Despite their common uses, dildos and vibrators are not as interchangeable as we make them out to be. The question is, why do we get them mixed up so often? Today we’re taking a deep dive into screwing yourself and looking at the differences between the two.
The choice between the two can be summarized into one sentence: if you enjoy penetration, then dildos are your friend. If you like clitoral stimulation, vibrators are for you.
Table Of Contents
What Is A Dildo?
A dildo is a penis-shaped sex toy primarily used to penetrate and cause internal stimulation. They are the best alternative to an erect penis, and they come in all different shapes and sizes.
You can use dildos to spice things up during a solo session or when you’re having sex with a partner. You can place them inside the vagina to achieve orgasm by stimulating the G-spot. Or you could insert it into the anus (AKA anal play), allowing a male partner to reach climax by stimulating the prostate.
The dildo has many shapes, sizes, and colors. Some realistic dildos can have testicles at the bottom to look even more like penises, often modeled to look like some of your favorite male adult models. Other models resemble the shapes of penises in broader terms (think of those sex toys that look like tentacles or horse dicks). Still, they’re always made for penetration.
Dildos can also have a suction cup at the bottom to make gripping it more straightforward. You can also use this suction cup to mount them against surfaces, allowing for a hands-free sexual experience. Other products have a flared base, ideal for strap-on play between sexual partners.
In addition, dildos are made from many different materials. Popular options include silicone, plastic, glass, and stainless steel, among other materials.
Pro Tip: Silicone dildos are the most common sex toys due to their flexible and squishy texture. They’re made from medical-grade silicone and are generally easier to insert than other dildos, and they’re also less intimidating than some of the stiffer materials. When considering a material, it needs to be safe for insertion, as you are dealing with a lot of fluid when handled correctly.
Using porous materials is often advised against, as they could encourage the build-up of harmful bacteria, causing infections. If you plan to use something made from a porous material, always use it with a condom to keep your body safe.
The actual confusion comes in when we look at the vibrating dildo. Vibrating dildos are sex toys that look like a dick but vibrate like a vibrator. They’re trying to fill two gaps at once. So what are they? To answer this question, let’s take a look at the vibrator.
What Is A Vibrator?
Vibrators are phallic sex toys with a vibrating function, and they are primarily used for external stimulation. You can say their main feature is in the name: it vibrates to provide sexual pleasure. And they achieve this in a few different ways.
This sex toy often uses rumble motors to create vibration, similar to those you find in your phone when it’s set to vibrate. Vibrators are usually battery-powered, and all you need are two double AAs to have a good time. They also come in many different sizes, shapes, and colors.
In most cases, the vibrator is used for clitoral stimulation. You can do this by placing it on the clitoris to provide pleasure. Although vibrators are mainly used to pleasure women, nothing can stop you from using them to spice up your sex life with your male partner.
Now that we know that their main gimmick is the vibrating function, let us look at the different types. The most common form is the bullet vibrator, a small oval or pill-shaped sex toy with a rugged casing that is easy to handle. And it can be placed gently onto the clit to reach an easy clit during masturbation or sex.
The second most popular version is the rabbit vibrator. These vibrators were popular in the early 2000s when they featured heavily on television. Receiving screen time during American Pie and Sex and The City served to solidify the sex toy stardom that rabbit vibrators enjoy to this day. This sex toy has a handled wand and a cute set of bunny ears dangling to the side. The rod focuses on penetration, while the set of bunny ears focuses on clitoral stimulation on the outside.
So, if you are looking for a vibrating toy to spice up your sex life, we suggest getting a vibrator instead. Your vagina will thank you in the long run.
What Is A Personal Massager?
Let’s take a step back and look at personal massagers. Although they aren’t advertised as sex toys, they vibrate just like vibrators. They’re used to achieve relief by shaking a specific muscle. Sound familiar, right?
So, what makes a personal massager and a vibrator different? They lack the subtle touch that a vibrator provides because personal massagers target much larger muscle groups. With their big rumble motors requiring more power, they can’t simply be battery-operated.
But what about those vibrating dildos we mentioned previously? Are they vibrators? Are they dildos? Well, let’s dive into the differences between dildos vs. vibrators next.
What Is The Difference Between The Two?
Before we begin to explain what makes dildos and vibrators different, let’s first explore their similarities. Both of them are sex toys made with masturbation in mind. It’s also worth noting that both men and women can use dildos and vibrators.
But is that why we get them confused so easily?
The difference is pretty obvious: a dildo’s primary function is internal use, while a vibrator is for external stimulation. Dildos are penis-shaped, and vibrators vibrate.
