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Bettys Toy Box is a women-owned, family run sex-positive boutique where pleasure meets confidence, offering body-safe toys, real advice, and a playful space to explore what feels good.

Dildos: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right One for You

So, you want to buy a dildo. Betty’s can absolutely help with that.

Dildos are one of the oldest sex toys in human history. Archaeologists discovered a stone dildo in Germany dating back roughly 28,000 years, which means humans have been prioritizing pleasure since the dawn of time. 

Today, dildos come in every imaginable size, shape, material, color, firmness, and fantasy style. Whether you’re shopping for your very first dildo, upgrading your current favorite, exploring anal play, trying pegging, or building the world’s most impressive bedside collection, choosing the right toy can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we created this ultimate dildo guide to answer every question you’ve ever had about choosing the perfect dildo for your body, your experience level, and your fantasies.

Why Are Dildos So Popular?

Because they work. Dildos are versatile, beginner-friendly, and incredibly customizable to your pleasure preferences. Unlike many vibrating toys, dildos allow you to control speed, angle, depth, and pressure completely. They can be used solo, with partners, in harnesses, in the shower, for vaginal play, anal play, fantasy play, G-spot stimulation, prostate massage, and so much more.

Some people love realistic dildos that feel like a real penis and come in an array of flesh tones. Others prefer smooth, curved, brightly colored silicone designs focused entirely on stimulation. And then there are the lovers of those “out of this world” shapes, textures, and sizes that allow for fantasy and role play. There’s no “right” choice, only what feels good to you.

You can explore Betty’s full collection of dildos to see just how many options exist.

 


 

What Types of Dildos Are There?

Realistic Dildos

Realistic dildos are designed to resemble an erect penis, often complete with veins, defined heads, skin texture, and testicles. These are among the most searched and bestselling dildo styles because they offer a familiar look and feel.

Many realistic dildos are available in:

  • Multiple skin tones
  • Sizes ranging from smaller than average to incredibly large 
  • Suction cup bases
  • Harness-compatible styles
  • Dual-density materials for lifelike softness

Perfect for:

  • Beginners wanting a familiar shape
  • Size queens
  • Fantasy play
  • Strap-on use

Browse Betty’s collection of realistic dildos.

For guidance on how to choose your first dildo we recommend reading

Dildo Size Guide - How to Get the Right Length and Width: A Visual Guide

Silicone Dildos

Silicone dildos are considered the gold standard of body-safe sex toys. They’re non-porous, easy to clean, hypoallergenic, and incredibly durable. High-quality silicone dildos can come in:

  • Firm or soft textures
  • Smooth or textured designs
  • G-spot or prostate angled curves
  • Suction cup bases
  • Anal-safe shapes
  • A wide array of lengths, widths, and colors

Silicone is ideal if:

  • You have sensitive skin
  • You’re prone to yeast infections
  • You want a long-lasting toy
  • You want easy sterilization
  • You’re exploring anal play
  • You share your toys with a partner or partners

Check out Betty’s collection of silicone dildos.

To learn more about materials and which ones are right for you, we recommend reading 

Sex Toy Materials: The Complete Guide

G-Spot Dildos

G-spot dildos feature curved shafts specifically designed to target the G-spot internally. Many have bulbous heads or pronounced curves for pressure exactly where you want it. They’re fantastic for:

  • Non-vibrating internal stimulation
  • Blended orgasms
  • Beginners wanting targeted pleasure
  • Folks who enjoy firmer pressure (look for a firmer dildo)
  • Folks who like a softer sensation than vibration can deliver (look for dual density)

Pair them with a quality water-based lubricant for smoother insertion and comfort.

Anal Dildos

Not all dildos are anal safe. We always recommend using silicone, glass, or metal for anal play since they are non-porous and cannot harbor bacteria. Best practice for using any other material would be to cover the toy in a condom to prevent bacteria from embedding in the pores.

In addition, it is important to remember that anal sphincter is incredibly powerful and the rectum has no stopping point or physical barrier to prevent toys from being over-inserted.  For anal dildos (or any toy being used anally), they must have:

  • A significantly flared base
  • A suction cup base that is wider than the shaft
  • A wide stopping point

Anal dildos also tend to feature smoother tapers and slimmer shapes for comfortable insertion and pegging play.

If you’re new to anal play, here are some top tips to getting started comfortably:

  • Start small
  • Use lots of lube - more than you think!
  • Relax and go slowly
  • Never use numbing products

Explore Betty’s selection of anal toys and anal dildos.

Curious about anal play? We recommend reading 

A Beginner's Guide to Pegging for Couples: Anal Play 101 and

The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Anal Play

Suction Cup Dildos

Suction cup dildos are wildly popular because they allow for hands-free play. Attach them to:

  • Tile walls
  • Floors
  • Chairs
  • Shower walls
  • Mirrors

They’re also usually harness compatible, making them ideal for strap-on play and pegging.

Pro tip: Slightly dampening the suction cup before attaching it often creates a stronger hold.

