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If you're here, there's a good chance you're interested in dipping your toes into anal play—or at the very least, you're curious about butt plugs. But first things first: if you haven't tried any kind of butt play yet, you're going to want to engage in a tactic called "anal training," explains Janet Brito, PhD, a certified sex therapist and founder of the Hawaii Center for Sexual and Relationship Health. Rose Toy
In short, anal training is when you test the waters by starting small and working your way up to bigger girths, like a penis, dildo, or strap-on. "Maybe start by dipping in a finger or a small butt plug and seeing how that feels," says Lisa Finn, a product expert and sex educator for Babeland. "You want to get your body used to these sensations to tell it, 'Hey, this is something that is good. This is something that's pleasurable,' because our body isn't used to things going in there."
This method helps the anal muscles acclimate to penetration, lowering your risk of tearing and pain. And these expert-approved toys (like butt plugs) can be a fun and safe way to prep yourself.
If you're a first-timer, peep these other pro tips: For starters, use more lube for anal than you think you need. Secondly, you should have at least one bowel movement about an hour before you engage in any kind of butt stuff, says Brito. Both of these actions will minimize any discomfort you might experience during initial insertion. Have some experience under your belt (literally)? You can still add some fun, new toys to your next romp.
Wherever you're at in your sexual journey, these are the 21 best butt plugs for all skill and comfort levels, according to experts—plus, everything to know about trying anal play and shopping for your first toy.
Well, you might just naturally crave the experience and the sensation, Brito says. It's also possible for the desire to come about in the form of curiosity. Perhaps you've discussed it with a partner or you're eager to try it out on your own, Laino says.
Either way, be sure to move at your own pace, and don't rush the process if you feel any physical or emotional discomfort, she adds.
The Quiver butt plug has a built-in vibrating bullet, making it "great for those who know they enjoy the sensation of vibration," Brito says. That said, it's more of a "add-on," meaning that you shouldn't bring vibrations into the mix if you're not already comfortable with a ~normal butt plug~.
And yup, its unique shape—a thin tip with an angled and bulbous shaft—puts it on a different level from most anal vibes: You can insert it easily and feel more fullness as it slips into place.
Rave review: "It works very well, and it's a great product especially for the price. It might be a bit large for beginners, but it was perfect for my needs."
This sleek, affordable butt plug is perfect for anal adventurers of all experience levels. With a diameter of just 1.5 inches, it's not too intimidating for newbies—but even pros will love the sleek feeling of hypoallergenic, bacteria-resistant glass.
As a bonus, a glass plug is totally safe to use with any kind of lubricant, Brito adds.
Rave review: "I used to have a very similar butt plug but it was larger. I ordered this one and even though it’s smaller I was hoping it was as good as the old one. It is! The old one took a major effort to insert but the new one is easier. It stays in place and feels great during sex. It also loosens up the muscles for more to come."
If you’re new to anal play, you probably want to start with a beginner-level butt plug without any bells and whistles. Available in a range of sizes, the Bootie plug has an easy-to-insert tapered tip and super soft silicone.
Plus, this butt plug has a flared base, making it ideal for beginners, Brito says. Because the toy's base is long and wide, it's easier to pull in and out of the anus if you need to do so in a pinch, Brito explains (a.k.a., there's less of a chance it gets lost up there).
Rave review: "This toy is made from flexible, high-quality silicone, so it's great for people who want to play for a little while or are looking for some extended wearing. The flared base is super wide, so some people may struggle with double penetration play. The bottom of the plug is nice and tapered down for ultimate comfort. Consider this the Goldilocks of butt plugs. It's not too big, not too small. It's just right."
Insertable length: 3.1 inches, 2.5 inches, 3.9 inches
Insertable diameter: 1.4 inches, 1.1 inches, 1.6 inches
At just 2.5 inches of insertable length, this plug is all kinds of cute. It's made of metal, not silicone, which may feel a bit smoother, too.
"The cool thing about metal is that it can adjust to your body temperature," Brito adds. Another bonus of metal sex toys? You can use a silicone-based lube, which tends to last longer than water-based lube and feels frictionless on the body, Brito says.
ICYDK, silicone toys (which many sex toys are made of) require water-based lube so as not to cause damage to the item's surface.
Rave Review: "I love it! I was honestly a little surprised the first time my partner and I tried this, as it felt bigger than I had expected! Not a problem though, nothing too major. It was really fun to use and looks super pretty. The cold feel from the metal is also really fun and different!"
For those of you who want to change up which materials you use in the bedroom, consider bringing this glass butt plug into the mix, suggests Brito. With 500+ reviews that rarely dip below five stars, this flower plug has a decorative base to keep the toy from getting lost, a sturdy neck, and a slim design that makes it easy to insert.
