Buying guide
Choosing an anal toy for the first time
For a first anal toy, start with a purpose-made design whose dimensions you understand, a gradual shape and a substantial base or handle that stays outside the body. Add plenty of compatible lubricant and an easy way to keep hold of the toy, and the decision becomes much simpler.
Start with the experience you want: a plug that stays in place, beads that introduce changing widths or a curved toy designed for prostate stimulation. None is the official beginner choice. The right first option is the one whose shape, widest point and care routine all feel manageable to you.
The non-negotiable detail: the base stays outside
The rectum does not end in a closed space, so an anal toy needs a broad flared base, substantial external arm or retrieval handle that stays outside the body. A small decorative flare is not enough. Compare the base with the widest insertable part and make sure you could still grip it with lubricant on your hands.
The Something Forbidden Silicone Butt Plug has the classic plug silhouette: a tapered body, narrower neck and external finger-loop base. Its compact proportions suit a first shortlist, while the finger loop makes both the external stop and the removal grip easy to see.
Use a purpose-made anal toy, not a bullet, straight vibrator, household object or anything else that merely looks insertable. Urethral toys belong to an entirely different specialist category.
Plug, beads, prostate toy or set?
These formats create different experiences, not a ladder from basic to advanced.
| Format | What to compare | A useful first-purchase question |
|---|---|---|
| Plug | Widest point, neck, base and firmness | Can I picture every measurement and grip the base easily? |
| Beads | Each bead's width, spacing, flexibility and handle | Does the size change gradually enough for me to stay in control? |
| Prostate toy | Curve, insertable length, external arm and controls | Is the shape manageable without relying on the product name? |
| Graduated set | Every item's dimensions and material | Would I still be happy buying this if I never used the larger pieces? |
A plug is often the easiest silhouette to read. The Love Butt Training Kit contains 3 silicone plugs measuring 2 cm, 2.4 cm and 3 cm in diameter. Pick the size that feels right and ignore the implied finish line—there is no requirement to progress through the set.
Beads feel different because the width changes along one flexible product. The Pretty Love Rigdon Vibrating Anal Beads combine graduated beads, an ergonomic handle and 10 vibration functions. Choose the bead profile first, then decide whether vibration belongs in your first experience.
Five measurements that matter
Product photography is excellent at mood and unreliable at scale. Look for these 5 details:
- Insertable length: the section intended to enter the body.
- Maximum diameter or width: the broadest insertable point.
- Taper: how quickly the toy reaches that width.
- Neck: the narrower section on a plug that affects how it sits.
- Base or handle: the external part you need to retain and remove it.
Draw the listed diameter on paper. If only circumference is supplied, do not treat it as diameter; ask our team or choose a product with clearer specifications. Words such as small, trainer and beginner are merchandising labels, not shared industry measurements.
The product-dimensions guide explains total length, insertable length, diameter, circumference and maximum width in more detail.
The Satisfyer Booty Call Set offers 3 plug shapes with increasing diameters and retrieval rings. The Nexus Anal Beginner Kit mixes 20 mm silicone beads, a small silicone plug and a douche. The words starter kit tell you surprisingly little, so look at every piece in the box.
A douche is optional, not a prerequisite for anal play. If one comes in the kit, treat it as a separate product with its own instructions and care routine; it is not another step in the size progression.
A training set gives you choices, not homework. The next size is optional, and comfort is a perfectly good place to stop.
Firmness and finish change the feeling
Two toys with the same diameter can feel very different. A firm toy holds its curve and transmits pressure directly; a softer one flexes more but may need extra control during positioning. Check the actual material and firmness—body-safe is not a material name.
Run clean fingers over a new toy before use. Its surface should be intact, and the external base should not flex so much that it stops doing its job. Set the toy aside if the base or retrieval part is damaged, and follow its lubricant and cleaning instructions—especially when motors, charging contacts or mixed materials are involved.
The Take It Slow four-piece set contains static and vibrating plugs, beads and a douche. Sharing a box does not give them one care routine; wash and handle each piece according to its shape, power and materials.
Prostate-shaped does not mean universally beginner-friendly
Prostate toys usually curve to create angled internal pressure and may add an external perineum arm. Bodies, curves and insertable dimensions vary, so the label is not a promise that a toy will suit every person—or that the prostate needs to be the goal of a first experience.
The Nexus Bendz Prostate Edition pairs a bendable dual-density silicone shaft with separate shaft and base vibration, a remote and an external perineum section. It asks more of you than a simple plug: more controls, more charging and two contact areas to position. Choose it because you want those features, not because prostate sounds like the official next step.
Our prostate massager buying guide compares shapes, dimensions and controls in more detail.
Lubricant and a gradual pace matter most
The anus does not produce its own lubricant, so use plenty of lubricant for anal play and add more when the glide reduces. Match the lubricant to the toy and any condom or barrier you are using; the labels need to work together.
Begin externally, stay in control of the handle or base and let a gradual shape do its job. If the toy vibrates, start at its lowest setting while you learn how the shape feels. Do not use numbing products to hide discomfort; pain is useful information.
Stop for sharp, increasing or persistent pain, unexpected bleeding, numbness, dizziness or any symptom that concerns you. Seek medical advice for severe or continuing symptoms. If a product cannot be removed, follow Healthdirect's anal-injury guidance and do not let embarrassment delay urgent help.
Cleaning, barriers and the route home
Clean the toy before and after use, then let it dry completely before storage or charging. Motors, seams and mixed materials can change the care routine.
If a toy is shared, wash it or put on a new condom before another person uses it. Use a new condom before moving a toy from anal to vaginal use. A toy that is easy to wash, dry and store is usually a better first purchase than one whose care routine you already dislike.
Your first-toy shortlist
- It is explicitly intended for anal use.
- It has a substantial flared base, external arm or retrieval handle.
- Insertable length and maximum width are clearly stated.
- The taper and firmness look manageable to you.
- The base remains easy to hold with lubricant on your hands.
- Controls, if any, stay reachable.
- Lubricant and cleaning instructions are clear.
- You can stop and remove it without pressure to “progress”.
Frequently asked questions
What size anal toy should a beginner choose?
There is no universal first size. Draw the maximum diameter on paper and mark the insertable length against a ruler, then consider how quickly the toy tapers. Choose clarity and control over a beginner label.
Are beads or a plug easier for a first toy?
A plug has one main widest point; beads introduce several changing widths along a flexible toy. Either can work when the measurements, external handle and intended use are clear. Pick the movement you actually want.
Can any dildo be used anally?
No. Choose a toy made for anal use with a broad flared base or another substantial retrieval design that stays outside the body. A suction cup or decorative base is not enough unless it provides a reliable external stop.
Do I need a prostate toy?
No. A prostate-shaped toy is one option for people who want targeted angled pressure. A simple plug, beads or no internal toy at all are equally valid choices.
Are urethral toys a type of anal toy?
No. Urethral insertion is a separate specialist activity with different anatomy, products and risks.
Find your first favourite
Shop our warehouse sale online at 50% off retail, with same-day dispatch for eligible orders placed before 3 pm Sydney time, Monday to Saturday, free Standard shipping on eligible online orders of $150 or more after discounts, discreet billing and plain packaging. Or compare product scale and bases in person at Alexandria or Rydalmere.
