Dildo vs. Vibrator: What's The Difference?

Last Updated on November 19, 2025

In the competition of dildo versus vibrator, which reigns supreme? Ask this question to any gal with a fully stacked sex toy box and you'll get two different answers because personal preference prevails on which toy is best.

In today's guide, we'll compare and contrast vibrators and dildos so you'll understand the nuances between them and be able to fully understand the definition of both. With that information at hand, you'll be confident to choose the type of sex toy that will best suit your preferences.

What is a Dildo?

The dildo is a non-vibrating sex toy used for vaginal or anal insertion to provide sexual pleasure. A dildo is designed solely for penetration. Typically, it looks like a penis and mimics penetrative sex.

Discover all the details in our guide that explains how dildos work, what they feel like and what they're used for.

What is a Vibrator?

The vibrator is a vibrating sex toy used to stimulate a variety of erogenous zones including vagina, anus, nipples etc. Vibrators can be used for insertion but can also be enjoyed externally anywhere on the body.

To learn about vibrators, we have more information in this guide including details on how they work.

What is the Difference Between Them?

The main difference is that a vibrator has an internal motor that vibrates while a dildo does not have a motor and therefore, does not vibrate.

Vibrators have more variety in their shapes & designs compared to dildos. There are many different types of vibrators for men, women & couples (see them all in this guide) with varying appearances. A couple examples: the bullet vibrator actually looks like a bullet, the rabbit vibrator has ears, and as you can imagine, looks like a rabbit.

Dildos are essentially probe-like sex toys solely for anal or vaginal penetration, but there are several types of dildos designed to satisfy different needs (learn about them here) including prostate, G-spot, strap on and more. Most dildos look real and provide a lifelike sexual experience.

What are the Similarities Between Them?

• There is a crossover point between the two types of sex toys however: Some realistic dildos may have a motor, so now technically it's classified as a “vibrating dildo”.
• Both sex toys are good for solo play, partner play and satisfy a variety of sexual desires and fantasies. They are used for arousal and to make foreplay more exciting.
• As you would expect, they both provide sexual pleasure and easier & stronger orgasms shared similarly between men and women.
• The materials are similar too, they can be made of silicone TPE, TPR, PVC, glass or metal. A high quality product will be body safe and non-porous too.

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. Looking through our collection , you'll see both vibrating & non-vibrating dildos listed side by side are they are barely distinguishable from each other.

For a dildo that vibrates, the batteries usually load directly into the base. 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 remote control unit where the batteries are loaded.

Vibrator Demonstration

Here we activate the motor to demonstrate how the buzzing sensation reverberates through the material. This is typical of how it works, most have several modes of operation or multi function settings and speeds to add more sensation that take you from initial arousal to full-blown orgasm.

Is a vibrator for single women only?

Absolutely not! My top recommendation is for couples to enjoy vibrating sex toys together during foreplay.

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, but also has the same benefits for single gals who just want to indulge in some shameless self-love.

Why Choose a Vibrator vs. Dildo?

Here's some reasons why a vibrating sex toy is better than a non-vibrating one:

1. Better solo masturbation (vibrating stimulation 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 a dull or repetitive sex life.
4. Women use a clit vibrator during partnered sex to help reach an orgasm at the same time as her partner.
5. Clitoral stimulation helps those with a low libido by relaxing the vagina.
6. Precise G-spot stimulation creates an intense & powerful internal orgasm
7. Enjoy a larger-than-life girth to fulfill a sexual fantasy - with buzzing!
8. There is more variety among vibrators compared to dildos for a myriad of experiences and sensations.
9. Because it feels AMAZING!

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.

3 main styles of vibrators:

1. Internal: Inserted into the vagina. Toys with a curved tip are good for G-spot stimulation too.
2. External: Held externally over the clitoris, nipples or any erogenous zone.
3. Anal: Inserted into the anus, this can be in the form of a butt plug or a dildo with a flat base.

A Vibrating toy works in one of 3 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 Control – Remote 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.

Why Choose a Dildo vs. Vibrator?

Here's some reasons why a non-vibrating sex toy is better than a 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.
   
   A suction cup dildo is 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, a vibrating toy will always command a premium price tag. Anywhere between $10 - $20 is a typical price boost for the vibrating counterpart.