Vibrating Plug — Get Closer Glossary

Type of

Used in

WHY PEOPLE USE IT

The plug sits in place and the vibration does the work, which makes it more passive than other forms of anal stimulation. For people with a prostate, the vibration reaches the gland through the rectal wall and can intensify orgasm significantly. For people without a prostate, anal nerve endings are still highly sensitive and vibration adds a layer of stimulation that fullness alone does not provide. Vibrating plugs are commonly used during solo masturbation, during partnered sex, or worn for extended periods. Remote-controlled versions allow a partner to control the toy during sex or in public.

HOW POPULAR IS IT

Anal play has become increasingly mainstream over the past two decades, with survey data consistently showing growth in the proportion of people who have tried anal stimulation. Vibrating plugs are among the more commonly purchased anal toys, often recommended as a starting point for people new to anal play due to their passive, non-thrusting design.

HISTORY

Butt plugs as a product category emerged in the early 20th century, initially marketed as medical devices for haemorrhoid treatment and bowel health. Their use as sex toys became more openly acknowledged through the sexual liberation movements of the 1960s and 70s. Vibrating versions appeared as miniaturised motors became affordable through the 1990s and 2000s, initially wired with a separate controller box. Wireless remote-controlled plugs followed, allowing a partner to adjust vibration without touching the toy directly. The next significant step was app connectivity: Lovense launched the Hush in the mid-2010s, described at the time as the world's first teledildonic butt plug, meaning it could be controlled over the internet from any distance. This placed the vibrating plug firmly within the same connected toy ecosystem as wearable vibrators and egg vibrators, and opened up the same use cases: long-distance partner control, cam model interactivity, and the Lovense Chat Roulette feature. Music sync, allowing vibration to follow a beat, was added to later models.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Start small. A tapered tip makes insertion easier and a graduated size allows the body to adjust. Body-safe silicone is the standard material and the most comfortable for extended wear. Metal and glass plugs transmit vibration more efficiently but are firmer. The flared base must be wide enough that it cannot be pulled inward. Remote or app control is worth considering if partner play is the goal. Motor strength varies significantly in this category.

TRUSTED BRANDS

We-Vibe Ditto and Ditto+ are well-regarded rechargeable options. Lovense Hush is the most popular app-controlled vibrating plug. njoy makes high-quality stainless steel non-vibrating plugs if vibration is not the priority.

WHERE TO BUY IT

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Available from specialist sex toy retailers online and in store. The Lovense Hush can be purchased directly from Lovense. Avoid general marketplaces where material information is missing or unverifiable.

Budget: $20–$50. Basic vibrating plugs, often with a simple remote.
Mid-range: $60–$100. Better materials, stronger motors, more vibration patterns.
Premium (app-controlled): $100–$130. Bluetooth or long-distance control, rechargeable. Lovense Hush and We-Vibe Ditto sit in this range.

Rough prices as of June 2026.

HOW TO LOOK AFTER IT

Cleaning
Clean before and after every use with warm water and unscented soap or a toy-safe cleaner. Do not submerge motorised toys.

Lubricant
Use plenty of lubricant during use. The anus does not self-lubricate. Water-based lubricant is safe with silicone; silicone-based lubricant degrades silicone toys.

Storage
Store in a pouch away from other toys.