The 11 Best Anal Vibrators for Every Experience Level

Ass-k and you shall receive.

collage of female form with anal bead vibrator
(Image credit: Brittany Holloway-Brown)

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.

Deals on Anal Vibrators

When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a MC writer or editor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.

LELO Loki Wave Rechargeable Vibrating Prostate Massager $220 $176 | Lovehoney

LELO Loki Wave Rechargeable Vibrating Prostate Massager $220 $176 | Lovehoney

This sexpert-approved toy is perfect for advanced users, during both solo and partner play

Adam & Eve My 1st Surge Vibrating Butt Plug $40 $22 | Adam & Eve

Adam & Eve My 1st Surge Vibrating Butt Plug $40 $22 | Adam & Eve

Users of all experience levels absolutely love this anal vibrator. Reviewers absolutely rave about how comfortable, easy to use, and easy to clean it is. 

The Best Anal Vibrators

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. Jess O'Reilly
Dr. Jess O'Reilly

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
Shamyra Howard

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.

Dr. Zhana Vrangalova
Dr. Zhana Vrangalova

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.

Gabrielle Ulubay
Beauty Writer

Gabrielle Ulubay is a Beauty Writer at Marie Claire. She has also written about sexual wellness, politics, culture, and fashion at Marie Claire and at publications including The New York Times, HuffPost Personal, Bustle, Alma, Muskrat Magazine, O'Bheal, and elsewhere. Her personal essay in The New York Times' Modern Love column kickstarted her professional writing career in 2018, and that piece has since been printed in the 2019 revised edition of the Modern Love book. Having studied history, international relations, and film, she has made films on politics and gender equity in addition to writing about cinema for Film Ireland, University College Cork, and on her personal blog, gabrielleulubay.medium.com. Before working with Marie Claire, Gabrielle worked in local government, higher education, and sales, and has resided in four countries and counting. She has worked extensively in the e-commerce and sales spaces since 2020, and spent two years at Drizly, where she developed an expertise in finding the best, highest quality goods and experiences money can buy.

Deeply political, she believes that skincare, haircare, and sexual wellness are central tenets to one's overall health and fights for them to be taken seriously, especially for people of color. She also loves studying makeup as a means of artistic expression, drawing on her experience as an artist in her analysis of beauty trends. She's based in New York City, where she can be found watching movies or running her art business when she isn't writing. Find her on Twitter at @GabrielleUlubay or on Instagram at @gabrielle.ulubay, or follow her art at @suburban.graffiti.art