Anal Plugs

By size and experience level

Anal play rewards patience. Choosing the right size for your experience level is the difference between pleasure and discomfort.

Beginner / Small (Under 1 inch diameter)

If you have never used an anal plug before, start here. Beginner plugs are slim, lightweight, and often come in multi-size training kits with 3 plugs of gradually increasing girth. The tapered tip makes insertion gentle, and the small size lets you get used to the sensation without being overwhelmed. Choose a plug with a well-defined flared base (T-bar or round). This is non-negotiable for safety. Silicone is the best material for first-timers: it has some give and feels warmer than metal or glass. Wear a small plug for 10–15 minutes at first and see how your body responds before trying longer sessions.

Intermediate (1–1.5 inch diameter)

Once you are comfortable wearing a small plug without discomfort, you can move up in girth. Intermediate plugs give a fuller sensation and more pronounced pressure. At this size you might notice the plug starting to stimulate the prostate or G-spot area indirectly through the rectal wall. This is also the size range where many people begin using plugs during partnered sex: the fullness adds intensity for both partners during intercourse.

Advanced / Large (1.5+ inch diameter)

Large and XL plugs are for experienced users who have built up comfort and control over weeks or months. At this size, the feeling of fullness is the main event. Never jump straight to a large plug. Your body needs time to adapt, and rectal tissue is delicate. If you are working toward anal intercourse, a plug in this range can serve as preparation. Always warm up with a smaller plug first during each session before sizing up. This is not optional at the advanced level.

By material

Material choice matters more for anal toys than for other types. It affects safety, comfort, and how you clean the toy.

Silicone

Medical-grade silicone is the standard recommendation for anal plugs. It is body-safe, non-porous, soft with some flexibility, and easy to clean with soap and water. Silicone warms to body temperature quickly, which makes it the most comfortable material for longer wear. It only works with water-based lubricants: silicone-based lube will damage the surface. For beginners, silicone is the clear winner. It is forgiving, hygienic, and available at every size and price point.

Glass

Borosilicate glass plugs are non-porous, very smooth, and can be cooled or warmed for temperature play. The rigidity of glass provides more direct pressure, which some users prefer for prostate or G-spot targeting. Glass plugs tend to be heavier than silicone of the same size, adding a pleasant weight. They are easy to sanitise: boiling, toy cleaner, or soap and water all work. The downside: no flexibility, which can feel less forgiving for beginners. Glass plugs are also more fragile, so handle with care.

Metal / Stainless Steel

Steel plugs are the heaviest option. The weight adds a sensation of presence and fullness that silicone or glass cannot match. Like glass, metal is non-porous, temperature-responsive, and easy to sanitise. Metal plugs last a lifetime. They are firm and unyielding, which is great for targeted pressure but not ideal for beginners. Steel plugs with a polished mirror finish are also among the best-looking toys you can buy.

By type and function

Beyond the classic plug shape, the anal toy category includes several specialised designs, each built for a different kind of experience.

Classic Butt Plug

The standard teardrop or cone shape with a flared base. Classic plugs are designed for comfortable longer wear: you insert it, it stays, and you go about your play. They are the most versatile type and the best starting point for anyone new to anal toys. Available in silicone, glass, and metal across the full size range.

Anal Beads

A flexible string or stem of graduated spheres, smallest at the tip and largest at the base. Beads are inserted one by one and removed slowly, with the removal sensation (especially at orgasm) being the main event. Some have a retrieval ring at the base; others use a flexible stem with a stopper. Silicone beads are the most popular for their smoothness and ease of cleaning. Vibrating anal beads combine the two sensations for an even stronger experience.

Prostate Massager

Curved to reach the prostate, which sits about 2–3 inches inside the rectum toward the front of the body. Prostate massagers often have a pronounced curve, a bulbous tip for targeted pressure, and a perineum arm that presses externally below the scrotum. Some are manual (rocked with your pelvic muscles); others vibrate. For men exploring prostate pleasure for the first time, a slim silicone prostate massager is the best choice: the curve does the targeting for you.

Tail Plug

A classic plug with a decorative tail attached, most commonly faux fur fox, bunny, cat, or pony tails. Tail plugs are popular for aesthetic appeal, role-play, and pet play. The plug itself is usually silicone or metal; the tail is detachable for cleaning on most quality models. Choose a plug size you are already comfortable with. The tail should be an addition to a familiar experience, not a first-time challenge.

Jewel / Decorative Plug

Known for a round or heart-shaped gemstone base, often crystal-clear, pink, or coloured, jewel plugs are designed to look beautiful when worn. They are popular for photography, intimate settings, and anyone who likes the visual appeal of their toys. Most jewel plugs are metal with a silicone-wrapped stem. A note: the round gemstone base is comfortable for short wear but less practical for extended sessions than a T-bar base. If you plan to wear a plug for hours, choose T-bar style.

Vibrating Anal Plug

A plug with a built-in vibrator that adds rhythmic buzzing to the sensation of fullness. The vibration radiates through the rectum and can be felt by both partners during intercourse. Most vibrating plugs are USB-rechargeable, waterproof, and have multiple patterns. Remote-controlled vibrating plugs let a partner take control. Vibration also helps relax the anal muscles for some users, making insertion and wear more comfortable.

The golden rules of anal safety

Three rules matter above everything else. One: always use lubricant, and use more than you think you need. The anus does not self-lubricate, and friction on delicate rectal tissue causes micro-tears and pain. Water-based or silicone-based lubricant both work with silicone plugs, but water-based is universally compatible. Two: never force anything. If a plug does not go in easily, stop, add more lubricant, take a few deep breaths, and try again with gentler pressure. Your body needs time to relax the sphincter. Forcing it causes injury. Three: every anal plug must have a flared base wider than the widest insertable part. This is non-negotiable. The rectum can create suction that pulls objects inward, and without a flared base, retrieval may need medical help. A T-bar base or a wide round base both work, as long as it is clearly larger than the bulb.

Insertion: step by step

Start by applying lubricant generously to the plug and to the anal opening. Position yourself comfortably. Lying on your side with knees pulled up, squatting, or on all fours are the most common positions for first-time insertion. Take a few slow, deep breaths and consciously relax your pelvic floor and anal muscles. Place the tapered tip against the opening and apply very gentle, steady pressure. Do not push hard. As you exhale, allow the sphincter to relax and accept the tip. Once the widest part of the bulb passes the sphincter, the muscles will naturally close around the narrower neck, holding the plug in place. It should feel full, not painful. If it hurts, remove the plug slowly, add more lubricant, and try again. Pain during anal play means stop. It is your body telling you something is wrong.

Cleaning and hygiene

Anal toys need the most thorough cleaning of any sex toy category. Wash your plug with warm water and antibacterial soap or dedicated toy cleaner after each use, without exception. Silicone plugs can be boiled for 5–10 minutes for deep sterilisation; glass and metal plugs can be boiled or wiped with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution. Pay extra attention to the neck area where lubricant and fluids collect. Dry completely before storing. Never share an anal toy without sterilising it first. Never go from anal to vaginal use without thorough cleaning: this can transfer bacteria and cause infections. If you switch between anal and vaginal play in the same session, use a condom over the toy for anal use and remove it before switching. Store anal plugs separately in individual pouches. Different materials can react when stored touching each other.