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What offensive linemen are to football and instant-read thermometers are to grilling, dildos are to sex toys: The unsung heroes.
At its most distilled, “a dildo is a sexual device that can be used for pleasure in a variety of ways,” Rufus Spann, Ph.D., an AASECT-certified sex therapist in Washington, D.C./Baltimore, and founder of Libido Health, tells Men’s Journal. Yep, while penis rings are primarily designed to help maintain erections and butt plugs mostly, you guessed it, plug your butt, dildos are kind of the toy-of-all-trades.
How do you use a dildo? Well, dildos can usually be used for vaginal and anal penetration—provided they have the appropriately flared base for anal use, that is. Depending on their design, you can maneuver them manually, slide them into a strap-on harness, or stick them to a smooth surface with a built-in suction cup, says Spann. “A dildo can even be used for oral play and/or nipple stimulation,” he adds.
Some dildos have vibrating capabilities, which means they can work after hours as an external vibrator “to stimulate the clitoris, or penis around the head,” says Spann. Plus, they can be enjoyed solo—anal masturbation, anyone?!—as well as during all different kinds of partnered play, he says.
You could, for instance, ask your partner to strap on a dildo and harness and peg you. You could also use the dildo on your partner to allow them to experience sensations of depth, girth, or texture that your body isn’t anatomically capable of providing with your genitals or hands alone, he says.
The thing is, no two dildos are exactly alike. Because of variations in size and shape, as well as material and texture, each one offers something different. Knowing which features might feel good to you—and choosing a toy accordingly—can make all the difference between a toy that collects dust and one that earns its keep in your bedside drawer.
That’s where we, and five sex educators we interviewed, come in. Because the wrong dildo for your pleasure preferences is as effective as a linebacker with a bum foot or an out-of-battery thermometer, we put together this dildo buying guide for your every want and whim.
12 Best Dildos for Masturbation and Pegging at a Glance:
- Best Dildo Overall: New York Sex Toy Collective Shilo
- Best Runner-Up Dildo: Temptasia Reina Dildo
- Best Beginner Dildo: Tantus Silk Small Silicone Dildo
- Best Budget Dildo: Lovehoney Curved Silicone Suction Cup Dildo
- Best Curved Dildo: Tantus Curve Silicone Dildo
- Best Realistic Dildo: The One Silicone Dildo
- Most Fun Dildo: Party Boy Confetti Dildo
- Best Basic Dildo: Biird Surii
- Best Double-Sided Dildo: Lovense Lapis
- Best Glass Dildo: Crystal Heart Wavy Glass Dildo
- Best Metal Dildo: nJoy Pure Wand
- Most Unique Dildo: The Split
12 Best Dildos for Masturbation and Pegging
Best Dildo Overall: New York Sex Toy Collective Shilo
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There are no ifs, ands, or butts (wink) about it: The Shilo is the best dildo around. Made from triple-density silicone, this luxury pick features a fully posable core so you can bend and shape it to suit the hole in question. This dildo also doubles as a pack-and-play, making it a top choice amongst transmasculine folks who want to create a bulge, as well as pleasure-seekers who like to arrive at their destination already strapped up.
With 6.25 inches of insertable length, it’s the perfect length for prostate stimulation. And at 1.5 inches in diameter, it’s approachable enough to be beginner-friendly while still offering enough girth to stroke the nerve-rich anal canal. New York Sex Toy Collective designed the Shilo with realistic anatomy in mind, so four of the five colors are skin-tone shades. But don’t worry, for pleasure-seekers who prefer something a little less penile, it also comes in purple.
- Insertable Length: 6.25 inches
- Diameter: 1.5 inches
- Material: Silicone
Best Runner-Up Dildo: Temptasia Reina Dildo
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If our very first pick has you panic-checking your sex toy budget, rest assured there’s a nearly equally impressive dildo for approximately one-fifth the price: the Temptasia Reina.
“This dildo is a great choice for those who want a dildo that doesn’t look explicitly life-like, but still has a realistic feel to it,” sex educator Lisa Finn, of sex toy emporium Babeland, tells Men’s Journal. “The pronounced head, the somewhat ‘veiny’ texture of the shaft, and the bulb above the base that evokes the look of testicles (without being straight-up ball-shaped) make this gorgeous teal dildo just phallic enough to be a perfect midway point on aesthetic,” she says.
