Here are the best anal toys for you and DH to enjoy

Keen to indulge in some anal play? You're not alone! The area may have once been regarded as forbidden fruit - and if you want it to stay that way, that's totally your prerogative - but many of our Mumsnetters have been tempted, and our dedicated sex Talk board is filled with helpful tips and positive experiences from users who have been there, done that. 

Plus, with a wealth of exciting vibrators and anal toys on the market, there are so many ways to begin your journey. “Designed with safety and pleasure in mind, anal toys come in all shapes and sizes to suit every comfort level”, says Holly Hackson, Co-founder of SheSpot, “start small, add lube, and let the fun begin!”

For nervous newbies, anal beads and butt plugs can provide the perfect introduction. There are also anal training kits to ease you into the process, as well as innovative products designed to mimic the sensation of oral or help you experience waves of pleasure with speed and vibration settings. 

“Much like the muscles of any other body part, anal muscles need to be worked up to take bigger objects inside of them”, explains Gigi Engle, Sexpert at SexToys.co.uk and Certified Sex and Relationships Psychotherapist and Sex Educator. 

The best anal toys, at a glance

1. Best silicone anal toy: Smile Makers’ The Neighbour, £35

2. Best anal beads: LELO Soraya Vibrating Anal Beads Butt Plug, £180

3. Best anal toy for temperature play: Lovehoney Jewelled Heart Metal Butt Plug 2.5 Inch, £23

4. Best glass anal toy: biird Anii Iridiescent Medium Sized Butt Plug, £25 

5. Best for beginners: Lovehoney Get Started Beginner's Anal Kit (4 Piece), £35

6. Best app-controlled anal toy: We-Vibe Ditto+ Rechargeable Remote and App Control Vibrating Butt Plug, £55

7. Best budget anal toy: Rocks Off 7 Function Ass Berry Vibrating Butt Plug 2.25 Inch, £20

8. Best anal toy for oral-like sensations: Skins Rose Buddies Bums & Roses, £35

9. Best anal toy for extended wear: B-Vibe Snug Plug 3 Butt Plug, £42

10. Best inflatable anal toy: Lovehoney Vibrating Inflatable Butt Plug 4.5 Inch, £20

11. Best prostate massager: LELO Loki Wave Prostate Massager, £142

12. Best anal toy for double penetration: Lovehoney Double Fun Vibrating Rabbit Double Penetration Strap-On, £30

13. Best anal training kit: B-Vibe Rechargeable Anal Training and Education Butt Plug Set (5 Piece), £80

Given that there’s so many anal toys available to buy out there (yes, there's even anal hooks), it can be tricky to know where to start - especially if you’re a beginner at backdoor play. But fret not, as we’ve completed extensive research and spoken to the experts to help us put together this round up of our top picks - including the best anal toy overall that we reckon is worth having. 

Whether you’re after high-tech, easy to use, all the frills or a butt plug that just does the job during vaginal sex, there’s an anal toy out there for every preference. 

But, before settling on the anal toy for you, there are some things you should consider to make sure you pick a toy that suits your needs:

1. The toy’s material and safety, which is paramount when it comes to anal play. You should choose toys made from body-safe materials like silicone, glass, or stainless steel as they’re non-porous, easy to clean, and less likely to cause irritation or harbour bacteria. 

2. Anal toys come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Beginners should start small and gradually work their way up to larger sizes. Look for toys with tapered tips for easy insertion and a flared base to prevent any chance of losing the toy internally. 

3. Next, consider what functionality and features are important to you. Do you want vibrations? A plug that stays in place during a longer session? A prostate massager for enhanced anal pleasure?

4. Lubrication is essential for safe and enjoyable anal play! Make sure you’re using a water-based lube for silicone toys to avoid damaging the material. Although if you’re using a glass or stainless steel toy, both water- and silicone- based lubes (like Überlube) are safe to use.

5. Look for toys that are easy to clean and maintain. Many high-quality anal toys are actually dishwasher safe or can be sterilised by boiling. 

By keeping these considerations in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to choose an anal toy that meets your needs and ensures a safe, pleasurable experience for all involved. 

