I’m sure you’re already aware of this, but there has been an unfortunate assumption batting around that men who like anal sex are gay. Well, I’m here today to prove them wrong.
Of course, the majority of gay men enjoy anal sex, but it’s by no means limited to that particular segment of the population.
Women, men, and non-binary folk of all sexualities can enjoy anal sex – and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t. If it feels good, do it, I say!
And while a finger, a penis, and a tongue can go a long way in the backdoor department, there are also a ton of tools you can use to unlock the underrated pleasure hub.
But here’s something you might not know: although porn would have you think otherwise, you can’t just dive into using the biggest, girthiest anal dildo on the market.
Full-on penetrative anal sex can take four to six weeks to build up to, according to anal surgeon and founder of Bespoke Surgical, Dr Evan Goldstein, because (duh!) it’s a muscle that requires training just like any other.
So depending on whether you’re an anal aficionado or a backdoor beginner, we’ve rounded up the best anal sex toys for every kind of experience level.
Plus, we’ve consulted a sexologist for her tips on how to use them. Keep reading to find out!
Best anal sex toys at a glance:
What are the types of anal sex toys?
If you’re completely new to backdoor play, you might be wondering the options you have available to you.
Good news is you have a whole smorgasbord to choose from, according to Sofie Roos, sexologist and therapist at Passionerad.
Butt plugs
“Butt plugs are designed to be inserted and worn in place, which gives a feeling of fullness and pressure. It’s also an amazing way to prepare before anal sex.”
“You can buy butt plugs in a variety of sizes, materials and with different features, such as with vibrations for anal orgasms, with tails for roleplaying, with a small diamond in the end.”
Anal dildos
“There are also anal dildos that are designed to penetrate the ass in a safe and comfortable way, often with a slightly bent shape to stimulate the prostate,” says Roos.
Prostate vibrators and anal vibrators
“Other common anal sex toys are prostate vibrators that give P-spot orgasms for men, or general anal vibrators that give a deep and intense feeling,” she says.
Anal beads and hooks
“Anal beads – a series of connected beads that you insert one at a time and then slowly pull out – are also popular,” Roos adds.
“And last but not least, we have anal hooks, which is a sex toy for more advanced BDSM sex that for example let you discover different kinds of bondage.”
What to look for in an anal sex toy
Anal sex is supposed to be fun, but it’s also important to think about safety.
When shopping for an anal sex toy, look for anal-specific toys, and features such as:
- A wide base: “This is essential for safe usage as it prevents the toy from being inserted too far,” says Roos. “The ass can actually ‘suck’ in toys, and if they don’t have any stopper, you might end up needing to seek medical help.”
- Safe material: “Medical silicone is soft and gentle, but can only be used with water-based lube, while stainless steel is a bit harder, but can be used with silicone lubricant as well as for temperature play.”
- Size matters: “Other tips are to go for a small or medium sized toy, as you generally can take less than you think you’re able to, to pick a toy with a tapered tip as it makes it easier to insert, and to think about if you’d like vibrations or not, as well as if you want it to be waterproof.”
Best anal sex toys to shop in 2026
Now that you’re prepared for the kind of thing to look out for, these are HuffPost and Sofie Roos’ recommendations for the best sex toys for anal to shop now. We’ve included recommendations for beginners and practised prostate players alike.
Best small butt plug for beginners
This weeny butt plug is the perfect size for those who have only ever taken a finger up there. It’s only slightly bigger than one of your digits, and has a tapered end so it won’t be too much to take while you’re getting the muscle used to penetration.
It’s non-vibrating, and has a strong suction cup so you can put it on any surface you like – and it’s comfortable to wear for long periods.
+ Small enough for beginners and comfortable enough for aficionados
+ Tapered shape is great for beginners too
+ Discreet and well-designed
– Might not be enough for more practised players.
Type: Butt plug
Features: Comes in a linen storage pouch
Material: Silicone
Power: None
Size: 4.25 x 1.5 inches; 3.5 insertable inches
Waterproof: Yes.
Best vibrating butt plug for beginners
If you’re new to vibrations in your butt plug, this one from Smile Makers is the perfect starter toy. First of all, it’s small and cute, and second of all it’s purple.
Joking, there’s much more to it than that; in fact the base is super flared, so it won’t get sucked into your rectum (nightmare).
