Anal play is one of the most searched intimate topics online and one of the least discussed out loud. Plenty of people are curious but unsure where to start or worried about safety, which is normal. This guide gives you clear, judgment-free information so you can decide whether anal play is for you and, if it is, how to start safely.
A note before I begin
People of every gender and orientation enjoy anal play, and there's nothing to be embarrassed about. What matters is safety, consent and your own comfort. If something doesn't feel right at any point, stop. This guide is here to inform you, not to push you.
Why safety matters: anatomy basics
A few basics about anal anatomy make the first try safer and more comfortable. The anal canal differs from the vaginal canal in ways that decide which toys are safe and how to use them.
🔒 Always use a flared base
Unlike the vagina, the rectum has no natural stopping point. Anything without a flared base, a retrieval cord or a wide enough stopper can travel further inside and may need a doctor to remove it. This is the most important safety rule, and every toy in this guide has a flared base for that reason.
💧 Lube is not optional
The rectum doesn't make its own lubrication the way the vagina does, so plenty of lube is a safety matter as well as a comfort one. Without enough of it you risk small tears in the delicate tissue of the anal canal. Use a lot, and reapply during the session.
📏 Start small, go slow
The anal sphincter is a ring of muscle that stays contracted by default. It can relax, but that takes time and practice. Start with the smallest size, give your body time to adjust and never force anything. You're aiming for gradual, comfortable stretching, never pain.
🧘 Relax first
When you're nervous, the sphincter tightens and insertion gets difficult or uncomfortable. Breathe deeply, take your time and only go on when you feel relaxed. A warm bath beforehand, gentle external massage or some solo exploration helps many people.
The basic rules of anal play
- If it hurts, stop. Pain is your body telling you something is wrong. Slow down, add more lube, or try again another time.
- Never use a toy without a flared base. No exceptions. Not even "just this once."
- Use body-safe materials only. Body-safe silicone, stainless steel or borosilicate glass. Avoid cheap jelly rubber, PVC or latex toys.
- Never go from anal to vaginal without thoroughly cleaning the toy first or switching to a new condom. This prevents bacterial transfer.
4 anal toys for beginners
Every toy on this list meets my basic safety requirements: body-safe silicone, a secure flared base and a design that suits someone who has never tried anal play. All four are Lovense toys, so they're app-controlled, rechargeable and IPX7 waterproof.
Best Overall for Beginners
Lovense Hush 2: vibrating butt plug
The Hush 2 is the toy community threads recommend most often as a first anal toy. It comes in four sizes, and the smallest is 1 inch (25 mm) wide, far less intimidating than most butt plugs. The tapered tip lets you insert it gradually, and the smooth silicone glides in easily with lube.
For a beginner, the vibration is what helps most: gentle vibration relaxes the sphincter and makes insertion easier. Start on the lowest setting while you insert it and adjust from there. The Lovense app controls intensity and patterns, so you can find what feels good.
- The 1-inch size suits complete beginners
- Tapered tip for gradual, comfortable insertion
- Vibration helps relax muscles, easing the experience
- App-controlled with unlimited custom vibration patterns
- IPX7 waterproof, so it's easy to clean and fine in the shower
- A secure flared base keeps it from slipping in
- Long-distance partner control via the Lovense app
- You may outgrow the small size quickly as you become comfortable
- Not designed for targeted prostate stimulation
Best Prostate Massager
Lovense Edge 2: prostate massager
If you're curious about prostate stimulation, the Edge 2 is the easiest Lovense toy to start with. You can angle its head to fit your body, which matters because the prostate sits in a slightly different place from one person to the next. That makes a comfortable position on the first try much more likely.
The Edge 2 has two motors, one in the internal arm for the prostate and one in the external arm for the perineum, and the app controls each on its own. The slim shape is manageable for a beginner, though it's a little larger than the smallest Hush 2.
- Adjustable head angle fits different body types
- Dual motors for prostate and perineum stimulation
- Independent motor control via the Lovense app
- Slim, ergonomic profile designed for comfort
- IPX7 waterproof for easy cleaning
- Hands-free design stays in place during use
- A little larger than the smallest Hush 2, so harder for a complete beginner
- Shorter battery life compared to Hush 2
- Two motors to learn instead of one
Best for size progression
Lovense Ridge: rotating bead vibrator
The Ridge feels different from a plug that just sits in place: its beaded shaft rotates, which gives a rolling, massaging motion. Many people find that more interesting than vibration on its own.
For a beginner, the Ridge works best as a second toy, once a smaller, simpler plug like the Hush 2 feels easy. The beads vary in width along the shaft, so you go up in size gradually as you insert it, and the rotation works as a kind of internal massage that many find relaxing.
