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Dildo vs. Vibrator: The Difference Between Dildos & Vibrators

Dildo vs. Vibrator: The Difference Between Dildos & Vibrators

Last Updated on October 31, 2024

In the contest of Dildo vs. Vibrator, which reigns supreme? Ask this question to any gal with a fully stacked sex toy box and she'll tell you the vibrator is the most important accessory in her bedroom.

I'm not taking a biased stance here, but today we'll learn the difference between dildos & vibrators. Find out which one is the more popular choice, and given the opportunity, which one you should pick from your favorite online dildo store or favorite vibrator store.

It's also the best addition to her morning shower routine, and the best way to experience multiple orgasms during sexual intercourse. It's also for masturbation, but that's a given!

Today, I'll explore vibrators in detail. Read on to learn specifics that make it unique and definitions of the most popular vibrator types.

If you're new to sex toys in general, this is your most comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect styling, function and size according to your own personal sexual desires.

The difference between dildo and vibrator: A vibrator has a motor, so it is battery-powered and can vibrate. A dildo has no battery and cannot vibrate. What is a vibrator? There's a lot to cover in this topic alone!

Vibrators can be used by both women and men, although the original intention is for them to be used by women in the vagina, on the clitoris or anus (the latter for both sexes).

In theory, the buzzing sensation stimulates any erogenous zone on the body, and imagination is encouraged when using it at home alone or with your partner. It can even be used on the nipples!

Vibrators are Classified into 3 Major Categories:

  1. Internal: Inserted internally into the vagina, such as a rabbit vibrator.
  2. External: Held externally over the clitoris, such as a bullet vibrator
  3. Anal: Inserted into the anus, such as an anal vibrator

Vibrator categories
Typical examples of the 3 major vibrator classifications.

In the above definition, I mentioned that vibrators are also used by men. When a guy uses one, he either stimulates the scrotum, or inserts into his anus for prostate stimulation.

Is a vibrator for single women only? Absolutely not! In my daily work counseling Americans how to have a better sex life, my top recommendation is for couples to enjoy vibrating sex toys together.

The vibration is highly stimulating and helps women with vaginal dryness or a low libido to enjoy the sensation, resulting in a heightened sense or erotic arousal. It's the best precursor to lovemaking and makes foreplay extra exciting.


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Top 8 Reasons to Purchase a Vibrator vs. Dildo:

  1. Better solo masturbation (vibration produces a stronger orgasm)
  2. The ability to try different pulsating & escalating vibration patterns to see how your body responds
  3. Foreplay innovation with your partner to spice up the sex life
  4. Women buy a clit vibrator for internal & external stimulation at the same time = stronger orgasms.
  5. Clitoral stimulation helps those with a low libido by relaxing the vagina
  6. Precise G-spot stimulation & powerful internal orgasm
  7. Enjoy a larger-than-life girth to fulfill a sexual fantasy - with buzzing!
  8. The best womens vibrators have a larger selection of choices compared to dildos
  9. Because it feels AMAZING!

Vibrator fun
So much fun for one!

This is a general list for curious beginners who wonder what's the point of using phallic bedroom toys if your partner has a penis, but there are a few things that a lover can never compensate for. Nothing can compete with a strong buzz! It's never going to replace the sensual touch and human connection with your lover however.

Some people fear that once you have an orgasm with an adult toy, you'll have no desire for your lover anymore. That's completely untrue however, sex toys simply improve your experience, they do not replace desire for your partner. In fact, it makes your sex life shine because most couples play with vibrators together in the bedroom. Check out Mayla Green's sex toy blog for tips, advice and more. Kinky fun at its finest!

Q. What Is the Difference Between a Dildo & Vibrator?

A. The vibrator has a motor. The dildo does not have a motor and therefore, does not vibrate.

There is a crossover point between the 2 types of sex toys however: Some realistic dildo sex toys may have a motor, so now it's classified as a vibrating dildo. ~ Mayla Green

Despite this difference, each adult toy is used the same way, with the exception that you can control the speed of vibration with wither buttons or a dial. Otherwise that the ways to use a dildo are the same as a vibrator, especially the techniques on how to insert it.

