Best Dildos UK (2026): Reviews & What’s Actually Worth Buying

Buying a dildo should be simple. It’s not exactly cutting-edge technology; dildos have been around for thousands of years. And yet, the moment you start browsing, you’re hit with an overwhelming mix of shapes, sizes, materials, and designs that range from sleek and minimal to something that looks like it belongs in an underwater sci-fi movie.

The problem isn’t choice, it’s clarity. A lot of products look great in photos and even on the shelf, but aren’t particularly enjoyable to use, and plenty fall into the category of technically functional, but slightly disappointing. Even more are made from porous materials which have no business being inside a person.

So instead of listing everything under the sun, this guide focuses on what actually works, what each type is good for, and which ones are genuinely worth your time (and what to avoid).

Quick Comparison: Types of Dildos

Type	Best For	Feel & Experience	Pros	Cons	Example (Link to buy)
Silicone dildo	Most people	Soft but firm, slightly flexible	Body-safe, versatile, easy to clean	Can be more expensive	Lifelike Lover Luxe Realistic Multicoloured Silicone Dildo 7 Inch
Realistic dildo	Intense sensation	Textured, more defined shape	More lifelike feel, stronger stimulation	Not discreet, can be too much for beginners	Lifelike Lover Luxe Realistic Silicone Dildo 6 Inch
Suction cup dildo	Hands-free use	Varies, depends on material	Hands-free, better positioning	Needs a good surface to work properly	Biird Boo
Beginner dildo	First-time users	Slimmer, less intense	Easy to use, less intimidating	May feel basic over time	Lovehoney Slimline Silicone Dildo
Glass dildo	Precision play	Completely rigid, smooth	Great for temperature play, very easy to clean	No flexibility, can feel intense	Biird Kalii
Metal dildo	Experienced users	Heavy, very firm	Weighted pressure, extremely durable	Expensive, not beginner-friendly	njoy Pure Wand
Fantasy dildo	Novelty & variety	Unusual textures/shapes	Unique sensations, softer options available	Not for everyone	Bad Dragon Dildos or Lovehoney Fantasy dildos
Ejaculating dildo	Visual element	Standard with added feature	Adds variety, interactive	More setup and cleaning	Lifelike Lover Ultra Realistic Ejaculating Dildo

What Are Dildos Actually Used For?

At the most basic level, dildos are used for penetration, either solo or with a partner. That can mean vaginal or anal use depending on the design, but beyond that, they’re really just a tool for exploring what feels good in a way that’s simple and controllable.

Some people use them as a straightforward alternative to penetrative sex, while others use them alongside other toys or during partnered play, in a strap-on harness, attached to an automatic sex machine, or manually, for single or double penetration. Just use your imagination!

Because they don’t rely on vibration or complicated features, they give you a bit more control over pace and movement, which is often the main appeal. Whether that’s for a quick, no-fuss option or something more experimental depends entirely on how you choose to use them.

Silicone Dildos: The Safest Bet

If you’re not sure where to start, this is it. Silicone dildos are the most reliable option across the board. They’re body-safe, easy to clean, and strike a good balance between firmness and flexibility without feeling either too rigid or too soft. They can be used with water-based lube and are fine for both vaginal and anal penetration (as long as it has a flared base).

Options like the slightly curved, 7 inch Lovehoney Lifelike Lover Luxe Realistic Multicoloured Silicone Dildo comfortably in the ‘most people will get on with this’ category. They’re not intimidating, they’re not gimmicky, and they do exactly what you need them to do.

• Best for: first-time buyers and anyone who just wants something that works
• Why it’s good: body-safe, versatile, low risk of disappointment
• Watch out for: going too large too quickly

Silicone dildos are available in a startling array of shapes, sizes and colours. The most popular ones have a slight curve to them in order to his the g-spot or stimulate the prostate, and they often have a suction cup base.