- Rotating beads create unique massaging sensations
- Gradual size progression built into the design
- Vibration and rotation can be controlled independently
- Works for both anal and vaginal use
- App-controlled with partner control support
- IPX7 waterproof
- More suited as a second toy than a very first experience
- Shorter battery life than the Hush 2
- Rotating mechanism may feel intense for some beginners
Premium Pick
Lovense Lush Anal: wearable anal vibrator
The Lush Anal puts the motor and Bluetooth hardware of Lovense's Lush series into a shape made for anal use, with the flared base the standard Lush eggs don't have. If you know the Lush and want that vibration for anal play, this is the toy.
The motor gives deep, rumbly vibrations rather than a surface buzz, which suits people who want vibration to be the main sensation. The plug itself is slim: Lovense gives it as 69.1 mm long and 23.9 mm wide. Its curve helps it stay in place, and the LED tail stays outside the body.
- Deep, rumbly vibrations from the Lush motor
- Slim, curved plug (23.9 mm wide) that stays in place
- Lovense gives 72 to 237 minutes of battery
- App-controlled with full partner control support
- IPX7 waterproof
- Smooth silicone finish
- The most expensive toy in this guide ($129)
- Powerful motor may be overwhelming on higher settings for first-timers
Comparison table
| Feature | Hush 2 | Edge 2 | Ridge | Lush Anal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 | $99 | $99 | $129 |
| Type | Vibrating butt plug | Prostate massager | Rotating bead vibrator | Wearable anal vibrator |
| Size | Four sizes: 1", 1.5", 1.75", 2.25" | Adjustable angle | Beaded, up to 34 mm | Slim plug, 23.9 mm |
| Battery life | Up to 172 min | Up to 130 min | Up to 145 min | 72 to 237 min |
| Waterproof | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| App control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Partner control | Yes (long-distance) | Yes (long-distance) | Yes (long-distance) | Yes (long-distance) |
| Best for | Absolute beginners | Prostate exploration | Size progression and rotation | Strong vibration, long wear |
Ready to start?
All four ship in plain, unbranded packaging, with free worldwide shipping and a 1-year warranty.
Tips for beginners
The right toy is half of it; how you use it is the other half. These tips make a first session more comfortable.
-
Choose the right lube
Use a thick water-based lube, especially with silicone toys (all four here are). Water-based lube is safe with every toy material, and lubes labelled "anal" or "thick formula" tend to last longer. Apply plenty to the toy and to yourself, and reapply often. Never use numbing lube: pain is your body's safety signal, and numbing it removes that protection.
-
Relax your body and mind
Tension makes everything harder. A warm bath or shower beforehand relaxes the muscles, and slow, deep breathing helps. Many people start with external massage around the area before any insertion. Give yourself plenty of time, because rushing makes you anxious and anxiety makes you tense.
-
Find a comfortable position
Three positions work well for beginners: on your side with your top knee pulled toward your chest, on your back with knees bent and feet flat, or on all fours. Try them to see which feels most relaxed. Lying on your side gives many people the most control during the first insertion.
-
Go at your own pace
Insert the toy very slowly. Let the tapered tip in first, then pause for 30 seconds to a minute while your body adjusts. If you feel resistance, don't push through it: add lube, breathe and try a gentle rocking motion instead of direct pressure. It can take several sessions before insertion feels easy, and that's normal.
-
Clean everything
Wash the toy with warm water and mild antibacterial soap before and after every use. All four toys here are IPX7, so you can submerge them to clean them properly. Let the toy air dry before you store it; a toy cleaner spray adds a little extra hygiene. Never share an anal toy without cleaning it first.
Start with a finger
Many sex educators suggest starting with a well-lubed finger before any toy. You control the pace completely and feel exactly what's happening. Once one finger and the feeling of fullness are comfortable, a small toy like the Hush 2 feels much less intimidating.
Safety guidelines
With anal play, these rules aren't optional. They protect your body.
✅ Safe materials only
Only use toys made from body-safe, non-porous materials: silicone, stainless steel or borosilicate glass. They can be cleaned properly and don't harbour bacteria. Avoid jelly rubber, PVC, TPE/TPR and latex: these porous materials can't be fully sanitised and may contain chemicals such as phthalates.
🚫 What to avoid
Never use household objects as anal toys - they lack flared bases and safe materials. Never use numbing lubricants or creams. Avoid cheap, unbranded toys from unknown sellers. Do not use silicone-based lubricant with silicone toys. Never force insertion. Do not use a toy that has cracks, tears, or visible damage in the silicone.
