An estimated 40 percent of adults in the U.S. have tried anal sex—though that number may actually be higher, given the shame around honestly reporting sex acts. But until it’s 100 percent, I will be singing its praises because TBH, anal can be pretty great. “Your butt has among the highest concentration of nerve endings in your entire body,” says sex educator Tatyannah King. And as a result, “both internal and external anal stimulation has a lot of potential to be pleasurable,” she says. The best butt plugs, or toys designed to fit inside the butthole, are designed to offer some of both, whether you’re an anal newbie or aficionado.

In particular, King says that butt plugs can facilitate a pleasurable feeling of fullness and provide direct stimulation of the prostate or indirect stimulation of the G-spot, depending on your anatomy. Plugs can also serve as a feel-good stepping stone for anyone interested in trying anal penetration with larger things (like a penis or anal dildo) down the line, says psychotherapist Rachel Wright, LMFT, host of The Wright Conversations podcast, and teacher of the online workshop Butt Stuff 101.

“One of the coolest things about butt plugs is that they may be enjoyed by people of any gender, sexual orientation, or genital make-up.” —Rachel Wright, LMFT, sex educator and psychotherapist

If you’ve already come to the conclusion that there are a bunch of reasons to give butt plugs a try, you’d be correct! But picking the best butt plug for you can be tricky, as there are dozens of different types on the market, from vibrating butt plugs to textured options, silky-smooth silicone ones to hefty glass and stainless steel choices, and options ranging in size, length, and girth. Below, you’ll find a guide to help make buying a great butt plug as easy as possible, including what to look for, how to use it, and naturally, the best options on the market for beginners, advanced anal explorers, and everyone in between.

Best butt plugs at a glance:

• Best overall: Doc Johnson Mood Naughty 1 – Small 3″, $24
• Runner-up: Unbound Babes Nudge, $25
• Best for beginners: Maude Cone, $30
• Best on a budget: Durex Pop & Buzz Vibrating Butt Plug, $40
• Best vibrating, beginner: b-Vibe Vibrating Snug Plug 1, $95
• Best vibrating, advanced: FemmeFunn Funn Plug, $90
• Best rimming: b-Vibe Rimming Plug Petite, $160
• Best app-controlled: We-Vibe Ditto, $140
• Best remote-controlled: b-Vibe Vibrating Jewel Plug S/M, $125
• Best value: Cake Tush Pops, $32
• Best beaded: Tantus Ripple Small, $31
• Best textured: b-Vibe Texture Plug, $90
• Best stainless steel, beginner: Njoy Pure Plug, $70
• Best stainless steel, advanced: Le Wand Swerve, $135
• Best glass: Biird Anii Glass Anal Plug, $39
• Best thrusting: Playboy Pleasure Trust The Thrust Butt Plug, $110
• Best for anal training: Doc Johnson Mood Naughty Trainer Set, $40
• Best lifelike: Uberrime The Sentio Vaginal & Butt Plug, $59
• Best for fantasy play: Cute Little Fuckers Princette Puppypuss Vibrating Butt Plug, $69
• Best for prostate play: b-Vibe Rocker Plug, $90
• Runner-up for prostate play: Aneros Helix Trident Prostate Tool, $55
• Best with a tail: Tailz Fluffy Bunny Anal Plug, $36
• Best luxury: Lelo Olga, $3,490

What are butt plugs?

Put simply, “butt plugs are plugs that go in the butt,” says sexologist Jess O’Reilly, PhD, host of the Sex With Dr. Jess podcast, sex expert at Lovehoney, and co-author of The Ultimate Guide to Seduction and Foreplay. These toys have a flared base and are designed to stay in the butt for an extended period of time—generally until the end of sexual play, or until the toy stops being pleasurable. (Most experts recommend keeping them in for 30 minutes or less, Dr. O’Reilly says).

Butt plugs are typically carrot- or cone-shaped. “Usually, they have a tapered tip for smooth entry, a broadened midsection that goes inside the anus, and then a tapered neck with a flared base that enables the toy to stay on the outside of the butt,” says Dr. O’Reilly.

There are also butt plugs that are shaped like commas, which are usually marketed as prostate plugs, says Wright. ICYDK: The prostate is a chestnut-sized pleasure zone located a few inches below the bladder in most people assigned male at birth. “A butt plug with a slight curve and bulbous end will reach and apply feel-good pressure to it more easily than a standard, pine-tree-shaped butt plug will,” she says. (That said, people assigned male at birth can enjoy standard butt plugs, too.)

