Disclosure: BEISAR is the manufacturer of the products mentioned in this article. Links in this article may lead to products available in the BEISAR store.

This guide is for anyone new to anal toys — any gender, any orientation, solo or partnered. It covers the main toy categories, what each one actually does, and the safety basics that apply no matter which one you pick. A couple of sections go beyond true-beginner territory (we'll flag those clearly) — feel free to skip them your first time through.
⏱ 11 min read

Quick Answer

Anal toys range from simple beginner-friendly plugs and beads to dildos, prostate massagers, pegging sets, and more advanced kink gear like anal hooks. The right starting point for most beginners is a smaller toy with a tapered tip and a flared base, plenty of water-based lubricant, and a slow, unhurried pace. A handful of toys covered here — anal hooks especially — are genuinely advanced and not where most people should start; we've flagged those clearly rather than presenting everything as equally beginner-friendly.

What Are Anal Toys?

As anal sex becomes less taboo, more people are exploring the intense pleasure the butthole has to offer. Whether you're gay, straight, male, female, experienced or just curious, anal sex toys can deliver a whole new level of sensation. They can also be used regardless of if you're flying solo or playing with a partner.
At BEISAR, we know anal play isn't just about sticking something in — it's about doing it right. With so many anal sex toy options — plugs, beads, dildos, prostate massagers — it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's why we've created this guide to anal toys: what each one does and how to use it safely.

How to Choose Your First Anal Toy

Before getting into specific toy types, four factors matter more than the others:
1. Size — Start smaller than you think you want. You can always work up to something bigger once you know how your body responds.
2. Shape — A tapered tip is easier to insert comfortably than a blunt or wide one, especially the first few times.
3. Base — Any toy intended for insertion should have a secure flared base, ring handle, or another design feature that prevents it from being drawn fully into the rectum.
4. Type of stimulation — Plugs, beads, vibration, and prostate-focused shapes all feel different. There's no wrong starting point — just a more or less predictable one.

Anal Plugs: Wearable Pleasure Anytime

Anal plugs are designed to stay in place and provide continuous stimulation, whether you're using them during other sex, solo, or just wearing one under clothes for a subtler kind of pressure. For most beginners, a smaller plug is the easiest, most predictable place to start.

Anatomy of a Plug

●    Tapered tip for easy insertion
●    Wide middle section
●    Narrow neck to hold it in place
●    Wide, flared base so it doesn't get lost inside

How to Use

●    Use plenty of compatible lubricant
●    Breathe and insert slowly
●    Some people enjoy pulling it out around climax for extra sensation — entirely optional
●    Clean thoroughly after every use (warm water plus a toy cleaner or mild soap)
●    Air dry before storing

Types of Anal Plugs

●    Jewelry Plugs: Decorative bases in stainless steel or crystal
●    Tail Plugs: Popular in pet play, for a playful kink edge
●    Weighted Plugs: Good for extended wear, including discreet wear out
●    Glass/Metal Plugs: Hard, smooth, and can be warmed or chilled for temperature play
●    Textured Plugs: Spirals or ridges for extra sensation

Anal Beads: Orgasms in Waves

These are strings of beads (usually made from ABS plastic or silicone) that increase in size as they go in. As you slowly insert them, your butt gently stretches. Pull them out bead by bead during orgasm and each one can trigger a pulse of sensation as it passes your sphincter.

Types of Anal Beads

●    Non-Vibrating Anal Beads: A solid beginner option. They range in size from tiny to medium. You can even add an external vibrator for extra sensation.
●    Vibrating Anal Beads: Each bead vibrates as you insert it, and pulling them out during orgasm adds another layer of stimulation. Try BEISAR's Panther, a rotating vibrator with anal beads. [Placeholder: add the real product URL once you send it.]
●    Pro Tip: Always use beads with a ring handle or flared base. No handle or base means a real risk of it going somewhere you can't easily retrieve it — that's an ER visit, not a fun story.

