Vibrator Materials Guide Australia - Silicone, Glass, Metal & ABS Vibrator Types

Vibrator materials—silicone, jelly, metal, glass, and ABS plastic—define how a vibrator feels, how safe it is, and what sensations it delivers. Each material has its own texture, weight, and temperature response, so choosing the right one means getting exactly the kind of stimulation you're after.

About Vibrator Materials

Vibrator materials are the foundation of how a vibrator feels and performs. Silicone offers a soft, skin-like texture and is hypoallergenic, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Jelly is flexible and forgiving, while metal and glass deliver firmness and smooth surfaces. ABS plastic is lightweight and durable. Each material caters to different preferences, whether you want something yielding or rigid, warm or temperature-responsive.

The material you choose affects not just sensation but also care, compatibility with lubricants, and longevity. Rechargeable Vibrators come in all these materials, so you can pick your preferred substance alongside your power source. Solo users often choose based on what texture they prefer; couples might pick different materials to vary their shared experience. Beginners typically start with silicone or jelly for their forgiving nature, while experienced users often explore glass or metal for firmer, more intense stimulation.

What makes Vibrator Materials different

What sets vibrator materials apart is how directly they shape your sensation. Silicone flexes and gives; metal stays rigid. Glass and metal conduct temperature, so you can warm them under warm water or cool them in the fridge before use. Jelly is the most flexible but less durable over time. Mini Vibrators in compact sizes let you experiment with different materials without a big investment. The material also determines how you clean it, what lubes work best, and how long it will last.

Types of Vibrator Materials

Vibrator materials break down into five main types, each with distinct qualities:

Silicone. Soft, smooth, and body-safe, medical-grade silicone is hypoallergenic and non-porous. It's forgiving on the body and works well for all experience levels. Always pair silicone vibrators with water-based lubricant.

Jelly. Flexible and yielding, jelly mimics natural tissue feel and suits people who prefer a softer, more realistic texture. It's less durable than other materials but affordable and beginner-friendly. Use water-based lubes only.

Metal. Stainless steel is firm, smooth, and non-porous, making it easy to clean and sterilise. Metal conducts temperature beautifully—warm it or cool it for different sensations. Large Vibrators in metal deliver intense, focused stimulation and suit advanced users. Metal works with any lube type.

Glass. Borosilicate glass is smooth, firm, and temperature-responsive like metal, with a luxurious feel. It's durable, non-porous, and ideal for temperature play. Glass suits all lube types and is easy to sanitise.

ABS plastic. Hard, lightweight, and budget-friendly, ABS plastic is durable and low-maintenance. It's a good entry point for exploring vibrators without spending much. Compatible with all lubes.

How they compare

How to choose a vibrator material

Start by thinking about texture. Do you prefer soft and forgiving, or firm and unyielding? Silicone and jelly are gentler; metal and glass are more intense. If you like playing with temperature—warming or cooling the vibrator before use—metal and glass are your best bet. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, silicone is the safest choice. Budget matters too: ABS plastic and jelly are affordable; silicone is mid-range; metal and glass command higher prices but last longer.

Next, consider how you'll use it. Solo users can tailor their choice to personal preference alone. Couples might pick different materials to create variety in shared moments. Dual Stimulation Vibrators often combine materials—for example, a silicone shaft with a metal tip—so you get multiple sensations in one vibrator. Don't rush: start with a smaller size in your preferred material to test the feel before investing in a larger model. Always check lube compatibility: silicone and jelly need water-based lubes, while metal, glass, and ABS work with any type.

Tips from the Adultsmart team

Hard-won pointers from the Adultsmart team, alongside our panel of sexologists, educators, and adult-industry contributors. Meet our experts →

After years of helping customers choose vibrator materials, we've learned that texture preference is deeply personal and often surprising. Someone who thinks they want firm metal might discover they love the give of silicone, or vice versa. Don't assume based on what you've read online. If you're trying a material for the first time, buy a smaller, cheaper model to test it. A 120 mm silicone vibrator costs far less than a 180 mm one, and you'll know instantly whether that material suits your body and preferences.

Temperature play is a game-changer for metal and glass users, but many people don't think to try it. Running a glass or metal vibrator under warm water for 30 seconds before use, or popping it in the fridge for a few minutes, completely changes the sensation. It's free, it's safe, and it opens up a whole extra dimension. Silicone and jelly won't conduct temperature the same way, so if temperature play appeals to you, metal or glass is worth the investment.

Durability matters more than people realise. Jelly vibrators are fun and affordable, but they degrade faster and can develop a sticky residue over time even with good care. Silicone, metal, and glass last years with proper cleaning. If you use a vibrator regularly, spending more upfront on silicone, metal, or glass means you won't be replacing it in six months. Glass is especially robust—we've seen glass vibrators survive drops that would wreck anything else.

Care and cleaning

Clean your vibrator after every use with warm water and a sex toy-specific antibacterial spray or mild soap. Silicone, glass, and metal are non-porous and can handle thorough cleaning; jelly and ABS are more delicate. Never use harsh abrasives or bleach. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Silicone and jelly can degrade faster in heat; glass and metal are more stable. If your vibrator is rechargeable, keep the charging port dry and never submerge it unless the product explicitly says it's waterproof.

Learn more

Choosing the right vibrator material is just the start. For a deeper dive into what makes each vibrator work for you, read 11 Tips When Choosing A Vibrator. Our guide covers power, control, sizing, and real-world fit so you can narrow down your choice with confidence.

Why shop Vibrator Materials at Adultsmart

Ready to find the right one for how you play? Adultsmart stocks vibrators in every material type, so you can compare and choose based on what your body wants. We stock body-safe silicone, durable metal and glass, and budget-friendly options, all clearly labelled by material. Real advice, body-safe products, and discreet delivery Australia-wide.