9 Butt Plugs You’ll Love, Whether You’re New to Anal Play or a Total Pro
Here are our tried-and-true faves, plus expert insight on how to make using an anal plug feel amazing.
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If you’re curious about anal sex but haven’t so much as gotten within an inch of your butt hole, don’t worry. Everyone starts somewhere. The secret to easing into it? Fingers, lube, and when you’re ready, butt plugs. And no, you don’t actually need a prostate to experience the delightful benefits of anal play. Anyone can enjoy them with a little patience and practice. As certified sex therapist Shadeen Francis, LMFT, CST, says, "Anal plugs stimulate the sensitive nerve endings inside the anus and can lead to powerful orgasms." You had us at “sensitive nerve endings,” thanks!
Anal surgeon Dr. Evan Goldstein recommends that beginners experiment with butt plugs solo first before trying 'em out with anyone else. Once you and your body get the hang of it, anal sex will feel so much better, not to mention easier. But, where to even begin?! Enter: Our list of tested and reviewed best butt plugs on the market. From slim and simple (ahem, start here!) to vibrating ones and thrusters (save for the advanced course, pls), rest assured there’s an anal plug for you on this list.
Our top picks for the best butt plugs:
When you're ready to dive in, here are our nine tried-and-true favorites, for every budget, sensation, and experience level. And remember: The anus doesn't self-lubricate like the vagina does (more on that below), so let lube be your best friend here!
Pros
- Simultaneously stimulates both the prostate and the perineum thanks to two motors—one in the base, one in the tip
- Four pleasure settings
- Connecting to the Lelo app via Bluetooth unlocks six additional pleasure settings
Cons
- On the pricier side at $179
If you know anything about Lelo, you know they're serious about high-quality pleasure, and Hugo 2 is no exception. The prostate vibrator has two motors to stimulate both the perineum and the prostate at the same time, and comes with four powerful vibration settings to take you straight to Orgasm Land. It's way more than just a butt plug—it's a luxury pleasure toy designed for next-level anal play, and yeah, you need it now.
- Material: Body-safe silicone, ABS plastic
- Insertable length: 2.83 inches
- Insertable diameter: 1.6 inches
Glowing Customer Review: "I bought this over a year ago, used it a few times but never felt I got the full satisfaction from it. I recently dedicated a night to solo pleasure and laid back and relaxed and let Hugo do its thing…..and I was well rewarded! I had several small O’s on my way to the most mind blowing orgasm I’ve ever experienced! I cannot wait to have this experience again soon. Buy it you won’t regret it!"
Pros
- Glass material creates less friction
- Super easy to clean (yes, you can even throw it in the dishwasher)
Cons
- More fragile than silicone and steel toys
Similar in appearance to anal beads, the graduated design on this hand-blown glass plug makes this a super versatile toy for a variety of sensations. The first bead has a circumference of just 2.75 inches, making it ideal for beginners, while the last bead has thicker 4.6-inch girth for truly fulfilling anal stimulation. Plus, the borosilicate glass means that you can get as creative as you'd like with temperature play and makes it super easy to clean.
- Material: Borosilicate glass
- Insertable length: 3.75 inches
- Insertable diameter: 4 inches
Glowing Customer Review: "The pressure inside when fully inserted is great, the base is comfortable for longer wear, and the glass is easy to clean. What isn't there to like?"
Pros
- Suitable for temperature play
- Sensitive-skin friendly
Cons
- Width and weight may be too much for beginner
Looking for a little pizazz? Then get this precious and petite aluminum plug from Lovehoney, which features 2.5 inches of insertable length, a pink heart-shaped gem on the base, and enough weight to give you an amazing feeling of fullness. And like all metal toys, this plug is compatible with all lubes and able to be used for temperature play. It's also available as a 3-inch and 3.5-inch plug.
- Material: Zinc alloy
- Insertable length: 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches
- Insertable diameter: 1 inches to 1.6 inches
Glowing Customer Review: "I found it to be really comfortable for first-time use with lube—big enough to be satisfying but small enough that it was comfortable to wear for a good period of time. Added bonus of it looking super cute, [and I] felt like it 'prettied up' an area that is not always the prettiest."
Pros
- Great set for beginners
- Wearable design
Cons
- Smaller sizes slip out too easily for experienced users
If you’re ready to get your booty backdoor-play ready, this is where you’re gonna want to start. According to Dr. Goldstein, an ideal dilator has a longer-than-average shaft, a tapered tip, and no neck. This set of five is ideal for beginners who are looking to explore anal play and work their way up over time. Plus, thanks to the flared base, they're suitable for regular use.