Size-wise, this silver medalist is 1.4 inches in diameter—roughly the width of two fingers—and features 5.5 inches of insertable length. “It’s perfect for beginners, and even with the extra girth at the tip, the taper allows for a comfortable entry,” says Finn. Bonus: Its suction-cup base makes hands-free solo exploration a cinch, and its harness-compatible design lets you strap in for partnered play, too.
- Insertable Length: 5.5 inches
- Diameter: 1.4 inches
- Material: Silicone
Best Beginner Dildo: Tantus Silk Small Silicone Dildo
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With more than a decade of reviewing sex toys under my belt (literally), I can say with my full chest that few dildos are better suited to beginners than the Tantus Silk in the small size. Across the board, Tantus makes some of the best silicone dildos on the market; its silicone is soft without being sticky and pliable without being squishy. (After all, overly squishy toys can be tricky to insert anally and may make it harder to apply targeted pressure to the prostate.)
The Silk line comes in medium and large, too, but the small, with just 4 inches of insertable length and a slim 0.75-inch diameter—roughly the width of a finger—is especially well suited to the pegging-curious who feel intimidated by girthy toys, as well as those who know they prefer a slimmer profile.
- Insertable Length: 4 inches
- Diameter: .75 inches
- Material: Silicone
Best Budget Dildo: Lovehoney Curved Silicone Suction Cup Dildo
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Need proof that there’s no need to blow your entire sex toy budget on a dildo to have a good time? Meet the Curved Silicone Suction Cup Dildo from Lovehoney. “This is a solid, budget-friendly option if you’re looking for a versatile toy,” Justin Lehmiller, Ph.D., a social psychologist, research fellow at The Kinsey Institute, and author of Tell Me What You Want, tells Men’s Journal. Its gently curved design directs pressure to the prostate and G-spot, while its tapered tip supports comfortable entry and exit, he says.
The real bang for your buck is its versatility: The suction base lets you attach it to a smooth surface (think: tub ledge, mirror, or tiled wall) for hands-free play. “But it can also be incorporated into a harness, giving it multiple uses for both solo and partnered play,” says Lehmiller. In other words, whether you’re flying solo or trying pegging, this value proves good sex doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny.
- Insertable Length: 5.5 inches
- Diameter: 1.25 inches
- Material: Silicone
Best Curved Dildo: Tantus Curve Silicone Dildo
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If you already know you enjoy anal insertion, you’ve (ahem) come to the right place. As Lehmiller says, “If you’re looking for a more advanced toy, the Tantus Curve Silicone is a good one to consider.” Rocking 6.5 inches of insertable length, this curved toy is designed to deliver delicious pressure to internal erogenous areas, including the prostate and G-zone. Sure, you can hit those areas with a straight dildo, but Curve’s unique shape makes it easier to fondle them without getting into an awkward position.
Meanwhile, “the ridged shaft offers added texture and sensation,” he says. “It can also be combined with a strap-on harness, making it well suited to pegging.” The only downside is that it lacks a suction base, making it less ideal for solo riding.
- Insertable Length: 6.5 inches
- Diameter: 1.37 inches
- Material: Silicone
Best Realistic Dildo: The One Silicone Dildo
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“This toy is for the experienced players, and particularly for those who eroticize play with an actual penis, not just any dildo,” Carol Queen, Ph.D., a sex educator with Good Vibes and co-author of The Sex & Pleasure Book: Good Vibrations Guide to Great Sex for Everyone, tells Men’s Journal. The One is a realistic toy, complete with veins, a shapely head, and balls. As it turns out, however, those lifelike details aren’t just about looks: The scrotum-like protrusions can also press against the perineum or clitoris during deep penetration, while the veins offer a little extra texture with every thrust.
“The One also has a suction cup base, making it especially great for solo play, as you can attach to the shower wall, a bench, or some other solid surface,” says Queen. Prefer to lie back and take matters into your own hands? The balls also give you something to grip, she says, making it easier to maneuver the toy without wrapping your hand around the shaft.
- Insertable Length: 6.1 inches
- Diameter: 1.53 inches
- Material: Silicone
Most Fun Dildo: Party Boy Confetti Dildo
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You’d be forgiven for thinking confetti was for birthday celebrations, not store-bought cocks. But the Party Boy dildo proves you can have a party in your pants, too. This toy has the balls and veins that aid external (balls) and internal (veins) stimulation, but its confetti-inspired coloring looks more like party napkins than anatomy—a far cry from the skin-tone realism of most anatomically detailed dildos.