“One of the coolest things about butt plugs is that they may be enjoyed by people of any gender, sexual orientation, or genital make-up,” says Wright. After all, everyone has a butt.

Why should I use a butt plug?

“There are many, many reasons someone might be into butt plugs,” says Dr. O’Reilly. But all of them come down to a single word: pleasure.

As mentioned earlier, the anal opening is chock-full of thousands of nerve endings¹, which can get stimulated in a pleasurable way when a butt plug is being inserted, explains King. Once the plug is inserted, it can also apply pressure—and sometimes vibration—to the nerves lining the anal canal, which can also feel good, she says.

“If you have a prostate, a butt plug can provide pressure against that pleasure zone,” adds Dr. O’Reilly. Meanwhile, if you were assigned female at birth (and do not have a prostate), the plug can indirectly stimulate your G-spot (one of the internal vaginal pleasure zones), since the anal canal and vaginal canal are next-door neighbors, explains King.

You can also use a butt plug to “tip-toe into double penetration [aka penetrating more than one hole at once],” says Wright. Specifically, double penetration that features simultaneous vaginal and anal penetration can be an enjoyable way for people with vaginas to enjoy the sensation of being stretched or “filled up,” she says. Even combining the smallest butt plug with vaginal penetration can be incredibly intense, which can also foster greater communication and intimacy between the partners involved.

Because anal play is often considered “hardcore” or “kinky,” using a butt plug can also be arousing for individuals who are turned on by the idea of a little risk or taboo, and can help facilitate the exploration of certain BDSM dynamics, adds Wright.

What should I look for in a butt plug?

Flared base

“A flared base is the broad name for any base that is wider than the largest portion of the toy,” says Wright. It is essential for safe anal play, says King, because it prevents toys from getting lost in your rectum. Your rectum keeps going up and up and up to the digestive tract, she explains, “so if you lose your grip [on a toy without a flared base], you could end up in the ER,” she says. (This is not a concern for toys going inside the vaginal canal; the cervix separates the vagina from the rest of your body, keeping any toy from traveling too far.)

The flared-base design can also enhance your enjoyment of the toy. It might have a big ring to facilitate easy removal, for example, or be slim enough to fit comfortably between your bum cheeks. There are also flared bases designed in such a way that they help you lean into a particular kink or aesthetic, Wright says (think: a dangling tail added onto the end of a plug).

Material

Always pick sex toys that are made from non-porous materials, which are materials like silicone that are totally free from microscopic holes that could harbor bacteria. This is especially important for toys going inside the body, as the vaginal and anal microbiomes are incredibly sensitive to foreign pathogens. (Introducing a sex toy into your body that potentially contains bacteria or viral particles increases your risk of infection, irritation, or general discomfort.)

Dr. O’Reilly says people who are brand-new to butt plugs may want to opt for silicone, which tends to be softer than other body-safe materials like borosilicate glass and stainless steel. As such, silicone toys can provide a more subtle sensation.

Butt plugs made from steel or glass are good options for more experienced anal sex-havers who are particularly turned on by the sensation of internal pressure. The rigidity of steel and glass toys enables them to deliver a firmer, pressure-laden sensation, Dr. O’Reilly says. Steel tends to be the heaviest, while glass sex toys lie somewhere between silicone and steel options.

Size

“Plugs come in different sizes and shapes,” says Dr. O’Reilly. The best size and shape for you will depend on your particular anatomy and anal experience level. Beginners should opt for butt plugs specifically marketed as being for beginners, which will generally be no thicker than one inch and feature no more than three inches of insertable length.

“It can take a while to build up your tolerance for the more sizable anal penetration devices,” says King. Trying to go too big, too soon can make the sensation not just painful, but dangerous, she says. The tissues lining the anal canal are as delicate as a softboy’s heart, and are susceptible to micro-tears, she says. Ouch! You simply won’t be able to use a butt plug that is bigger than your current tolerance level, she says, making your purchase a waste. (Unsurprisingly, you can’t return a used butt plug.)

Vibration

Some butt plugs vibrate, adding an additional layer to the experience.“Vibrating butt plugs can transmit rumbly vibrations inside the anal canal that stimulate the G-zone or prostate,” explains Lisa Finn, sex educator at sex-toy emporium Babeland.