Not to mention it’s loaded with a sweet three vibration speeds and two patterns, which is just the right amount to play around with as a newbie, if you ask me.
+ Rechargeable
+ That silicone coating is the perfect texture to slide into your ass
– Can’t use silicone lube with it, though.
Type: Vibrating butt plug
Features: 3 vibration speeds and 2 patterns
Material: Silicone
Power: Rechargeable
Dimensions: 4.4 x 2.4 x 1.2 inches
Waterproof: Yes
Best beginner anal beads
Want to start small? And we mean really small? Well then anal beads are the way to go. This is a marathon, not a race, so if you want to simply pop that smallest end bead in your arse, then you can do that.
Once you’re prepared to go all the way, inserting each anal bead will add some exciting texture into your sexual routine, and the idea is that when you pull them out, the stimulation turboblasts you towards orgasm.
+ Great value for money
+ Ideal if you want to dip your toe in
+ That big loop handle makes for an easy pull
– Beads are quite small so you might want to eventually graduate to a bigger set, or even one that goes in the opposite order
Type: Anal beads
Features: Flexible
Material: PVC
Power: None
Dimensions: 8 insertable inches
Waterproof: Yes.
Best metal butt plug
There’s nothing that could convince me to get into anal more than a bitchy little jewelled butt plug like this. Who doesn’t want to anoint their asshole with a heart-shamed pink gem?
This would be a step up from the likes of the Maude or Rocks Off skinny butt plugs, for when you’re ready to have a bit more girth.
The cool steel will also feel great when it first goes in, and starts to heat up to your body temperature.
+ She’s cute
+ Plenty wide for feelings of fullness
+ Easy to clean
– Not the most exciting other than the appearance
Type: Metal butt plug
Features: None
Material: Stainless steel
Power: None
Dimensions: 3 x 3.5 inches; 2.5 insertable inches
Waterproof: Yes.
Best anal beads for beginners
In yet another example of LELO leading the sex toy game, these anal beads aren’t just regular beads.
Rather, they sit inside your asshole like a plug, and are loaded with LELO’s exclusive technology called BowMotion, which sends the eight vibration settings up and down its length to make it feel like it’s thrusting. But here’s the kicker: it’s not.
Use that loop handle to gradually pull the entire thing out as you reach your climax for an orgasm unlike any other. Promise.
+ Loop handle makes it easy and safe to use
+ It’s gender-neutral
+ Graduated beads means you can insert as much as you like depending on your experience level
– Not the most discreet toy out there.
Type: Vibrating anal beads
Features: 8 vibration modes
Material: Silicone, ABS
Power: Rechargeable
Dimensions: 9.2 x 2.3 x 1.8 inches
Waterproof: Yes.
Best luxury prostate massager
It’s simply unfair that people with vulvas get dual stimulation in the form of rabbit sex toys, and there’s no equivalent for people with penises. Or is there…?
This prostate massager from LELO blends prostate and perineum stimulation, so you can experience blended orgasm at its best.
Depending on your experience level, it’s loaded with six vibration modes that range from a gentle buzz to deep rumble, all of which are controlled by that handy dandy remote that increases intensity at a mere switch of a wrist.
+ Great to use with a partner or solo
+ Not a single inch will go unstimulated
+ The silicone feels seriously luxury
– Quite expensive, but worth it.
Type: Vibrating prostate massager
Features: 6 vibration modes
Material: Silicone
Power: Rechargeable
Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.6 x 4.09 inches with 2.83 insertable inches
Waterproof: Yes.
Best metal anal dildo
While a regular old dildo feels, well, excellent, if you want to turn things up a notch adding some weight to whatever you’re penetrating yourself with will heighten the sensations.
This curved dildo is made entirely from stainless steel, which is also easier to clean than regular silicone, and can heat up or cool down as you like.
The inside is loaded with 939g of weight, so it’ll press against your P- or A-spot. Just make sure you use plenty of lube and don’t let go of the end!
+ Adds a new layer of sensation to your anal play
+ Curved for extra stimulation
– Might be a bit intense for beginners
Type: Stainless steel dildo
Features: Curved and weighted
Material: Stainless steel
Power: None
Dimensions: 22cm
Waterproof: Yes.