And toys made of glass are easier to clean than other materials, Brito says, seeing as it's less porous. Just be super careful when handling to avoid breaking. No one wants shattered glass near their...yeah, you know.
Rave review: "Even though this isn't large when compared to several of my other toys, it is, without a doubt, one of my favorites. The three size segments allows for using at your own pace. I like the fact that, when fully inserted, I can sit comfortably and, by rocking back and forth, can receive pleasure. The clean up is quick and easy too."
Interested in having your butt plug presented to you in a satin-lined case? Meet the Pfun plug, which weighs in at nearly a pound of pure stainless steel. And yup, this toy is designed with a tilt, indicating that it's meant for prostate stimulation, Brito says.
If you don't have a prostate, rest assured that reviewers attest to extremely pleasurable, indirect G-spot stimulation when used in combination with penetration. A gentle reminder, though: Since the size of this plug is pretty XL, be sure to steer clear if you're a beginner, as it might be too intense, Brito says.
Rave Review: "[This is] my first plug, and I love it. It's easy to insert. It's weight lets you know it's there. Awesome plug for a first timer or intermediate user! It feels GREAT inside. It can be worn to work or for a night out, but the handle can get a little uncomfortable. I still LOVE this plug and would buy it again (and again and again and...)!!!"
The b-Vibe Rimming Plug packs an added punch: rotating beads in the plug's neck, meant to simulate like—you guessed it—a rim job. And while vibrating butt plugs can be a lot of fun, the obligation to reach behind and push a button to turn them on can also be annoying. A remote control solves that problem.
"The remote also makes it ideal if you're playing with it alone," says Deb Laino, PhD, a certified sex therapist and doctor of health science. When it comes to partner play, though, you can spice things up by giving your partner control over the vibration's speed and rhythm, she adds.
Rave Review: "The vibrations are amazing and go incredibly strong with a great range of patterns you'd expect from most toys. The vibration alone is also wonderfully quiet you could definitely use it anywhere. Especially with the long range the remote control provides."
The curved, tilted design isn't just for looks: It helps stimulate the prostate or G-spot for maximum pleasure. And that cute little heart-shaped handle? It makes the toy a cinch to remove with just two fingers.
"This toy might be easier to use for someone who is alone," Brito explains. "Especially if you're a little wary of experimentation." How so? Well, you can hold onto the handle the entire time, having greater control of how deep the plug goes in or out.
Rave review: "I really like that feeling of fullness sometimes, and this little silicone plug is the perfect size to me. In addition to being adorable, the little heart shaped handle makes this plug super easy to manipulate inside the body—it also fits really comfortably, making it a great plug to wear walking around, if that's something you're into!"
For adventurous types who enjoy public play, consider the We-Vibe Ditto, a smart plug that connects to the We-Vibe app and allows you (or a partner) to control the device straight from your phone. So scandalous!
"This plug is a little bit more discreet," Brito adds. "You can go out into the community, have some kink play, and be a little more adventurous." One idea? Bring it out to the club or bar and have your partner control it while you're on the dance floor, Brito suggests.
Rave review: "I love how this rubs all the right places in all the right spots and gets my blood flowing to an explosion of overwhelming goodness! It's super silent, so no need to be afraid that people will hear you, and it's priced just right!"
Read more: Best Long Distance Sex Toys
Why get one butt plug when you can get three? This all-inclusive anal kit helps train your tush for butt play, with three different-size plugs, a lube depositor, and a handbook.
And yup, this kit even includes a vibrating plug, which will allow your body to experience a different kind of pleasurable sensation as you become more comfortable with the bigger sizes, Laino says.
Rave review: "When I was interested in exploring anal play, I decided to pay the extra money on this set, and it has been so worth it. Being given a standard plug, a vibrating plug, and a weighted plug allows for so much versatility and an additional level of excitement knowing the next size will be a whole new sensation."
Insertable length: 1.9 inches, 2.6 inches, 2.8 inches
Bruno is designed for simultaneous perineum and prostate stimulation, making it a fun option for anyone with a penis-having partner. The plug packs two motors and offers eight separate settings, so you can play around with speeds and patterns.
And BTW, the aerodynamic shape will make it easier to insert, Laino notes. That said, be sure you're working up to this one if you're a beginner, Brito adds, as it may be a little too large to use from the get-go.
Rave review: "I bought this as a gift for my partner and we've gotten a lot of use out of it since! Whether using solo or with a partner, this toy is intuitive and easy to use. My partner found it powerful and pleasurable."
The Trio from B-Vibe has not one, but three powerful motors, to deliver serious vibrations from the anus to the perineum. The 4-plus inches of insertable length make it clutch for more advanced anal fans, too.
