Anal Sex Toy Buying Guide

If you’re curious about anal play but feeling a little unsure where to start, you are definitely not alone. Anal toys can feel intimidating at first because there are so many styles, sizes, materials, and features to choose from. The good news? With the right information, plenty of lube, and a toy designed specifically for anal use, exploring backdoor pleasure can feel comfortable, exciting, and completely at your own pace.

(Pssst... If it’s your first time, consider reading our anal sex beginner’s guide too!)

At Naughty North, we understand that choosing your first anal toy can come with questions. What size should you start with? Which materials are safest? Do you need a butt plug, anal beads, or a prostate massager? How much lube is enough? This guide is here to help you feel informed, confident, and ready to choose the anal toy that best fits your body, your comfort level, and the kind of sensation you’re curious to explore.

Anal play should never feel rushed or pressured. Whether you’re shopping solo, with a partner, or simply gathering information for later, you deserve a pleasurable experience that feels safe, relaxed, and genuinely good for you.

This guide will contain the following parts:

• Types of Anal Sex Toys
• Anal Sex Toy Materials
• Special Features
• Lube Up Always
• Anal Sex Toy Price Points
• Safety Tips

Types of Anal Sex Toys

What kind of anal experience are you looking for? Something gentle and beginner-friendly? Something full and rumbly? Something designed for prostate pleasure? Anal toys come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and sensations, which means there truly is something for almost every comfort level and curiosity.

The most important thing is to choose a toy that is designed for anal use. Anal toys should always have a flared base, retrieval loop, handle, or other secure stopping point to keep them safely outside the body. From there, you can explore the type of toy that matches the experience you want.

Anal Beads

Anal beads are a classic option for beginners and sensation seekers alike. They usually feature a series of connected beads that gradually increase in size, allowing you to explore fullness and movement at your own pace.

To use anal beads, apply plenty of lubricant to both the beads and the anus, then insert them slowly one bead at a time. You can pause at any point, breathe, relax, and decide whether you want to continue. Some people enjoy the sensation of inserting and removing the beads gradually, while others enjoy removing them slowly during arousal or orgasm for a unique wave-like feeling.

For beginners, start with smaller, flexible beads made from body-safe materials. Larger beads can create more intense sensations, but there is never any need to rush. The goal is pleasure, not endurance.

Anal Dildos

Anal dildos are designed for penetration and movement, but they are not the same as every other dildo. While some dildos can be used anally if they have a safe flared base, anal-specific dildos are usually shaped with comfort and safety in mind.

Many anal dildos feature a tapered tip for easier insertion, a slimmer shaft, and a wide base that helps prevent the toy from slipping fully inside the body. Some are curved to target the prostate, while others are shaped to create fullness, pressure, or a realistic sensation.

For people with a prostate, a curved anal dildo can help stimulate the prostate, sometimes called the P-spot. For people without a prostate, curved anal toys can still feel pleasurable because they create pressure through the shared wall between the rectum and vagina. Some people enjoy this as part of blended stimulation with a vibrator, dildo, or partner play.

When choosing an anal dildo, look for a smooth surface, body-safe material, a comfortable girth, and a secure flared base. If you are new to anal penetration, smaller and slimmer is usually the better place to begin.

Butt Plugs

Butt plugs are designed to be inserted and left in place for a period of time. They are one of the most popular anal toys because they come in so many shapes, sizes, and styles, from petite beginner plugs to larger plugs for more experienced users.

Most butt plugs have a tapered tip, a wider body, a narrow neck, and a flared base. The tapered tip helps with insertion, while the narrow neck helps the plug stay comfortably in place. The flared base keeps the toy safely outside the body.

Beginners may prefer a small silicone butt plug with a slim neck and flexible feel. More experienced users might enjoy larger sizes, firmer materials, vibrating plugs, or plugs designed for wearing during masturbation, partnered sex, or other types of play.

A comfortable butt plug should feel full, secure, and noticeable without sharp pain or numbness. If a plug feels too large, too intense, or uncomfortable, pause and try a smaller size.

Prostate Massagers

Prostate massagers are designed to stimulate the prostate, a sensitive gland located a few inches inside the rectum toward the front of the body. For many people with prostates, prostate stimulation can feel deeply pleasurable and may create a different kind of orgasm than penis stimulation alone.