Looking at the photo examples below, it can be tricky to distinguish a vibrating dildo from its non-vibrating counterpart, especially if the toy is wireless because the batteries load directly into he base of the shaft. The cap twists on to both close the battery compartment and active the motor. The corded style is easy to notice - a 2 foot long cord connects the motor to the controller unit where the batteries are loaded.


Dildo vs. Vibrator

The motors in a vibrator operate in one of these 2 ways:

  1. Battery operated – Either the batteries load directly into the base of the device, or into a battery compartment connected by a cord.
  2. USB rechargeable – The product comes with a USB cable that charges by plugging into a computer or cell phone. An adapter can be used to charge it in an electrical outlet.
  3. Remote ControlRemote control vibrators are the next generation of partnered play but are also great fort solo sessions as you change the vibration settings by remote control operation.

Wireless vibrators are becoming more popular. The top reason for this trendy selection is the lack of cords providing a seamless sexual experience. To activate the motor, simply twist the dial at the base of the toy. Pipedream King Cock is leading the way with this technology by offering a line of dildo vibrators that are wireless - the batteries load directly into a compartment deep inside the shaft.

Why Choose a Dildo vs. Vibrator?

I've been going on and on why vibrators are better, but in the online sex store, dildo are plentiful. One must ponder this and ask why there are so many dildos if vibrators are better? Take a second and verse your brain on the dildo definition to learn why dildos are a worthy addition to your adult toy stash.

Here are the top reasons for choosing the non-vibrating sex toy over the vibrating one:

  1. The need for silence.

    If you have roommates or family in your domicile, discretion is top priority. You can enjoy your dildo quietly in total privacy. Vibrator make a buzzing noise from the motor.
    Even the most silent motors still make some buzzing so if you just don't have good sound deadening quality in your home, then using a dildo is a better choice to to keep your private business private.
  2. Suction cup = built-in handle.

    The dildo with suction cup is a highly desired feature. Originally these were intended to be propped to a wall or floor, which is a tad kinkier than what most users would do with their toy. In reality, gals typically use the suction cup base as a handle. Furthermore, the flared circular base helps the shaft to stand upright preventing lube stains on your bedside table too. A popular feature reserved mainly for non-vibrating dildo sex toys.
  3. The desire for realism.

    Sure ultra realistic vibrating dildos may look just like a real erection, but anything with a motor will slightly damper your ultra realistic experience.
    Why? The most realistic feeling toys have a soft and bendable shaft. They are made to imitate the feel of a real penis.
    A vibrating dildo will have a motor inside the shaft, so you'll always feel a slight bump in the middle. The bump is the solid motor implanted in the shaft. It is most often found in the top third of the shaft do you'll notice a subtle the bump deep inside the vagina.
  4. A cheap price is top priority.

    A sex toy with a motor takes more engineering, more precision and more labor to build, therefore, vibrators are more expensive than dildos.
    Of course you can buy super cheap vibrating toys, but if you're comparing the same dildo directly and match one with a motor to one without, the motor will always command a premium price tag. Anywhere between $10 - $20 is a typical price boost for the vibrating counterpart.



Mayla Green

Mayla Green has been involved in the sex toy industry since 2004. Working behind the motto “Sex TOYS should be FUN”, Mayla provides unique tips & advice amassed from over a decade of hands on experience with adult products. She also coaches clients how to fully enjoy sexual pleasure and can be seen in major publications & magazines online.

Happily married since 2009, she knows firsthand how the sex life eventually becomes repetitive (which truthfully means boring), so if you're looking to spice things up in the bedroom, Mayla's your gal! Her literary pride & joy is covering topics for established couples needing inspiration to keep lovemaking exciting and fun.

Not in a relationship? Her other focus is teaching women how to properly handle the “little person in the canoe” to experience the best orgasms ever, no partner required! Her creative and innovative tips, techniques and advice is on par with a certified sex therapist or Sexologist, but with an extra advantage from her knowledge of the adult toy business.

View all articles published by Mayla Green exclusively for The Adult Toy Shop sex blog and follow me on Instagram.

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