SKIP TO: How we’ve tested | How to choose the anal toy for you | Best anal toys roundup | Different types of anal toys | Benefits of anal toys | Tips for first-timers | What size for beginners? | How long can you use one | What lube you should use | How to clean and store | What to do if it gets stuck

How we’ve tested and chosen the best anal toys

Our team of product testers have carefully selected the anal toys featured in this roundup based on Mumsnet user recommendations from our Talk boards. While we complete first-hand testing of the products on this list, we’ve also sought insights from industry experts like SheSpot’s very own Co-founder, Holly Jackson, as well as Sexpert Gigi Engle from SexToys.co.uk to make sure we’ve only picked the anal toys that match their criteria and recommendations. 

So, whether you’re new to anal toys or wanting to try a new toy for backdoor fun, keep reading to discover our recommendations for the best anal toys out there. 

Best anal toys, our roundup

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How to choose the best anal toy for you

When it comes to selecting an anal toy, there are several key factors to consider. I’ve touched upon this briefly at the start of this guide but here, I plan to delve into each consideration in more detail. 

My hope is that these will help you choose a toy that meets your needs, ensures safety, and enhances your pleasure.

1. Body-safe materials

The material of your toy is critical for both comfort and hygiene. “Make sure to use a completely non-porous material such as plastic, medical grade, body-safe silicone, or stainless steel,” says Gigi Engle, Sexpert at SexToys.co.uk. Non-porous materials are easier to clean, don’t harbour bacteria, and reduce the risk of irritation. 

Toys made from porous materials like jelly or rubber should be avoided as they can trap bacteria and deteriorate over time.

High-quality options are excellent beginner choices due to their body-safe design and ease of use. “A great first toy is Helix by Aneros”, adds Gigi. 

2. Size and shape (start small and build comfort)

Beginners should prioritise smaller, beginner-friendly toys to ease into anal play. “With anal toys for beginners, definitely start with small toys,” advises Engle. She also recommends considering a dilating kit: “These usually come with about three different-sized anal toys. For those interested in having anal play turn into anal penetration, this will work the muscles of the anus up to prepare for bigger sizes.”

Look for toys with:

• Tapered tips for easier insertion.

• Flared bases to ensure the toy stays safely outside the body, as “the anus has two rings, and one can’t be controlled,” warns Engle. 

Without a flared base, toys can become lost and may require medical attention - and nobody wants to be that person in the A&E department. 

3. Features and functionality like vibrations and stimulation

Different features can drastically influence your experience. “You don’t need to have a gigantic toy to experience all that anal has to offer,” explains Engle. The majority of nerve endings are located near the anal opening, so even smaller toys can provide immense pleasure.

Key features to consider:

• Vibrating toys for enhanced stimulation.

• Prostate-specific toys for those with penises: “An anal toy designed for prostate stimulation will be shaped with a curve. The prostate is located inside the anus, hooked up towards the belly button,” says Engle. Toys like the We-Vibe Ditto or Aneros Helix Syn are excellent options.

• Strap-on compatible toys: If you’re looking for toys to use with a partner, choose straight designs that allow for easy thrusting.

4. Lubrication is essential

Lubrication is non-negotiable for anal play. Water-based lubricants are the most versatile and safe for all toy materials, especially silicone. 

However, if using glass or stainless steel toys, you can also opt for silicone-based lubricants like Überlube, which provide a silky, long-lasting feel.

5. Prioritise hygiene through proper cleaning and maintenance

Proper cleaning is critical to prevent infections and ensure your anal toys last. “Make sure they are cleaned after every single use. Clean for at least two minutes with warm, soapy water,” advises Engle. For extra peace of mind, many anal toys are dishwasher safe or can be sterilized by boiling.

Engle also emphasises hygiene to prevent cross-contamination: “Any toy used in the rectum should not then go into a vagina or mouth. This can cause BV, yeast infections or any spread of STIs. Also, putting a toy in the mouth after an anus can encourage E-coli poisoning.”

