Anal play is a super pleasurable sexual experience that we feel everyone should try at least once. 

And truth be told, you’re sitting on a gold mine here… literally! Why? Because the anus is rife with nerve endings making it a hotspot for arousal and amazing orgasms. 

What’s even better is the fact that anal play is genderless and it has benefits for everyone. 

For vulva owners, anal stimulation indirectly stimulates the clitoral network (such as the G-spot). And for penis owners, anal stimulation stimulates the prostate (a walnut-sized gland capable of explosive orgasm). 

So, while there are different types of anal sex toys available, all unique and euphoric in their own way, we’re going to focus on butt plugs. More specifically, the different types of materials: are silicone, metal, and glass.

Choosing the Right Butt Plug Material: Silicone, Metal, or Glass

A butt plug is an anal sex toy that’s used for sexual stimulation during partnered intimacy or solo play. 

It’s also a pleasure product that can be used for anal training, or to wear simply for the aesthetic, making it diverse and brimming with orgasmic potential.

The three main types of butt plug materials are silicone, metal, and glass. These are all great materials for this kind of play because they offer a variety of benefits. They’re also easy to clean, which is a big bonus.

But what kind of butt plug is right for you? Do you know about the different types and the different materials? Let’s uncover the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision.

Considerations When Choosing the Right Butt Plug Material for You

One of the important questions to ask yourself while considering a new butt plug would be: why do I want to buy a butt plug? 

Do you love anal play and are looking for something bigger and bolder to add to your collection? Is temperature play on your sex bucket list? Are you an anal play beginner and want to get started with anal training? Or are you and your partner looking for something gorgeous to use and look at during playtime? 

Once you know why you want a new butt plug, it’ll be easier to decide which one is right for you.

As for the material, here are some pros and cons to consider when buying a butt plug.

Silicone Butt Plugs

Silicone butt plugs are soft and one of the safest and most comfortable options. 

It feels almost identical to rubber but between silicone and rubber, we’ll always choose silicone as it is normally body-safe. And of the two, the cheap sex toys will be made of rubber as opposed to silicone. 

Pros

• Silicone butt plugs are free from phthalates and are often made of body-safe or medical-grade silicone. 
• Silicone butt plugs are long-lasting, durable, and flexible.
• Silicone butt plugs are smooth to the touch and are easier to insert.
• Silicone butt plugs are rigid enough to keep their shape.
• Silicone butt plugs are great for beginners because they’re more soft and sensual.
• Silicone butt plugs are diverse and fun because they can be made in various colours.
• Silicone butt plugs are non-porous, making them easy to clean.

Cons

• Silicone butt plugs can’t be used with silicone lube as it will cause the toy to degrade.
• Some silicone butt plugs can attract dust and lint.
• Silicone butt plugs, especially medical grade, are often more expensive than other sex toys
• Silicone butt plugs can retain a smell if not cleaned properly.

Silicone Butt Plug Recommendations

	Glams Mini Gem Butt Plug Fun, cute, and colourful. This Glams Mini Gem Butt Plug is made of body-safe silicone, has a tapered end for easy insertion and removable, and has a sparkling gem for that extra flirtiness. This butt plug is definitely one to consider if you’re still fairly new to anal stimulation.
	Fun Factory Bootie Small Butt Plug Fun Factory is a big name in the sex toy industry so you can be sure you’re getting quality with their Fun Factory Bootie Small Butt Plug. It’s made from 100% silicone, is flexible without losing its firmness, has been made to pleasure all bodies,  and is a good choice for beginners.
	BVibe Snug Plug Weighted Butt Plug BVibe is yet another sex toy brand that’s high-end. And they specialise in anal toys! Their BVibe Snug Plug Weighted Butt Plug is made of seamless silicone, has rounded edges for easy insertion, and has been made in a shape that offers maximum pleasure. There are also 7 sizes to choose from, making it a good choice for beginners and experienced players.

Metal Butt Plugs

Metal butt plugs are a great choice for more experienced anal enthusiasts. The most popular metal butt plugs are made of stainless steel.

Pros

• Metal butt plugs are body-safe.
• Metal butt plugs are non-porous so they’re easy to clean.
• Metal butt plugs can be used for temperature play, either hot or cold.
• Metal butt plugs are great for experienced players because they give the user a fuller feeling. 
• Metal butt plugs are great for experienced players because they are sturdy and strong, so they provide more intense stimulation. 
• Metal butt plugs are smooth and generally easy to insert.
• Metal butt plugs are compatible with all kinds of lube.

