the material. Silicone is the easiest all-round choice. PVC is a good budget option for a firm, realistic feel. Glass and metal are for people who want a rigid, smooth sensation and do not mind the weight.

4. Check the base. A flared base is essential for anal use, because it prevents the toy from slipping inside. A suction cup adds hands-free options on smooth surfaces.

5. Check the care instructions. Clean the toy before and after use according to its material. Let it dry fully before storage, and store it in a clean, dry place away from other toys.

There is no single "best dildo" that suits everyone, and we do not rank our products that way. The right choice is the one whose insertable length, diameter, material and base match what you want to do with it. Start with the Dildos collection, narrow it down by size in the 6-Inch, 9-Inch and Long Dildos collections, and read the listed measurements on the product page before you decide.