It couldn’t be helped to be safe in the streets. We often need an apparatus that still abides the law but effective enough to deter crime. If carrying a weapon isn’t a viable option for you, getting a pepper spray is your top choice. Pepper sprays are compact, effective, and act instantly. Still, you’re required to practice beforehand to avoid any unwanted incidents like blowbacks or canister misfiring. But once you get ahold of it well, it can be an indispensable item that you can’t live without. We selected the 13 best pepper spray for self defense available online!
How to Choose the Best Pepper Spray for Self Defense
Most of us think buying a pepper spray is simply picking one from themselves. This cannot be more wrong. Like a weapon, or any other self defense tool, research before buying is important. Here are some things you have to consider:
Portability
The first thing you need to know before getting your pepper spray is how portable it is. Most pepper spray cans have the size of a regular palm so they are easy to carry or conceal. Since you’re going to carry it wherever you go, it’s better to look for pepper sprays that have a way to make the carrying convenient. Some pepper spray products have a harness or a ring to attach the can to a zipper pull or keychain. Some feature a wrist loop so you can wear it. It’s especially useful when you go out on the streets and want to have extra security but also portability.
Range
The second thing to consider is how far the particles can travel in one burst. Should the unwanted happens, the first thing you need to do is create some distance with the assailant as far as you can. Then, you need to be able to defend yourself if the assailant launches an attack while maintaining distance with them. A pepper spray with a good range helps you achieve this. The best pepper spray should have an effective range of 10-15 feet. The further might be better to keep the assailant within a safe distance from you.
Viscosity
Aerosol (cloud of liquid) had been the main compound used in pepper sprays. However, this substance has some potentially dangerous drawbacks. One of them is that you have to be aware of the wind direction before spraying. Since aerosol particles are so light, the wind can easily carry the particles back to the holder if it’s shot against the wind. This incident is called blowback. Besides, an aerosol pressured can is prone to explosion if exposed to heat.
The gel spray, however, has heavier properties than aerosol, so it most likely won’t blowback to you upon release. It also travels further and more precise. Some of the best pepper sprays on the market are gel-based sprays. Most aerosol-based sprays are indeed cheaper, but why not spend a few more dollars and get the much safer gel-based ones?
Potency
The potency of a pepper spray is usually measured by the amount of OC (oleoresin capsicum) diluted in the canister. At least 6% OC is needed to ensure the irritant substance works effectively. The more OC diluted in the canister, the more potent the spray is. Potent sprays give more pain and heat to the assailant at the end of the nozzle, so purchasing one is not a bad choice.
Added Features
When you look for pepper spray for defense or especially pepper spray for women, free extra features to improve your safety is a must. Some products include practice canister so you can get used to the spray before using it in real life. UV or paint markings are also great additions to your pepper sprays. UV marking, for example, is invisible for naked eyes but shows up under a black light. Some pepper sprays even take it further to mix paint into the canister. The paint is easily recognized and very hard to wash off. Both help identifies the attacker faster.
POLICE Magnum Pepper Spray (404)
13
Police Magnum Pepper Spray is both non-toxic and non-flammable. It offers 17% OC and gives the effect of coughing, runny nose, burning skin, and watery eyes. Plus, it’s equipped with UV dye for identification. It’s perfect for those who need to return home late or go out on dangerous streets. This pepper spray fits easily in an evening bag or daily bag. To prevent you from pushing the safety top accidentally, just lock the red part by turning it left. You can use it with one hand. And the spray provides multiple blasts. It can spray up to 15 feet (4.6 m) away.
What We Love
The 17% OC formula is more than enough to give the protection you need.
Pros:
- Non-toxic and non-flammable
- Spray 15 feet (4.6 m) away
- With UV dye
- Safety button
- Fits in your hand nicely
Cons:
The canister is fairly large.
Guard Dog Pepper Spray
12
Guard Dog Pepper Spray has 18% of the Red Pepper (Oleoresin Capsicum) formula and 2 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This product sprays up to 16 feet (5 m) away. The invisible UV marker dye helps identify an attacker, even if they try to wash it off. With canister made of hard cases to prevent leakage, this spray is functional and fits comfortably in hands. Also, it’s small and so easy to use.
This product features a belt clip on the back. This way, you can attach it to your belt or bag. Plus, there’s a key ring for your extra convenience. It’s also equipped with a slide and twist-top actuator for a safety. Choose your favorite among five colors: black, lilac, pink, red, and purple. It comes with a lifetime warranty, which means you’ll get a replacement for free. Remember to fill out the form after purchasing it.
What We Love
Pepper spray with a lifetime warranty.
Pros:
- 18% of red pepper
- 2 million SHU formula
- Colorful options
- Sturdy canister
Cons:
The safety lock is not the safest.