6. Listen to your body

Engle stresses the importance of paying attention to your comfort: “If anything feels painful or uncomfortable, stop and take a break. Anal play should never be painful—this is a common misconception. It may feel unusual, but never painful.”

There is a variety of anal toys available to suit all levels of experience and preferences

What are the different types of anal toys available?

Anal toys come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and functionalities, each designed to cater to different preferences and experiences. Understanding the options available can help you choose the best toy to suit your needs and comfort level. 

Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types of anal toys:

Butt plugs 

These are one of the most common anal toys, loved for their simplicity and versatility. They’re designed to be inserted, stay in place and are suitable for all experience levels. In fact, our first choice in our roundup is a butt plug, the Smile Makers The Neighbour (RRP £35). 

They’re often tapered for easy insertion and should have a flared base for safety. You can get butt plugs in all sizes, materials and designs, like weighted plugs or vibrating ones for added stimulation.

Anal beads

These consist of a series of graduated balls or beads strung together, with a loop or handle at the end for safe removal like LELO’s Soraya toy (RRP £180). They’re designed to be inserted slowly, one bead at a time, and can provide a rather unique sensation when removed during climax. 

Prostate massagers

Gigi Engle describes prostate massagers as toys that are designed to stimulate the prostate (aka the P-spot) and “will be shaped with a curve because the prostate is located inside the anus, hooked up towards the belly button. This area is really pleasure-packed.” 

These toys, like LELO’s Loki (RRP £118), often have a bulbous or angled tip to provide precise stimulation and may include vibration for enhanced pleasure. 

Anal dildos

These are similar to vaginal dildos, but are specifically designed with safety features for anal use, like a flared base. They come in various shapes and girths, often featuring different inches of insertable length, making them suitable for anyone.

Anal stretchers and dilators

These toys are intended to gradually stretch the anal muscles, often as part of preparation for more advanced anal activities. You might find them in anal training kits, too, like B-Vibe’s Rechargeable Anal Training and Education Butt Plug Set (RRP £100). Dilators typically come in sets of increasing sizes, allowing users to work their way up at a comfortable pace.

Double penetration toys

For those interested in dual stimulation, double penetration toys (like Lovehoney’s Double Fun Vibrating Rabbit Double Penetration Strap-On, RRP £30) are designed to provide vaginal and anal penetration simultaneously. These toys often feature flexible designs that make them easy to use solo or with a partner.

Inflatable toys

Inflatable anal toys are unique because they allow users to adjust their size after insertion. They can be pumped to gradually increase their girth, providing a customisable experience for more advanced users. Lovehoney’s Vibrating Inflatable Butt Plug is a great example and one that features in our roundup.

What are the benefits of using an anal toy?

Some of our Mumsnetters insist they love anal sex, while others say they enjoy teasing with a finger or a toy. Anal toys can offer a non-intimidating introduction to backdoor play and alongside lube, provide easy insertion that’s full of pleasure.

For men, anal play can unlock incredible pleasure by stimulating the prostate, often referred to as the “P-spot", making this kind of sex really enjoyable. The prostate is a highly sensitive gland located inside the anus, and targeted stimulation can lead to intense orgasms. The prostate is a highly sensitive gland located inside the anus, and targeted stimulation can lead to intense orgasms.

While much of the conversation around anal play focuses on men, women can also enjoy incredible pleasure from anal stimulation. Anal toys can enhance sensations during penetrative sex by creating a feeling of fullness or indirectly stimulating the vaginal walls and G-spot.

- MrsBrollie

For those who are curious but hesitant about anal play, toys can provide a non-intimidating way to explore. Starting with smaller toys, such as butt plugs or anal beads, can help users gradually become more comfortable.

“Toys that come in a dilating kit are a great starting point,” says Engle. “They allow you to work the muscles of the anus up to prepare for larger sizes, making the experience both safe and pleasurable.”

That’s not all, anal toys can enhance intimacy by encouraging open communication and trust between partners, while adding variety and excitement to solo or partnered play. They prepare the body for anal sex by gently stretching muscles, reducing discomfort, and boosting confidence. 

