Let's be honest: You can't have a conversation about the best vibrators and the best sex toys in general without talking about anal toys, too. People of all genders enjoy the intensity and novel sensation of anal play, including penetration, which has opened up a tremendous market of anal dildos and, of course, anal vibrators.
"All anuses have a huge amount of nerve endings concentrated in that area," says Dr. Zhana Vrangalova, a professor of Human Sexuality at NYU and sexpert for sexual wellness brand LELO, "which when stimulated can feel good to people."
Indeed, it's perfectly normal to be curious and/or enthusiastic about anal stimulation. However, because the rectum is physiologically different from the vagina in a number of ways, its' important to properly educate oneself and prepare before delving into this new world of pleasure.
"When it comes to anal stimulation, it’s always important to only use vibrators specifically designed for anal stimulation," says Shamyra Howard, an AASECT-certified sex therapist. "Anal vibrators will always have a flared base to prevent them from getting lost in the anus." Unlike the vagina, the rectum essentially behaves like a vacuum, so if your toys don't have flared bases, the rectum could suck them up into the body.
Furthermore, the rectum does not self-lubricate in the way that the vagina does, so it's important to use lube when inserting a finger, penis, or toy into the rectum. And remember: Start slow! If you're new to anal penetration and are looking to experiment with toys in particular, Dr. Vrangalova recommends starting small, like an anal plug. Plus, she adds, "If people want to start with something even smaller, they can find a set of vibrating anal beads, or vibrating anal butt plugs. "
Finally, remember to always clean your sex toys after each use, and to never use a toy on your clitoris or vagina after inserting it into your rectum. "Most anal vibrators can be cleaned with antibacterial soap and warm water," Dr. Vrangalova explains. "Make sure you wash it thoroughly. Then let it air dry and put it in a clean Ziplock bag. You can also use a sex toy cleaner." Her favorite, she says is this one.
Once you know the ropes about fun (and safe) anal stimulation, it's time to do some vibrator shopping. Scroll on to check out the best anal vibrators across the web, from anal beads to beginners' butt plugs to double- and triple-stimulating toys. No matter your experience level, gender, or preference, there's something here for everyone.
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The Best Anal Vibrators
- Best Anal Vibrator for Beginners: Rocks Off Teazer Petite Sensations Beginner's Vibrating Butt Plug
- Best Anal Vibrator for Experienced Users: Lovehoney High Roller Remote Control Rotating Prostate Massager
- Best Anal Vibrator for Partner Play: LELO Hugo SenseMotion Remote Control Rechargeable Prostate Massager
"For anal stimulation, you can’t go wrong with a vibrating butt plug," says Howard. "Like all vibrators, these also have varying intensities and levels." She recommends this butt plug for beginners in particular.
Pros: expert-approved; waterproof; 7 vibration modes; great for beginners; free of phthalates
Cons: not compatible with silicone-based lubes
Customer Review: "It’s very easy and comfortable to slide in. The vibration modes are the key to an orgasm in seconds. It’s intense and gentle at the same time." -Lovehoney
"This remote prostate toy creates full body sensations with its bulbous shape and circular stroking motion," says Dr. O'Reilly, who says this option is perfect "for advanced users." She explains, "The internal portion is silky smooth while the external base is textured for pressure and massage against the perineum. "
Pros: expert-approved; remote-controlled; 3 vibration speeds and 7 patterns
Cons: not compatible with silicone-based lubes; some users wish the vibrations were more intense
Customer Review: "This little thing is really great. It’s perfectly shaped, it wiggles, and it vibrates! What more can you ask for?" -Lovehoney
"My favorite anal vibrator for beginners is LELO's Billy 2," says Dr. Vrangalova, "because it's small enough to fit almost any anus/rectum."
Pros: expert-approved; great for beginners; 8 vibration settings; waterproof
Cons: not compatible with silicone-based lube
Customer Review: "This is the perfect starter device and for those who are more experienced, it has a powerful punch and lots of modes, its also good for playing with yourself in other ways. Very long battery life and also use plugged in!" -LELO
Dr. Vrangalova says that the Loki Wave is ideal "for the more experienced folks," but she also points out that its long handle makes it ideal for solo play. Gone are the days of having to struggle to reach behind oneself to find just the right spot.
Pros: expert-approved; long handle; more than ten vibration settings; long battery life
Cons: not compatible with silicone lube
Customer Review: "This toy surprised me the first time i used it because of the toys size the vibrator is beyond any other prostate toy I've used. The toy lasts multiple sessions before needing to be recharged, the toy feels good and slides in nicely.
The different modes help you find what really gets you going. This toy is definitely for people who have tried other toys—I definitely wouldn't start with this toy—I would build your way up to it." -LELO
Dr. Vrangalova also recommends the Hugo for experienced users, "especially for partnered play, since it has a flat end that can be easily combined with penetrative sex or used creatively for Domination/submission and public play."