🛑 When to stop
Stop right away if you feel sharp pain (mild pressure is normal, pain is not), see blood, have discomfort that more lube and relaxing don't fix, or feel that something is wrong. Stopping mid-session is fine. If symptoms continue after you stop, see a doctor; they've seen it all and won't judge you.
🧼 Hygiene
Wash your hands and the toy before and after every use. Never move a toy from anal to vaginal use without cleaning it thoroughly or changing the condom. Store toys somewhere clean and dry, ideally in their own pouch, and replace any toy whose surface starts to break down.
Lube compatibility
- Water-based lube + Silicone toys = Safe. This is the recommended combination for all four toys in this guide.
- Silicone-based lube + Silicone toys = Not safe. Silicone lube can degrade silicone toys over time, creating a rough, sticky surface.
- Oil-based lube = Not recommended. Can degrade certain materials and is difficult to clean from toys.
- Numbing lube = Never. Pain is your body's warning system. Removing that signal is dangerous.
Why the first toy matters
The anal canal is more delicate than vaginal tissue and doesn't lubricate itself. A first toy that's too large, too rigid or made of poor materials can put someone off anal play for good, which is why the first one should be easy to get on with.
App-controlled anal toys add remote partner control. In a long-distance relationship, one partner can control the other's toy from anywhere. Some beginners also find it easier to hand the controls to a partner and focus on the sensations instead of the settings.
Which one to buy first
First anal toy: Hush 2 (1-inch size)
The Hush 2 ($99) in its 1-inch size is the usual community recommendation for a first anal toy. The plug tapers gradually, so you reach the widest point a little at a time, and the flared base stops it from going all the way in.
Vibration 4.7/5, Quiet 4.1/5. Lovense puts it at 38 dB, quiet enough for most private settings. It's IPX7 for easy cleaning and works with long-distance control.
Buyers: "The 35mm is very comfortable. Wore it for about 2 hours without discomfort. The app remote control from my partner was seamless."
Prostate beginners: Edge 2
The Edge 2 ($99) is the next step for anyone ready for targeted prostate stimulation, with two motors and an adjustable neck. It's more complex than the Hush 2, so it suits people who've already used a simpler anal toy.
Wearable alternative: Lush Anal ($129)
The Lush Anal ($129) costs $30 more than the Hush 2. It's a slim, curved plug with the Lush's motor and an LED tail, made for long wear, and a good alternative if you want that Lush-style vibration.
Safety, step by step
The non-negotiable: retrieval mechanism
Never use an anal toy without a flared base, T-bar or retrieval loop that stops it going all the way in. Objects can get lost in the rectum and need medical help to remove. Every anal toy recommended on this site has one.
Lubricant
Anal tissue doesn't lubricate itself, so use plenty of water-based lube every time, on the toy and on you, more than you think you need. Reapply if you feel friction, and never use silicone lube with silicone toys.
Relaxation and pace
Insertion is easier when you're relaxed, so take time for a warm bath or external massage first. Use slow, gradual pressure, never force, and stop if you feel sharp pain.
Start small
The 1-inch Hush 2 is sized for beginners. Don't start with a larger toy, whatever anyone says about size not mattering. Start small and size up later if you want to.
Hygiene
Clean the toy after every use: IPX7 toys can be washed under warm water with soap. Dry it before storing. If partners share a toy, put a condom over it and clean it thoroughly between users.
Long-distance anal play: setting up with a partner
The Hush 2 and Edge 2 both work with long-distance control over the internet. Setup for a beginner:
- The wearer pairs the toy in Lovense Remote and tries a short solo session first, to get comfortable with the toy before the partner joins.
- Create a Share Control link and send it to the partner.
- For the first long-distance session, keep a video call running and talk throughout: what feels good, when to go lower, when to go higher.
- The partner starts at low intensity and goes up gradually, based on what you tell them.
The Edge 2's two motors give the controlling partner two separate controls. Many beginners start with only the perineum motor and add the prostate motor once they're comfortable.
Advice from the community
"I was nervous about buying my first anal toy. Started with Hush 2 35mm after extensive Reddit research. The Lovense community was helpful — I asked basic questions and got specific, non-judgmental answers."
"My partner controls the Hush 2 remotely. It's a completely different experience from solo use. The unpredictability of their control makes it more intense."
"Start smaller than you think you need. The 35mm is the right call even if you feel like you could handle the 48mm. Experience the 35mm first."
How do I know when to size up from the 1-inch to the 1.5-inch Hush 2?
When the 1-inch size feels comfortable for an hour or more and you're curious about more fullness. Go by how comfortable it feels, not by how long you've owned it.
Can the Hush 2 be worn during penetrative sex?