Most vibrating butt plugs come with a remote control so that you do not need to reach behind you and/or into your cheeks to moderate the intensity. If you are planning to use your vibrating butt plug during solo sex and you have any mobility limitations that would make pressing small buttons between your legs difficult, choosing a remote-controlled toy is essential.

Some butt plugs can also be controlled via a downloadable app on your phone. Whereas remote controls can typically only moderate the motor if they’re within 30 (or so) feet of the plug, an app can be used to adjust the vibration settings of a toy from wherever—so if you’re looking to use a vibrating butt plug with a long-distance lover (see: the best long-distance sex toys), you’ll want to choose one with app-based controls.

How do I use a butt plug safely?

1. Start with foreplay

You can use butt plugs during solo or partnered sex. But before you start, ahem, plugging away, King recommends spending at least 15 minutes getting in the mood. “Spending ample time on foreplay will prepare the body to become as aroused as possible, which helps your butt muscles to relax enough for butt-plug insertion to be pleasurable,” she says. Foreplay looks different for different people but could include kissing, nipple stimulation, oral sex, fingering, butt massage, and playing with other toys.

2. Use lube (and lots of it)

The anal canal does not self-lubricate, “so you need to make sure you’re applying a generous amount of store-bought anal lube to the plug and your hole, and continuing to add more when needed,” says Dr. O’Reilly. This is not the time to be stingy.

An important note: If you’re using a silicone butt plug, be sure to use a water-based lube rather than a silicone-based lube, which can deteriorate the material of a silicone sex toy over time, King says.

3. Take it slow

“Anal penetration should not be painful, so move slowly,” says Dr. O’Reilly. (Once more for the people in the back: Anal penetration should never, ever be painful!)

“Start with something small,” Dr. O’Reilly suggests. At first, that might even just be a pinky finger. “Gradually, you can increase the depth of penetration, as well as the size of the penetrating device [or body part] as the body becomes accustomed to anal penetration,” she says.

How to clean a butt plug

Given that butt plugs go into the bacteria-laden place where poop comes out, it’s especially important to clean them post-use. “Most butt plugs will have cleaning instructions from the manufacturer right on the box,” says Dr. O’Reilly. Typically, this will involve washing with fragrance-free soap and water. “[This] will properly clean any toy made from a non-porous material,” says Finn, as are all of the toys on this list of best butt plugs.

Alternatively, you can use a store-bought sex toy cleaner. And some toys can also be placed into boiling water or thrown on the top rack of the dishwasher to better sanitize them (but check the label first).

23 best butt plugs, according to sex educators

Best overall:

Doc Johnson Mood Naughty 1 - Small 3" — $24.00

The butt plug metaphorically rocking a gold medal around its neck is the Doc Johnson Mood Naughty 1. This small anal plug is about the size of your pinky finger: one inch in diameter at its thickest part with three inches of insertable length. “It has a really nice, graduated tapered tip for easy insertion,” explains Finn. It’s made of body-safe silicone, meaning it’s flexible enough to move with your body.

While the base of the toy is flared enough to keep use safe, it isn’t so bulky that it is uncomfortable for longer-term wear. You could wear this plug while lying on your back—like during missionary sex, for example—without feeling like there’s a massive toy in your butt, says Finn.

Material: SiliconeDimensions: 1 x 3.5 inchesInsertable length: 3 inchesVibration: NoPower type: N/AWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly length and girth
• Slimmer flared base for comfortable long-term wear
• Waterproof
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Not motorized
• Like other silicone toys, incompatible with silicone-based lubricant
• Not optimal for prostate stimulation

Runner-up:

Unbound Babes Nudge — $25.00

The silver medalist in the category of best butt plugs is a non-vibrating, beginner-friendly option from Unbound Babes. Slightly longer than the plug above, this one offers 4.25 insertable inches and is 1.3 inches at its thickest point. The longer length enables the anal plug to reach deeper into the body, making it more likely to target deeper erogenous zones, like the prostate on people assigned male at birth or the G-spot on people assigned female at birth.

The toy itself is a pretty royal blue color—a nice departure from the usual Barbie pink or Barney purple. Plus, the packaging is not gendered, which people across the gender spectrum may appreciate.

