How to Choose a Butt Plug
A decision-by-decision guide to choosing the right butt plug: material, size, shape, type and features — matched to your experience level and goals.
Choosing the right butt plug comes down to four decisions made in the right order: material, size, shape and type. Get the material wrong and no other feature matters. Get the size wrong and the experience will be uncomfortable regardless of material quality. Get the type right for your specific goal and the plug will deliver what you bought it for. This guide walks through each decision in sequence.
Whether you are choosing your first butt plug or adding to an existing collection, this guide gives you the framework to make the right choice for your experience level and goals.
Decision 1: Material
This is the most important choice and the one where no compromise should be made. Butt plugs are used internally in a region of the body with thin, absorptive tissue. The material must be non-porous so that it cannot harbour bacteria after cleaning and cannot leach chemicals into the body through that tissue.
The three correct material categories for anal toys are: body-grade or medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, and stainless steel. Hard ABS plastic is also acceptable for the external casing of vibrating toys where the motor is housed, provided the insertable surface is silicone.
Materials to avoid: jelly rubber, PVC, TPE/TPR unless independently verified as body-safe, "cyberskin," "ultraskin," any material described with vague terms like "soft skin material" or "premium rubber." These are porous, cannot be fully cleaned and in many cases contain phthalates that leach through the rectal lining with repeated use.
Practical check: A reputable product from a reputable retailer will state the material explicitly as "body-grade silicone," "borosilicate glass" or "stainless steel." If the listing cannot tell you clearly what the toy is made from, do not buy it for internal anal use.
Decision 2: Size
Size is the second most important decision and the one where beginners most commonly go wrong by overestimating what they can comfortably accommodate from the outset. The sphincter needs progressive acclimatisation: starting larger than is comfortable produces a painful experience, not a pleasurable one.
For beginners with no previous anal play experience: a maximum diameter of 2.0 to 2.5cm (just under an inch) at the widest point. A plug at the low end of this range feels approximately like one finger at the entrance. If you are uncertain, start at the smaller end of this range.
For beginners with some finger experience: 2.5 to 3.0cm diameter is appropriate. This is the most common size for beginner starter plugs sold by specialist retailers.
For experienced users: 3.0cm and above, progressed gradually. There is no fixed upper limit but progression should always be incremental across multiple sessions rather than a single jump.
The slim neck between the insertable body and the base is also relevant. A slim neck relative to the widest point means the sphincter closes more fully around it during wear, which is more comfortable for extended sessions. A wide neck keeps the sphincter more open and is better suited to active insertion-focused play than extended wear.
Decision 3: Shape
The classic tapered teardrop shape with a smooth transition from narrow tip to wider body and a slim neck is the most versatile shape for most users and the right choice for beginners. It inserts smoothly, seats comfortably and removes predictably.
Curved or angled plugs are designed to direct internal pressure toward the prostate or the anterior rectal wall for G-spot adjacent stimulation. These require more experience to use comfortably but are significantly more effective for prostate stimulation than a straight plug.
Textured plugs with ridges or beads add additional stimulation on insertion and removal. These are better suited to experienced users than beginners, as the texture creates more sensation during the insertion process that can be overwhelming before the body is accustomed to basic plug use.
Decision 4: Type and Features
| Type | Best For | Consider If |
|---|---|---|
| Classic non-vibrating silicone | First-time use, beginner training, everyday wear, extended sessions | You are new to anal play, want the simplest possible first experience or prioritise comfort for extended wear |
| Training kit (3 graduated sizes) | Progressive anal training, preparation for anal sex, systematic size progression | Your goal is progressive training toward larger sizes or more comfortable receptive anal sex |
| Vibrating plug (wired or rechargeable) | Enhanced pleasure, prostate stimulation, use during masturbation or sex | You have basic butt plug experience and want to add active vibration stimulation to the fullness sensation |
| App-controlled vibrating plug | Partner control, long-distance play, customisable vibration patterns | Partner control is a goal, or you want precise control over vibration patterns via smartphone |
| Stainless steel or glass | Temperature play, weight sensation, easy deep cleaning, long-term use | You want the weight sensation of steel, the smooth aesthetic of glass or the superior cleaning properties of non-porous hard materials |
| Inflatable plug | Adjustable size within a single toy, progressive dilation in one session | You are an experienced user who wants variable size from a single toy or specific training toward larger sizes within a session |
| Jewelled plug (steel with gem base) | Aesthetic appeal, short session use, partnered play with visual element | The visual aesthetic matters as part of the experience, or it is being used for a specific occasion or partnered play context |
| Prostate-specific curved plug | Direct prostate stimulation, prostate orgasm | You have a prostate and prostate stimulation is the primary goal |
The Beginner's Choice in Summary
For most first-time buyers, the right choice is a body-grade silicone plug in the 2.0 to 3.0cm diameter range with a classic tapered shape, a slim neck and a secure flared base, purchased from a specialist UK retailer who can confirm the material. This covers all the safety requirements and gives a comfortable first experience that allows accurate assessment of whether to progress in size, add vibration or explore a different type for subsequent sessions.
Quick Decision Checklist
One Final Rule
If you are uncertain between two options, always choose the smaller size and the simpler type. You can always use a larger plug after a first session confirms the smaller one is comfortable. You cannot undo a first experience that was painful because the plug was too large. Progression is faster when it starts comfortably.
For the complete size guide, see what size butt plug to get. For the full types overview, see types of butt plugs explained.
Shop Butt Plugs at Ava Noir
Our full collection covers beginner through to advanced in silicone, steel and vibrating designs — all verified body-safe. Discreet UK delivery on every order.
Browse the full range by experience level and type at Ava Noir's butt plug collection, with verified body-safe materials and discreet UK delivery on every order.
The Butt Plug Guides hub covers sizing, materials, types and every other choosing and using topic in one complete series.
Read every guide: Butt Plug Guides at Ava Noir.