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SABRE Red Pepper Spray
11
If you’re looking for a sleek personal alarm, Sabre Red Pepper Spray is the one. With the memory stick design, it features an extremely loud alarm (120db). The sound creates disruption and draws attention to other people up to 600 feet (185 m) away. You can sound the alarm by simply pulling the metal chain from the spray. To stop the sound, just push the pin back. This product contains high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technology. It creates 25 burst streams spray with a range of up to 10 feet (3m). Plus, the spray reduces wind blowback.
Equipped with a key ring, you can easily attach the spray to your backpack, purse, or key chain. It’s perfect almost for everyone, including college students, commuters, and runners. The device also features a finger grip that will help you point the spray in the right direction. Plus, it has 4 years shelf life from the date of manufacture. It’s available in pink and black.
What We Love
Sleek and attractive design.
Pros:
- 25 burst up to 10 feet (3 m)
- Simple and easy to use
- Equipped with a metal chain
- With 120db sound alarm
Cons:
Some products came with nonfunctional alarm.
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Fox Labs ACK
10
If you’re looking for a non-lethal weapon, this Fox Labs ACK is great for you. With 4% OC concentration and 5.3 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU), it burst pepper heat between 17 up to 20 feet (5 to 6m). It will do its job in pushing the attacker away. Plus, the UV marking dye helps give a positive ID. This pepper spray for self defense is easy to carry. Just put it in your purse or pockets, thanks to its safety flip-tab on the top. And it’s easy to operate. However, please keep in mind that it comes with 3 years shelf life from the manufacturing date.
What We Love
Pepper spray with 5.3 million Scoville Heat Units.
Pros:
- UV marking dye
- Spray range of 17 to 20 feet (5 to 6m)
- Flip-top safety design
Cons:
It doesn’t have a clip or keychain to attach.
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SABRE Home Defense Pepper Gel Spray
9
Sabre Home Defense Pepper Gel Spray is designed to defend your property. It’s powerful, potent, and easy to use. This product allows you to fire up to 32 bursts pepper gel for up to 25 feet (7.6 m) away. The gel gives painful sensation and leaves marks to the intruder. And it doesn’t blowback. Plus, it features a pistol grip with a thumb trigger that allows you to aim the intruder. Every purchase comes with a 4 years shelf life. Plus, a wall mount bracket for strategic placement. So you can get your pepper spray gel as quickly as possible while keeping it out of your children’s reach.
What We Love
Pepper spray gel with a wall mount bracket.
Pros:
- Effective 32 bursts
- Pistol grip with thumb trigger
- 25 feet (7.6 m) of range
- Pepper gel doesn’t blowback
Cons:
The pistol grip feels relatively flimsy
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Mace Brand Pepper Gel
8
Choose Mace Brand Pepper Gel from four different models to fit your style. It’s a solution for self-defense, both indoors and outdoors. This product delivers up to 25 burst pepper gel that will blindfold your assailant from up to 25 feet (7.6 m) away. The 10% OC formula can cause choking, coughing, and gives an intense burning sensation. Plus, the UV dye leaves residue for identification which helps the investigation. And the pepper gel spray doesn’t blowback in your face, even on windy days.
Mace Brand Pepper Gel features a flip-top safety cap to prevent unexpected accidents. There’s also an extra pistol grip handle and safety pin for model 80272. So you don’t need to worry about misfires. For those who need protection at night, the Mace Brand Night Defender model offers LED safety light. Just lift the flip-top safety cover to activate it. Plus, it comes with preloaded two CR 2032 batteries. There’s an exclusive built-in clip feature for Mace Brand Magnum 3 model. So you can securely attach it to your belt or bag. Just tag it to your lightweight backpack when you’re out and about.
What We Love
It has four different models of pepper spray.
Pros:
- Pepper gel and 10% OC formula
- Flip-top safety cap
- Provides 20 – 25 burst
- Each model has its own advantages best pepper spray needs to have
Cons:
The LED light is not that good for the Mace Brand Night Defender model.
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SABRE RED Pepper Gel Spray for Runners
7
Whether you’re out jogging or walking your dog, expect nothing to intrude on your routines. However, sometimes unexpected things happen. And you need something to defend or run from the assailant in an instant. Sabre Red Pepper Gel Spray is the best pepper spray for defense and your best companion. It’s equipped with Velcro hand strap, which makes it easy to carry on your hand and ready to use anytime. With 10% red pepper and UV marking dye formula, this spray provides 35 bursts powerful stream up to 12 feet (3.66 m). The pepper gel eliminates wind blow-back and affects the intruder only. And this product has four years of shelf-life. If you’re looking for pepper spray for women, it’s also available in pink.
What We Love
The Velcro hand strap makes it more practical.