Material: SiliconeDimensions: 1.3-inch diameterInsertable length: 4.25 inchesVibration: NoPower type: N/AWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Beginner- and intermediate-friendly
• Non-gendered packaging
• Affordable

Cons:

• Might be too large for some beginners
• Like other silicone toys, incompatible with silicone-based lubricant

Best for beginners:

Maude Cone — $30.00

If you’re new to peach play, you don’t necessarily need a plug with a bunch of bells and whistles (read: vibrating capabilities). Chances are, you’d prefer a small, approachable product to ease into the joys of anal stimulation. Enter: the beginner-friendly Maude Cone.

The Cone is made from some of the silkiest silicone on the market today. When combined with (silicone-free) lubricant, this toy will slide smoothly into your bum. It can provide up to 3.5 inches of insertable length, and graduates in size from being one finger thick to two. Bonus: It sports a gender-neutral color and packaging.

Material: SiliconeDimensions: 4.25 x 1.5 inchesInsertable length: 3.5 inchesVibration: NoPower type: N/AWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Small size is ideal for beginners
• Chic, gender-neutral design
• Gradual increase in size supports easy entry

Cons:

• Non-vibrating
• Like other silicone toys, incompatible with silicone-based lubricant

Best on a budget:

Durex Pop & Buzz Vibrating Butt Plug — $33.00

Vibrating butt plugs tend to be on the bigger side (in order to account for the motor), but the Pop & Buzz from Durex is an exception. This affordable anal plug vibrates while providing just 3.2 inches of insertable length and a 1.1-inch girth at its thickest point.

But the best part is how easy it is to use. While many other vibrating toys have nearly as many buttons as they do vibration settings, this toy has just one button. To turn the toy on, you press the same button as you do to cycle through the seven different intensity options.

Material: SiliconeDimensions: 3.2 x 1.1 inchesInsertable length: 3.2 inchesVibration: YesPower type: USB RechargeableWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Affordable for a vibrating plug
• Just one intuitively designed button
• Waterproof
• Beginner-friendly size

Cons:

• Toy-like packaging won’t appeal to everyone
• Like other silicone toys, incompatible with silicone-based lubricant

Best vibrating, beginner:

b-Vibe Vibrating Snug Plug 1 — $95.00

This torpedo-shaped b-Vibe Snug Plug—which comes in five different sizes, depending on your skill and comfort level—contains a weight inside of it to provide additional stimulation and pressure against the anal canal. The smallest option, called 1, has 3.4 inches of insertable length, which is a great place to start.

It also has vibrating functions (four levels and six different patterns), which you can control with a button on the toy or through the remote control. The vibrations themselves are much more rumbly (and less buzzy) than you’ll typically find in a sex toy this small, allowing the sensation to stimulate deep into the body in a way that is downright orgasmic.

Material: SiliconeDimensions: 3.9 x 1 inches (size 1)Insertable length: 3.4 inches (size 1)Vibration: YesPower type: USB RechargeableBattery life: 1 hourWaterproof: No (but it is splash-proof)

Pros:

• Extra weight provides more internal sensation
• Six different vibration patterns and four different intensities
• Designed for extended wear

Cons:

• Neck is flexible, which may make insertion a little tricky
• Weightiness of the toy may be overwhelming for beginners
• Like other silicone toys, incompatible with silicone-based lubricant

Best vibrating, advanced:

FemmeFunn Funn Plug — $90.00

If you have experienced receiving a finger anally, or have had penetrative anal sex with a penis or dildo, you can probably handle the FemmeFunn Funn Plug. The plug features an impressive 4.3 insertable inches, which is long enough to stimulate the prostate or G-zone. Oh, and the toy has 20 different vibrating modes to help you find the exact right speed for you.

The main downside of this butt plug is that the handle is a little chunky. While that makes inserting and removing the toy easier, it can also make long-term wear of the plug a little uncomfortable. Depending on the shape and curvature of your bum, you may also be able to feel the handle if the plug is in you while you lie on your back (though opting for rider-on-top over missionary is an easy workaround for this potential issue).

Material: SiliconeDimensions: 5.25 x 4.3 inchesInsertable length: 4.3 inchesVibration: YesPower type: USB RechargeableBattery life: 50 minutes on highest settingWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• 20 different whisper-quiet vibration settings
• Waterproof
• Just one button makes toy easy to use

Cons:

• Bead-like shape may not be comfortable for everyone
• Not designed for long-term wear or discrete play
• Like other silicone toys, incompatible with silicone-based lubricant

Best for rimming:

b-Vibe Rimming Plug Petite — $160.00

Whether you call it oral-anal, salad tossing, anilingus, or rimming, receiving stimulation of the anal opening via a tongue can feel good because of all those nerve endings around your booty hole, says Finn. “The b-Vibe Rimming Petite takes full advantage of those nerve endings with rotating beads in the toy’s neck, which whirl around and massage that opening.” Truth, with a little bit of lubricant, it feels remarkably similar to a hungry mouth. The rotating beads have seven different modes to help you find the right sensation for you.