Crafted from soft silicone, this good-time guy boasts 6.0 inches of insertable length. Its superior suction cup base is also compatible with harnesses so that you can bring the party to your partner, too. Woot!
- Insertable Length: 6.0 inches
- Diameter: 1.75 inches
- Material: Silicone
Best Basic Dildo: Biird Surii
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Looking for a dildo without all the bells and whistles (er, balls and veins)? Bet on the Biird Surii. Crafted from a liquid silicone that practically feels like silk, the Surii offers a plush, flexible feel that sets it apart from firmer options. And thanks to its smooth, ridge- and vein-free shaft, this bad boy can glide comfortably during vaginal or anal penetration when paired with plenty of water-based lube.
Despite being as basic as a dildo gets, this purple pleasure aid boasts a built-in suction cup that lets you secure it to a smooth surface for solo riding. It’s also compatible with most strap-on harnesses, meaning you can take this minimalist marvel for a spin with a partner, too.
- Insertable Length: 6.10 inches
- Diameter: 1.0 to 1.37 inches
- Material: Silicone
Best Double-Sided Dildo: Lovense Lapis
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The Lovense Lapis makes the case that two heads are better than one. A double-ended vibrating dildo that doubles as a strapless strap-on, this pick features a bulbous end that sits inside the partner doing the penetrating and a longer, more traditional dildo-shaped shaft for penetrating their partner. Altogether, you get a toy that lets both partners enjoy internal stimulation at the same time.
While the Lapis is technically designed to be worn without a harness, keeping the internal bulb in place while thrusting requires your pelvic floor to work. For a better user experience (a.k.a. fewer mid-romp adjustments), consider wearing it with a harness.
- Insertable Length: 5.43 inches
- Diameter: 4.8 and 4.72 inches
- Material: Silicone
Best Glass Dildo: Crystal Heart Wavy Glass Dildo
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With skin-like texture and satisfying give, silicone dildos are a great option for beginner users, as well as those looking to replicate the feel of partnered play while masturbating. Still, you shouldn’t sleep on the unique sensations glass toys bring to the pleasure table. “Glass toys like the Crystal Heart Wavy Glass Dildo are more rigid than silicone, which can be a good option if you’re looking for more intense stimulation,” says Lehmiller. Unlike other toys that compress under pressure, glass holds its shape, providing harder, more consistent pressure.
“You can also warm or cool glass toys if you’re interested in exploring temperature play,” Lehmiller adds. Simply submerge the toy in a glass of warm or ice-cold water, test it on your inner wrist for safety, and voilà—you’ve got yourself a temperature-play toy. Worth noting: The Crystal Heart’s heart-shaped base makes it suitable for anal play, but its design isn’t compatible with standard strap-on harnesses. So “if you’re looking for a pegging toy, stick to one of the silicone options for more flexibility,” he suggests.
- Insertable Length: 6 inches
- Diameter: 1.25 to 1.5 inches
- Material: Borosilicate glass
Best Metal Dildo: nJoy Pure Wand
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Even heavier than glass dildos are stainless steel options, and perhaps the most iconic is the nJoy Pure Wand. Shaped like a parenthesis, this weighty wonder features differently sized bulbs on each end so that you can experiment with different degrees of fullness and pressure. The wand sports a severe curve, making it easier to angle either end toward the prostate or G-zone, says Finn, while the heft of the stainless steel delivers firm, targeted pressure without requiring much movement from your hips or hand.
Affectionately dubbed an “heirloom toy” by some sexuality professionals, the Pure Wand is built to last. Unlike softer materials that can degrade over time, its nonporous stainless steel construction is exceptionally durable with proper care. So, while its price tag is steep, you won’t have to replace it in this lifetime.
- Insertable Length: 8 inches
- Diameter: 1.0 to 1.5 inches
- Material: Steel
Most Unique Dildo: The Split
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Opting for the Split by Banana Split as your first-ever dildo would be like dropping 5K on a grill when you don’t even own a food flipper. But if you already know you love dildo play, this unique and customizable pick might be worth the splurge.
The Split is a modular, double-ended vibrating dildo made up of two interchangeable pieces: a shorter, bulbous end called the Dollop and a longer, penetrative shaft called the Banana. You can use each piece independently or connect them with the brand’s universal coupler, letting partners mix and match sizes.
