The most commonly used material for realistic sex dolls is silicone, which is generally more expensive. From everything I’ve learned, the final choice between TPE and silicone comes down entirely to personal preference. Price alone doesn’t determine which material someone will like more. Some people prefer TPE, others prefer silicone.

In general, TPE is known for being very soft, while silicone is traditionally a bit firmer. That said, newer generations of silicone released this year are noticeably softer than before and have narrowed that gap significantly. If you have the opportunity, visiting a showroom to see and touch the dolls in person is the best way to understand the differences.

I personally own an older R-type doll, and it clearly shows its age. The hips are quite hard and not very comfortable. Silicone also has a distinctive scent that I actually enjoy—it reminds me of the warm, fresh-bread smell from a bakery, something I find nostalgic. Many people say that TPE dolls don’t have a strong smell when new, which is often true.

When well made, silicone sex dolls tend to offer finer details and higher realism than TPE sex dolls, especially in facial features and skin texture. That said, both materials have their own strengths and weaknesses.

If you order a lifelike doll from a reputable seller or distributor, TPE is usually the most affordable option and still delivers solid quality. I once wore my doll while sick for over a week, and despite that, the heads I own—a JY head and a WM head—still smell pleasant, and I would never want to part with them. I also recall reading (though I can’t confirm) that 6YE dolls are made from TPE and had an even better scent than WM models, at least around 2016. When mine arrived, there was absolutely no noticeable odor at all.