There is also a motor in the tip of the plug that allows the plug to deliver six different vibration patterns inside the body, says Finn. “It also has a remote so you can easily change up the patterns without having to reach for your toy.” (Alternatively, you can hand the remote to a partner, and let them take control.)

Want the same tech but in a larger size? Check out the b-Vibe Rimming Plug 2 ($165), which has an insertable length of 4.9 inches, or the b-Vibe Rimming Plug XL ($175), with an insertable length of 5.6 inches.

Material: SiliconeDimensions: 1.4 inches diameterInsertable length: 3.9 inchesVibration: YesPower type: USB RechargeableBattery life: 1 hourWaterproof: No, splash-proof

Pros:

• Available in multiple sizes
• Two motors for additional power
• Stimulates the anal canal and the anal opening
• Can be controlled from up to 30 feet away with a remote
• Has a travel lock

Cons:

• Smallest size might be a bit too big for beginners
• More expensive than other vibrating toys on this list
• Like other silicone toys, incompatible with silicone-based lubricant

Best app-controlled:

We-Vibe Ditto — $140.00

Butt stuff isn’t reserved for couples (or throuples) who live with or near each other. Thanks to anal plugs that can be controlled via an app, like the We-Vibe Ditto, long-distance lovers can get in on the anal action, too. When you purchase this plug, have a partner download the We-Vibe app. There, you’ll be able to give them permission to modulate the vibrations of your plug, whether they’re in the same room or on a different continent.

Of course, its app capabilities aren’t the only thing that makes the We-Vibe Ditto an award-winning anal toy. “It has all the bells and whistles,” says Dr. O’Reilly. “It has a powerful motor that can deliver rumbly vibrations, is waterproof, and features a unique shape that can allow for easier insertion than some diamond-shaped plugs.”

Material: SiliconeDimensions: 3.5 x 2.7 inchesInsertable length: Not listedVibration: YesBattery life: Up to 2 hoursPower type: USB RechargeableWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Uniquely contoured shape allows for easier entry
• Can be controlled from anywhere via an app
• Fully waterproof
• Beginner-friendly size

Cons:

• May not be long enough for some people
• Expensive
• Like other silicone toys, incompatible with silicone-based lubricant

Best remote-controlled:

b-Vibe Vibrating Jewel Plug S/M — $125.00

Anal toys, generally speaking, can create a visually appealing aesthetic for your partner(s) when in use. But the b-Vibe Vibrating Jewel Plug, which has a jewel crafted into its base, is especially good-looking. Equal parts cutesy and sexy, the jewel adds next-level flair to the flared base.

Sparkle aside, this butt plug has 15 different vibration patterns and can be controlled by the accompanying remote control from up to 30 feet away. The remote control allows you to alter the intensity without anyone having to reach between your cheeks and press. Three cheers for wireless technology! The plug is also available in four different sizes, making it a nice option for beginners and experts alike; you’ll find the dimensions for the most accessible small/medium size below.

Material: SiliconeDimensions: 3.85 x 1.45 inches (S/M)Insertable length: 3.11 inches (S/M)Vibration: YesPower type: USB RechargeableBattery life: Up to 1.5 hoursWaterproof: No, but splash-proof

Pros:

• Beautiful base
• 15 different vibration patterns
• Variety of sizes for different comfort levels

Cons:

• May be considered a feminine aesthetic
• Not waterproof
• Like other silicone toys, incompatible with silicone-based lubricant

Best value:

Cake Tush Pops — $32.00

Feeling indecisive? Rather than settling on just one butt plug, opt instead for this affordable three-plug set from Cake which contains three differently sized plugs within. All three plugs are pink and have a super-duper contoured shape, which supports comfortable entry. They’re also designed with a slim handle that will fit between your cheeks without causing chafing or discomfort during longer-term wear.

