Silicone or Glass Dildos? Soft Give or Hard, Slick and Merciless

Some nights you want a cock that gives a little, one that squashes against you, bends with your hips and feels almost alive. Other nights you want something rigid, slick and completely unforgiving, pressing exactly where you've aimed it and not budging a millimetre.

That's silicone and glass. Both are gorgeous, and both are fucking great at their jobs. All you've got to work out is whether you like a bit of give or whether you'd rather something that doesn't give at all.

Silicone: from soft and squishy to properly firm

Silicone isn't one feeling. Soft silicone has some give when you squeeze or sit on it, and it moves with you when you're riding it. Firmer silicone barely squishes at all. Then you can choose your shape, from smooth and simple to curved, ribbed or proudly cock-shaped.

The Passion Play Liquid Silicone Dildo is flexible and cheap, with a textured tip and a heart-shaped suction base, so you can stick it to something and enjoy the bend while you ride it. Browse our silicone dildos for more, or see our dildo buying guide.

Want a soft surface with a firm cock under it? Dual-density dildos feel a lot like the real thing, without going floppy on you halfway through.

Glass: hard, slick and heavy in your hand

Glass doesn't bend, compress or apologise. Pull it towards your G-spot and every bit of pressure goes exactly where you've pointed it. Add lube and it glides like nothing else, with that cool first touch that makes you gasp. Run it under warm water first if you'd rather warm up gently, testing it on your wrist.

It's also beautiful enough to leave out, though we wouldn't. The Creature Cocks Dragon Glass is iridescent borosilicate glass with an arched curve and a bumpy spine, and every bump stays hard under pressure. Because glass won't soften, even a modest ridge feels very pronounced. See our glass dildos for smoother options.

Curious about glass in your arse? The Clarity Utopian Floret is a handcrafted, layered glass butt plug. Glass doesn't get an exemption just because it's elegant, though, so anything that goes in your arse has to be made for it, with a secure flared base.

Enjoy the weight, too. It feels very serious in your hand, and it stays where you put it. Just don't confuse heavy with good.

Same size, very different feel

A rigid toy takes up all the space it claims, so a size that's easy in soft silicone can feel much bigger in glass. If you're making the jump, go a bit smaller. Curves and texture matter as well, and our size guide and textured vs smooth guide can help you compare.

Keep it slippery

Water-based lube works on both materials and avoids any trouble between silicone lube and silicone toys. Use a generous amount, because being stingy doesn't improve anything. Our water-based vs silicone guide explains why.

Look after your glass

Give glass its own padded spot, and check it before every use. Any chips or cracks mean it's finished, however much you loved it.

So what's it going to be?

Choose silicone if you want something that moves with you and comes in every firmness. Choose glass if you want hard, deliberate pressure and a slide that feels unreal.

Pick the one you keep picturing, not the one you think you should graduate to.