Best Dildos: How to Choose the Right One for You

Whether you are buying your first dildo, looking for something different or choosing one to enjoy with a partner, this guide will help you narrow down the options without turning your search into a full-time research project.

What makes the best dildo right for you?

The best dildo is the one that matches the kind of stimulation you actually enjoy. Size matters, but shape, firmness, texture, material and how you plan to use it can make just as much difference.

Start by thinking about sensation rather than appearance. Do you enjoy a fuller feeling, targeted pressure, gentle curves, pronounced texture or something smooth and simple? A dildo that looks impressive in a product photo is not automatically the one your body will enjoy most.

It also helps to think about how you want to use it. Solo play, partner play, strap-on use and hands-free play can all call for slightly different features. If you already know you prefer penetration without vibration, browsing the dildo collection by size, material and shape is a much easier starting point than trying to pick from everything at once.

And if you are still wondering whether you want a dildo at all, there is another question worth asking: do you want movement and vibration, or mainly pressure and penetration? Our Vibrator Guide: How to Choose the Best Vibrator for You can help you compare the two directions.

What size dildo should you choose?

Choose a dildo size that feels inviting rather than intimidating. For most beginners, starting smaller or around a comfortable familiar size gives you more control and makes it easier to explore what you enjoy.

There are two measurements worth paying attention to: length and girth. Length tells you how far a dildo can reach, while girth usually has a bigger influence on how full it feels. Also check the insertable length, because the total product length may include a base, handle or suction cup that is not designed for insertion.

A simple size checklist

• New to dildos? Start with a manageable length and moderate girth.
• Already comfortable with penetration? You can choose based on the fullness and depth you know you enjoy.
• Want targeted internal pressure? Shape may matter more than extra length.
• Planning partner play? Choose something both of you can control easily.

There is no prize for choosing the biggest option. Pleasure is wonderfully uninterested in bragging rights.

Which dildo material is best?

For many people, high-quality silicone is one of the easiest dildo materials to live with because it can feel smooth, comfortable and easy to care for. Glass and firmer materials can also be excellent choices if you enjoy more precise, solid pressure.

Material changes the experience more than you might expect. Softer silicone can flex with your body, while firmer silicone provides stronger pressure against internal sensitive areas. A rigid glass dildo barely flexes at all, which some people love for controlled pressure and temperature play.

If easy maintenance and a softer feel are priorities, take a look at our silicone dildos. Whatever material you choose, check the product information carefully rather than judging quality from appearance alone.

Which dildo shape suits the sensation you want?

The right dildo shape depends on where and how you like pressure to be applied. Straight designs offer simple, versatile penetration, while curved models can make it easier to explore more targeted internal stimulation.

A pronounced curve can be useful if you enjoy pressure toward the front vaginal wall. Textured shafts add more noticeable sensation during movement, while smoother designs can feel gentler and make it easier to control intensity.

Think sensation first

• Straight and smooth: simple, predictable and easy to control.
• Curved: useful for more focused internal pressure.
• Textured: adds extra stimulation as the toy moves.
• Flexible: adapts more easily to different positions.
• Firm: delivers more direct pressure with less give.

Your favourite shape may also depend on the kind of orgasm or stimulation you enjoy. If you want to understand that side of the puzzle a little better, our guide to Types of Female Orgasm and How to Reach It is a useful next read.

Realistic or non-realistic dildo: which should you choose?

Choose a realistic dildo if you enjoy lifelike shape, detail and texture, and choose a non-realistic design if you prefer a smoother, more neutral or playful experience. Neither style is inherently better.

Realistic dildos may include features such as a pronounced head, veins or skin-inspired colouring. For some people, those details add to the fantasy and make penetration feel more familiar.

Non-realistic dildos often focus more on function than anatomy. They may use bold colours, smooth curves, unusual shapes or minimalist designs that put sensation ahead of realism. They can also feel less visually intense if you are new to sex toys.

Your choice is mostly about preference. If the idea of something lifelike turns you on, great. If a sleek purple curve makes you much more curious, equally great. A dildo is there to work with your imagination, not tell you what your imagination should look like.

What is the best dildo for beginners?

The best dildo for beginners is usually one that is easy to control, comfortable in size and made from a material that feels pleasant to you. Simple often beats spectacular when you are still figuring out what your body likes.

A smooth silicone dildo with moderate girth is a popular starting point because you can experiment with depth, angle and rhythm without adding too many variables at once. A slightly curved design can also be useful if you want to explore targeted internal pressure.

Beginner-friendly features to look for

• manageable length and girth
• smooth surface
• comfortable firmness
• easy-to-grip base or handle
• clear material and cleaning information

Use plenty of compatible lubricant and give yourself time. You do not need to use the full insertable length simply because it is there. Start slowly, find an angle that feels good and let comfort lead the way.

