Anal Plugs for Beginners: How to Choose and Use Your First Plug

The best anal plug for beginners is small, smooth, tapered at the tip and finished with a flared base that keeps it safely outside the body. Our Purple Heart Anal Plug fits that description: polished stainless steel, a tapered tip for gradual insertion and a jeweled heart base, at 7.1 cm long and 2.7 cm wide. If you want room to grow, the Rainbow Heart Anal Plug (Set of 3) starts at the same small size and moves up to medium and large. Whatever you choose, use plenty of water-based lube and go slowly.

Below you will find what to look for in a first plug, how our plugs compare, how to use one step by step and how to keep it clean.

What to look for in an anal plug for beginners

• A flared base. This is the one feature that is never optional. The base stops the plug from slipping all the way in.
• A tapered tip. A narrow tip that widens gradually makes insertion more comfortable.
• A small size. Start smaller than you think you need. You can always size up later.
• A smooth, easy-clean material. Stainless steel has no pores and rinses clean.

Our anal plugs compared

Purple Heart Anal Plug: the simple first step

The Purple Heart Anal Plug is a polished stainless steel plug with a sparkling heart-shaped base. Its page describes it as sleek and weighted, with a tapered tip for comfortable, gradual insertion. It measures 7.1 cm in length and 2.7 cm in diameter.

Best for: trying a plug for the first time.

Rainbow Heart Anal Plug (Set of 3): grow at your own pace

The Rainbow Heart Anal Plug (Set of 3) gives you three stainless steel plugs with jeweled rainbow bases. The sizes are small (7 x 2.7 cm), medium (8 x 3.4 cm) and large (9.5 x 4 cm), so you can progress from small to large when you feel ready.

Best for: starting small and moving up over time.

Baddie Remote Control Anal Plug Vibrator: when you want vibration

The Baddie Remote Control Anal Plug Vibrator adds 12 vibration speeds and patterns, controlled from a remote that works from up to 10 meters away. It has a tapered tip and a secure flared base.

Best for: a next step once you are comfortable with a plain plug.

You can find our plugs, lube and more in the accessories collection.

Stainless steel plugs: what to expect

Steel feels different from silicone. It is firm and smooth, and its pleasant weight adds a feeling of fullness. Steel also takes on temperature: warm it in your hand or under warm water before use, or try it slightly cool if you enjoy that contrast. Never heat it in anything hotter than warm tap water.

Preparing for your first time

A little preparation makes the experience calmer and more enjoyable. Pick a moment when you have privacy and nowhere to be. Lay a towel on the bed, put the lube within reach and keep a few tissues nearby. Trim your nails if you plan to use your fingers to warm up first, and wash your hands.

It can be easier to explore while you are already aroused, for example during solo play with a clit toy or a vibrator. Arousal helps your body relax, and the plug can become part of something you already enjoy rather than a separate experiment. There is no right pace: some sessions you may only try the tip, and that is completely fine.

How to use an anal plug, step by step

Step 1: Clean the plug

Wash it with warm water and mild soap, rinse and dry it.

Step 2: Get relaxed

Choose a time when you are not rushed. A warm shower beforehand helps you unwind. Tension makes insertion harder, so take your time.

Step 3: Use plenty of water-based lube

The body does not make its own lubrication there, so lube is essential. Coat the plug generously and apply some to your body too. Our Water Base Lube is a water-soluble option.

Step 4: Find a comfortable position

Lying on your side with your knees pulled up is a good place to start. You can also try lying on your back or kneeling.

Step 5: Insert slowly

Breathe out as you gently press the tapered tip in. Go a little at a time, pause and let your body adjust. The widest part takes a moment, then the plug settles at the narrower neck.

Step 6: Check the base

The flared base should rest comfortably outside your body. Stay still for a moment and notice how it feels.

Step 7: Remove gently

When you are done, relax, breathe out and ease the plug out slowly by the base. Add more lube if you need it.

Tips for a comfortable first time

• Start with short sessions. A few minutes is plenty at first.
• Never force it. If something hurts, stop. Discomfort is a sign to slow down or try another day.
• Reapply lube. Water-based lube can absorb, so add more as you go.
• Try it with other play. A plug can be combined with a vibrator or a clit toy for extra sensation.
• Size up slowly. With the Rainbow set, stay on the small plug until it feels easy.

Moving on to a vibrating plug

Once a plain plug feels easy, vibration is a natural next step. The Baddie works like any plug, with a tapered tip and a flared base, but adds 12 speeds and patterns you change from the remote. Insert it switched off, get comfortable, then start on the gentlest setting. To compare remote toys with app-controlled ones, read remote control vs app controlled vibrators.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a toy without a flared base. Only use plugs designed for anal play.
• Not using enough lube. Too little lube can make a first try feel uncomfortable.
• Starting too big. Begin with the small size.
• Rushing. Relaxation matters more than anything else.
• Skipping the wash. Clean before and after every use.

How to clean and store your plug

Stainless steel is one of the easiest materials to care for. Wash the plug with warm water and mild soap, pay attention to the area around the jeweled base, rinse well and dry it fully. Store each plug in its own pouch so the jewels do not scratch. For a complete routine, read how to clean sex toys.

Which lube works best? Our guide to water based lube for silicone toys explains the differences between lube types, and water-based lube works with steel too.

Anal plugs for beginners FAQ

What size anal plug should a beginner use?

Start small. The Purple Heart Anal Plug and the small plug in the Rainbow set are both 2.7 cm wide.

Why does an anal plug need a flared base?

The base keeps the plug outside the body, so it cannot slip all the way in.

What lube should I use with a steel plug?

Water-based lube is a good, easy-clean choice, and plenty of it.

Can I warm up a stainless steel plug?

Yes. Hold it in your hand or run it under warm tap water. Never use anything hotter.

How long can I wear a plug?

Start with a few minutes. Remove it any time it feels uncomfortable.

How are plugs shipped?

In a plain box with discreet billing. Shipping is free.