How to Choose Your First Anal Plug: A Beginner's Buying Guide
By Doc Johnson | Official Store for Adult Toys, Enhancers & Lubes | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: Buying Guides
Choosing your first anal plug is exciting. This guide covers size, material, and design so you find a safe, comfortable start.
Quick answer
For your first anal plug, choose a small, tapered design in a body-safe material like silicone or metal. Start with a width under 1 inch and use plenty of lubricant.
Size first: why smaller is safer
Anal plugs come in many sizes, but bigger is not better when you're new. A plug that is too large can cause discomfort or injury. Look for a plug with a tapered tip and a thin stem—this shape eases insertion and stays comfortable once inside.
Material matters: silicone vs. metal
Silicone plugs are flexible, gentle on the body, and warm up quickly. They are ideal if you want a little give. Metal plugs are rigid, smooth, and offer a different sensation—they also work with any lubricant type. Both are non-porous and easy to clean. Your choice comes down to feel: soft and forgiving or firm and weighty.
Design features that help beginners
A flared base is non-negotiable—it prevents the plug from slipping inside completely. Some plugs include a removable stopper for more adventurous play, but as a beginner, you may prefer a simple solid plug. Wearable plugs with a jeweled or decorative base add style but make sure the base is wide enough for safety.
Your decision rules for a first anal plug
- Start with width: Choose a plug with a maximum insertable width of 0.8 to 1 inch. Anything larger is for intermediate users. Measure your plug's widest point before buying.
- Pick a body-safe material: Silicone or metal are both safe. Silicone is softer and warmer; metal is firmer and heavier. Avoid jelly or PVC.
- Check the base: The base must be wider than the bulb of the plug. A T-bar or round flared base works best for safety. Always test the base width before use.
- Use plenty of lube: Apply a generous amount of water-based lubricant to the plug and your anus. Reapply as needed during use. Lube is not optional—it's essential.
Products that fit the beginner profile
- Booty Bling - Heart Diamond Jeweled Wearable Metal Plug - Small: Tapered tip, thin stem, and classic spade shape in smooth metal. The tapered tip and thin stem make insertion easy, and the small size is perfect for first-time users.
Booty Bling - Heart Diamond Jeweled Wearable Metal Plug - Small - Fort Troff - Kum Keeper - Medium: Flexy premium silicone with a tapered head and removable stopper. The flexible silicone and tapered head offer a comfortable, full feeling, and the stopper allows you to experiment with filling later on.
Fort Troff - Kum Keeper - Medium
Which plug fits you?
Best for
- Beginners who want a simple, wearable plug with a jeweled look
- Beginners who want a flexible silicone plug with room to grow into filling play
Not for
- Experienced users who need larger sizes or textured designs
- Anyone who wants a vibrating or remote-controlled plug