Vibrating Butt Plugs: Beginner-Friendly Stimulation

Vibrating butt plugs help relax the anal sphincter and can add prostate- or G-spot-adjacent stimulation depending on anatomy. They're especially beginner-friendly because the vibration eases tension while stimulating the sensitive nerves in and around the anus.

Types of Vibrating Butt Plugs

●    Entry-Level: Slim, short, and gentle — the best starting point for most beginners
●    Advanced Models: Rotating beads that mimic a more textured, licking-like sensation
●    Remote-Controlled: Lets a partner control the toy from across the room — or, for long distance, consider BEISAR's toys compatible with the Joyhub app for control from anywhere. [Placeholder: add the real product/app URL once you send it.]

Prostate Toys: Targeted, Different-Feeling Stimulation

The prostate responds well to gentle pressure and vibration for many people. Some people describe prostate stimulation as producing a deeper or more full-body sensation, and some may experience orgasm without ejaculation. Experiences vary considerably — neither is guaranteed.
●    Warm up with fingers or a small plug first
●    Use plenty of lube and reapply often
●    Adjust angle gradually rather than pushing harder — there's no fixed spot that works the same for everyone

Anal Dildos: For Deep Thrusting Pleasure

Anal dildos are all about that thrusting, penetrative sensation. Since most dildos are designed for vaginal use, not all are safe for anal sex. Before buying, check whether it's specifically recommended for anal use.

When Using an Anal Dildo, Remember:

●    It must have a flared base. Your rectum can draw an unflared object further inside, especially with movement, and without a wide flared base it could become difficult to retrieve without medical help.
●    Warm up first. Dildos don't have the tapered tips that plugs do. Use a finger or a small plug first to prep.
●    Training for size? Choose a dildo close to or slightly larger than your partner's size and work your way up using an anal trainer set. Try BEISAR's Baki set for this. [Placeholder: add the real product URL once you send it.]

Pegging Sets: Strap It On and Take Control

Pegging means using a strap-on dildo and harness to penetrate a partner anally — and it's not limited to any particular gender pairing. Anyone can wear the harness, and anyone can be on the receiving end.
Typical pegging sets come with a strap-on dildo and a harness. Some even come with lingerie. Doggy style and missionary both work well — the right position comes down to comfort and control, not a script.

Inflatable Anal Plugs: Gradual, Controlled Stretch

Inflatable butt plugs start small for easy insertion, then expand once inside. They gently stretch the sphincter and inner anal canal — a favorite for people training toward larger sizes, those who enjoy an intense stretching sensation, and in some BDSM scenes.
Inflate slowly, one squeeze at a time. Too much, too fast risks real tissue damage. To deflate, use the release valve — never force it out fully inflated.

Rimming Simulators: A Different Kind of Sensation

Rimming toys feature rotating beads near the base designed to mimic the sensation of oral stimulation, often combined with vibration. They can be a good option for:
●    People who enjoy rimming but don't have a partner available for it
●    Solo play with hands-free stimulation
●    Anyone curious about a different sensation than plugs or beads provide

Cock Rings: Boost Your Anal Play

While not technically an anal toy, cock rings can meaningfully improve anal play for people with penises. They restrict venous blood flow, which can make erections feel harder and orgasms more intense. They work for solo or partnered play.
The safety rule here matters: Healthline's guide to cock ring safety advises never wearing one for more than 30 minutes, and removing it immediately if you notice numbness, coldness, discoloration, or pain — those are signs blood flow is restricted enough to risk real tissue damage.

Advanced Anal Toys: BDSM Gear & Specialty Designs

Anal Hooks: A BDSM Favorite

Anal hooks are curved metal hooks with a ball on one end and a ring on the other. They're used in bondage scenarios where control and exposure are central. The ball sits inside the body while the ring can be tied to ropes or held by a partner.
They're intense and genuinely not for everyone — but for people already comfortable with anal play and interested in control-focused BDSM, they're worth knowing about.
Play safe: use plenty of lube, insert slowly, don't go deep, and agree on a safeword before you start — whoever isn't wearing the hook should be the one listening for it and ready to stop the scene immediately. Anal hooks require careful preparation and real cooperation between everyone involved.