- Material: Silicone
- Insertable length: 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches
- Insertable diameter: 7 inches to 3.75 inches
Glowing Customer Review: "After using this set for about a year, I have been able to slowly ease in and now enjoy some anal play with my partner. I loved that they were easy to clean, durable, and come in a good selection of sizes. Insertion was easy with a generous helping of water-based lubricant. This product really helped pave the way for self-exploration."
Pros
- Can be controlled via remote or app
- Water-submersible
- 5 vibration modes
Cons
- The remote control isn't waterproof
Svakom's Jordan Thrusting Butt Plug is slim for easy insertion, and boasts delightful ridges to add extra sensation to your anal play. With five powerful speeds you can easily control via remote-control or the Svakom app, this plug thrusts in and out and remembers your the last mode you used thanks to its Memory Function.
- Material: Silicone
- Insertable length: 3.9 inches
- Insertable diameter: 1.3 inches
Glowing Customer Review: "I was a bit worried that the app would be a bit of a let down as I haven't always had the best experiences in the past. However, the toy was connected from the get go and was ready to play straight away without any instances of disconnect during playtime which is fantastic! The app also makes playtime very customizable and we had great fun trying out all the options, one of our favorites was the touch mode where you can draw out your own setting!"
Pros
- Bullet vibe can be removed for a buzz-free experience
- Good for beginners
Cons
- Some users wish vibrations were stronger
While this vibrating anal plug is an A+ toy if you're just getting started with butt play, we promise that even more experienced users can have a good time with this. It's equipped with 10 different functions and a flared base—plus, ya simply can't beat the price. And even though it's battery-operated, it's still fully waterproof. Get it in a 6.5-inch-long version if you want a bit more oomph.
- Material: Silicone
- Insertable length: 3.5 inches to 4.5 inches
- Insertable diameter: 1.1 inches to 1.8 inches
Glowing Customer Reviewer: "WHAT A TOY! The plug itself is extremely easy to insert using water-based lube and is comfortable once inserted. The vibrator's different functions really keep anal play exciting and makes the whole experience extremely pleasurable. Since buying this toy, I have purchased other larger anal vibrators that still can't pack a punch like this one can."
Pros
- Available in a variety of size options
- Can be controlled remotely
Cons
- Some testers had trouble with app
For a long-distance plug option, check out the Hush 2 from LOVENSE. It's available in four different size options—ranging from 1 inch to 2.25 inches in thickness—so you can select the best fit depending on your experience level and girth preference. And in addition to boasting 10 rumbly vibe settings, you can control this bad boy from any distance thanks to the LOVENSE app.
- Material: Silicone
- Insertable length: 3.9 inches to 5.2 inches
- Insertable diameter: 1 inch to 2.25 inches
Glowing Customer Review: "My Hush 2 has become one of my favorite interactive toys. For me, personally, not having a lot of experience anally, this size is a good fit, and I am not worried about it slipping out at inconvenient times. Of course, the digital interaction is WONDERFUL (as is the case with all Lovense toys)."
Pros
- Great for temperature play
- Some users enjoy the heavier weight
Cons
- Too small for some experienced users (but comes in larger sizes)
Like glass plugs, metal butt plugs are also compatible with all lubes and ideal for temperature play, and this stainless steel option from Njoy is the very best. Featuring an extra tapered head for maximum comfort and an easy-to-grip base ring, this beauty has a 1-inch-thick bulb and 2.5 inches of insertable length, and more advanced folks can always upgrade to the medium or large options.
- Material: Stainless steel
- Insertable length: 2.25 inches to 2.75 inches
- Insertable diameter: 1 inch to 1.5 inches
Glowing Customer Review: "Easy-to-clean and oh-so-heavy, this plug gives you those good feelings you're searching for. It comes in several convenient sizes. Best plug I've ever used, and I could not be happier with it."
Pros
- Discreet, aesthetic design
- Great size for beginners
Cons
- A bit *too* slim to give you a feeling of fullness
Designed with platinum-grade, soft-to-the-touch silicone, this no-frills butt plug from Maude is tapered and slim enough to work for most beginners, measuring just 1 inch in width with 3.5 inches of insertable length. And if you're looking for a slightly larger option, then you can always upgrade to the medium-size Cone (which, fyi, also vibrates!).
- Material: Silicone
- Insertable length: 3.5 inches
- Insertable diameter: 1 inches
Glowing Customer Review: "Such a great product, especially for the price. Perfect for beginners and seasoned pros alike, it’s incredibly soft and suitable for many bodies. It’s comfortable and has a luxurious feel. Definitely a staple in my and my partner’s collection!"
Why should you use a butt plug?
