What is a butt plug?
A butt plug, or anal plug, is a sex toy made to sit inside your anus and stay put. A tapered tip eases it in, a slim neck lets your sphincter close around it, and a flared base stops it slipping in too far. It's for wearing, not thrusting: a steady fullness on its own or during sex, for any body.
Types of butt plugs
Beginner butt plugs
Start small and smooth. The b-Vibe Snug Plug 1 is finger-sized silicone, 0.8 by 3.7 inches. The Nexus Beginner Anal Kit pairs a 1.1-inch-wide plug with slim beads and a douche.
Anal training kits
Anal training kits let you size up one plug at a time. The Simply Sweet set runs from 0.9 to 1.5 inches wide, each plug with its own texture: ribs, spirals or dips.
Weighted butt plugs
Weight adds a heavier fullness. The b-Vibe Snug Plug 2 weighs 114 g and the Snug Plug 3, 180 g, with 4.7 inches insertable at a 1.48-inch diameter. Vibrating Snug Plugs add a motor.
Vibrating and remote-control plugs
Vibrating butt plugs add buzz to the fullness, often with a remote a partner can hold. The Playboy Plug & Play's remote reaches 30 feet, and the Thunderplugs Missile hides a sliding ring under its silicone.
App-controlled butt plugs
Run these from a phone app, or let a partner take over. The Lovense Hush 2 is nearly silent when inserted and comes in four sizes; the Satisfyer Plug-ilicious 2 also works without its app.
Metal and glass butt plugs
Steel and glass are non-porous and fine with any lube. njoy's Pure Plug is 316-grade stainless steel, with a large head for stretch and a tapered stem that stays in comfortably. The Gender X Blow Pop is borosilicate glass with a finger ring; warm or cool it in water, never hot or frozen.
Jeweled and tail plugs
Made to be seen, too. The Luxe Bling Training Kit tops three silicone plugs with heart-shaped faux gems, and the Tailz Waggerz bunny tail wags at two speeds while the plug vibrates.
Inflatable and hollow plugs
Inflatable plugs grow once they're in. The Anal Fantasy Auto Throb goes in just over 1 inch across and inflates up to about 2 inches. Hollow plugs like the Oxballs Glowhole 2 leave an open core for fingers or toys.
Prostate plugs
Angled toward the belly button, plugs can reach the prostate. The njoy Prostate Pfun Plug is steel shaped for the P-spot, worked by hand or hands-free by your own muscles. More in prostate massagers.
How to choose a butt plug
- Size. Check insertable length and widest diameter; width sets the stretch. Start around 1 inch wide. The Hush 2 comes in four sizes, 1 to 2.25 inches wide.
- Shape. A tapered tip eases it in, a slim neck holds it and a flared base keeps it out.
- Material. Silicone is body-safe and non-porous. Steel and glass are firmer and heavier. TPR blends, like Oxballs' PLUS+, need thorough washing and a condom if shared.
- Weight. Heavier plugs, like the Snug Plugs or solid steel, feel fuller.
- Vibration, remote or app. Remotes need no phone; apps often add patterns and long-distance play.
- Kit or single plug. Unsure of your size? A kit lets you work up in steps.
- Budget. Plain silicone plugs and kits tend to cost least; motors, apps, inflation and big steel cost more.
How to use a butt plug
- Get relaxed and turned on first.
- Wash the plug; use the bathroom first if it helps you relax.
- Lube the plug and yourself with lots of water-based anal lube, like JO Anal H2O: the anus makes none.
- Lie on your side, knees drawn up, or on your back.
- Press the tip to your anus, breathe out and push slowly.
- Past the widest part, your sphincter closes around the neck.
- Stop if it hurts. Remove it slowly by the base, breathing out.
Cleaning, care and safety
- Flared base or handle only. Anything else can slip inside.
- Match your lube. Water-based with silicone plugs; silicone lube is fine on glass and steel.
- Wash before and after with warm, soapy water. Submerge only IPX7 or submersible plugs, never splash-proof ones like the Auto Throb.
- Anal to vaginal? Wash the plug or change its condom first.
- Build up slowly. Start with 10 to 20 minutes, and never sleep in one.
- Pain, bleeding or numbness? Stop, and if it doesn't go away, talk to your doctor.
Butt plug FAQ
What does a butt plug do?
It fills you up, with steady pressure on the nerve-rich opening of your anus. Many people enjoy that on its own or during sex, oral or toy play. With a prostate, a plug can press there too.
Why do people wear butt plugs?
For fullness, P-spot pressure, a warm-up for anal sex or bigger toys, or a secret thrill under clothes. Women wear them too, for a fuller feel during vaginal sex or with a vibrator. Anyone can, solo or with a partner.
What does a butt plug feel like?
Full. Expect a stretch as the widest part goes in, relief as your body closes around the neck, then a warm, steady pressure. At first it may feel like you need the bathroom; that usually passes.
What size butt plug should I start with?
Small: around 1 inch wide, with 3 to 4 inches insertable. The b-Vibe Snug Plug 1, the small Simply Sweet plug (0.9 inches wide) and the Hush 2 X-Small (1 inch wide) are good starts. Size up once it feels easy.
How long can you wear a butt plug?
Start with 10 to 20 minutes, then build up while it stays comfortable. Some, like the b-Vibe Snug Plugs, are designed for extended wear, but take any plug out if you feel pain or numbness, and give your body breaks.
Can you sleep with a butt plug in?
No. Take it out before bed. Asleep, you can't notice pain, numbness or a plug that has shifted, even one with a flared base. Save longer wear for when you're awake and able to pay attention.
Are butt plugs safe?
Yes, if you stick to three basics: a flared base or handle, body-safe material and plenty of lube. Do they hurt? They shouldn't: stretch is normal, sharp pain means stop. For bleeding, or pain that doesn't fade, talk to your doctor.
Want our top picks?
Our 10 best butt plugs guide narrows it down, and our 6 best anal beads and 8 best prostate massagers guides cover what's next. Every order ships discreetly from the US, free over $75.
