If you’ve wanted to play around with penetration, the best dildos can really open you up to a variety of sensations and positions. These sex toys are usually phallic in shape and (sometimes) appearance and almost all can be worn in strap-on harnesses. Wearers can use a dildo to mimic the thrusting motion of a penis during vaginal or anal penetration. I’ve tried many variations over my years as a sex-toy writer—suction-cup dildos that fasten onto shower walls and make masturbation and shower sex hotter; double-ended vibrating dildos that let me and my partner experience penetration; and even beaded options that add new sensations during anal play. To help you find the right dildo for you, I tried dozens myself and spoke to sex educators, sex therapists, and our network of Glamour testers to bring you top-rated picks that won’t disappoint.
Your dildo questions, answered
We compiled a list of dildos made of a variety of materials and in different sizes to test. Each came highly recommended from sex experts and many were tested by Glamour writers and readers. We evaluated these options on the following important criteria, then selected top picks from there.
- Size: Particularly the insertable length and circumference of the toy; beginners will want to choose a dildo that’s on the smaller, narrower side
- Design: If the dildo was extremely lifelike, more whimsical, or looked nothing like a penis—which many people might want; if the dildo was compatible in a strap-on harness; was it curved enough to hit the G-spot and P-spot?
- Material: Not all material—like glass—is harness-compatible or safe to use with all types of lube
- Performance: If it had suction, was it strong enough?
- Value: For the price, how high-quality was the dildo, and did it include any additional accessories like a harness?
What to consider when picking a dildo
Figure out how you want to use it. If you’re a beginner, you’re going to want to start with a small, slimmer option. Want to try anal? Make sure your dildo has a flared base so it doesn’t get stuck in your butt. (Don’t worry, we note which ones are anal-safe below.) Want some hands-free fun? Opt for a toy with a strong suction cup, says David Khalili, LMFT, a sex and relationship therapist.
Take into account its size and length. “Think about any penetration experiences that have been pleasurable—or for that matter, too much or not enough—and do your best to guesstimate the size of the fingers, object, penis, or whatever it was that you know you liked or know you didn’t,” Carol Queen, PhD, staff expert at online sex-toy store Good Vibrations, says. While your impulse might just be to buy a larger toy, there’s a chance it won’t feel great unless you know that bigger really does feel better for your body—as in, you’ve enjoyed sex with a partner with a bigger penis.
Consider its material. Silicone is the most popular for its soft, skin-like feel. Notably, silicone dildos should only be used with water-based lube, since silicone-based and oil-based options might actually cause the toy to break apart. Other popular materials include: borosilicate glass; hypoallergenic metal (like stainless-steel and titanium); and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, which is more rigid than silicone. All of these are great for experiments with different sensations. They can also be used with any personal lubricant you like and are easy to clean.
Think about its design and shape. Some dildos are so lifelike; others are colorful, rippled, or even decorated with confetti; and others look more like modern art. Decide which feels most like a turn-on to you. Consider its shape, as well, since some come with curved shafts or heads to make it easier to find and massage the P-spot and G-spot.
Lube up! No matter where you’ll be putting your toy, lubricant cuts down on friction and makes for better play, Dr. Queen says. (Don’t know where to start? Peep our list of best lubes.) Again, if you’re using a silicone toy, which is likely, stick to water-based lubricants to keep your toys from falling apart.
Start slow—and small. Anal toys like plugs, beads, and dildos on the slimmer, shorter side are perfect for adjusting your anus to having something inside of it. Grasp the anus in your hand near the base if you want to insert just a little bit at a time, moving in long, slow strokes before you get going.
Use that suction cup (or harness). Stick the toy’s suction base against a smooth, flat surface (like a shower wall) so you can access it on your own (and again, lube is your friend). You can also attach any harness-compatible dildo into a strap-on to try out pegging with a partner.
Add other forms of stimulation. To make it easier to orgasm, Dr. Queen says, you can mix in stimulation with other vibrators, suction toys, or your fingers—especially if you’re using a suction-cup dildo, which leaves both hands free to explore your erogenous zones.
Silicone, glass, and metal are the easiest to clean because they’re nonporous, Dr. Queen says, meaning they’re less likely to trap moisture or bacteria after use. You can usually achieve this by washing them with warm water and mild, antibacterial soap, then drying them with a soft, lint-free cloth. To disinfect a nonporous toy that doesn’t have any sort of motor, you can usually boil it for 10 minutes. Many dildos can be cleaned in the dishwasher as well, but make sure you check the instructions before tossing them in.
- Carol Queen, PhD, staff expert at online sex-toy shop Good Vibes
- Indigo Stray Conger, LMFT, AASECT-certified sex therapist
- David Khalili, LMFT, a sex and relationship therapist
- Javay Frye-Nekrasova, MEd, a sex educator and expert at online sex-toy retailer Lovehoney
- Heather Shannon, LCPC, a certified sex therapist and host of the podcast Ask a Sex Therapist
- Megan Fleming, PhD, a sex and relationship therapist
- Megan Harrison, LMFT, a licensed relationship therapist
- Nat DiFrank, MEd, a gender and sexuality educator with a masters of education in human sexuality
- Katherin Winnick, sex coach
- Amanda Chatel, a Glamour sex writer who has tested over a thousand toys
- Suzannah Weiss, MA, MPS, a certified sex educator, Glamour toy tester, and author of Subjectified: Becoming a Sexual Subject