Are suction cup dildos worth choosing?

Suction cup dildos can be a great choice if you want hands-free play or more freedom to control movement with your body. They are especially useful when a stable surface lets you experiment with different positions and angles.

A strong suction base can attach to suitable smooth surfaces, which may open up options that are harder to achieve while holding a toy by hand. Some people enjoy using them on a floor, wall or other secure surface, depending on the toy and environment.

The base can also make a dildo easier to grip during regular handheld use. That extra control is useful for solo play and when a partner is holding the toy.

Before using one hands-free, always check that the surface is stable and that the suction cup has attached securely. Give it a gentle test before putting your full trust in it. Bedroom spontaneity is lovely, but an unexpected toy escape across the bathroom is not the kind of surprise most people are shopping for.

Which dildo works well for couples?

A good dildo for couples is one that is easy to control together and suits the kind of play both partners are curious about. There is no single couples' dildo because couples can use them in many different ways.

One partner can hold the dildo while the other relaxes into the sensation, or you can include it during foreplay alongside kissing, touching or external stimulation. Some designs are compatible with harnesses, while double-ended styles can create completely different possibilities for shared play.

The biggest advantage is often variety. A dildo can introduce penetration at moments when hands are busy elsewhere, let one partner focus on external stimulation, or simply change the rhythm of a familiar routine.

Before bringing one into partner play

• Talk about what each of you wants to try.
• Agree that either person can slow down or stop at any point.
• Keep lubricant within reach.
• Let the receiving partner guide depth, angle and intensity.

It should feel like something you are discovering together, not a performance either of you has to get right.

How do you use and care for a dildo safely?

Use a dildo with compatible lubricant, clean it according to its material and never push through pain. Comfort, hygiene and knowing what the toy is designed for matter more than any technique.

Check the manufacturer's care instructions because cleaning methods can differ between materials. In most cases, cleaning the toy before and after use and allowing it to dry properly is a sensible routine.

Lubricant can make penetration much more comfortable, but compatibility matters. Some toy materials and lubricants do not pair well together, so check the individual product guidance before use.

Essential safety points

• Stop if something feels painful or wrong.
• Do not share a toy without cleaning it appropriately or using a fresh barrier where suitable.
• Do not move a toy from anal to vaginal use without proper cleaning or changing the barrier.
• For anal use, choose a toy specifically designed with a wide, secure base that prevents it from travelling fully inside the body.
• Inspect the toy regularly for damage or changes in the material.

What do people most often ask about choosing a dildo?

What type of dildo feels the most realistic?

A realistic dildo usually combines an anatomical shape, defined head and firmer internal structure with a softer surface. The exact sensation varies by material and design, so check both texture and firmness rather than assuming that realistic appearance automatically means realistic feel.

Is silicone the best material for a dildo?

High-quality silicone is a popular choice because it can be smooth, flexible and easy to care for, but the best material depends on the sensation you want. Glass or firmer materials may suit you better if you enjoy more solid, precise pressure.

What size dildo is best for a beginner?

Beginners are usually better served by a comfortable, moderate size than by an especially long or thick toy. Focus on manageable girth, easy control and a shape that does not feel intimidating. You can always explore larger sizes later if you discover that fullness is your thing.

Is a curved or straight dildo better?

A curved dildo is useful for more targeted internal pressure, while a straight dildo offers simple, versatile penetration. Neither is universally better. Choose based on the sensations and positions you enjoy rather than assuming one shape is automatically more pleasurable.

Do you need lubricant with a dildo?

Lubricant is strongly recommended because it reduces friction and can make penetration smoother and more comfortable. Choose a lubricant that is compatible with the dildo's material, and reapply whenever things start feeling less slippery than you would like.

Can couples use a dildo together?

Absolutely. Couples can use a dildo during foreplay, penetration or alongside other kinds of stimulation. The key is choosing something both partners feel comfortable with and communicating about depth, rhythm and pressure throughout the experience.

How do you choose the best dildo for you?

To choose the best dildo, start with the sensation you want, then narrow your options by size, shape, material and how you plan to use it. You do not need the most advanced toy, just the one that makes you genuinely curious to try it.

Your final checklist

• Size: Does the length and girth look comfortable for your experience level?
• Shape: Do you want straight penetration or more targeted pressure?
• Material: Would you prefer soft flexibility or firm pressure?
• Texture: Smooth and simple, or something more noticeable?
• Use: Solo, with a partner, hands-free or with a harness?
• Care: Are the cleaning and lubricant instructions clear?

The best dildos are the ones that fit your body, your curiosity and the kind of pleasure you actually want to explore. Take your time, read the details and choose for yourself rather than chasing whatever happens to look biggest, newest or most impressive.

Ready to explore your options? Browse the dildo collection at Lovesexshop.ie and find the size, shape and style that feels right for you.