Anal Sex Toy Safety Rules: Don't Skip These

1. Lube matters: The anus doesn't produce enough natural lubrication for comfortable penetration, so generous use of a compatible lubricant is important. Water-based lubricant is a versatile default that works with virtually any toy material, but always check compatibility — silicone-based lubricant can damage some silicone toys.
2. Go slow: Always warm up first. Start small. If it hurts, stop.
3. Flared base or bust: Any toy intended for insertion should have a secure flared base, ring handle, or another design feature that prevents it from being drawn fully into the rectum.
4. Clean it up: Wash toys after every use with warm water and mild soap or a dedicated toy cleaner.
5. Use condoms: For easier cleanup or if you're sharing a toy, put a condom on it and swap for a fresh one between uses or partners.
6. Douching is optional, not required: 
External washing with warm water is enough for most people. San Francisco AIDS Foundation's douching safety guidance puts it plainly: in a perfect world, no one would need to douche at all. If you do choose to douche before a longer session, use plain water only — never soap — and stop if it causes any pain or irritation. Over-douching can irritate the rectal lining rather than making things "cleaner."

Ready to Get Started?

Pick the toy that matches where you're actually at — not where you think you should be. Most people are well served starting with a plug or beads, plenty of lube, and no rush. The rest of this guide will be here when (and if) you're ready for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best anal toy for a total beginner?

A smaller plug or a set of non-vibrating anal beads with a flared base or ring handle are usually the easiest starting points. Vibrating plugs are also beginner-friendly since the vibration can help ease tension.

Do all anal toys need a flared base?

Yes, for anything inserted — a flared base, ring handle, or other secure retrieval feature is non-negotiable. Without one, the toy can move further inside than intended and become difficult to retrieve without medical help.

What lubricant should I use with anal toys?

Generous water-based lubricant works with virtually every toy material and is the safest default. Never use silicone-based lubricant on a silicone toy, since it can degrade the surface over time.

Do I need to douche before using anal toys?

No, it's optional. External washing with warm water is enough for most people. If you choose to douche, use plain water only, avoid doing it excessively, and stop if it causes pain or irritation.

Are anal hooks appropriate for beginners?

No. Anal hooks are genuinely advanced BDSM gear best explored after you're already comfortable with basic anal play, ideally with an experienced partner and clear safety signals agreed in advance.

How long can I safely wear a cock ring?

No more than 30 minutes. Remove it immediately if you notice numbness, coldness, discoloration, or pain — those are signs of restricted blood flow that can cause real damage if ignored.

How should I clean anal toys?

Wash with warm water and mild soap or a dedicated toy cleaner after every use, then let the toy air dry fully before storing it.

How do I know which anal toy is right for me?

Start with what you're curious about — fullness (plugs), rhythmic sensation (beads), vibration, or prostate-focused stimulation — and pick a smaller, tapered design with a secure retrieval feature. There's no single right answer; it comes down to preference and experience level.

Can I use an anal toy by myself?

Yes. Many anal toys are designed for solo use. Choose a toy you can control easily, make sure it has a secure retrieval feature, use compatible lubricant, and stop if anything feels painful or abnormal.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you experience pain, bleeding, numbness, or any other concerning symptom, stop and consult a qualified healthcare professional.

References

●    Healthline — Are Cock Rings Safe? 17 FAQs About Benefits, Risks, Use, and More
●    San Francisco AIDS Foundation — Anal Douching Safety Tips

About the Author

WilliamsCiveen is a product specialist with 2 years of experience in researching anal sex toys. This article was reviewed by BEISAR Editorial Team. 
Last Updated: [2026-8-28]