The 11 Best Anal Sex Toys for Every Experience Level

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Ah butt, the great equalizer. Everyone has them and is capable of feeling great joy. Whether you’re a beginner or already wandering the booty zone, we’ve got the best anal sex toys to make your anal exploration a thrilling adventure.

Of course, if this is your first time using an anal sex toy, it’s normal to feel scared and nervous, even a little scared, especially if there is nothing Been there before. If you’re with a partner, remember to slow down, communicate, and notice what feels good and what feels like too much.

“When you venture into anal territory, the first thing to consider is how the anus is a pleasure zone for both the male and female body,” says Gigi Engel, a certified sex and relationship psychotherapist and dating app’s resident intimacy expert Engle) said, 3 interesting. “People of all (or no) genders have a butt hole, and it’s a potential erogenous zone for everyone.”

We’ve got plenty of great anal sex toys to recommend, suitable for every level of experience, but first, let’s go over some basic rules of anal play to make sure you’re having fun with your shiny new toy.

Anal Sex Toy Tips

“Shame and shame only lead people to engage in anal sex without knowing what they’re doing,” Engel told SheKnows. “The anus is very sensitive. It doesn’t lubricate or stretch naturally like the vagina does.”

So, there are a few things you need to know before using anal sex toys. “If you jump into anal sex right away without any warm-up, you’re going to hurt someone,” Engel warns. “You could be at risk for tears, anal fissures, or a trip to the emergency room.” Yes, it’s that serious—so don’t skip any of these simple safety steps.

Lubricate it. When it comes to any kind of anal sex, “lube is your golden ticket,” says Engel. (No, spit is not an acceptable substitute.) “Get yourself some reliable lube. The wetter the better,” says Engel. Without lube, you could injure yourself or your partner. For silicone toys, be sure to use water-based lubricants such as Sliquid H2O and KY Liquid, as silicone lubricants can stick to your silicone toys and cause damage (in addition to making them sticky and uncomfortable). However, if you use metal or glass toys, be sure to use a silicone lubricant like Überlube – it lasts forever and can be used in the shower!

Get a condom. Engel says if you have anal sex with a partner, make sure you have condoms on hand, especially if you don’t know their current STI status. (By the way, it’s always a good thing to talk about this before engaging in any form of sex.) “The delicate tissue of the anus is very susceptible to STIs,” explains Engel. “Safer sex is better sex.” This includes wearing a condom on any penis or sex toy involved.

Start with one finger. Start opening things up with one well-lubricated finger, then try two fingers and then a small butt plug. Be sure to take your time. “The anus is not a muscle that naturally stretches to allow objects to enter it,” Engel said. “We know exactly what its primary physical function is, and it’s not a portal. It needs to be gently stretched and kneaded.”

Keep it shallow. Whether you’re inserting with a penis, a toy, or a finger, there’s no need to go too deep. “You don’t have to push anything too far into the rectum to feel the sensation,” Engel explains. In fact, most of your anal nerves are located within the first two inches of your anal opening. “This is a nerve-rich cluster that can be stimulated with your fingers, a small (or large, depending on your experience level) butt plug,” Engel says. “There’s a common misconception that because the anus isn’t a closed tube like the vagina, you should tape things down as much as possible. That’s not the case.”

be patient. “Anal training can take anywhere from a few hours to a few months,” says Engel, so don’t rush it. “If you go too fast, you may experience severe pain. Once you’ve hurt someone, the chances of trying anal sex again are slim. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Now that you’re lubed up and strapped in (pun intended), let’s get into anal sex.

The best anal sex toys at a glance

Best Overall: Lovehoney Butt Tingler 10 Function Vibrating Butt Plug, $26
Best for pinning: No-tie nudge, $25
Best for first penetration: Aneros Progasm, $60
Best for vibration lovers: b-Vibe Newbie Butt Plug, $100 (regularly $133)
Best Anal Beads: Fifty Shades of Gray Pleasure Enhancing Anal Beads, $9
Best small plug: Tantus Little Flirt small plug, $27
Best Stainless Steel Toys: Njoy Pure Plug, $48 (regularly $60)
Best for Long Distance Lovers: We-Vibe Same as above, $97
Best for strong vibrations: Earth Quaker Anal Vibe, $30 (regularly $60)
Best for rimming: B-vibe vaginal plugs 2, $165
Best for double penetration: Silicone Love Rider Double Penetrator, $17 (regularly $26)
Best for prostate stimulation: Lello Bruno, $149

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only recommend products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Lovehoney is a sponsor of SheKnows, but all products in this article are independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking a link in this story, we may receive a small commission on the sale.

Anal sex toys for newbies

Anal sex toys for anal sex lovers

Anal sex toys for experienced professionals

Anal toys are an amazing way to change things up in the bedroom, explore your body to the fullest, and enjoy pregnancy like no one else can. Anal play is good for all bodies, but if you plan on using toys with multiple people, be sure to ease into this new level of play, embrace lube, and use condoms with the toys. Have fun, stay safe, and let your equalizer work.

A version of this article was originally published in 2018.

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