Here are some of the best sellers:

• Lifelike Lover Luxe Realistic Multicoloured Silicone Dildo (7 inches) – Around £40 full price, and available in a variety of colours.
• Lovehoney Heart Pounder Silicone Dildo (7 inches) – A cute dildo with heart inset into it, for those who aren’t into realism. Around £45 full price.
• Lovehoney Satisfy Me Curve Silicone Dildo (6.5 inches) – A curved, cute dildo which will only set you back £20.

Realistic Dildos: More Detail, More Intensity

Realistic dildos – usually made from silicone – are designed to mimic the shape and feel of a penis, often with added texture, defined contours, veins etc and a firmer structure. For some people, a hyper realistic penis replica makes a noticeable difference and helps feed into the fantasy. For others, it’s a bit much, and that’s fine.

• Best for: those who want a lifelike experience
• Why it’s good: more pronounced sensation and structure. Helps make the fantasy real!
• Watch out for: intensity and lack of subtlety. These aren’t toys you can leave on display in a family home…

Bonus tip: If you want a dildo which is modelled on the penis of your partner, or you’re that partner and you’ve always wanted to watch your penis entering someone from a different angle, then you can get Clone-A-Willy kits, which do exactly that.

Here are some of the best sellers and top picks for realistic dildos:

• Lifelike Lover Luxe Realistic Silicone Dildo (6 inches): £35, available in three skin tones
• Michelle Selection Sculpture: This is scarily accurate down to the blue-tinted veins, but be aware it ships from Italy. $60.
• King Cock Elite Silicone Dual Density Cock (9 inches): High quality silicone, dual density, very lifelike. Around £80
• SILEXD Dual Density Silicone Realistic Dildo (7 inches): Dual density with suction cup, £30

Suction Cup Dildos: Surprisingly Practical

Suction cup dildos don’t always sound particularly exciting, but they’re one of the most useful designs once you actually try them. A strong suction base means you can use them hands-free, which opens up far more control over positioning and angle.

The Lovehoney Curved Suction Cup Silicone Dildo or Biird Boo and Bae – both body safe soft silicone and around £30 each – are good options here, provided you’re using them on a proper surface that lets the suction do its job such as a tiled surface or headboard..

• Best for: hands-free use and experimenting with angles
• Why it’s good: more control without needing constant grip
• Watch out for: weak suction or overly flexible shafts. And maybe think twice before affixing it to glass – particularly a window!

Beginner Dildos: Start Smaller Than You Think

This is where a lot of people go wrong.

There’s a temptation to go bigger or more impressive, which usually results in something that’s uncomfortable rather than enjoyable and can put you off altogether. If you’re planning to use your dildo to penetrate a vagina, bear in mind that the average depth is approximately 3-4 inches when unaroused and and 4-8 inches during sexual arousal, so a 12-inch monster dong is going to be a bit of a waste of money for most women.

Beginner-friendly options like the Lovehoney Slimline Silicone Dildo and the Biird Bae are designed to be manageable, simple, and easy to get used to.

If you like the idea of glass, the Biird Cecii is also a lot less intimidating than its larger couterparts.

• Best for: first-time use or getting comfortable with the idea of penetration (don’t forget the lube!)
• Why it’s good: less intimidating, easier to control. Easier to clean and store too!
• Watch out for: outgrowing it once you know what you like. There’s no shame in retiring something!

Silicone Dildos Come in All Shapes and Sizes

The best thing is that dildos come in all shapes and sizes.

If you prefer girth to length, then a chonky silicone dildo like the Biird Boo which measures 5.5inches with a girth of almost 2 inches, will stop you from bruising your cervix.

Obviously you can size up as far as your imagination and body can take you – there are no shortage of absolutely huge dildos available online – just make sure you use lots of lube!

Glass Dildos: Smooth and Precise

Glass dildos sound slightly alarming until you realise they’re made from toughened, body-safe glass designed specifically for this purpose. What you get is something completely smooth, rigid, and very precise in how it feels, which is able to be warmed and cooled using water and ice to create some very interesting sensations indeed.

Glass dildos like the Biird Elements range also look very elegant; if you are the kind of person that likes to have your sex toys on display, then they are basically art.

