Amanda Chatel

When it comes to sex toys, people tend to gravitate toward vibrators. And while vibrators are great and come highly recommended, it seems almost unfair to skip the toy that started it all: the dildo. Whether with a partner or masturbating by yourself, dildos are an important sex toy to have in any sexual arsenal because of their versatility. Not only are they great for vaginal penetration and anal penetration, but dildos can be used orally, with a partner (hello, double-ended dildos), and to fulfill any sexual fantasy. "Even if fingertips are one of the best and cheapest ways to pleasure yourself, dildos can be a miracle," says Laurène Dorléac, founder and CEO of Climax, a virtual platform that teaches people with vulvas how to pleasure themselves. "If you are alone and want to explore deep spots in your vagina, I recommend buying a toy designed for G-spot stimulation that can also be used for A and O spots. If you're [with a partner], toys should be viewed as something that can enhance the experience . . . [Dildos can] provide additional stimulations and thus create better sexual satisfaction." But finding the best dildos to meet your needs isn't always easy. You can invest in the trial-and-error process and eventually realize you've found your soulmate in dildo form, or you can take a look at the list ahead. When it comes to dildos, these are the best you'll find. Once you've found the dildo of your dreams, check out POPSUGAR's guide on how to use a dildo. Related: How to Have Painless Anal Sex, According to Experts

Although anal play was once something that people shied away from, these days, anal sex toys are becoming more and more popular. And while butt plugs and anal beads seem to get most of the attention, they're certainly not the only type of anal sex toy out there. "One of the best parts about anal toys is that they can provide pleasure for any body," says Alicia Sinclair Rosen, founder and CEO of COTR, Inc. "Whether you have a penis, vagina, or anything in between, anal toys add additional sensation and pleasure." Plus, they're incredibly versatile. "They can be used as the main event or as an accessory during sex. Toys like anal beads are meant for movement, while plugs are meant to stay during play," Sinclair Rosen says. While the pleasure is undeniable, when it comes to purchasing anal sex toys, it's important to keep a few things in mind. For one, all anal sex toys should be paired with lube. And no, this isn't a step you can skip. Unlike the vagina, the anus is not a self-lubricating orifice, so you want to make sure you always have lube on hand to minimize friction that can cause tears in the anal cavity. The second thing you should look for is a flared base or finger loop. All anal sex toys should come with a flared base or finger loop, as this prevents the sex toy from getting stuck in the anal cavity. (Because, yes, this is unfortunately all too common.) The last important thing to note is that if you use a toy anally, you shouldn't use it vaginally afterward. Although a lot of anal sex toys can definitely work for vaginal penetration, too, if the toys aren't thoroughly washed before vaginal insertion, bacteria from the anus can be transferred to the vagina, causing UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections, among other things. But as long as you keep things clean and lubed, anal play can be fantastic - and there are so many to choose from. If you're ready to join the anal sex toy club, then look no further. Here are the 10 best anal toys to get you started. Related: The Top-Rated Sex Toys of 2023