Yes. The plug shape stays in place during sex, and the vibration adds sensation for both partners.
Is anal play safe if I have any medical conditions?
Ask your doctor first. Hemorrhoids, recent anal surgery or inflammatory bowel conditions may need specific advice. This guide is not medical advice.
What if insertion is painful?
Stop, add more lube, and try a smaller toy or external massage only. Pain means slow down, not push through. If the pain continues when you're not using the toy, see a doctor.
From first try to more experience
Anal play works best as a gradual progression rather than one purchase. This is the order the community usually recommends:
Stage 1: external only (weeks 1 to 4)
Before any insertion, many people start with external massage, using only lube and their hands. It gets you used to the sensations and teaches the outer sphincter to relax. You can also press the Hush 2 against the opening, without inserting it, at this stage.
Stage 2: first insertion with the 1-inch Hush 2
The 1-inch Hush 2 is sized for a first insertion. The tip starts narrow and widens gradually, so nothing happens suddenly. Use plenty of lube, breathe out slowly and apply gentle, steady pressure; the toy should go in without force. If you feel resistance, stop, add lube and give yourself more time to relax.
Keep the first session to 10 or 15 minutes and focus on getting used to the toy being there. Vibration is optional the first time; the feeling of the toy alone is plenty to take in.
Stage 3: longer wear and higher intensity
Once 15 to 20 minutes with the 1-inch size feels easy, extend the time gradually. Some people are comfortable for 60 to 90 minutes within two to four weeks; others find 30 minutes is their limit. Both are fine, because there's no target.
Stage 4: a bigger size (optional)
The 1.5-inch Hush 2 is there if you want more fullness after plenty of time with the 1-inch. It isn't a required step, and many people stay with the small size for good. Size up because you're curious, not because you feel you should.
Stage 5: prostate toys (if you have a prostate)
The Edge 2 is for people with a prostate who want targeted stimulation. Its curve and two motors feel quite different from a plug, so it's best after some comfortable time with simpler anal toys.
Your first long-distance session
Using the Hush 2 or Edge 2 with a partner far away is one of the most common ways people use these toys. A first session, step by step:
- The wearer tries a solo session first to find comfortable positions and intensities.
- Before the first session, agree on a comfortable intensity range, when to turn it down and what signal means stop.
- The wearer pairs the toy in Lovense Remote, creates a Share Control link and sends it to the partner.
- First session: low intensity only (20 to 30%), both on a video call, talking throughout.
- The controlling partner adjusts the intensity from what you tell them, because they can't feel what you feel.
- Afterwards, talk about what worked, which intensities felt good and what to try next time.
With the Edge 2, the controlling partner gets two separate sliders. Many couples start with one motor, usually the external perineum arm, before adding the prostate motor.
Anatomy basics for beginners
Knowing a little anatomy takes the mystery out of it and makes anal toys more comfortable to use:
The anal canal
The anal canal is about 3 to 4 cm long and ends at the rectum. Both sphincters need to relax for comfortable insertion: the external one, which you control, and the internal one, which you don't. The internal sphincter relaxes with gentle, patient pressure, and forcing past it hurts.
Why lubricant matters more than for vaginal use
Unlike vaginal tissue, the anal canal doesn't lubricate itself, however aroused you are. Without enough lube, friction makes any toy uncomfortable, whatever its size.
The prostate (for those who have one)
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland about 5 to 7 cm inside the rectum, against the front wall. You can feel it through the rectal wall as a slightly raised, firm area, and the Edge 2's curved arm is shaped to reach it. Many people with a prostate find that stimulating it makes orgasms more intense.
Care and hygiene
Before use
Many people prefer to use anal toys some time after a bowel movement. That's a preference, not a safety rule: the rectum usually holds very little unless you're about to go. Any further preparation is a personal choice, not a medical need.
Cleaning the toys
The Hush 2 and Edge 2 are both IPX7, so rinse them well under warm running water with mild soap after each use, paying attention to the base. Dry them fully before charging and storing. If partners share a toy, use a condom over it and clean it thoroughly between uses.
Storage
Store each toy in its own clean pouch. Silicone picks up dust and lint over time, and a pouch keeps the surface in good shape. Keep toys away from direct sunlight and heat.
What the Community Says
"I was anxious about buying my first anal toy. The Hush 2 35mm was the exact right starting point. The community recommendations were accurate — start smaller than you think you need."
"My partner controls the Hush 2 remotely while I work from home. The LDR setup took 5 minutes. It's become a regular part of how we stay connected during the work day."
"The Edge 2 adjustable neck is why I upgraded from the Hush 2. The first time I got the angle right for the prostate, it was a completely different experience."
