Best anal toys: 9 expert-approved toys to try, if you're looking to get experimental

For both beginners and pros.

A woman using some of the best anal toys
(Image credit: Anal toy brands)

Let's talk about the best anal toys. Yup, we're going there - because despite anal play being totally normal, it's still often seen as taboo.

Many people continue to think that the best sex toys are intended for the front entrance, rather than the back.

In fact, a survey from sex toy brand Mystery Vibe found that people find anal toys some of the most intimidating out there, with around a quarter of people reporting butt plugs and anal beads as a little scary. 

But, know this: anal play might allow you to access new heights of sexual pleasure. According to a 2022 study published in the journal PLoS One, 40% of women find anal surfacing (non-penetrative sexual touch on and around the anus) and anal pairing (anal touch or penetration alongside other sexual stimulation of the vagina or clitoris) pleasurable, while 35% of women enjoy using anal shallowing (shallow penetrative touch by a finger, penis, or sex toy just inside the anal opening). 

While there are absolutely considerations to make for your health and safety when using the best sex toys on Amazon, best sex toys for beginners, and, of course, the best anal sex toys, the latter shouldn't be deemed any weirder or riskier than the other toys. Quite the opposite. 

What to consider when buying anal toys?

  • Size: "If you're just starting out, always start small and work your way up — bigger doesn't always mean better, especially when it comes to anal play," says Lucy Rowett, a sex coach for The Lowdown. Even if you've been there before, the PLoS One research proves that external or shallow anal play is the best for pleasure. 
  • Stimulation: Some anal toys aim to solely penetrate, while others vibrate and rotate. There's loads of choice, so spend time figuring out what you like best.
  • Material: Silicone is a great option for beginners as it's flexible and soft, but some people preefer weighty fabrics like metal or glass for an extra feeling of fullness. 
  • Design: While you can use any vibrator or dildo as an anal toy, specialised toys that have stops on the end are safest when purchasing anal toys.
  • Price: Whatever you're buying, cost has to come into it. Set your budget before shopping so you can find affordable pleasure.

To find the best anal sex toys, we turned to our panel of experts. They include: 

Ready to scroll our expert's round up of the best? You're in the right place.

Don't miss our guides to the best sex toys for couples, best quiet sex toys, and sustainable sex toys, while you're here. 

Best anal sex toys: 9 to buy, according to the experts

Chloe Gray
Contributing Health Writer

Chloe Gray is a freelance journalist who writes and talks about health, fitness, and wellbeing through a feminist lens. She was part of the launch team for Stylist magazine's fitness brand, Strong Women, and has written for i news, Women's Health, Red magazine, Good Housekeeping, Refinery29, and more. She's all about building mental and physical strength, eating delicious food that fuels you well, and making the fitness industry more accessible and enjoyable. She's also a qualified fitness trainer and research nerd, so you can be sure everything you read is backed by proper science.