The Lovehoney Icicles Dildo and the Biird Kalii and Cecii are good entry points into this category, and they’re pretty to look at, too.

• Best for: precise stimulation and temperature play
• Why it’s good: very easy to clean, very controlled sensation
• Watch out for: lack of flexibility – less suitable for double penetration and positioning

Metal Dildos: Not Subtle, But Very Effective

Stainless steel metal dildos are similar to glass in that they’re completely rigid, but they tend to be much heavier and more intense. They can also be warmed up or cooled to produce a range of interesting stimulations.

They’re not usually a first purchase, but they’re popular with people who know exactly what they like.

The njoy Pure Wand is one of the most well-known options for a reason.

• Best for: experienced users who want strong, targeted pressure, warming and cooling, and weight.
• Why it’s good: weighted, precise, extremely durable
• Watch out for: price and weight. Honestly, these things are HEAVY

Fantasy Dildos: For People Who Know Their Kinks

Fantasy dildos move away from realism entirely and lean into unusual shapes, textures, and designs. They’re often softer and more flexible, with features you won’t find in standard options. Because they’re not based on the human penis, they can also be a lot girthier and bigger than your regular dildo.

Brands like Bad Dragon Dildos (the biggest and most well known) and Creature Cocks dominate this space, although even mainstream sites like Lovehoney have a fair selection.

• Best for: people who want something different, and have a fantasy kink
• Why it’s good: unique sensations and interesting designs
• Watch out for: probably not the best surprise for a partner unless you know they’ll love it! Also make sure they’re made from body safe silicone and not PVC before you buy – check the individual product description

Ejaculating Dildos: A Bit More Involved

Ejaculating dildos add a visual element by using an internal reservoir and manual pump system. It’s a more involved setup than a standard dildo, but for some people, that’s exactly the appeal. It’s all part of the realism/fantasy and although many won’t go for it, many will. Viva la difference.

Ejaculating dildos like the 8-inch Lifelike Lover Ultra Realistic Ejaculating Dildo do the job well.

• Best for: those specifically looking for a visual element – particularly popular with those filming content and those who have fantasies around bukkake, ejaculation etc etc
• Why it’s good: adds something different to the experience
• Watch out for: setup and cleaning afterwards! Both the dildo and its resevoir, and wherever the ‘ejaculation’ lands…

What Actually Matters When Choosing A Dildo

Most of the marketing around these products is unnecessary. The important things are surprisingly simple:

• Material matters more than anything, so stick to silicone, glass, or metal
• Size should be based on comfort, not ambition
• A flared or suction base gives you more control and versatility

Everything else is secondary.

Which Dildo Should You Buy?

If you want the safest, easiest recommendation, go for a medium-sized silicone dildo with a slight curve and a suction base. It covers the most ground, works for most people, and gives you flexibility without overcomplicating things.

Once you’ve worked out what you actually enjoy, then it makes sense to experiment with different materials, textures, or designs.

Dildos to Avoid (Save Your Money and Your Sanity)

Not all sex toys are created equal. Some are great, some are fine, and some should never have made it past product development. If you want to avoid wasting money (or having a mildly alarming experience), here’s what to skip.

Cheap Jelly, PVC or Rubber Dildos

Dildos made from unsafe materials are more common than you’d think, and yet are still stocked by many ‘reputable’ retailers. If it DOESN’T say it’s body safe, or it’s suspiciously cheap and smells like a new car tyre, that’s your first clue. These are often made from porous materials like rubber, PVC and TPE that:

• can harbour bacteria and cause reccurent UTIs
• are harder or impossible to clean properly causing mould to form. Yuck!
• sometimes contain questionable chemicals which can be toxic – not something you want inside you

They also tend to degrade over time, which is not something you want from anything you’re using regularly.

If you’re buying a dildo, material is the one thing not to compromise on.

Read our safe sex toys materials guide; stick to silicone, glass, or metal and avoid anything vague or mystery blend

Anything With No Flared or Secure Base

A dildo without a proper base:

• is harder to control
• limits how you can use it
• can be unsafe depending on how it’s used (ie definitely NOT anally)

Even if you’re not planning on doing anything adventurous, a base gives you stability and makes the whole experience easier. It’s one of those small details that makes a big difference.

