Butt plugs — also called anal plugs or ass plugs, all describing the same product — are one of the most approachable anal toys for beginners, but the single most important buying decision — the flared base — is also the one most new shoppers overlook. Getting size, material, and base design right makes the difference between a comfortable, safe experience and a genuinely risky one.

How to Choose the Right Butt Plug

1. Flared base — non-negotiable. Every butt plug must have a base wider than its widest point to prevent it from being fully absorbed. This isn't a preference, it's a hard safety requirement.
2. Size progression. First-time users should start with a smaller, slimmer plug and size up gradually. A training kit is built specifically for this.
3. Vibrating or static. Vibrating butt plugs add stimulation on top of the sensation of fullness; static plugs focus purely on that sensation.
4. Wearable duration. Some plugs are designed for short sessions, others specifically for extended, comfortable wear.

Types of Butt Plugs

• Beginner / starter plugs — smaller, tapered designs built for first-time comfort
• Vibrating butt plugs — add motorized stimulation, often with remote control options
• Weighted plugs — designed for a sense of fullness and internal pressure during wear
• Jeweled and decorative plugs — a visible gem or decorative base, popular for aesthetic appeal
• Training sets — see our full Anal Training Kit collection for graduated, multi-size sets
• Glass and steel plugs — rigid materials offering temperature play and easy sanitizing
• Rocking-base plugs — a curved or rocker-style base that shifts with movement rather than sitting static, popular for hands-free wear during other activity
• Advanced / larger-size plugs — for experienced users who have progressed past standard sizing and are looking for a more intense, thicker option

Plugs are also sold as multi-piece sets or packs bundling several sizes or styles together, and come in a wide range of colors and finishes — from simple matte silicone to shiny, jeweled, or metallic options — none of which changes the core safety requirements below.

Materials & Safety

100% silicone, glass, and stainless steel are the safest, most sanitary materials for anal toys since they're non-porous. Always confirm the base is flared — wider than the widest point of the plug — regardless of material. Use plenty of water-based anal lubricant, since the anus doesn't self-lubricate the way other tissue does, and never share a plug between partners without a barrier method or full sanitization between uses.

Comparing Your Options

Common Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make

• Skipping the flared base check. Always confirm the base diameter exceeds the widest point of the plug before purchasing.
• Starting too large. Comfort and safety both favor starting smaller and progressing gradually.
• Using too little lubricant. More lubricant than feels necessary is almost always the right amount for anal play.
• Wearing for too long as a beginner. Extended wear should be built up to gradually, not attempted on a first use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size butt plug should a beginner start with?
A small, slim, tapered plug designed specifically for beginners is the safest and most comfortable starting point — our Anal Training Kit collection is built for exactly this progression.

Why is the flared base so important?
Without a flared base wider than the plug's widest point, it can become fully inserted and difficult to retrieve safely — this is a genuine safety consideration, not just a design preference.

What lubricant should I use with a silicone butt plug?
Water-based lubricant is the safest universal choice. Browse our Anal Lube collection for options specifically formulated for anal play.

Can a butt plug be worn during pegging?
Yes, though most people use a plug for solo wear or warm-up rather than during pegging itself — see our Pegging Dildo collection for products built specifically for that use case.

How does gaping relate to butt plug use?
Gaping is a separate, more advanced practice that typically follows extended plug training. Our gaping guide covers the safety and progression involved in detail.

Explore More

Looking for other anal-focused categories? We also carry Anal Dildo, Anal Vibrator, Male Anal Beads, and Anal Pocket Pussy collections. Pairing anal play with oral stimulation? Our guide to rimming is a useful starting point.

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