Prostate massagers are usually curved to help reach the prostate more easily. Some have a bulbous head, flexible neck, external perineum stimulator, vibration, or remote control features. The external arm may press against the perineum, which is the area between the scrotum and anus, adding another layer of sensation.

If you are new to prostate play, start with a smaller, smooth, body-safe prostate massager and use plenty of lubricant. Gentle pressure, slow movement, and relaxed breathing are key. Prostate pleasure can be subtle at first, so give your body time to respond without forcing anything.

Vibrating prostate massagers can add rumbly stimulation and may make it easier to explore different sensations. Non-vibrating options can be wonderful too, especially if you prefer pressure, fullness, or more manual control.

Anal Sex Toy Materials

Because anal toys are used internally, material matters. The right material affects how the toy feels, how easy it is to clean, how long it lasts, and how body-safe it is.

Whenever possible, choose non-porous, body-safe materials such as silicone, stainless steel, or glass. Non-porous materials are easier to clean and less likely to hold bacteria when properly cared for. Porous materials can be harder to fully sanitize, so they may be best used with condoms.

Plastic (ABS)

ABS plastic is a firm, smooth, body-safe plastic used in many sex toys, especially vibrators, plugs, and toys with handles or control panels. It is durable, easy to clean, and often more affordable than luxury materials.

Because ABS plastic is firm and not very flexible, it may feel more intense during anal play. If you choose an ABS anal toy, use plenty of lubricant and insert slowly. Firm toys can be excellent for targeted pressure, but beginners may prefer smaller sizes or softer materials while learning what feels good.

As always, choose toys from reputable brands and retailers so you know the material is body-safe and intended for intimate use.

Silicone

Silicone is one of the most popular materials for anal toys, and for good reason. Body-safe silicone is smooth, non-porous, easy to clean, and often has a softer, more flexible feel than plastic, glass, or steel.

Silicone toys can range from plush and squishy to firm and structured, so pay attention to the shape and firmness as well as the size. A softer silicone butt plug or anal dildo can be a great choice for beginners because it feels more forgiving during insertion and movement.

Silicone is also easy to care for. Most silicone toys can be cleaned with warm water and mild soap or a toy cleaner. Some non-motorized silicone toys may be boilable for deeper cleaning, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions first.

One important note: silicone lubricant can damage some silicone toys. For silicone anal toys, water-based lubricant is usually the safest choice unless the toy manufacturer confirms that a specific hybrid or silicone lubricant is compatible.

PVC (Jelly)

PVC, often called jelly rubber, has been used in many affordable sex toys because it can feel soft, flexible, and squishy. However, jelly toys are often porous, which means they can hold onto bacteria, odours, and residue more easily than non-porous materials.

Some PVC or jelly toys may also contain additives that can create a strong rubbery smell or feel irritating for some bodies. Because of this, many people prefer to choose silicone, glass, stainless steel, or ABS plastic instead.

If you do use a PVC or jelly anal toy, choose it from a trusted brand, inspect it before every use, and consider using a condom over the toy each time. Condoms can make cleanup easier and add a protective barrier, especially with porous materials.

Stainless Steel (Medical grade)

Medical-grade stainless steel is a sleek, firm, non-porous material often used for luxury anal toys like butt plugs and prostate massagers. It is beautifully smooth, easy to clean, and very durable when properly cared for.

Because steel is firm and weighty, it can feel more intense than silicone. Some people love the feeling of pressure and fullness that stainless steel provides, while others may find it too rigid as a first anal toy. If you are newer to anal play, consider starting with a smaller steel toy or exploring silicone first.

Stainless steel also offers temperature play. You can warm it slightly in warm water or cool it briefly for a different sensation. Always test the temperature on your wrist before using it on sensitive areas.

Glass (Blown glass)

Glass anal toys are usually made from body-safe borosilicate glass, which is smooth, firm, non-porous, and easy to clean. Like stainless steel, glass offers a sleek glide with the right lubricant and can be used for gentle temperature play.

Glass toys may look delicate, but quality borosilicate glass is designed to be strong and durable. Still, always inspect glass toys before use. If you see chips, cracks, or rough spots, do not use the toy.