“Couples can gradually size up on one side while keeping the other the same,” Katie Davis, CEO and founder of Banana Split, tells Men’s Journal. “This unique design allows pegging and strapping to truly feel like shared exploration where both partners get their unique needs met,” she says.
- Insertable Length: Dollop: 2.5 to 3 inches, depending on size. Banana: 5 to 5.80 inches, depending on size.
- Diameter: Dollop: 1.33 to 1.55 inches, depending on size. Banana: 1.2 to 1.5 inches, depending on size.
- Material: Silicone
What to Look for in a Dildo
1. Make sure it has a flared base.
“The first thing a man should absolutely know before buying a dildo is whether it has a flared base or not,” says anal sex educator Alex Hall, founder of The Bottom’s Digest, a resource for anal-friendly recipes and lifestyle tips. Unlike the vaginal canal, which has an anatomical end zone (the cervix), the anal canal connects to the rectum and, beyond that, the rest of the digestive tract. “You want a flared base to stop the dildo from getting lost in your anus. If the dildo does not have a flared base, you, my friend, are looking at a vaginal dildo, not an anal one,” he says.
2. Select a body-safe material.
“Material matters,” Alicia Sinclair, sex educator and founder of anal sex toy brand b-Vibe, tells Men’s Journal. “Look for non-porous, body-safe materials like silicone, glass, or stainless steel,” she says. Porous materials have microscopic holes that can trap bacteria, while non-porous dildos can be fully cleaned between uses, she explains.
The body-safe material you choose ultimately depends on the sensations you’re seeking. Silicone is generally more flexible than glass or steel, which can make it feel less intense when used internally—especially for those new to anal masturbation or pegging. However, without enough lubricant, silicone can feel a little sticky, unlike steel and glass. Note that you should never use silicone-based or oil-based lube with silicone toys, as they can degrade the material. If you prefer these options to water-based lubes, you can always put a condom over the dildo.
Finn adds: While some people will look at a hunk of metal or glass and automatically think this is a toy for experienced users, “I will gladly debunk that by letting you know that they are actually some of the most beginner-friendly toy materials you can grab,” she says. “Both are compatible with any kind of lube, and the smooth texture allows for a super comfortable glide.”
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3. Consider whether you want vibration.
Some dildos have a built-in motor so that they can double as an internal and external vibrator. Motors can be a little beefy, so you won’t find this feature in every beginner-friendly pick. Not to mention, “if you’re new to butt stuff, vibrations might be intense,” says Hall. But if you’re shopping for something that offers a little extra stimulation, you might consider a vibrating option.
“Vibrating toys have loads of benefits for anal sex,” Hall tells Men’s Journal. “The vibrations can help to relax the anal sphincters faster, kind of like a massage gun can help to relax your muscles quickly,” he says. On top of that, the vibrations can add a layer of stimulation during prostate or G-zone stimulation, he says.
Best Dildo Size
There’s no one-size-fits-all dildo. The best length and girth will depend on your desired sensation and experience level. Planning to use your dildo in your back door? “It’s best to start with the least amount of girth possible (~0.5 inch diameter) and work your way up as you become more experienced,” Hall tells Men’s Journal.
The caveat here is that if you’ve been enjoying anal insertion with fingers or other anal toys (like a prostate massager or butt plug), you can opt for a toy similar in girth to what you’re familiar with. For reference, a 1 to 1.5-inch diameter is generally comparable to the width of two fingers held together.
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The length also depends on intended use. For anal play, more length doesn’t necessarily mean more pleasure. Hall explains: “The anus (your butthole) has loads of nerve endings, but past this point, the rectum virtually has none. So length does not equal more pain or pleasure.” That said, deeper penetration can still create sensations—including discomfort—so there’s no need to go long if you’re just starting out. In general, a four- to five-inch dildo may be plenty for first-time use, though shorter options are available, too.
Beyond that, “if your goal is to stimulate your prostate, a short, curved toy with very little girth will do the job,” says Hall. “But if your goal is to train your anus and rectum for anal sex, a combination of girth and length will give the best results.”
How We Picked the Best Dildos
Men’s Journal sex and relationship journalist Gabrielle Kassel has more than a decade of experience with reviewing sex toys. She also teaches workshops on buying sex toys, strap-on play, and pegging. For this best dildo buying guide, she consulted seven sexuality professionals with more than 100 years of combined experience helping pleasure-seekers pick toys best suited to their bodies and desires. Their insights, along with reviews from real online users, informed our final recommendations.
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