How to Choose a Dildo

Posted on 17/02/2023 and updated on 03/06/2025 by Emma

Choosing a dildo may seem like a daunting task at first. That’s why the LOVE Team has written this comprehensive how-to guide to familiarise you with the different types of dildos available on the market. That way, you’ll find just the right model for you!

We’ll give you an overview of the different materials, sizes and designs to help you choose the dildo that best suits your needs and budget. So, are you ready to take the plunge? Let's get started!

Our favourite dildos


Small suction cup dildo for vagina and anus
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Lifelike XXL-sized bendable dildo
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Horse suction cup animal dildo 16.50 inches
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Dildos, the right toy for everyone

Dildos are truly the perfect unisex toy for every curious adult. First of all, a dildo will allow you to discover your favourite erogenous zones. That way, you can better express your needs to your partner and show them what really turns you on. Using a dildo will give you pleasure, relax you, and reduce your overall anxiety.
You’ll also notice that your physical well-being will improve, as using a dildo stimulates your circulatory system and strengthens your pelvic floor muscles.
Dildo play will improve your sex life, whether you’re alone or with a partner. Using a dildo will open you up to new erotic experiences and allow you to explore new fantasies. Playing with a dildo during partner play will make the experience hotter for both of you!

Choose the right material

It is very important to choose the right material for your first dildo. This guide will help you discover the different types of materials used, and then it’s up to you to weigh the pros and the cons of each one.

A silicone dildo

Silicone is among the most popular materials on the market. Silicone is a durable, hard-wearing and easy-to-clean material. It is non-porous, so it can be easily sterilised (which makes it particularly suitable for anal use).
Silicone is both firm and soft, making it comfortable to use. This material is very popular with beginners, as the silky silicone texture makes the dildo easy to insert.
Silicone dildos are the most expensive kind of dildo, but in the long run, they are a cost-effective choice. Think of your dildo as an investment – you’ll pay a little bit more, but you’ll be able to keep it in excellent condition for years. Remember to avoid using silicone lubes with your silicone toys, as doing so may damage the material.

A TPR dildo

TPR dildos are also a very popular option, as they offer similar benefits to silicone dildos, but at a more affordable price. TPR has a very realistic look and is as soft as silicone.
The downside is that TPR dildos are porous, so bacteria can be trapped in them and they need to be cleaned carefully and rigorously. In general, a TPR dildo will have a shorter lifespan than a silicone dildo.
Despite these disadvantages, TPR dildos are still very good value for money. They allow you to learn how to use sex toys without investing too much money up front. Just remember to clean your TPR dildo regularly, following the specific instructions in the user’s manual.

A PVC dildo

PVC dildos are even cheaper than TPR dildos. Keep in mind that PVC is a much stiffer material than silicone or TPR. If you’re looking for a more intense kind of stimulation, PVC is an ideal choice. However, this stiffness may not be to the liking of some users who are looking for a softer experience.
Just like TPR, PVC is a porous material, so you’ll need to rigorously clean your dildo after every session and discard it if it becomes worn with time.

A metal dildo

Dildos made from stainless steel or brushed aluminium entice with their elegance and robustness. The natural weight of these toys creates a feeling of fullness: every movement becomes more intense and more precise, delighting lovers of solid and controlled stimulation.

Just like glass options, metal excels when it comes to temperature play: run it under hot or cold water for a couple of minutes to vary pleasure, and discover new thrills.

Good to know: metal dildos are compatible with all type of lube, including silicone based lubes.

A tip from the LOVE Team:

If this is your first experience with metal, opt for a modestly sized model as its weight quickly accentuates sensations.

A glass dildo

Glass dildos are an original choice for users looking for a more intense experience. The glass used to make glass dildos is high quality, durable and hard-wearing. It is also easy to clean and maintain.

The main advantage of glass dildos is that they can withstand temperature changes, which make them suitable for temperature play. Just dip your dildo in hot or cold water for a few minutes before your dildo play session to experiment with new kinds of pleasure.

Many glass dildos have elaborate, elegant designs, and would not look out of place on your nightstand as a work of art or decoration.

Does a glass dildo tickle your fancy but you’re not quite sure where to start? The LOVE Team have specially created a guide to help you “Choose your glass dildo”.

The perfect size for maximum pleasure

Size is another important factor to take into account while selecting the dildo of your dreams. Beginners and anal sex enthusiasts are generally advised to start with a small dildo so that they can gently get used to the sensations before working their way up to a girthier model.

Let’s have a look at the LOVE Team’s recommendations for choosing the right size dildo.

A small dildo for beginners

If you’re a novice or want to use your dildo for anal penetration, start with a dildo that won’t make your session uncomfortable or painful. We recommend that you start with a small dildo, ideally less than 5.00 inches long with a less than 1.25-inch diameter. This will allow you to get used to the feeling of penetration at your own rhythm. You can jump up a size once you’ve got more experience under your belt.

A medium dildo for more experienced users

Now that you've gained experience, you can increase the size of your dildo to explore more intense penetration. Medium dildos, which are longer and larger in girth than beginner dildos, will treat you to an even more explosiveexperience. Remember to respect your own limits during insertion, and never force yourself to receive a larger girth than you can handle. You shouldn’t be in unnecessary pain during your dildo play session. Your comfort and safety comes first!

A mega dildo for experts only

If you already have considerable experience in the realm of dildo play, you may want to explore more extreme stimulation! Our XXL dildos, which can reach a length of more than 20 inches, will satisfy you completely. The most playful among you can even try the ultimate challenge: a life-sized, fist-shaped dildo for a wild fisting session!