But it's also on the thinner side to appeal to newbies. So, if you want a butt plug that will take you from beginner to advanced, this one might be an ideal (albeit pricey) option, says Brito.
Rave review: "This is an amazing product. At first glance, it looks as if it is too big, but it is the perfect size. It is such a new feeling it's hard to describe. I will have so much fun exploring the different settings. If I had one word to describe the feeling it would be AWESOME."
OhMiBod knows how to party, and they want to bring that party to your anus. The vibrating butt plug will buzz to the beat of music (via the Club mode) or to the pattern you or your partner chooses (through the wireless remote).
Here's a suggestion: Use this one with a partner or rather, make it work for one, Brito says. Queue up a playlist that makes you feel sexy, sync it up your Club Vibe, and just let the beat of the music bring you to a sweet climax.
Rave review: "The product is very well made, very soft, seems very durable, and it's simple to use once you understand the buttons. Used in the non-club mode, the vibrations are excellent with a good selection of different vibration modes."
The B-Vibe Triplet is basically what you would get if a vibrating butt plug and anal beads got together and somehow produced offspring. A tower of three graded beads atop a curved base, the Triplet houses two motors and comes with a convenient remote.
Want to amp up your use of these beads? Right at the moment of orgasm, you (carefully) pull out the sex toy to create a more powerful climax feel, Laino says. BTW, this one is definitely not for beginners, she adds.
Rave review: "These anal beads are wonderful. My partner and I both enjoy the fit and feel. The remote control is such a wonderful playful device and makes changing the pleasure levels so much easier."
The Petit Sensations Plug is a slim, beginner-level butt plug that incorporates a detachable bullet vibrator. Use them together or separately; either way, it’s a lot of bang for a reasonable number of bucks.
"I'd describe this butt plug as small, pretty, non-invasive, and non-threatening," Laino says. "This would be a great option for someone who's a beginner to anything vibrating." So if you're new to butt plugs *and* you want to add in some extra sensation, this is the one for you.
Rave review: "I personally find this plug to be good for beginners because of the small size (especially in terms of girth) and it's at a great price point. The removable bullet makes it easy to clean and easy to switch to something with a more powerful motor if needed, but I found the vibrations to be powerful enough."
There aren't many thrusting butt plugs on the market, and many of the ones out there are at a high price point. However, the Booty Blaster offers the same kind of experience at a budget-friendly price. Bonus: it's waterproof!
"It's unique and affordable. You can do hands-free play because the base is a suction cup, and you can bring it in the shower as well," says Sarah Melancon, PhD, a sociologist, sexologist, and the sexuality and relationships expert for SexToyCollective.com.
Rave review: "I don't normally leave reviews, but this plug is amazing. It has three different thrusting speeds to tease its way in and a multitude of vibrating fun commences. It left me thoroughly relaxed and wanting more."
Similar to your standard butt plug, this one from Hush has a wide-flared base to keep it secure during use. The remote app allows you to create new vibration patters and can be used by a partner from anywhere in the world. You can also use the app for a hands-free experience during solo play.
Melancon notes that the Hush is known for its effective long-distance app control. These are also available in other sizes in case you want something more advanced. Rave review: "The plug itself is quite well-designed and definitely stays put even when you're out and about. It's not silent, but it's a lot quieter than many other wearable toys I've used. In a normal environment like a restaurant, the sound it makes is not likely to be noticeable."
This butt plug might look simple, but it actually contains ten different functions. With three speeds and seven vibration patterns, you'll get a full range of sensations without breaking your bank account.
"It's inexpensive, and it gives you the option to explore with the vibrations," says Melancon. "It's also waterproof, so it's versatile for the price that you're paying."
Rave review: "It's a very well made and silky smooth plug. The different vibration settings are nice and varied with differing amounts of vibration. It's big enough to feel but small enough for the new to anal players."
If you're not a beginner but also not quite a pro yet at all things butt plugs, you'll love this anal vibe. This will allow you to go only as far as you'd like while enjoying 12 (!!) different speeds and patterns.
"It's a pretty long toy, so use whatever you feel comfortable with. You don't have to go all the way," says Melancon. She adds that this toy is best for those "who know they like anal beads but also want vibrations and that full feeling—it's got more girth to it."
Rave review: "I'm a beginner at this end of the fun. The toy is the right size and allows you to take as much as you can handle. This toy is definitely worth the price, and I would buy it again. Can't wait to use this again later!"
Lydia Wang is the love & life editor at Women’s Health, where she writes and edits articles about sex, relationships, identity, and pop culture. She lives in New York and spends way too much of her free time reading romance novels in coffee shops and tweeting about her favorite dating shows.
Sabrina is an editorial assistant for Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training in mixed martial arts, or reading.
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