Shop Betty’s suction cup dildos.

Strap-On Dildos

Strap-on dildos are designed to fit securely into harnesses for partnered penetration and pegging. A good strap-on dildo should:

  • Have a suction cup or flared base
  • Be firm enough for thrusting
  • Fit your harness o-ring size
  • Match your experience level

Beginners usually do best with slimmer, lighter dildos before moving into larger or heavier options.

Pair yours with a strap-on harness or take away the guess-work by trying a strap-on set that is already assembled.

Strapless Strap-On Dildos

This is an advanced style of dildo for couples that takes some practice to get used to. These toys feature:

  • An insertable bulb for the wearer that is held in place by the pelvic floor muscles
  • A shaft for penetrating a partner

They’re exciting, intimate, and popular for pegging and queer partnered play, but they do require practice and pelvic floor strength.

Tips for beginners:

  • Practice wearing it solo first
  • Use lots of lubricant
  • Choose a slimmer model initially
  • Consider adding a harness for extra support

Glass Dildos

Glass dildos are sleek, beautiful, and surprisingly beginner-friendly. 

Why people love them:

  • Completely body-safe and non-porous
  • Excellent for temperature play - heat them in warm water or cool them in the fridge
  • Firm pressure for G-spot or prostate stimulation
  • Gorgeous artistic designs

Quality matters here. Always choose borosilicate glass from reputable brands.

Metal Dildos

Metal dildos offer intense pressure and luxurious weight. Stainless steel toys are:

  • Non-porous
  • Virtually indestructible
  • Amazing for temperature play
  • Excellent for G-spot and prostate massage

Many people who enjoy firm stimulation absolutely swear by metal toys.

Fantasy Dildos

Fantasy dildos have exploded in popularity over the last several years, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. These toys move beyond realistic anatomy and embrace creativity, fantasy creatures, sci-fi inspiration, monster designs, tentacles, knots, eggs, exaggerated textures, and imaginative shapes you definitely won’t find in human biology textbooks.

For many people, fantasy dildos are about:

  • Escapism and roleplay
  • Exploring fantasies in a safe way
  • Unique sensations and textures
  • Larger-than-life aesthetics
  • Body-safe artistic designs

Fantasy toys often feature:

  • Dramatic curves
  • Pronounced ridges or bumps
  • Tapered or flared shapes
  • Vibrant colors
  • Silicone construction
  • Suction cup bases

One thing to pay attention to with fantasy dildos is texture. Some highly textured toys can feel much more intense than a smooth dildo of the same size, especially for beginners. If you’re new to fantasy toys, starting with a slimmer or smoother design can make the experience much more comfortable.

Fantasy dildos are also incredibly popular in:

  • LGBTQ+ communities
  • cosplay and roleplay spaces
  • BDSM and kink exploration
  • collectors’ communities

And yes, some people simply enjoy that they look cool as hell on a shelf.

You can explore Betty’s collection of fantasy-inspired dildos and unique toys to find designs ranging from playful to wildly adventurous.

Squirting Dildos

Squirting dildos are designed to mimic ejaculation by releasing fluid through the shaft or tip of the toy. Depending on the design, they may use:

  • A squeeze bulb
  • A removable syringe
  • Internal reservoirs
  • Pump systems

These toys are especially popular for:

  • Realistic roleplay
  • Power exchange and fantasy play
  • Gender affirmation
  • Strap-on play
  • Couples looking to add extra realism

Many squirting dildos are also:

  • Suction cup compatible
  • Harness compatible
  • Available in realistic sizes and skin tones
  • Made from soft realistic-feeling materials

If you plan on using a squirting dildo in a harness, make sure to check:

  • Weight
  • Harness compatibility
  • Base shape
  • Ease of refilling

For the most realistic effect, many users fill squirting dildos with:

Avoid thick silicone lubricants or anything with particles, as these can clog the internal tubing.

Cleaning is particularly important with squirting toys because fluid moves through the inside of the toy. Flush the system thoroughly after every use using warm water and toy cleaner, and allow it to dry completely before storage.

If realism and immersive fantasy are important to you, squirting dildos can add a whole new layer of interactive play.

Browse Betty’s collection of realistic and squirting dildos for options ranging from beginner-friendly to extra adventurous.


 

How Do I Choose the Right Dildo Size?

This is probably the most common dildo question and the answer is deeply personal.

Important Dildo Measurements

Overall Length

The full length of the toy from top to base.

Insertable Length

The portion that can actually go inside the body.

Width/Diameter

Measured across the shaft.

Girth/Circumference

The measurement around the shaft.

A toy may look intimidating online but have a very manageable girth. On the other hand, many folks have fallen in love online with a dildo that turns out to be intimidatingly large in real life.  Always read measurements carefully. We have a size comparison guide on each dildo page to give you an idea of what exactly to expect.

Beginner Dildo Size Recommendations

If you’re new to penetration either vaginally or anally:

  • 4 to 6 inches insertable length is often ideal and within the smaller to average length of the average penis

  • 1.25 to 1.5 inches width is beginner-friendly - which translates to approximately 4 to 4.5 inches in girth. Again, around an average penis size.