Overly Complicated Gimmicks

If it has multiple moving parts, unnecessary features, or looks like it needs an instruction manual then there’s a decent chance it’s trying to compensate for not being very good at the basics.

Simple designs tend to perform better. Once you start adding too many features, you’re often just adding things that can break, malfunction, or get in the way.

Unrealistically Large Sizes (For Beginners Especially)

While bigger options exist for a reason, and size queens exist, they’re rarely a good starting point. Going too large too quickly is the fastest way to turn what should be enjoyable into something uncomfortable or just not usable.

Start slightly smaller than you think you need. You can always size up once you know what you actually .

FAQs About Dildos

Can I DIY a dildo?

Short answer: no. PLEASE don’t.

Longer answer: absolutely not, unless you fancy a trip to A&E explaining how a cucumber “got away from you”. Household objects are not designed for internal use. They can break, splinter, harbour bacteria, or have no base, which is how things get… lost.

If you want something safe, buy something made for the job. Even a basic silicone dildo is a better (and significantly less humiliating) option.

What lube should I use with a dildo?

This depends on the material:

• Silicone dildos: use water-based lube only. Silicone lube can damage the surface over time
• Glass and metal dildos: you can use water-based or silicone lube
• Avoid oil-based lubes unless you know exactly what you’re doing. They’re messy, harder to clean, and not compatible with condoms

Refer to our guide to lubes for more information, but if in doubt, water-based lube is the safest, easiest option across the board.

Do I need lube?

Yes. Even if you think you don’t, you probably do.

Lube reduces friction, makes everything more comfortable, and generally turns a potentially awkward experience into a much better one. This is especially important for beginners and essential for anal use.

Can I use a dildo anally?

Yes, but only if it has a flared base or something to stop it going all the way in.

Anything without a base is a bad idea for anal use. The body has a way of pulling things upwards, and retrieving them is not a DIY situation.

Also: go slow, use plenty of lube, and start smaller than you think you need. For more information about anal play, we have a whole post here about first time anal play and one here about prostate play.

How do I clean a dildo properly?

Again, it depends on the material:

• Silicone, glass, metal: wash with warm water and soap or a toy cleaner after every use. You can even stick them through the dishwasher! Glass and metal can often be sterilised more thoroughly as they can usually be boiled (check manufacturer guidance)
• Porous materials (PVC, rubber, jelly): these are harder to clean properly, which is why they’re best avoided

Dry thoroughly and store somewhere clean. Not loose in a drawer gathering fluff like a forgotten USB cable.

What size dildo should I start with?

Smaller than your ego would like.

For beginners, something around 5–6 inches in length with a modest girth is more than enough. Going too big too quickly is the fastest way to ruin the experience and never touch it again.

You can always size up later. There is no prize for suffering.

Are expensive dildos actually better?

Sometimes, but not always.

What you’re paying for is usually:

• Better materials (body-safe silicone vs mystery rubber)
• More thoughtful design
• Durability

A mid-range silicone dildo will outperform a cheap one every time. Beyond that, it’s more about preference than necessity.

Can I use a dildo with a partner?

Yes. They’re not just a solo activity.

Dildos can be used during partnered play, with a harness, for double penetration, or just to add something different into the mix. They’re basically a tool, how you use them is entirely up to you.

How do I store a dildo?

Clean, dry, and ideally not rattling around uncovered.

• Keep it in a pouch or separate bag if possible
• Avoid storing silicone toys pressed together long-term
• Don’t leave it somewhere it can collect dust, hair, or judgment

How do I know if a dildo is body-safe?

Look for clear information. If it’s vague, assume it’s not.

Safe materials include:

• Silicone
• Glass
• Stainless steel

Red flags:

• “Jelly”, “rubber”, “PVC”, or no material listed at all
• Strong chemical smell
• Suspiciously low price

If it looks like it came free with a lads’ mag in 2003, leave it where it is.