Dildos with a little something extra

The search for pleasure is not limited to simple penetration. For more stimulation, why not explore dildos with extra features? Here we present the different types of dildos available in our shop: vibrations, thrusting, etc., all options to spice up your experience and make it unforgettable...

A realistic dildo

Realistic dildos look and feel incredibly lifelike, allowing you to enjoy a session that feels just like being with a real man. The dildo’s features are very detailed (testicles, folds, foreskin, tip) for even more realism.

A realistic dildo will make your solo play session even more arousing. You can also use one during partner play to simulate a threesome.

A suction-cup dildo

Suction-cup dildos are easy to stick onto any smooth surface (floor, table, shower, mirror) for a realistic, hands-free experience.

These dildos are the perfect option if you want to stimulate other erogenous zones with your hands or another sex toy. Or, you can just ride your dildo as you would a partner and focus on the pleasure.

A double dong

Double-ended dildos are very versatile, as they feature a realistic penis head at each end and a flexible base. You can bend your double dong into a ‘U’-shape to use it for double penetration during solo sessions, or you can lend one half of your toy to your partner to experience the joys of simultaneous penetration.

Once you've chosen the perfect double dildo, make sure to read our how-to guide: How to use a double dildo.

A vibrating dildo

Vibrating dildos diffuse intense vibrations right to the user’s most sensitive areas. These dildos usually have several speeds, modes and power settings, so you can fully customise your solo play session. You can also use this kind of dildo as a simple vibrator on your external erogenous zones.

An ejaculating dildo

If you're a fan of being on the receiving end of a cum shot, ejaculating dildos are an excellent choice. The dildo’s pump will allow you tosimulate ejaculationby using a semen-effect lubricant. You can also use water instead of lube to simulate a golden shower. An ejaculating dildo allows you to enjoy a satisfying creampie without the risk of an unexpected pregnancy.

A thrusting dildo


Those who want to replicate all of the sensations of a steamy sex session without a partner should opt for a thrusting dildo! Equipped with a powerful motor that perfectly imitates the thrusting action of real sex, a thrusting dildo will make your solo play incredibly realistic. Best of all, they require next to no effort on your end, so you can just lie back and relax.

A hairy dildo

Our range of hairy dildos offers a unique and realistic experience for users. Made of liquid silicone, these dildos stand out with their soft, natural feel and meticulously detailed appearance. Each model features lifelike details such as colourful veins and a thick tip, as well as synthetic pubic hairs on the testicles for even more realism.

These dildos also come with a powerful suction cup, which you can stick onto any smooth surface for hands-free fun. This range is perfect for those seeking a more authentic and natural experience, whether for solo play or with a partner. The realistic details and high-quality craftsmanship of these hairy dildos promise a sensual and satisfying experience.

Dog and horse dildos

Dog dildos and horse dildos are directed at lovers of fantasy sex toys that are on the hunt for more unique shapes. Inspired by animal anatomy, they have a gradually increasing diameter, marked textures and sometimes even a canine knot at the tip. These extravagant silhouettes fill you up gradually and give you powerful sensations that are ideal for role playing or exploring intense sensations.

Moulded using non porous silicone platinum, they mix suppleness and safety with easy sterilisation. They're often generously sized, which means they’re usually best for people who are already familiar with girthier toys. Either way, a good dose of lube and easing your way into things is the perfect combo to ensure maximum comfort.

Safety advice:

Make sure you always listen to your body and stop as soon as you feel any discomfort. These fantasy toys are designed for use amongst fully consenting adults.

Dragon dildos

These are the true icons of fantasy sex toys. Dragon dildos summon up the medieval imagination with their supple crests, rings and scales that intensely rub against the anal or vaginal walls. Their undulating curves offer an unprecedented massage with every thrust.

From smaller versions with a length of around 6.00 inches to our XXL options, everybody can find a size and stiffness that fulfills their desires. Platinum silicone can be used to create a dual coloured marble effect, UV pigments or holographic glitter, transforming each toy into a pure work of art.

A dildo for every budget

You’ll find a wide range of dildos on the market at every price point. Quality dildos at affordable prices, and higher-end dildos on the pricier end of the scale. There is truly a dildo for every wallet!

The price of a dildo depends mainly on the material it is made from and its features: a basic PVC or TPR dildo will be less expensive than a high-end silicone dildo with extra features (for example, vibrations or automatic thrusting). You should assess your needs and budget before making your purchase. A dildo can be a long-term investment: it may be worth spending a little more for a quality dildo that will last a long time and give you a maximum amount of pleasure.
We hope this guide has helped you understand the different types of dildos available on the market. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced dildo fan, there's definitely a toy out there to suit your needs, experience and budget. Don't forget that the most important thing is to know and respect your own limits. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the LOVE team: we’ll be happy to answer them and help you find the best dildo for you!

Female Pleasure, Desire and Sexual Well-being

"Because a woman’s sex life should never be a taboo."

Emma Lambert is an expert in sex toy for women with a passion for female empowerment and sexual well-being. With a background in communications and training in Human Sexuality, she explores everything from desire and orgasms to intimate health and sex education. Her goal is to debunk sexual health myths, offer honest advice, and help women connect with their bodies for a more confident, fulfilling sex life.

Favourite toy: A classic rabbit vibrator – because I love blended orgasms.