  • Slimmer tapered tips help ease insertion

Remember:
Bigger isn’t automatically better. A dildo that’s too wide can give an uncomfortable stretch instead of pleasurable. Too long and it can bump against the cervix. Start where your body feels comfortable and work upward only if desired.

Tips for Choosing Dildo Size

  • Measure objects you already enjoy
  • Don’t trust photos alone - use our visual guides to inform your choices
  • Read reviews carefully
  • Consider firmness as well as size

 


 

What Is the Best Dildo Material?

Silicone: The Best Overall Choice

With the invention of liquid silicone, what used to be a firm and unforgiving material can now be pliable and flesh-like. In addition, silicone is:

  • Body-safe, meaning it contains no phthalates and other harmful materials
  • Non-porous so it cannot harbor bacteria between uses
  • Hypoallergenic for anybody with sensitive skin
  • Long-lasting and durable
  • Easy to sanitize with warm soapy water or a dedicated toy cleaner

This is the best material for most users.

TPE/TPR Materials

These materials can feel softer and more realistic but are porous, meaning bacteria can remain trapped inside the material over time. Our best practices include using a condom over these materials when using them. They’re usually:

  • Less expensive
  • Softer but can have an odor 
  • More flexible, although liquid silicone is now just as pliable
  • Less durable and prone to tearing

Glass & Stainless Steel

These premium materials are not for everybody, particularly not for beginners who may enjoy a softer, fleshier feel. But, if you want a firmer feel, glass and steel are 

  • Completely non-porous, body safe, and safe to use anally or vaginally (with thorough disinfecting in between, of course)
  • Excellent for temperature play and can be warmed in hot water or cooled in the fridge
  • Extremely durable and often have a lifetime warranty
  • Perfect for advanced users or people who enjoy firm pressure.

 

Should I Get a Vibrating Dildo?

If you love penetration AND vibration, absolutely. A vibrating dildo (sometimes called a realistic vibrator) is typically a more realistic looking phallic shape with the addition of a vibrating motor inside. Some even include thrusting or gyrating motions. Vibrating dildos combine internal fullness with extra stimulation and can be fantastic for:

  • G-spot exploration
  • Blended orgasms
  • Extra stimulation during thrusting
  • Solo or partner play

Explore Betty’s collection of realistic vibrators if you want added buzz with your thrust.


 

Best Dildos for Beginners

If you’re brand new to dildos, look for:

  • Silicone material
  • Moderate size
  • Tapered tip
  • Smooth texture
  • Suction cup base
  • Harness compatibility if desired

Avoid:

  • Extremely large toys
  • Heavy textures
  • Overly rigid oversized toys
  • Cheap jelly materials

Small & Beginner Friendly Dildos (6 Inches and Under) can be a great place to start


 

Best Dildos for G-Spot Stimulation

Dildos can be fantastic for g-spot exploration because they allow you to focus on what is happening with your body rather than being distracted by internal vibrations. We often recommend using a small external vibrator or bullet on the clitoris before exploring internally. 

Search terms people commonly use include to find just the right item are:

  • G-spot dildo
  • Curved dildo
  • G-spot toy
  • Firm dildo for G-spot

The best G-spot toys usually feature:

  • A pronounced curve
  • Firm construction
  • Bulbous tip
  • Moderate girth and insertable length

 


 

Best Dildos for Anal Play

Any dildo with body-safe, non-porous material can be used for anal play if it has the right safety features. Anal-safe dildos should always have:

  • Flared bases
  • Smooth insertion
  • Body-safe materials

Pair anal toys with a quality anal lubricant and start slowly.

You may also want to explore Betty’s full line of anal sex toys.

 


 

Cleaning & Caring for Your Dildo

Proper care keeps your toys safe and long-lasting. 

How to Clean Silicone Dildos

  • Wash with warm water and a mild soap (anything non-irritating to your skin) or use a toy cleaner
  • Boil non-motorized silicone dildos if desired - this is particularly handy for dildos used anally or toys you share amongst partners
  • Dry completely before storage in a lint-free environment

How to Store Dildos

  • Store separately when possible. Never store porous toys near any other toy.
  • Keep away from direct sunlight
  • Use toy bags or storage containers to keep them clean, lint-free, and disinfected.

 

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Perfect Dildo

More than any other sex toy, the perfect dildo comes down to personal preference. The perfect dildo isn’t necessarily the biggest, most expensive, or trendiest one. It’s the one that feels amazing for YOUR body.

Whether you want:

  • A realistic dildo
  • A beginner-friendly silicone toy
  • A curved G-spot dildo
  • A suction cup dildo
  • A pegging setup
  • A luxurious glass wand

Betty’s has something for every body, experience level, fantasy, and budget.

Pleasure is personal, and exploring what works for you should feel exciting not intimidating. Hopefully this guide makes shopping for your next dildo a whole lot easier… and a lot more fun.

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