Last Updated on April 10, 2024 by Kelly
Some dildos are vibrators, and some vibrators are dildos, but what’s the difference?
Everyone has different preferences and ways of enjoying their sex toys. Understanding the difference between a dildo and a vibrator will help you find the perfect toy for you.
In this dildo vs vibrator breakdown, we will explore all the details you will want to know to figure out what makes these types of toys different, for your preferences.
Contents
What is a Dildo?
A dildo is an elongated, penis-shaped toy that is used for penetration. Dildos can be made out of many different materials for different textures and pressures.
There are dildos that are super flexible and flesh-like, and some that are super hard and solid.
Dildos are usually in the general shape of a penis but that does not mean they always look like a penis.
Some dildos have a more abstract, cylindrical shape and more closely resemble a tube. The dildos you are probably used to seeing are realistic, silicone dildos.
These softer, textured dildos are made to resemble a human penis and will often come in skin-tone colors like pink, beige, and brown.
However, you can find dildos in all colors and styles, from neon to rainbow, to glitter.
The dildo is most often used for internal stimulation inside the vagina and sometimes used for anal penetration.
Dildos are great for people who enjoy g-spot or p-spot stimulation. They are also great for play involving strap-ons, and many dildos are designed to be compatible with most straps.
Dildos can also be attached to sex machines. The material and design of a dildo can vary greatly and it all depends on your preferences.
Some people enjoy a more realistic feel while some people enjoy the pressure and density of a glass dildo.
What is a Vibrator?
A vibrator is any toy with a motor that produces a vibration sensation. Vibrators can vibrate in many ways, from light and buzzy to low and rumbly.
If you’re unfamiliar with the different types of vibrations, think about how a massage chair feels on its lightest setting versus when it’s pummeling your back.
Both settings are a massage and can feel great depending on what mood you are in. Vibrators come in all shapes, sizes, and functionalities.
There are wearable vibrators, travel vibrators, vibrators that are designed for penetration, vibrators that are great for solo play, and vibrators that are intended for intercourse.
Vibrators, such as a wand massager, typically produce an intense, rumbly vibration and are intended for external stimulation.
On the other hand, a vibrator like a rabbit toy has vibration motors that stimulate the g-spot and the clit for both internal and external pleasure.
Some vibrators make different types of sensations, like gyrations and pulsing sensations. Some vibrators have high-frequency waves which feel like extra intense vibrations.
Some of the most common vibrators are bullet vibrators, which you can find everywhere from general stores like Target to specialty sex shops like Betty’s Toy Box.
Bullet vibrators are small, handheld vibrators that look like a long bullet.
They are great for traveling because they’re small and discreet and only need a couple of batteries to get going.
Also Read:
How To Use Vibrators in Public
How To Use a Dildo – A Step by Step Guide
What Is the Difference Between a Dildo & Vibrator?
A dildo is a toy that penetrates, while a vibrator is a toy that vibrates. Some dildos are just dildos, but some of them vibrate too.
Some vibrators can be used for penetration, but not always. You can usually tell if a vibrator will work for penetration from its design, but make sure to read the description carefully. .
The term vibrator is a pretty wide umbrella that can include anything from traditional bullet vibrators to vibrating cock rings.
Usually, when people say vibrator, they mean a vibrating toy that is intended to stimulate the vagina in some way.
Vibrators come in a variety of shapes and sometimes do not even look like sex toys at first.
However, dildos are pretty hard to miss and usually resemble penises whether realistically or in an abstract way.
Many people prefer the non-realistic toys or the ones that have sleek, more modern designs.
Dildos are perhaps most often made of silicone or soft plastic, but you can find dildos made out of materials like glass, as well.
Vibrators are usually also made of harder silicone and plastic. Because they have circuitry and batteries, vibrators will usually be a bit more solid and less flexible than the average dildo.
The main difference between a dildo and a vibrator is the sensations they create.
Although sometimes they function in similar ways, a dildo penetrates while a vibrator vibrates. Simple!
So What is a Massager?
A massager is a type of vibrator that is usually pretty large and handheld.
As the name suggests, a massager is intended to massage the outside of the body and can be used to stimulate external body parts like the clit, penis, and perineum.
Some of the most popular massagers are what are known as wand massagers. These get their name from their elongated, wand-like shape.
They usually have a round head at the top that emits powerful, deep rumbles.