According to Dr. Donna Oriowo, LICSW, M.ED, anyone can benefit from giving butt stuff a try—including those with vulvas. "With the pudendal nerve, direct stimulation to the anus can also stimulate the vagina," she says. "Plus, we know that with all those nerve endings in the anus, only 20 percent of them are in active use to keep things working. The other 80 percent is all about sensation." And there's only one way to unlock that 80 percent: with experimentation and touch.
Francis agrees, pointing out that different plugs can provide totally different experiences as well. "Some plugs feel good for the pressure of fullness, some arc towards the prostate in people who have them (or the A-spot for people with vulvas), and some even pulse or vibrate," she explains. What's not to like??
Ofc, you'll want to start small and work your way up, especially if you're a newbie. As Francis points out, the tissues of the anus are delicate and sensitive, so be gentle with yourself. "If after exploring stimulation of the sensitive opening from the outside you'd like to try penetration, start small," she says. "Always start smaller than you think: a little finger perhaps, or a narrow toy (with a flared base, of course)."
What should you know before using a butt plug?
First things first: Lube is your friend, and we C-A-N-N-O-T emphasize that enough. "Before you grab the butt plug, though, you have to remember that, unlike the vagina, the anus is not self-lubricating," says Dr. Oriowo. "This means you have to use lube. Don’t be shy with it, either—use just a bit more than you think is enough. Better to have more lube than less."
The type of lube you use matters, too. "As a tip for your lube choice, think about what you might like to do in your butt play session," Francis suggests. "Silicone lube is long-lasting but can be hard to clean and can't be used with silicone toys. Water-based lube is friendly for everyone, but you will need to reapply. Oil-based lubes give a lot of slip but, depending on the ingredients, can contain allergens and will absolutely stain your bedsheets."
When using a butt plug, sex and pleasure educator Luna Matatas suggests opting for silicone lube or a thicker water-based lube. As she previously told Cosmo, "For butt stuff, we want the lube to linger. Silicone lubes are a popular choice for anal enthusiasts because a little goes a long way, so they last longer."
Dr. Goldstein warns that leaving a toy inside your body for extended periods can irritate and inflame the sphincter muscles around the neck of the plug, making it tricky to remove (especially if it’s too small or the shaft is too short). “Less is always more when it comes to duration,” he says. “If you're someone who loves the pressured sensations of the butt plug staying put, then I recommend you start slow, with just a few minutes, and then you can gradually go for longer periods of time.”
How to choose the best butt plug
Not sure where to get started? Here are some tips on finding the butt plug of your dreams:
Stick with body-safe materials
As with all sex toys, the material of your anal plug matters, 'cause you def don't want to irritate your most intimate areas with a poorly-made toy. It's best to steer clear of toys made with PVC, as those tend to be more porous and pretty much impossible to fully sanitize (not to mention they may contain toxic chemicals called phthalates). Instead, Francis suggests looking for toys made from non-porous, body-safe materials. "You have many options, such as silicone, glass, porcelain, and metal," she says, and it all depends on the sensation you wanna experience.
Look for a flared base
You'll notice that many of the best butt plugs include a wide handle at the base, and this isn't just an aesthetic choice. According to Francis, beginners should look for butt plugs "with a flared base to prevent the risk of the toy getting pulled into your anal canal and lodged inside," and tbh, it's not a bad idea for users of ALL experience levels to stick to plugs with a flared base.
Consider the size
Not to state the obvious, but beginners should start with smaller, narrower butt plugs and work their way up rather than taking the plunge with a jumbo-sized plug. "You can always go up in size as smaller toys become more comfortable," Francis explains. "Even if over time you fancy yourself a bit of a size-slut, look for toys that start narrow and gradually increase in size to make insertion more comfortable."
Meet the experts
- Donna Oriowo, LICSW, M.ED, is the owner and lead therapist at AnnodRight in Lanham, MD.
- Shadeen Francis, LMFT, CST, is a certified sex therapist based in Philadelphia, PA.
- Luna Matatas is a sex and pleasure educator based in Toronto, Canada, who coined Peg the Patriarchy and hosts b-Vibe's The Plug podcast.
- Evan Goldstein, DO, is a renowned anal surgeon, CEO of Bespoke Surgical, and co-founder of sex care brand Future Method.
Why trust 'Cosmo'?
Pleasure is highly diverse, and what rocks someone's world may not be powerful enough to thrill another person.. That's why we rounded up a whole range of highly-rated butt plugs, from small anal toys to seriously devices that'll leave your legs quaking.
Here at Cosmo, we have v high standards when it comes to sex toy recs. Every one of our round-ups includes toys for all budgets and bodies. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to do it yourself.
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