Pros: two vibrating motors; responds to your movement; long battery life; submersible; free of latex and phthalates
Cons: not compatible with silicone lube
Customer Review: "I must say, when I was considering spending this much money on a toy, I thought to myself that I must be mad. But having had it for a few years now, I can well and truly say its the best toy I've ever bought. It still works as new today as it did in 2018. Me and my partner both love it, it's fun to use with the remote and have nice and powerful vibrations. Fits us great and is nice and comfortable. Rechargeable via a cable so no need to keep buying batteries, either." -Lovehoney
This is ideal for the beginner and/or the no-nonsense pleasure seeker. This butt plug eschews all the fancy bells and whistles of more complicated sextech, and instead incorporates intuitive settings: low, medium, and high vibration. Beginners love it, but, based on reviews, it's also a huge hit among the more experienced, who say that the high setting truly packs a punch.
Pros: great for beginners; simple; ten vibration combinations; easy to use; easy to clean
Cons: not compatible with silicone lube; attached to a wire
Customer Review: "My girl is new to anal. She loves this! Silicone is soft and the vibration is amazing." -Adam & Eve
Customers really love this vibrator, with people calling it a "great value" and "impressive." One especially enthusiastic user called it the best toy they'd ever used in their life, saying that it provides strong stimulation to all three erogenous, to very intense results.
Pros: flexible; smooth; great for advanced users; great for solo and partner play
Cons: not completely waterproof; not compatible with silicone lube
Customer Review: "The anal beads are good size for those not accustomed to that activity. They don't vibrate but the rabbit and the dildo do. Three levels of vibration, number three being pretty strong. You can turn off the vibe for the rabbit if you're really sensitive in that area. It is easy to use without the anal bead portion, as that part is really flexible and can be moved aside." -Amazon
This anal vibrator boasts ten vibration modes and four "wriggle modes," making for a fantastically customizable experience. Plus, multiple reviewers note that the suction cup on this product is very strong and sturdy, making it the perfect option for those who enjoy riding their toys during solo play.
Pros: easy to clean; 10 vibration settings and four vibration modes; waterproof; remote-controlled
Cons: not compatible with silicone lube
Customer Review: "The description of this product does not lie or exaggerate. Excellent to enjoy in privacy alone or with your partner as it relaxes and de-stresses. It has a powerful motor and lasts a long time between recharges. It is made of a material that is soft to the touch but at the same time firm and durable. Something that also makes it unique is that you don't have to spend anything on batteries since it has a cable to recharge it with electricity and it's easy to handle thanks to the included remote control that comes with a replacement battery. And the truth is that it has a reasonable price for the service it offers." -Amazon
This anal beads are ideal for people looking to start slow, because you can gradually insert the toy one bead at a time. Plus, for those who love the intense friction of anal stimulation, these balls are ribbed. Multiple reviewers call this one of their favorite toys, with one saying that it's the best set of anal beads they've ever used.
Pros: affordable; great for users of all experience levels; sturdy; gradually increase in size
Cons: not compatible with silicone-based lube; the balls have ridges, so they may be challenging to clean
Customer Review: "[They] are the best anal beads I've ever used!!! The balls are big enough for an medium-level experienced person that doesn't want to go 'too big' to still be comfortable. One of the best orgasms Ive ever had with these!!!" -Amazon
Customer love this vibrator, commenting that its detailing and bulbous shape feel great, particularly for the more experienced. They also of course, love the playful, decorative look of the product, but multiple reviewers note that you should take your time cleaning all of its crevices.
Pros: decorative; playful; also works for g-spot stimulation; five vibration intensities; unique sensation
Cons: not compatible with silicone lube
Customer Review: "Beautifully made and designed, and cute enough (as well as discreet, depending on the type of person you are) to be left out on the bedside table when not in use, which I totally do! Trinity, Tripp, and Trine's smiles give me a lift whenever I look at them. They help remind me to take time for myself and my body." -Babeland
If you enjoy both anal and g-spot penetration simultaneously, this is a great option for you. It's waterproof and compatible with both water- and silicone-based lubricants. It's perfect for solo play, but reviewers especially sing its praises for partner play.
Pros: several speeds; waterproof; decorative; flexible; compatible with water- and silicone-based lubes
Cons: none found
Customer Review: "My wife really enjoyed this toy it is soft and flexible and not too big. It was very comfortable for her and she was surprised how good it felt alll the way in both areas. It did its job and we are both happy with this product." -Adam & Eve
For more, visit our Sexual Wellness section, where we unpack topics around consent, kink, sex toys, and more so you can have your safest and very best sexperiences yet.
Meet the Experts
Dr. O’Reilly is an award-winning sex and relationship expert. Through her company, Happier Couples Inc.(opens in new tab), she provides online and in-person relationship education to couples. She also works with corporate executives and business owners to help them form stronger professional relationships, and she has performed extensive research on making classroom-based sexual education more robust and accessible. In addition to working as an expert for Lovehoney, she is also featured on Global TV’s The Morning Show and PlayboyTV’s Swing, and co-hosts the Sex With Dr. Jess Podcast(opens in new tab) with her partner, Brandon Ware(opens in new tab).
Shamyra Howard is an international award-winning sexologist, licensed clinical social worker, and AASECT certified sex therapist committed to helping people improve their relationship and intimate lives. She is also the founder of On the Green Couch, where she helps people overcome sexual obstacles, and has authored two books.
Originally from Macedonia, Dr. Zhana Vrangalova has always been interested in transcending traditionalism and cultural boundaries in order to foster better relationships and self-esteem. Now, in addition to teaching at NYU, she offers online courses to help people be their most authentic selves and engage in fulfilling relationships.