Material: SiliconeDimensions: 3 x .75 inches, 4 x 1 inches, and 5 x 1.25 inches (three sizes)Insertable length: 3-5 inchesVibration: NoPower type: N/AWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Affordable
• Multiple sizes in one set
• Waterproof

Cons:

• Does not vibrate
• Like other silicone toys, incompatible with silicone-based lubricant

Best beaded:

Tantus Ripple Small — $31.00

The Tantus Ripple Small is a beaded butt plug. While regular ol’ butt plugs stimulate the anal opening just once during the initial entry, the beaded shape of this one will massage the anal opening with every bead’s successive insertion. In fact, this toy is a good way to find out whether a string of anal beads might deserve a place in your sex toy collection, too.

It’s also a great option for beginners, as the graduated design allows you to start small and slowly insert more depending on comfort and pleasure. You can also slip it into a harness and use it for pegging.

Material: SiliconeDimensions: 4.95 x 1 inchesInsertable length: Not listedVibration: NoPower type: N/AWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Unique beaded shape
• Affordable
• Can be worn in strap-on harness

Cons:

• Might be too large for some people’s comfort
• Like other silicone toys, incompatible with silicone-based lubricant

Best textured:

b-Vibe Texture Plug — $90.00

Want to mix things up? Add the b-Vibe Texture Plug to your sex-toy arsenal. Available in three different textured options—Bump, Swirl, and Twist—this vibrating plug is designed to elicit excitement from each and every nerve in your butt. Not only does the textured exterior uniquely massage the anal sphincter muscles upon entry, but once inside the anal canal, that same texture (plus six different vibration patterns!) creates additional tug against the internal nerves that can feel climatic.

Material: SiliconeDimensions: 4.72 x 2.2 inches (Bump); 5.31 x 2.2 inches (Swirl); 6 x 2.8 inches (Twist)Insertable length: 4.13 inches (Bump); 4.76 inches (Swirl); 5.35 inches (Twist)Vibration: YesPower type: Magnetic chargingBattery life: 60 minutesWaterproof: No, but splash-proof

Pros: 

• Three different textures available
• Unique sensation for those familiar with anal

Cons:

• Sensation may be uncomfortable for anal beginners
• Not waterproof
• Like other silicone toys, incompatible with silicone-based lubricant

Best stainless steel, beginner:

Njoy Pure Plug — $70.00

Stainless steel is the heftiest of all the body-safe materials for sex toys. “The weight of the steel is what makes the Njoy Pure Plug such a popular option, as it provides a sought-after feeling of fullness,” says Finn. “The material also allows the toy to provide pressure to your internal erogenous zones when it rocks inside your body.” For extra oomph you can manually shift or swirl the plug by grasping its easy-to-hold handle.

This plug also has a seamless teardrop shape that allows for easy insertion, says Finn. Plus, the smallest option is just one-inch thick at its thickest, making it accessible to most virgin holes in addition to more experienced ones. (It’s also available in two other sizes for those ready to graduate to a larger toy.)

Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 4.8 x 5.1 x 2.6 inches (head is 1 inch wide for the small, 1.25 inches wide for the medium, 1.5 inches wide for the large)Insertable length: 2.25 inches (small); 2.5 inches (medium); 2.75 inches (large)Vibration: NoPower type: N/AWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Available in three different sizes and weights
• Easy to maneuver and manipulate
• Can be used with any type of lubricant

Cons:

• Does not vibrate
• Stainless steel may feel too heavy for some

Best stainless steel, advanced:

Le Wand Swerve — $135.00

The Le Wand Swerve is less of a butt plug and more of a stainless steel wand that girth-seekers may enjoy. The S-shape of this double-sided dildo makes it safe to put in your peach. On one side, there’s a bulbous stimulator to help tease the prostate, and on the opposite side, you’ll find a series of ripples that act as anal beads—which essentially gives you two different toys in one.

Given that half the wand will be hanging out of your butt at any time, you can easily move the toy around once it’s inside the body. Even slight variations in the angle of usage will change how much pressure the wand delivers against your internal pleasure zones.

Oh, and because the toy is made from stainless steel—which conducts heat and cold—you can implement this device during temperature play. Hot!

Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 8.47 x 1.27 inchesInsertable length: Not listedVibration: NoPower type: N/AWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Offers two types of anal pleasure in one toy
  
• Can be used for temperature play
• Compatible with all lubricant types

Cons:

• Expensive
• Does not vibrate

Best glass:

Biird Anii Glass Anal Plug — $38.00

Earning gold in the glass category for best butt plugs is the Biird Anii Glass Plug. It’s modest in size and features a uniquely tapered tip to support ease of entry. The flared base is also extra bulbous, which makes it easier to grip the toy even when it’s covered in lubricant (which, as a reminder, it should be).

