How do you tell the difference between a vibrator and a dildo? Well, one vibrates and the other doesn’t. Duh. Well, okay, there’s a little more to it than that. While most dildos have no moving parts or special mechanical features, there are many toys marketed as dildos with a limited vibration capability, so there’s not a clear distinction between the two in some cases. This is often the case with p-spot and g-spot dildos. Many vibrators are extremely compact as well, making the decision to label a sensual aid a vibrator or a butt plug with vibration capability a judgment call.
The criterion of the sensual aid having no moving parts is generally sufficient to distinguish a vibrator from a dildo. Most every item you see marketed as a dildo, even the p-spot and g-spot or strap-on dildos as well as specialty porn star mold dildos, has no mechanical action to it. Most dildos are also one discrete item—they don’t tend to have been assembled from various components. Much of the dildo’s appeal for their fans is their simplicity. All a dildo requires for use is lubricant and if you’re planning to share the dildo, a condom. This holds true from the most detailed porn star molds down to the simplest beginner’s butt plugs.
Vibrators can range from simple implements that are easily operable, to complex instruments with a variety of functions and accessories that require either experience with vibrator play or a good, long examination of the instructions. Accessories such as sleeves, remote controls, and in a few cutting-edge models, technology to make them compatible with teledildonics. Vibrators come in a variety of configurations as well, from a standard phallic model, to dual-stimulation rabbit vibrators.
If you’re new to sensual aids, you’ll still be able to distinguish dildos from vibrators quite quickly. You may want to go for a simple dildo if you’re buying your first adult toy, but a vibrator with a limited number of settings won’t pose a challenge, either. Go with what appeals to you and enjoy the ride.
