Best pick under $50 (price as of November 2026; free US shipping from $85, shipped in a plain box)
Ribbed Vibrating Silicone Butt Plug ($34.95): a silicone starter with vibration: tapered tip, 2.8 in insertable, 1.3 in wide, USB rechargeable and waterproof.
Short answer: Choose silicone if you are new to anal play, want a toy you can wear for a while, or want vibration. Choose glass if you want firm, precise pressure, temperature play, or a toy that works with every kind of lube. Both are non-porous and easy to keep clean, so the right pick comes down to feel, not safety.
Quick picks in both materials (prices as of November 2026; free US shipping from $85, shipped in a plain box)
- Ribbed Vibrating Silicone Butt Plug ($34.95): silicone starter with vibration. Tapered tip, 2.8 in insertable, 1.3 in wide, rechargeable and waterproof.
- Dragon Trainer Silicone Butt Plug Set ($59.95): three progressive silicone sizes with flared bases, for working up gradually.
- Vibrating Silicone Butt Plug with Digital Remote ($64.95): 4 speeds and 7 patterns on a wireless remote, good for partner play.
- Pink Gem Glass Anal Plug, Small ($19.95): the low-cost way to try glass. 1 in wide, 2.3 in insertable, works with any lube.
- Dosha 3 Piece Glass Anal Plug Kit ($58.95): three graduated borosilicate glass plugs (1.15 to 1.55 in) with tapered tips and flared bases; warm or chill them for temperature play.
Or compare all butt plugs.
Shop this guide
8 in-stock picks, live prices
In this guide
Silicone vs. glass at a glance
| Silicone | Glass | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Smooth and slightly soft; ranges from squishy to firm | Hard, heavy and very slick |
| Flex | Many bend a little and move with your body | No flex at all |
| Lube | Water-based only; silicone lube can damage silicone toys | Any lube: water-based, silicone or oil |
| Temperature play | Barely holds heat or cold | Holds warmth or coolness well |
| Vibration | Common (rechargeable and remote models) | Rare |
| Cleaning | Soap and warm water; 100% silicone without a motor can be boiled | Soap and warm water; can be boiled if you start it in room-temperature water |
| Main risk | Nicks and tears can trap bacteria over time | Chips or cracks; stop using a damaged toy |
| Best for | First plugs, longer wear, vibration | Prostate or G-spot pressure, temperature play, any-lube use |
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Which one should you choose?
- Your first anal toy: a small silicone plug with a flared base. The slight give makes the first few sessions more comfortable.
- You want to wear it for a while: silicone. A flexible neck and base move with you when you sit or walk.
- You want firm, targeted pressure: glass. Because it doesn't bend, every bit of pressure goes where you aim it, which many people like for prostate play.
- You want warm or cool sensations: glass. Rest it in a bowl of warm or cool (not hot or icy) water for a few minutes and test it on your wrist first.
- You prefer silicone lube: glass, since it works with every lube.
- You want vibration: silicone. Almost every vibrating anal toy is silicone over a plastic core.
Our picks in each material
How we chose: these are in-stock Numen products whose manufacturer lists the material and measurements, each with a flared base, finger loop or handle. Sizes are insertable length × widest diameter, from the manufacturer. We have not lab-tested these toys, and we don't claim hands-on testing.
Silicone
- 3 Piece Anal Plugs with Gems ($51.69): 2.5 × 1.5 in, 3 × 1.5 in, 3.5 × 2 in. Three graduated plugs for sizing up slowly; gem base.
- Vibrating Swirl Butt Plug ($44.99): 3.6 × 1.4 in (0.7 in neck). Rechargeable; 3 speeds and 7 patterns.
- Serpent Silicone Beads of Pleasure ($37.99): 12 in insertable; beads alternate 0.9 and 1.5 in. Finger loop for easy removal; for people who already enjoy beads.
Glass
- Pink Rose Glass Anal Plug, Small ($35.95): 2.2 × 1 in. Borosilicate glass; the smallest glass plug here.
- Red Heart Gem Glass Anal Plug, Small ($19.95): 2.3 × 1 in. Glass and ABS plastic; lowest price.
- Dosha 3 Piece Glass Anal Plug Kit ($58.95): 4 × 1.15 in, 4.5 × 1.35 in, 5 × 1.55 in. Borosilicate glass; graduated set with flared bases.
Browse more in butt plugs, anal beads and all anal toys, and pair any of them with a water-based anal lube. Want vibration too? Browse our vibrating butt plugs.
Safety basics for either material
- Use a flared base, loop or handle. Anything that goes in the anus needs something that stays outside the body.
- Use plenty of lube. The anus doesn't make its own lubrication. Reapply as often as you need.
- Go slowly and stop if it hurts. Pain is the signal to slow down or stop, so we don't recommend numbing gels for anal play.
- Check glass before every use. Run a finger over it and look for chips or cracks, and stop using it if you find any. Store it wrapped so it can't knock against other toys.
- Keep anal toys for anal use, or wash them thoroughly (or cover them with a fresh condom) before any vaginal use.
Cleaning and care
Silicone: wash with mild soap and warm water or a toy cleaner, rinse well and let it air dry. A toy that is 100% silicone with no motor can be boiled for a few minutes. Don't boil anything with batteries or a charging port, and store silicone toys so they don't touch each other.
Glass: wash with mild soap and warm water. Glass can be boiled, but start it in room-temperature water and heat it gradually, since sudden temperature changes are what stress glass. Let it cool before use.
FAQ
Is glass safe for anal play?
Yes, when it is borosilicate (or similarly tempered) glass, has a flared base and is free of chips or cracks. Glass is non-porous and works with every lube.
Can I use silicone lube with a silicone anal toy?
No. Silicone lube can damage silicone toys. Use a water-based lube with silicone toys, or switch to glass if you prefer silicone lube.
Which is better for beginners?
Most beginners find a small silicone plug easier to start with. If you like the idea of a firmer toy, a small glass plug about 1 inch wide is also a gentle starting size.
Are jelly or TPE anal toys as safe as silicone or glass?
They are porous, so bacteria can stay in the surface even after washing. If you use one, cover it with a condom and replace it regularly.
Does glass break inside the body?
Well-made borosilicate glass is strong and shatter-resistant in normal use. The real risk is using a toy that is already chipped or cracked, so inspect it every time.
Sources
- Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit: Sex toy stories (materials, cleaning and lube compatibility)
- University of British Columbia: Sexual health shop cleaning guide
- Product measurements and materials: manufacturer specifications on each linked product page