Cons

• For beginners, metal butt plugs are rigid and completely inflexible.
• There is only one big maker of luxury metal butt plugs: Njoy.
• Body-safe metal butt plugs are generally more pricey.

Metal Butt Plug Recommendations

	Njoy Pure Plug Stainless Steel Plug The Njoy Pure Plug Stainless Steel Plug comes in a satin-lined hinged presentation box, giving it an even sexier allure, and has been cast in 316 medical-grade stainless steel. It’s a favourite for all genders and makes for a fun solo night or an adventure with a lover. This butt plug is perfect for advanced players as it has a large head, is weighty, and gives one a sense of fullness.
	Njoy Pure Plug 2.0 Stainless Steel Plug Inspired by its predecessor, the Njoy Pure Plug 2.0 Stainless Steel Plug is bigger and weightier—an absolute winner for anal lovers. It looks like pure luxury, has been cast with 316 medical-grade stainless steel, and is fun for temperature play when the mood strikes.
	Njoy Pfun Stainless Steel Plug Engineered for the male G-spot, the Njoy Pfun Stainless Steel Plug stimulates the prostate with precision and firmness. You can use this stainless steel butt plug either manually or you can control it using your own muscles in “hands-off” mode. The Pfun is also cast in 316 medical grade stainless steel, and is a lustful anal sex toy for experienced anal lovers.

Glass Butt Plugs

Glass butt plugs are entirely underrated but truly deserve a space in the spotlight. They’re made from borosilicate glass (Pyrex), and can withstand a lot without breaking. And no, a glass butt plug won't break inside of you.

Pros

• Glass butt plugs are smooth and firm.
• Glass butt plugs offer the chance to experiment with temperature play, either hot or cold.
• Glass butt plugs can withstand extreme temperatures without breaking. 
• Glass butt plugs have a luxury aesthetic. 
• Glass butt plugs are non-toxic and hypoallergenic. 
• Glass butt plugs are easy to clean because they’re non-porous.
• Glass butt plugs are long-lasting without deterioration. 
• For experienced anal players, glass butt plugs provide its users with a fuller feeling.

Cons

• Glass butt plugs don't make for a very good vibrator and it’s very uncommon to find vibrating glass butt plugs.
• Glass butt plugs could break if dropped too hard.
• Glass butt plugs are typically more expensive than other materials.
• There are only a handful of reputable companies that make luxury glass butt plugs. The Pipeline Products, Icicles series, quite possibly being the best.

Glass Butt Plug Recommendations

	Icicles No. 79 Pink Jewel Glass Butt Plug Hand-crafted with elegance, Icicles No. 79 Pink Jewel Glass Butt Plug is made of hypoallergenic glass that is body-safe, and it’s non-porous making it easy to clean. An added bonus? It has a beautiful pink jewel ornament to add extra allure to your anal adventures.
	Icicles No. 26 Clear Tapered Glass Butt Plug Smooth and tapered for ultimate comfort, this beautifully modest Icicles No. 26 Clear Tapered Glass Butt Plug is easy to insert and remove and will pleasure its users with a feeling of fullness. Fancy some temperature play? This sex toy is perfect for those hot or cold moments!
	Icicles No. 74 Black Heart Glass Butt Plug Enter a sensual realm of elegant bliss with a butt plug that is mysteriously sexy. Icicles No. 74 Black Heart Glass Butt Plug has a heart-shaped end which makes for a perfect aesthetic, is made of hypoallergenic glass, and is body-safe. A sensual anal sex toy for the more experienced players.

Summary

TLDR? No problem! We’ll give you a little summary! 

In the realm of butt plugs: silicones, metal, and glass are all excellent materials. And while each has its own unique pros and cons, those curious about anal play and regular anal enthusiasts have a lot of pleasure to derive from all. 

Silicone sex toys are great for beginners and for anal training. They’re low maintenance, easy to clean, and feel super soft and luxurious. On the downside, they can’t be used with silicone lube, which may be a bummer for some.

Metal and glass butt plugs are great for more experienced anal players. They also offer the opportunity of temperature play, which is always fun. They’re rigid and long-lasting, they give their users a fuller feeling, and they’ve got a high-end aesthetic.  On the downside, they are both on the pricey side and there are only a few repeatable sex toy manufacturers that make them, so the choices are not so vast.

And so, do you feel better informed about what kind of butt plug you fancy? We hope so!