Because glass is firm, beginners may prefer smaller sizes and simple shapes. The smooth surface can make insertion feel easier with plenty of lube, but the firmness means you should move slowly and listen closely to your body.

Special Features

Anal toys can be simple and satisfying, or they can come with extra features that add new sensations. The right feature depends on how you want to play, where you plan to use the toy, and whether you want gentle pressure, vibration, hands-free wear, or waterproof convenience.

Vibrating

Vibrating anal toys add extra stimulation through rumbles, pulses, and patterns. Vibration can feel especially pleasurable because the anal area has many sensitive nerve endings, and for people with prostates, vibration can help stimulate the prostate more directly.

You can find vibrating butt plugs, vibrating anal beads, vibrating prostate massagers, and vibrating anal dildos. Beginners may want a toy with lower intensity settings so they can ease in slowly. If you enjoy stronger sensations, look for deeper, rumbly vibration and multiple speeds.

Waterproof

Waterproof anal toys are useful for shower play, bath play, and easier cleaning. If you enjoy getting frisky in the shower or want a toy you can rinse thoroughly, waterproof designs can be a great option.

Always check whether a toy is fully waterproof or only splashproof. Waterproof usually means it can be submerged according to the manufacturer’s instructions, while splashproof generally means it can handle light rinsing but should not be placed underwater.

Even with waterproof toys, be mindful that water is not a substitute for lubricant. Anal play still requires a generous amount of body-safe lube.

Flared Base

A flared base is one of the most important safety features for anal toys. Unlike the vagina, the rectum does not have a natural stopping point that prevents toys from being pulled farther inside. A flared base, handle, loop, or wide external anchor helps keep the toy safely retrievable.

Butt plugs, anal dildos, and prostate massagers should all have a base that is wider than the insertable portion of the toy. If a toy does not have a secure base, do not use it for anal penetration.

For wearing a butt plug during movement or partnered sex, choose a base that feels comfortable between the cheeks. Some people prefer T-bar bases, while others prefer round, oval, or looped bases.

Lube Up Always!

The golden rule of anal play: always use lube, and use more than you think you need.

The anus does not self-lubricate the way the vagina can, so lubricant is essential for comfort, safety, and pleasure. Without enough lube, friction can cause irritation, discomfort, or small tears in delicate tissue. A good anal lubricant creates glide, reduces friction, and helps your body relax into the experience.

Reapply as often as needed. There is no prize for using less lube. More lube usually means more comfort, more pleasure, and a smoother experience.

Of course, you have to know what type of lubricant would best suit your need. Here are your 2 basic options and its uses:

1. Silicone-based Lube

Silicone-based lubricant is often recommended for anal sex because it tends to last longer and has a slick, cushiony feel. It does not absorb as quickly as water-based lube, which can make it helpful for longer sessions or anal penetration with a partner.

Silicone lube is usually condom-compatible when used with latex condoms, but always check the label to be sure. It is also great for shower play because it does not rinse away as quickly as water-based lube.

The main caution is toy compatibility. Silicone lubricant should generally not be used with silicone toys because it can damage the toy’s surface. If you are using a silicone anal toy, choose water-based lube unless the manufacturer clearly states otherwise.

2. Water-based Lube

Water-based lubricant is the most versatile option. It is compatible with most toys, including silicone anal toys, and it is easy to clean from skin, sheets, and toy surfaces.

For anal play, look for a thicker water-based lubricant or one specifically designed for anal use. Thicker formulas provide more cushion and tend to stay in place better than thin, watery lubes.

Water-based lube may need to be reapplied more often, especially during longer sessions. That is completely normal. Keep the bottle nearby and add more whenever things start to feel less slippery.

Using silicone-based lube on a silicone anal toy may damage the toy, so water-based lubricant is usually the safest and easiest choice for silicone butt plugs, prostate massagers, anal dildos, and vibrating anal toys.

3. Specialty Anal Lubes

You will also see lubricants labelled specifically as anal lubes. These can be excellent options because many are thicker, longer-lasting, or designed to provide extra cushion for anal play.