With options ranging from vibrating plugs to roleplay-friendly tail designs, anal toys inject fun and playfulness into your sex life, offering a versatile way to explore and enjoy new forms of pleasure.

What are some top tips for first-time anal?

Our Mumsnet community is full of helpful tips if you’re nervous. B1rd suggests massaging the opening first to ease into it, while MrsBrollie says butt plugs are great for relaxing the sphincter. 

“With anal toys for beginners, definitely start with small toys,” Engle explains. “It really isn’t recommended to shove a penis or larger anal toy into a butt hole, this will really hurt and cause tearing. 

“Much like the muscles of any other body part, anal muscles need to be worked up to take bigger objects inside of them. There are so many amazing smaller toys to assist here. 

“We-Vibe and Aneros make great small toys that vibrate or some that don’t, depending on preference.”

What size anal toy should a beginner use?

When it comes to sex toys, there is no ideal size. Everyone is unique and tolerances and preferences can differ. 

If you’re apprehensive, consider a small toy and see how it feels. The B-Vibe Anal Training Kit is a great choice as it offers three butt plugs in different sizes, so you can experiment and work your way up.

How long can you keep an anal toy in?

There’s no exact time frame but make sure they’re made of a body-safe material. If you’re using a metal or glass toy, check for any cracks or chips prior to use that could cause injury.

Always listen to your body—if you experience any pain, discomfort, or irritation, remove the toy immediately. For longer sessions, use plenty of lubricant to minimise friction and monitor how your body feels.

Related: Best sex toys for women

Which lube should I use for anal toys?

It’s always best to check the product’s specifications to see whether it advises a certain type of lubricant. 

Water-based lubricants are usually your best bet (and the preferred choice of lube for silicone toys) but metal and glass toys often work with any type. Our guide to the best lubes can help here. 

How to properly clean and store your anal toys

To maintain hygiene and prolong the life of your anal toys, always check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. 

For non-porous materials like glass, stainless steel, or silicone, wash thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial soap, or sterilise by boiling (if non-vibrating). Waterproof toys can be cleaned with soapy water, while non-waterproof toys should be wiped with specialised toy cleaning wipes (both Lovehoney and Ann Summers do their own that are handy to have). 

For porous toys, clean carefully and consider using a condom during play to reduce bacteria buildup. Store all toys in a clean, dry place, ideally in their own pouch or container, to keep them free from dust and contamination.

What to do if your anal toy gets stuck

Most anal toys are designed with a flared base or anchor to prevent them from getting stuck, but accidents can happen. 

If a toy does become lodged, stay calm and avoid panicking. The anus is a muscle, and tensing up will make removal more difficult. Take slow, deep breaths, and try to relax your pelvic muscles. 

Squatting can sometimes help encourage the toy to move downwards. If these methods don’t work, or if you experience significant pain or discomfort, seek help from a healthcare professional promptly. 

Never attempt to retrieve the toy with unsafe tools, as this can cause injury. 

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful guides like this one.

About the experts

• Holly Jackson is Co-founder of SheSpot, along with Kalila Bolton. The duo launched SheSpot in 2021 with the aim of bringing women’s sexual wellbeing into the mainstream.

• Gigi Engle, Sexpert at SexToys.co.uk is a Certified Sex and Relationships Psychotherapist, Sex Educator and Award Winning Author.

About the authors

Kat Romero is a writer and journalist with over a decade’s experience in the industry. Hailing from London, she has become experienced in scouring the market to find the sex toys that are worth your purchase thanks to her work here at Mumsnet as well as over at Metro UK. 

Away from her desk, Kat can be found consuming far too much coffee and spending her weekends with her toddler and partner - soaking up the sights of London and sampling anything new and exciting that has opened up within walking distance.

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. After birthing and breastfeeding two babies in two years, Rebecca knows first-hand how hard it can be to reignite intimacy. From condoms, to lubricants, to vibrators - she’s on a quest to find the best ones, with the help of Mumsnet user recommendations.

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, walking the dog, or hiding from her neighbour as she attempts to buy condoms during her weekly “Big Food Shop”.

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