Anal Beads UK: Sizes and How to Choose

Short on time? Anal beads are a row of rounded beads on a flexible stem or cord, graduated or all the same size, with a ring or handle that stays outside the body. We sell four beaded toys, from £17.99 to £29.99. The bead sizes run from 17 mm to 40 mm, so check the smallest and the largest bead, not just the length. For a first set, choose graduated beads whose first beads are narrow. Prices were checked on 2 November 2026.

What are anal beads?

Anal beads are inserted one bead at a time and removed slowly; many people time the removal with orgasm. Some are graduated, with small beads first and larger ones after, and some have equal beads on a cord. A ring, handle or T-bar at the end stays outside and is what you hold to remove them. Beads suit movement; a butt plug is made to stay in place, so read our guide to butt plugs for beginners if you are comparing the two.

Anal beads compared: sizes and prices

Each figure comes from the size diagram on that product’s listing.

Product	Price	Bead sizes	Length
Vibrating anal beads with ring pull	£17.99	3 graduated beads: 17, 22 and 30 mm	170 mm
Metal beaded butt plug with T-bar base	£23.99	5 beads: 20, 23, 28, 29 and 33 mm	155 mm, 160 g
Large silicone anal beads, small	£24.99	4 equal beads of 30 mm	335 mm, 79 g
Large silicone anal beads, medium	£24.99	4 equal beads of 40 mm	400 mm, 163 g
Rechargeable vibrating anal beads	£29.99	5 graduated beads: 21, 24, 26, 30 and 34 mm	210 mm

Vibration, material, water and handle

Product	Vibration	Material	Waterproof	Ring or handle
Vibrating beads	Removable bullet; modes not stated	Not stated	Not stated	Heart-shaped ring pull, 59 mm wide
Metal beaded plug	None; no batteries	Polished metal; the metal is not named	Not stated	Flat T-bar base, size not stated
Large silicone beads	None	Silicone, as described	Not stated	Pull ring with a 25 mm opening
Rechargeable beads	9 modes, magnetic USB	Silicone, as stated	IPX7, as stated	Handle 38 mm across

What size anal beads should you start with?

Look at the bead sizes, not only the length. A long toy can have narrow beads, and a short one can end in a wide bead.
Graduated beads are the gentler start, because the first beads are narrow. The vibrating beads start at 17 mm, the metal beaded plug at 20 mm and the rechargeable beads at 21 mm.
Equal beads are a different choice. The large silicone beads are 30 mm or 40 mm all the way along. The listing says they are large beads and not a first anal toy.
The metal beaded plug tops out at 33 mm, and its listing says it is not a first plug: start with something smaller if you are new to anal toys.

Our butt plug size guide shows the widths of the plugs in millimetres and inches, so you can compare a bead with a plug.

How to use anal beads safely

Wash the toy, and use plenty of water-based lubricant on the beads and on yourself.
Insert one bead at a time, slowly, pausing whenever you like.
Never go past the ring or handle: it must stay outside the body.
Switch on any vibration once you are comfortable.
Remove the beads slowly, by the ring or handle, rather than pulling quickly.

Stop if there is sharp or lasting pain, numbness or bleeding, and speak to a GP if it continues. Wash the toy before and after every use, paying attention to the gaps between beads. Our anal toy safety guide and our page on the flared base cover the rest.

Delivery and returns

UK delivery is free on every order. It normally takes about 6 to 15 days, an estimate rather than a promised date; see our delivery information. You can return an unwanted, unopened and unused item within 30 days; opened or used items are accepted only if they are faulty, for reasons of hygiene. See returns and refunds.

Questions people ask

What is the smallest anal bead in your range?

17 mm, the first bead on the vibrating anal beads with a ring pull.

Do anal beads vibrate?

Two of ours do: the vibrating beads with a removable bullet and the rechargeable beads with nine modes. The metal beaded plug and the large silicone beads do not vibrate.

Can I use anal beads in the bath?

Only the rechargeable beads state a water rating, IPX7. For the others no rating is stated, so keep them dry.

What is the difference between anal beads and a butt plug?

A plug is made to stay in place and gives a constant feeling of fullness; beads are about movement, with the sensation coming as each bead passes. A plug needs a flared base; beads need a ring or handle that cannot slip inside.