Best gender neutral remote-controlled anal toy
Sometimes you’re in the mood to have as much stimulation as possible. If that’s you, slipping this V-shaped toy into your backside while using a clit vibrator or male masturbator will send you into orgasmic orbit.
Each end is loaded with five vibration modes, controlled via that remote control, and the squishy ends make for a great feeling against your skin.
+ Can be used by any gender
+ The texture is great – squishy and ribbed
+ Remote control is easy to use
– Wish it had different controls for each end
Type: Dual stimulation P- or A-spot anal vibrator
Features: 5 vibration modes, remote control
Material: Silicone
Power: Rechargeable
Dimensions: Insertable 3.2 x 1.4 inches
Waterproof: Yes.
Best thrusting butt plug
If you want to stimulate the sensation of being penetrated by a real life, moving penis, this butt plug is loaded with thrusting technology to propel the shaft inside you.
We’re big fans of that large T-base, which will keep it firmly in place while you power up through its five thrusting patterns and four vibration speeds.
So you don’t have to decide on your favourite mode before you insert it, it comes with a remote control so you can climb through the modes towards orgasm.
+ Girthy and plenty of power combinations to choose from
+ Remote is rechargeable too
– Wish you could operate the vibrating and thrusting separately.
Type: Thrusting and vibrating butt plug
Features: 5 thrusting and vibration patterns and 4 vibration speeds
Material: Silicone
Power: Rechargeable
Dimensions: 5.5 inches long; 4.5 insertable inches
Waterproof: Yes, but remote isn’t.
Best butt plug for rimming
If the idea of outer anal stimulation turns you on, this butt plug has rotating beads along its ‘neck’ (okay necklace) to mimic the feeling of a rimjob.
Cover the end in plenty of water-based lube, pop it inside, and choose your favourite combination of rotation and vibration modes to spin you towards orgasm.
If you want someone else to take the reins, it also comes with a remote control so they can decide your destiny.
+ Two kinds of stimulation at once
+ Remote controlled, so great for couples’ play
– Not suitable for beginners.
Type: Rimming and vibrating butt plug
Features: 7 rotation modes and 6 vibration speeds
Material: Silicone, ABS
Power: Rechargeable plug; remote uses 1 x CR2032 battery
Dimensions: 6 x 1.6 inches; 4.9 insertable inches
Waterproof: Splashproof.
Best rotating prostate massager
Now here’s something your partner’s penis can’t do: rotate.
This one comes highly recommended from Sofie Roos, who says: “It’s made out of soft silicone with a perfect shape that when inserted both vibrates and rotates gently directly on the P-spot, this at the same time as it gives love to the perineum, a combination that quickly builds up deep and intense prostate orgasms.”
It can also be controlled either via the included remote control, or your phone, meaning it can be controlled from up to 15 metres away. Win!
+ Power lasts 10 hours
+ A sensation unlike any other prostate massager out ther
– I wish the app worked long-distance
Type: Rotating and vibrating prostate massager
Features: 6 vibration modes and 4 rotation
Material: Silicone
Power: Rechargeable
Dimensions: 3.7 insertable inches
Waterproof: Submersible.
Best long distance butt plug
Finally, a win for long distance lovers! This butt plug can be controlled by an app from anywhere in the world, proving you don’t have to miss out on your sex life just because you’re apart.
Choose from one of its four sizes: one, 1.5, 1.75 or 2.25 inch diameter to match your experience. Then you’ll get access to the whole universe inside the Lovense app, from unlimited customised vibration patterns, to erotic content synced to your toy, or roulette where you can let an anonymous stranger control your orgasm for the evening.
+ Has up to 8 hours of continuous use
+ Flared base for safety
+ Choose the width based on your experience
– Honestly the worst thing we can think of is that there are too many features to play with. Woe is me!
Type: App-controlled vibrating butt plug
Features: Unlimited vibration modes
Material: Silicone
Power: Rechargeable
Dimensions: 1 inch to 2.25 inch diameter; 3.86 to 5.16 inch insertable length
Waterproof: Yes.
Best girthy anal dildo
Sofie Roos recommends the slimmer version of this toy, which unfortunately isn’t available in the UK. However, if you’re into girth, you’re in luck: this thick boy is available to order via Sinful.