Some people will l-o-v-e its rainbow-colored finish. However, transparent glass anal plugs offer your partner(s) the unique opportunity of seeing the color and depth of your anal canal, which colored plugs (like the Anii) do not. If you’re intrigued by the extra bit of intimacy possible with transparent options, consider the b-Vibe Anal Dilator Set instead.

Material: Borosilicate glassDimensions: 6.05 x 1.14 inchesInsertable length: 4.56 inchesVibration: NoPower type: N/AWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Beautiful design
• Affordable
• Comes with carrying case

Cons:

• Not a transparent glass material
• Might be too large for beginners

Best thrusting:

Playboy Pleasure Trust The Thrust Butt Plug — $110.00

If you enjoy the sensation of your tush being thrust into again and again and again, the Playboy Pleasure Trust The Thrust should be your purchase. The love-child of a classic anal plug and a thruster toy, this toy is able to extend deeper into your anal canal once it’s in place.

To use it, simply slide it in with the help of some water-based lubricant. Then, turn the toy on with the remote control, and the toy will thrust an additional inch into your canal. There are 10 different thrusting and vibration speeds, so you can explore to find which one takes you over the top.

Material: SiliconeDimensions: 5.4 x 1.64 inchesInsertable length: 5 inchesVibration: YesPower type: USB RechargeableBattery life: Up to 70 minutesWaterproof: Yes

Pros: 

• Thrusts and vibrates
• Can be worn as a vaginal plug, too
• Can be controlled with a remote control

Cons:

• May be too large for beginners
• Short battery life

Best for anal training:

Doc Johnson Mood Naughty Trainer Set — $40.00

This is the three-plug set version of the Doc Johnson Mood Naughty toy that claimed the “best overall” spot above. “It includes three plugs of graduating size that are perfect for both play and anal training,” says Finn. Meaning, if you’re just starting out on your butt-play journey, “you can start small and steady, and then size up when your body is ready,” says sex educator Searah Deysach, owner of sex-toy retailer Early to Bed.

As an added bonus, “the flanged base of the plug will fit great between your cheeks,” notes Deysach. This makes longer-term wear both accessible and more comfortable.

Material: SiliconeDimensions: 3.25-5 x 0.875–1.25 inchesInsertable length: 3 inches–4.75 inchesVibration: NoPower type: N/AWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Three plugs in one kit
• Allows user to gradually increase width and length
  
• Great option for anal training

Cons:

• Does not vibrate
• Like other silicone toys, incompatible with silicone-based lubricant

Best lifelike:

Uberrime The Sentio Vaginal & Butt Plug — $59.00

If you’ve had pleasurable experiences with a penis in the past, you might want a butt plug that’s shaped like one! The Sentio Vaginal & Butt Plug from Uberrime is tops in that department. Uniquely designed from body-safe silicone, this plug is about as tall as a can of soda pop and varies in width from 1.67 and 1.75 inches, making it a more intermediate option in terms of size.

Unlike many other plugs that have a very tapered tip, this toy is thick from the get. If you’ve previously had anal sex with a penis or dildo, you will be accustomed to the initial stretch this product provides, but if you’re an anal beginner, you may need some time adjusting.

Material: SiliconeDimensions: 5 x 1.75 inchesInsertable length: 4.5 inchesVibration: NoPower type: N/AWaterproof: Yes

Pros: 

• Doubles as a vaginal plug
• Bulbous head supports prostate and G-spot stimulation
• Great for group sex fantasy play

Cons:

• Lack of tapered tip may make it inaccessible for beginners
• Like other silicone toys, incompatible with silicone-based lubricant

Best for fantasy play:

Cute Little Fuckers Princette Puppypuss Vibrating Butt Plug — $69.00

The Princette Puppypuss by Cute Little Fuckers is a vibrating butt plug that looks like an octopus. The flared legs are a design element that keep the creature from exploring your digestive tract, while the face provides additional texture for stimulating the anal canal. The unique shape also makes the toy incredibly easy to hold onto and use externally, making it a solid external vibrator for anyone with hand mobility limitations.

Rather than having a built-in motor, Princess Puppypuss vibrates thanks to an insertable bullet vibrator that can be removed from the toy and used for other things (like within a strap-on sex harness). The vibrations aren’t super intense, but they get the job done—and you can choose between five different modes at five different speeds.