Because dildos are molded to resemble male members, they are harder to conceal. Traveling with your sex toys can lead to embarrassing moments when they pop up on x-ray scanners. Vibrators are much easier to hide away, offering you more discretion.
Another distinct difference is the cost. Vibrators usually have a mechanical element, meaning they are more expensive on average. Dildos typically come in at lower prices for the same quality materials as similar vibrators.
We should also consider the differences in materials between these two sex toys. Vibrators hide a lot of mechanical parts. Therefore they need to encase them in something harder, opting only to cover the sex toy with a thin layer of silicone on the outside.
Is it that simple? As we’ve explained before, the confusion becomes apparent when looking at something like dildo vibrators. It’s shaped like a dick, so is it a dildo? It vibrates, so is it a vibrator? The answer may surprise you. However, the explanation is quite simple.
A vibrating dildo is a dildo. Why? It’s all in the name. It’s a dildo that vibrates. Then how about a rabbit vibrator? Applying the same logic is just as simple; a rabbit vibrator is a vibrator. Why do we want to overcomplicate things? We’re looking for orgasms, after all, not headaches!
Which One Is More Pleasurable?
While on the topic of orgasms, which sex toy will give me one? The answer comes down to preference:
- Do you like sex? Then a dildo that recreates penetration might be the best option for you.
- Do you prefer going solo? Then a vibrator might offer more pleasure while stimulating your clit.
The more in touch with your body and sexual needs, the simpler it becomes.
Not knowing what you like makes things a lot more complicated. Another thing to consider is when are you going to use your toy. On your own, or with a partner? But if you need some more advice on which one to consider, let’s explore the different reasons for buying one or the other.
Reasons To Buy A Dildo
Remember when we said that dildos are ideal for people who like sex? Well, it’s true. They recreate penetration. So if you want the feeling of having a dick inside you, a dildo would be a good substitute, allowing for easy internal stimulation. And if you enjoy hitting your G-spot, a dildo allows for better reach. If you angle it right, you will be reaching climax all night.
Another reason to pick a dildo is the price. They are among the cheapest toys, with entry-level toys under $20, making them one of the most affordable sexual experiences.
You might also want to consider purchasing a dildo for the fantasy aspect. They come in different shapes and sizes, some as big as 12″ and others as small as 2″. You also have a wide selection of girths and textures. You can have stiff glass dildos or more flaccid silicone models.
A dildo serves as the ultimate sex toy for personalization.
As we mentioned before, dildos don’t have to look precisely like penises. Some look like forearms with a closed fist; others are shaped to resemble animal parts. They’re a great way to explore your most interesting kinks in a safe environment.
You can experiment with your heart’s desire!
Reasons To Buy A Vibrator
If you want a cute and compact sex toy to improve your love life, consider the vibrator. They’re ideal for clitoral stimulation, which has many nerve endings, meaning vibrators can lead to some of the best climaxes of your life.
They’re also great at spicing things up with your significant other. Many men aren’t always so keen on putting things inside their anus. However, they might be more receptive to a bit of light vibration play.
Pro Tip: One of the best sex tips is using the vibrator to stimulate the scrotum or the tip of the penis, leading to an intense male climax. You can use it to explore human sexuality in a much more discreet way.
Because vibrators are so discreet, they’re also better suited for travel. Many can fit into your handbag or even your jacket pocket, allowing for a climax on the go.
You can also experiment with some public play on your own or with a partner. Put the vibrator into your underwear while out on the town, and you can achieve orgasm anywhere. Vibrators lend themselves well to exploring liberating kinks.
Vibrators also offer a more hands-free experience vs. dildos. Because they simulate movement on their own, you can hold them in place to achieve orgasm. Masturbation doesn’t need to feel like exercise anymore.
So Which One Should You Buy?
When picking a suitable toy for you, it’s always good to look for some sex tips. They’re always a great aid when trying different things. We know it might seem overwhelming to choose between a dildo vs. vibrator. But if you always consider what’s best for your body, the choice becomes simple.
Always remember, if you enjoy penetration, then dildos are your friend. If you like clitoral stimulation, vibrators are for you.
Don’t overthink it, and you’ll be fine. The right choice will come to you. It might take a bit of experimenting with different toys, so make sure you have fun!
Conclusion
So do you still think anything is a dildo if you’re brave enough? Or are you ready to vibe it out with some vibrator action? What are you waiting for? Get out there and screw yourself tonight!
Rachel
Please check our extensive dildo guide for more product examples. And we also have an extensive vibrator guide here.
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