Not sure which anal toy to start with?
Answer 5 questions — personalised recommendation in 2 minutes.
Take the Quiz →Can I use the Hush 2 as a first-ever anal experience?
Yes. The 1-inch Hush 2 is made as a first toy. With enough lube and patience, most beginners find it comfortable within one to three sessions. Don't rush the insertion.
What's the difference between 'clean' and 'ready' for anal play?
"Clean" usually means you've had a bowel movement in the past few hours; "ready" means your body has had time to relax. Both matter, and a shower beforehand helps with each.
Can anal toys cause permanent stretching?
No. The anal sphincter is an elastic muscle that returns to its usual tone after use, so toys used with care don't stretch it permanently.
Is it normal for first anal use to be uncomfortable?
Some mild discomfort at insertion is common while the internal sphincter relaxes, and it should pass quickly. Sharp or lasting pain means stop and fix the cause, usually too little lube or rushing. Pain that continues after you remove the toy needs a doctor.
What first-time buyers report
First-time buyers of the Hush 2 and Edge 2 on r/SexToys, r/LDR and in Lovense's verified reviews report:
Hush 2, first-time buyers
"I was nervous but the 35mm was very manageable. Comfortable after the first 5 minutes. My partner controlled it remotely and the LDR aspect made it feel intimate rather than clinical."
"The quiet motor was important to me. At moderate intensity in a shared apartment building, completely inaudible. The IPX7 rating means cleaning is genuinely easy — just rinse."
"I thought I needed the 48mm for adequate stimulation. The 35mm was exactly right for my first toy. I upgraded three months later and I'm glad I started where I did."
Edge 2 first-time prostate toy buyers
"I had used anal plugs before. The Edge 2 was my first targeted prostate toy. The difference is significant — the adjustable neck actually hits the right spot in a way fixed-angle toys never did."
"My partner controls both motors remotely. The two independent controls give her more ways to vary the experience than a single slider. First LDR session with this was genuinely different."
"Setup was 5 minutes from unboxing. The Lovense app interface is intuitive. No technical issues."
Is Lovense worth the price for anal play?
At $99 for the Hush 2 and the Edge 2, Lovense's anal toys sit in the middle of the market. Here's how the value works out:
What the extra money buys: control over the internet from anywhere, which other anal toys at this price don't offer. If a partner will ever control the toy, in the same room or far away, that's worth paying for.
Cheaper alternatives: basic vibrating plugs cost much less, but they usually work only within Bluetooth range, with no control over the internet. They're fine for solo use; for play with a partner far away, they can't do the job.
Over time: with proper care, these toys last for years. At $99 to $129 spread over a few years of regular use, each session costs very little.
Edge 2 vs Hush 2: full comparison → The two Lovense anal toys, spec by spec.
Hush 2 vs LELO Hugo 2 → A butt plug against a $189 prostate massager.
Edge 2 vs LELO Hugo → Control over the internet against Bluetooth only, with $90 between them.
Can I use anal toys every day?
Daily use is fine with care: clean the toy after each session, use enough lube and listen to your body. If you feel sore or irritated, take a day off.
What if I experience mild bleeding after first use?
A tiny amount of blood after a first use can come from minor surface irritation and usually stops quickly. If the bleeding is heavy or keeps happening, see a doctor.
Are there anal toys that are specifically better for LDR?
The Hush 2, Edge 2 and Lush Anal all work the same way over the internet. The Edge 2's two motors give a partner far away more to control; the Hush 2 is the simplest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to buy
Every toy ships in plain, unbranded packaging, with free worldwide shipping and a 1-year manufacturer warranty.
The 4 beginner anal toys at Lovense
All four are body-safe silicone, IPX7 waterproof and app-controlled, with partner control.
Related Guides
🎯 How to Choose the Right Toy
A step-by-step guide to finding the Lovense toy that fits what you want.
💜 The couples guide
How to use Lovense with your partner: pairing, sync mode, creative scenarios, and video call tips for couples at any distance.
📖 Beginner's guide to Lovense
New to Lovense? Start here for the app, the lineup, setup and tips for first-time users.
Not sure which Lovense toy is right for you?
Take the 60-Second Quiz
5 quick questions. Instant personalized recommendation.
Find My Perfect Lovense Toy →
I started Pleasure Vibe Reviews after going long-distance with my partner — Sweden to Australia, 15,000km apart. Lovense became essential to our relationship, and I couldn't find reviews that actually answered the questions I had. I research every product thoroughly: manufacturer specs, verified buyer reviews on Reddit, and community feedback — including the things brands don't put in their marketing copy. More about me →