Many wand massagers require being plugged in during use, but some, like the Lovense Domi 2, are battery-powered.
Massagers are great toys for foreplay because they can be used on any body type and do not need to be used on only the sex organs.
For example, you can use a wand massager to give your partner (or yourself!) a full body massage and tease around the erogenous zones before getting to the action.
A massager tends to be high-powered and high-energy, with a deep, rumbly sensation rather than a light buzz.
Because they are a little larger, massagers are often used for solo play because they can be a bit intrusive during intercourse.
However, if you know how to get the right angle and arrangement, a massager can make an amazing addition to couple play.
How Many Types of Sex Toys Are there?
There are many types of sex toys out there, and every sex toy seller will usually make their own distinctions.
Along with dildos and vibrators, there are more specific categories like anal toys, cock rings, BDSM toys.
Even within the category of vibrators, there are bullet vibrators, panty vibrators, hands-free massagers, wand massagers, rabbit vibrators, dual-stimulators, and more.
Also Read:
Best Sex Toys For Beginners and Virgins
Which Sex Toy is Best for Me?
Now that you know the difference between dildos and vibrators, you may want more details about what type of toy is the best fit for you. Read on to learn more.
Dildo vs Vibrator: Costs
Dildos and vibrators can range from very low-price to very high depending on things like materials, power, function, and size.
Vibrators tend to reach the higher end of the cost spectrum, often because they contain more machinery and cutting edge technology.
A dildo can cost anywhere from $10-20 to around $100, while a vibrator can cost up to $300 and sometimes more, especially from high-end retailers.
However, there are affordable vibrators out there anywhere from $10-15 if you just want a simple vibrator with a few settings.
Dildo vs Vibrator: Cleaning and Storage
No matter what type of sex toy you are using, you want to make sure you are cleaning your toy before and after use and storing it in a cool, dry area.
Because vibrators will usually have rechargeable batteries in them, you want to make sure you keep them away from extreme heat. Do not leave them in a car on a hot day!
It is especially important to deeply-clean dildos and any toy that is being inserted into the body.
You will want to use a mild soap or other antibacterial wash on any toy that is used for penetration.
An external vibrator should still be kept clean, but it might not be getting wet with bodily fluids in the same way that a dildo would.
Also, some vibrators are not entirely waterproof and might only be water resistant. Most dildos will be waterproof especially if they do not have electric features.
If you have a water-resistant toy that is not fully waterproof, you want to make sure you are cleaning it without excessive amounts of liquid – try using a damp towel or antibacterial wipe.
Waterproof toys can be submerged in water which does make them easier to clean. Also, check the user manual, as some toys are even dishwasher-safe!
Dildo Vs Vibrator: The Experience
Dildos and vibrators vary in price, design, and care. But perhaps the most important distinction is how they feel.
Dildos are ideal for people who enjoy in-and-out penetration or want to simulate penetrative sex during masturbation.
Some dildos can be suction cupped or attached to the floor or wall making them easy to ride or grind against.
Many people like to bring their dildo with them into the shower as they suction easily to the tiles.
Vibrators are better for people who enjoy a range of sensations and particularly external, tickling sensations on the clit or other external parts of the body.
Even if you enjoy penetrative sex, you might find that you still prefer the sensations of a vibrator to get off.
Especially because it is a feeling you cannot access easily (unless you like to sit on your drying machine).
The experience of using a dildo vs a vibrator is really a matter of preference, as I have used both depending on what mood I am in.
I use vibrators when I want a quick orgasm, while I use dildos if I want an extended experience.
I also like to incorporate vibrators into intercourse, which can be harder to do with a dildo.
Verdict – Which Should You Choose
Dildos are penetrative toys that are shaped to resemble or feel like a penis. They can be made out of materials ranging from silicone and plastic to glass.
Dildos have a slightly lower average price range than vibrators and require careful cleaning because they are placed inside the body and come in contact with body fluids.
Vibrators are toys that contain a motor system or other electrical system to create a vibrating sensation.
Vibrators come in many sizes and have a slightly higher average price range compared to dildos.
Vibrators are most often used for external stimulation but can also be used for internal penetration.
In short, if you enjoy penetration, you should get a dildo, and if you enjoy external stimulation and vibrations you should get a vibrator.
If you can’t decide, it can never hurt to get a toy that is both a vibrator and a dildo, like the Lovense Nora.