Anal play may sound intimidating at first, but once you’ve got the facts, you’ll be welcomed into a world of endless possibilities and pleasure. To help you on your search for the best anal toys to add to your nightstand, we created a shopping guide for the best anal sex toys.
“Once you are into anal sex, you will soon realize that it takes a village (a collection of toys) to remotely satisfy your desires,” says Katie Lasson, a clinical sexologist and sex, intimacy, and relationship advisor at UK-based sex shop Peaches and Screams.
- Butt plugs: Butt plugs are gender-neutral (AKA can be enjoyed by anyone!) and are designed to give the user a feeling of fullness. Butt plugs can also be used to safely stretch one’s anus. Plugs come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made of silicone, glass, or stainless steel. Some even feature a furry “tail” or diamond on the external, non-inserted end (you know, to zhuzh things up a bit).
- Anal dildos: Anal dildos can be used during solo or partnered play. Similar to plugs, dildos give the user a feeling of fullness and can be found in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Some dildos are meant to perform a specific function. A P-spot dildo, for example, is designed to stimulate the prostate whereas a double-ended dildo can be used for dual penetration during solo play or with a harness for partnered play.
- Anal beads: Anal beads are different from butt plugs in that they’re designed to provide pleasure when they’re moved in and out of the anus. Anal beads consist of a few bead-like spheres all of which are connected by a wand or string. The larger beads are located on the bottom of the wand and the smaller beads at the top, so the user can insert according to size (and comfort). Some anal beads are made to vibrate and can be controlled via a remote.
- Prostate toys: The prostate or P-spot is a walnut-sized gland that’s located two inches into the anal canal of penis owners. Like the G-spot for vulva owners, the P-spot is a major pleasure point. Prostate toys are shaped to stimulate the P-spot. These toys come in vibrating and nonvibrating versions.
A word of caution
When it comes to buying an anal sex toy (whether it’s a plug, dildo, beads, etc.) it’s important to find one with a flared base so it can be easily removed. If it doesn’t have a flared base, handle, or ring, it may get “lost” and need to be surgically removed.
The best anal sex toys on the market
Unlike the vagina, the anus isn’t self-lubricating. This means using lube isn’t an option, it’s a must. If you’re unsure of which lube to choose, opt for a toy-compatible, water-based lube, like Doc Johnson’s Anal Relaxer Water-Based Warming Lube, this way you won’t be limited to which toys you can use.
1. B-Vibe Novice Plug
If you’re new to anal play, that’s OK! This novice plug by B-Vice is perfect for beginners. It’s small, yet powerful with 15 different vibrating patterns and six intensity levels. There’s also an additional motor installed on the tip of the toy for indirect stimulation. The B-Vice Novice Plug can run for 60 minutes per charge and includes a one-touch, wireless remote control that works up to 30 feet away.
2. ARIO Anal Plug by JimmyJane
JimmyJane’s toys aren’t just toys — they’re works of art. The ARIO Anal Plug, for example, is one of the chicest butt plugs we’ve ever seen. It’s pink, made of borosilicate glass, and dishwasher safe. Use it for temperature play, foreplay, or during intercourse. Either way, the ARIO will make you feel sexy and full.
3. Six-Inch Perfect Anchor 3-in-1 Velvet Touch 3-Speed Vibrator
Experience not one, not two, but three amazing sensations with the 3-in-1 Velvet Touch 3-Speed Vibrator. This vibrator is equipped with an anal intruder, clitoris tickler, and a G-Spot stimulator. In addition to featuring three pleasuring appendages, this vibe has three vibration speeds. The only downfall? This toy requires two triple-A batteries (included). So make sure you have a few on hand, just in case!
4. Aneros Helix Syn Trident Silicone Prostate Massager
Aneros is the No. 1 seller of prostate massagers, so when it comes to pleasuring the P-spot, Aneros is the place to go. This toy in particular is a redesign of the original Aneros Helix. It offers four inches of insertable length and a three-inch girth. The Aneros Helix Syn Trident Silicone Prostate Massager (as the name suggests) allows the user to self-administer a prostate massage so they can hit the big O solo.
5. PlusOne Dual Vibrating Arc
PlusOne may have a large selection of vibrators, but the PlusOne Dual Vibrating Arc is probably the most versatile vibe of the bunch. It can be used to pleasure the G-spot, the P-spot, the anus, and the clitoris. It can also be used to stimulate other erogenous zones, like the areola and nipples. (Be careful not to switch back and forth between the anus and the vagina as it could drag bacteria from one place to another and lead to possible infection.) Each end features five vibration settings and contains its own motor. It’s also waterproof (perfect for shower play) and USB rechargeable.
6. Satisfyer Love Beads
Satisfyer is known for giving its consumers earth-shattering orgasms with its various vibes and clitoral sucking toys, but did you know Satisfyer sells anal toys too? Satisfyer’s Love Beads are ideal for beginners who want to explore anal play sans intimidation. Made from body-safe silicone, these Love Beads are the perfect way to stimulate both the perineum and prostate. They’re also super-soft, easy to clean, and come with a 15-year warranty!
