Who says having a stick up your butt is a bad thing? As long as the stick has a flared base and is made with body-safe materials, we say go for it.
Butt plugs are a fun and safe way to explore anal stimulation for all genders. But, since it’s not like you can try one on in the store to see if it fits, why we asked sex experts their recommendations for the best butt plugs so you can plug and play. And they’re all more comfortable than an actual stick!
What to Consider When Buying a Butt Plug
1. Start Small
This isn’t a “go big or go home” scenario–more like “go too big, go to hospital.” Start small, take your time, and move up to larger sizes only if or when you’re ready.
“Beginners may want to start with a small, tapered plug, while those who are more experienced may prefer a larger or more textured one,” says Nina Nguyen, sex educator and co-founder of Fraulila.de.
2. Pick Toys Made with Body-Safe Materials
All sex toys should be clean to use safely. But, when it comes to backdoor play, there’s a lot of bacteria floating around in that area, so you need to be extra careful so you don’t start growing a colony on your nightstand. The last thing you need right now is a new pet.
Porous materials can’t be cleaned properly, so stick to materials like body-safe silicone, stone, Pyrex glass, or stainless steel.
Available on Adam & Eve.
3. Never Insert a Toy Without a Flared Base
Anything that goes up your butt needs to have a flared base if you ever want to see it again outside of an X-ray.
The anus doesn’t have a cervix, so there’s nothing preventing a toy from going up, up, and away. Only use toys specifically made for anal usage, which are designed with a base to anchor the toy to the fresh air.
Available at Adam & Eve.
4. Add Lube to the Cart
Unlike a vagina, the anus does not have any natural lubrication. And, when you can’t make your own lubrication, store bought is fine.
Use a toy-safe, thick lube, such as silicone-based lube.
Best Butt Plugs
1. Best Overall: b-Vibe’s Snug Plug
“b-Vibe’s Snug Plug is hypoallergenic and body-safe silicone, plus it has a little weight, is available in a variety of sizes and colors, and the longer stem and T-back makes it one of the best and most comfortable plugs around!” says Amy Julia Cheyfitz, sex therapist and BDSM educator at The Pincus Center.
The t-back makes it easier to use for penetrative sex, the longer stem makes it easier to remove the plug, and the color options make it easier to match with your outfit.
Available on Amazon.
2. Best for Beginners: Love Honey Ignite
Butt plugs are all about finding your glass slipper perfect fit. You want to start small, not pumpkin-sized (though, you can get one that looks like a pumpkin).
“The Love Honey Ignite is a 3-inch vibrating plug. This butt plug is perfect if you want to get a full experience without things getting too deep,” says Amber Shine, ACS certified sex educator and media manager at XFans Hub.
“Made from safe velvety soft silicone, this butt plug is perfect for anal play beginners. It’s large enough for a great experience without things becoming a little scary!”
Available at Love Honey.
3. Best for Techies: Lovense Hush2
“For those a little more advanced, I have to recommend this high-tech vibration butt plug!” says Shine. “The Lovense Hush2 comes with a remote smartphone app, enabling couples to tease and pleasure each other while apart.
“You can wear the Lovense Hush2 in public settings such as work and let your partner activate it via Bluetooth or WiFi when they please.” We don’t recommend wearing it when visiting the in-laws.
Available on Amazon.
4. Best Rimmer: b-Vibe Rimming Plug
All the cool kids are eating ass now, but all our IBS girlies know that allowing a person’s mouth near your poop shoot can be intimidating. Robots can’t complain about any weird smells–yet–so get a butt plug to perform this duty.
“The b-Vibe Rimming Plug takes butt plugs to a whole other realm! They are created for beginners to anal-experts, made of luxurious, body-safe silicone and not only vibrate, but mimic the feel of a rim-job,” says Edwina Caito from Bedbible.com.
“With spinning metal beads on the neck of the butt plug, you choose the speed and these amazing plugs give you a thrilling feel that is similar to a rim job, only better!”
Available on Amazon.
5. Best Training Set: Colours Anal Trainer Set
“This set is a great option if you’re new to anal sex,” says Sarah Melancon, Ph.D., sexuality and relationships expert for SexToyCollective.com. We didn’t receive a butthole capacity rating in our human body user guide, so it’s helpful to have multiple sizes of butt plugs to try out. This anal trainer set comes in 3 sizes: 2.64″, 3.23″, and 3.94″.
“Work your way up until you can enjoyably accommodate a toy the same size as (or a little larger than) your partner,” says Malancon. “Then the transition to intercourse will be much easier and feel much more pleasurable!”
Available on Amazon.
6. Best for Spiritual Enlightenment: Chakrubs Xaga Root Anal Plug
“Some spiritual traditions believe our bodies contain different energy centers, and in the chakra system, the ‘root chakra’ is located at the anus. Thus, the obsidian in this butt plug is thought by some to balance the first chakra.” says Melancon.
“Whether or not this butt plug will cause spiritual or emotional healing, its light weight and extra sleek surface make this toy perfect for newbies and anal enthusiasts alike,” says Melancon.
Available at Chakrubs.
7. Best Anal Beads: b-Vibe Cinco
Anal beads massage the sphincter when inserted and when slowly removed. Your sphincter deals with a lot of sh*t — pun very much intended — so it deserves a friendship bracelet.
The b-Vibe Cinco is made from rigid PVC but covered with silicone, so it holds its rigid shape but is soft enough for easy use.
“They feature five progressively sized beads, making them perfect for exploring different levels of sensation,” says Nguyen. “And they’re made of body-safe silicone, so you can play with peace of mind.”
It also has a remote control that sets the vibration speed from up to 30 feet away–perfect for when you want to stimulate your partner without having to walk up the stairs. By the time you get up to the bedroom, you’re too out of breath for sex anyway.
Available on Amazon.
In her free time, she enjoys volunteering for reproductive justice causes, dropping that she worked at Walt Disney World into every conversation, and using her Wedding and Events Planner certification to throw Survivor watch parties. See more of her work on her website or follow her on Twitter @maddihiggs.
Leave a Comment