Material: SiliconeDimensions: 2.8 x 1.7 inchesInsertable length: 2 inchesVibration: YesPower type: USB RechargeableBattery life: Not listedWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Doubles as a vaginal plug or external vibrator
• Unique design adds texture for internal anal stimulation

Cons:

• Lower-intensity vibrations
• Design might be off-putting for some
• Like other silicone toys, incompatible with silicone-based lubricant

Best for prostate play:

b-Vibe Rocker Plug — $90.00

Wanna rock and roll all night long? Well, then it’s time to turn off Kiss and turn on your internal hotspot with the b-Vibe Rocker. A weighted prostate plug with a unique dual-ended shape, this toy is ergonomically designed to stimulate the prostate (in people with male anatomy) every single time its used. Once it’s inside of you, you can lean backward to reduce the intensity of the pressure or forward to ramp up the sensation.

Just 1.1 inches at its thickest point, this prostate massager is also beginner-friendly. While it doesn’t vibrate, its internal weights allow it to provide greater stimulation than what you’d get from a standard plug.

Material: SiliconeDimensions: 4.7 x 3.8 inchesInsertable length: 4 inchesVibration: NoPower type: N/AWaterproof: Yes

Pros: 

• Internal weights make it easy to rock the plug internally and moderate intensity
• Flexible neck and non-obtrusive base allow for easy long-term wear

Cons:

• Does not vibrate
• Like other silicone toys, incompatible with silicone-based lubricant

Runner-up for prostate play:

Aneros Helix Trident Prostate Tool — $55.00

This toy may look simple. But actually, “it was developed with medical and sexual wellness in mind to massage the prostate gland and the perineum to enhance sensitivity and sexual function,” says Finn.

Made from a firm medical-grade plastic called Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene or ABS plastic, “the lightweight, slim body of the Aneros Helix makes it perfect for beginners,” says Finn. Its unique shape will also press against the perineum (aka the nerve-dense region between the anus and the scrotum in people with male anatomy), which allows the toy to stimulate the prostate indirectly, too. The main downside? The toy is white, which some folks won’t be a fan of, given where it’s going.

Material: ABS PlasticDimensions: 4.5 x 1.25 inchesInsertable length: 4 inchesVibration: NoPower type: N/AWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Can be used with any kind of lubricant
• Allows for hands-free stimulation of the prostate in people with male anatomy
• Squeezing pelvic floor muscles may help intensify the pressure it provides

Cons:

• Does not vibrate
• White is the only color available

Best with a tail:

Tailz Fluffy Bunny Anal Plug — $36.00

“If you’re ready to do some role play, the Tailz Fluffy Bunny Anal Plug is the plug for you,” says sex educator Marla Renee Stewart, MA, sex expert at Lovers and co-author of The Ultimate Guide To Seduction and Foreplay. Designed with a fuzzy, pink pom-pom attached to its base, this playful plug transforms your butt into a scut (which, ICYDK, is the official name for a rabbit’s tail).

“You can use this plug to embrace a new character you’ve created and have a partner play along with you,” says Stewart. A few ideas to get you started: slutty rabbit, Playboy Bunny, or submissive pet.

Material: Zinc alloy, faux furDimensions: 5 x 1 inchesInsertable length: 2.5 inchesVibration: NoPower type: N/AWaterproof: No

Pros:

• Very affordable for a metal plug
• Great for role play, costume-friendly

Cons:

• Tail is only available in one color and length
• Does not vibrate

Best luxury:

Lelo Olga — $3,490.00

Crafted out of 24-karat gold, this luxury anal toy from Lelo really is as high-end as the anal sex toy market gets. Technically speaking, the Lelo Olga isn’t just a butt plug, so much as it is an anal-friendly wand. Each end of this C-shaped double-ended dildo can comfortably go inside the anal canal. Gold is a much weightier material than silicone, plastic, glass, and even stainless steel, which means this wand will also be able to deliver a kind of pressure against your internal erogenous zones that goes far beyond what other sex toys can provide.

The Olga is 1.25 inches wide at its thickest point, but features a tapered tip on one end, which also makes it beginner-friendly.

Material: 24-karat goldDimensions: 7 x 1.4 inchesInsertable length: 5.1 inchesVibration: NoPower type: N/AWaterproof: Yes

Pros:

• Manufactured specifically for your order
• Comes in a beautiful carrying case
• Offers two different penetrative options

Cons:

• Extremely expensive
• Doesn’t vibrate