“This is an affordable yet luxurious, realistic-feeling, but neutrally looking, soft and hand made anal dildo from the US premium sex toy brand Vixen,” says Roos.
“The dildo has amazing details and is made out of lovely silicone, and it feels almost like a real penis, especially if warming it up in some luke-warm water beforehand.
“It has a solid base that lets you use it safely, and it’s harness-compatible which means that you can use it during strapping, the glans is easy to insert in combination with some lube, and its bent shape stimulates the prostate for men, which can lead to amazing orgasms!”
+ Textured to make it feel realistic
+ Can be used for G-spot, A-spot or P-spot stimulation
– Might be too girthy for some, and not suitable for anal beginners
Type: Anal dildo
Features: 2.2 inch diameter
Material: Silicone
Power: None
Dimensions: 6.9 insertable inches
Waterproof: Yes.
How to prepare for anal sex
Warm up first
“It’s important to remember that the anal requires time and some work to get warmed up and ready for stimulation — it’s not like the penis or vagina which gets ready for pleasurable and safe sex much quicker,” Roos explains.
This doesn’t only mean in the moment, it also means in the weeks and months leading up to having sex, too. Play with a finger or dilator set before you use a sex toy to avoid potentially overstretching your anus, which can lead to injury.
To clean or not to clean
“My best advice is to start with making sure you’re clean,” she says. “Go to the toilet, and you could use an anal douche until the water comes out is clean.”
However, not everyone wants to douche, and that’s okay! Where there’s smoke there’s fire, they say, and when there’s anal, there’s going to be a little poop. Don’t panic.
We’ll admit that’s not the sexiest thing, so if you’d prefer to not have that in mind, go ahead and douche.
“Knowing that you won’t make a mess not only makes it easier to relax, which is very important, but also makes it more pleasurable as there’s no poop in the way for the toy,” says Roos.
Lube and condoms
“Always, always, always use tons of lube, way more than you think you’ll need, and re-apply during the session,” Roos recommends.
“As the anal canal doesn’t produce any natural lubrication, you must use a lot, both on the toy itself and around the anus.”
It’s worth investing in a good one, too. “Silicone-based lubes are best, but if you’re using a sex toy made out of silicone, or a condom, then go for a water- based option instead,” Roos says.
Condom
If you’re using a dildo, you might want to a use a condom, too, as this will reduce the amount of clear up you have to do and stop infections from spreading if you’re sharing it with a partner.
“Also avoid sharing the anal toy with a partner if not using a condom that you change between the partner swapping,” Roos says. “If you’d like to switch between vaginal and anal usage, then always wear a condom that you change, and ideally also clean it before going between the holes.”
Just remember if you’re using a condom you can’t use oil-based lube.
Go slow
When you’re ready to play, don’t shove anything in if it doesn’t feel comfortable. It’s important to have anal sex in the most relaxed environment possible, and listen to your body.
“Begin carefully by slowly and steadily inserting a small buttplug or anal dildo to make the sphincter relax, while you do your best to relax,” Roos advises.
“Give it time and don’t stress, which is why I recommend choosing a moment where you have plenty of time on you.
“For most people, it feels easier to start exploring anal sex toys on your own to get familiar with the feeling, so I recommend newbies to start during masturbation.
“You can also use a mirror if you’d like to see what’s going on down there, which can feel both sexy and safer.”
FAQs about anal sex toys
Who is anal sex for?
“Anal sex toys can be used by both men and women, straight and queer people, singles and people in a relationship,” clarifies Roos.
“People who are interested in discovering new types of sexual pleasure, who want to stimulate their prostate, who enjoy the feeling of getting filled, who want to prepare for penetrative anal sex or who’d like to make the sex more dynamic are examples of folks that anal sex toys are for.”
Who should not have anal sex?
“If you are experiencing painful hemorrhoids, have anal fissures, are recovering from a surgery in the area, experiencing rectal pain or bleeding, or have an active infection, you must wait until your condition gets better, and ideally consult your doctor before investing in ass toys and start using them,” says Roos.
“And remember that if you feel uncomfortable during usage, or if it leads to pain or bleeding, then stop immediately. Safety always comes first.”
How do you clean anal sex toys?
You must clean anal sex toys before and after using them, and if you’re sharing with a partner, clean them between uses, too.
You can do this using warm soap and water, or with a sex toy cleaner.
