The 13 Best Anal Sex Toys, From Prostate Massagers To Butt Plugs

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Maude/ Bellesa

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 menenjoy 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:

Maude Cone Smile Makers Collection The Neighbor Lovehoney Basics Anal Beads Lovehoney Jewelled Metal Butt Plug LELO Soraya Beads

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.

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.”