Some specialty anal lubes are water-based, some are silicone-based, and some are hybrid formulas that combine water-based and silicone-based ingredients. Hybrid lubes may be safe for some silicone toys, but not always. Always check the label and the toy manufacturer’s care instructions before pairing a hybrid lube with a silicone toy.

Some anal lubes include soothing ingredients like aloe. Others are designed to feel extra plush or slick. What we generally do not recommend for beginners are numbing or desensitizing anal products. Pain is important information from your body. If you cannot feel discomfort, it becomes easier to push past your limits without realizing it.

If something hurts, pause. Add more lube, slow down, switch to a smaller toy, or stop completely. Anal play should feel pleasurable, not punishing.

Anal Sex Toy Price Points

Anal sex toy prices can vary widely depending on the material, brand, size, motor quality, and special features. You can find simple beginner plugs and beads at accessible price points, while luxury stainless steel toys, premium silicone prostate massagers, and remote-controlled vibrating toys usually cost more.

Beginner anal toys such as small butt plugs, slim anal beads, and simple anal dildos are often available in lower price ranges, making it easy to explore without a huge investment. If you are just getting started, focus less on finding the fanciest toy and more on choosing something body-safe, beginner-friendly, and comfortable in size.

More expensive toys may offer higher-quality silicone, stronger motors, rechargeable designs, remote controls, waterproof construction, luxury materials, or better warranties. These features can be worth it if you already know you enjoy anal play or want a toy that will last longer.

At Naughty North, we curate anal toys with comfort, safety, and pleasure in mind. Whether you are looking for your first small butt plug, a smooth set of anal beads, a prostate massager, or a more advanced anal toy, choosing well-made products from a trusted shop can make your experience feel more confident from the start.

Safety First

Anal play can be deeply pleasurable, but safety matters. The anal area is sensitive, and the rectal tissue can be more prone to irritation when there is not enough lubrication, relaxation, or preparation.

Go slowly, use plenty of lube, communicate clearly with partners, and only use toys designed for anal play. There is no need to rush toward bigger toys or more intense sensations. Your body gets to set the pace.

Here are some of the most important dos and don’ts to keep in mind whenever you’re in the mood for anal play.

The Dos

Use the right kind of lubricant. Silicone-based lube can be wonderful for anal sex, while water-based lube is usually best for silicone anal toys. Use as much as needed and reapply often.

Choose anal toys with a tapered tip and a flared base, handle, loop, or other secure stopping point.

Start small, especially if you are a beginner. A smaller toy with a smooth shape is usually more comfortable than jumping straight into larger sizes.

Relax your body before insertion. Arousal, foreplay, external touch, and slow breathing can all help reduce tension.

Clean your body in the way that feels right for you. A gentle wash is often enough for many people. If you choose to douche, use care and avoid overdoing it, as too much douching can irritate the area.

Make sure your toys are clean, properly sanitized, and in good condition before use. Check for cracks, rough seams, damaged surfaces, or battery compartment issues.

Clean your toys after each use with warm water and mild soap, toy cleaner, or the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning method. Let them dry fully before storing.

Store toys separately when possible, especially toys made from softer materials, to prevent material reactions or surface damage.

Use a condom on your toy when needed, especially if the toy is porous, shared with a partner, or being used between different types of play.

Communicate with your partner if you are playing with someone else. Agree on signals, check in often, and stop immediately if something feels wrong.

The Don’ts

Don’t use desensitizing lubes or creams just to push through pain. Pain is a sign to slow down, change something, or stop.

Don’t use the same toy between the anus and vagina without washing it thoroughly or changing the condom first. This helps reduce the risk of transferring bacteria.

Don’t use toys for anal penetration unless they have a flared base or safe retrieval design.

Don’t start anal play without lubricant. Lube is essential, not optional.

Don’t force insertion if your body feels tense, painful, or resistant. Try more arousal, more lube, a smaller toy, or come back to it another time.

Don’t assume bigger is better. The best anal toy is the one that feels good, safe, and comfortable for your body.

Don’t share porous toys without condoms. Non-porous toys are easier to clean, but condoms can still be helpful for shared play.

On a lighter note, anal play is one of those things that can surprise people in the best way. You do not have to be experienced, adventurous, or “wild” to be curious about it. You only need good information, the right toy, a lot of lube, and permission to go at your own pace.