Pros:
- Easy to carry and use
- Provides 35 burst pepper gel
- UV dye formula
Cons:
It’s too small for some people
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Mace Triple Action
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Mace Triple Action Pepper Spray features the 3-in-1 formula. It consists of 10% Oleoresin Capsicum Pepper Spray (OC), Omega-Chloroacetophenone Tear Gas, and Ultra-Violet Detection Dye (UV). The OC and tear gas cause shortness of breath, disorientation, and profuse tearing. And the UV dye marks the assailant to make them easy to identify. With all these formulas, you don’t even need to hit directly to the eyes, mouth, or nose for a defense. This convenient and safe pepper spray delivers powerful 15 bursts spray and produces stream up to 10 feet (3 m). Mace Triple Action offers three variations: 80141 Pocket, 80136 Personal, and 80112 Police. One of them can be your best pepper spray.
It’s easy and effective to use, thanks to its finger grip design, flip-top safety cap, and red actuator button. The comfortable finger grip allows you to position your hand and targeting accurately. To spray the attacker, place your thumb under the flip-top safety cap and press the button. Plus, there’s a built-in belt clip and keychain. You can take it with you anytime you leave your home, office, or apartment.
What We Love
3-in-1 formula pepper spray.
Pros:
- 15 burst up to 10 feet (3m)
- Flip-top safety cap
- Tear gas formula
- Available in three variations
Cons:
It doesn’t work well near its expiration date.
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SABRE RED Compact Pepper Spray
5
Ladies, Sabre Red Compact Pepper Spray is the one you’ve been looking for. That being said, any gender can use this too. This is not just the best pepper spray for women, but also one of the best in general. NYPD and even U.S. Marshals use the same product (but perhaps in different colors). It’s trusted for its maximum strength and protection. Small in size (0.75oz) yet able to spray 10 feet (3 m) away. One canister can give you 35 powerful bursts! Put it in your traveling purse, and you’re ready to protect yourself anytime.
As each goes through HPLC lab testing, its failure rate is 30% lower than most. In case your assailant got away, the UV marking dye will help you catch them later on. If this is your first time using a pepper spray, you can read the instruction and videos for your self-training. It’s available on every purchase!
What We Love
Small yet powerful, isn’t that what best pepper spray supposed to be?
Pros:
- 100-feet (3 m) of range
- Super light (only 0.75oz)
- 35 powerful bursts
- With UV marking dye
Cons:
Some think it’s way too easy to unlock.
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SABRE RED Pepper Gel Tactical Series
4
Sabre Red Pepper Gel Tactical Series is designed to give extra security. With UV marking dye and maximum red pepper, it provides 18 bursts of spray. And it can reach up to 18 feet (5.5 m). This gives you a safe distance from your assailant. And unlike most products, even the best pepper spray, this one comes in a pepper gel form. This type of material doesn’t atomize. So it only affects the target, with no blowback. It’s great for both indoor and outdoor uses.
It features a flip-top trigger for maximum comfort and safety. And for practicality, this product comes with a nylon belt holster. So, it’s easy to access and ready to use anytime. Each has a 4-year shelf life from the manufacturing date.
What We Love
The nylon belt holster is always handy
Pros:
- Provides 18 bursts
- 18 feet (5.5 m) of range
- Perfect for both indoors and outdoors
- With UV dye
Cons:
The canister is relatively thin.
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Mace Brand Pepper Spray
3
Whether you’re on running or walking your dogs, you might encounter a dangerous stray dog. Carry Mace Brand Pepper Spray to frighten them! It has 10% OC and sprays 20 bursts. The stream pattern reaches up to 12 feet (3.7 m) away. It also has a UV dye that leaves an invisible mark and long-lasting residue.
The pepper spray features a flip-top for easy use. It’s housed in a bright-colored pink case, and you can attach it to a keychain. For a maximum grasp and targeting accuracy, it provides a useful finger grip. It’s simple and easy to use. Just place your thumb under the flip-top safety and press the button. Overall, the color and design make it a great pepper spray for women.
What We Love
Pepper spray with bright color housing.
Pros:
- Contain 10% of OC
- Provides 20 bursts
- Comes with a finger grip
- Stream range up to 12 feet (3.7 m) away
Cons:
Need extra care to make sure the canister doesn’t leak.
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SABRE Advanced Compact
2
Looking for a pepper spray with advanced formula? Sabre Advanced Compact is the answer. It contains pepper spray, CS military tear gas, and UV marking dye. The 3-in-1 formula protects from any threats. This product releases 35 bursts with a powerful stream up to 10 feet (3.05 m) away. Plus, it reduces blowback when in use.
It features a clip for fast access and locks for your convenience. Clip it to your belt or pocket and you’re ready to protect yourself. To lock the spray, just twist it clockwise. Then, you can store it in your precious work backpack without worry!
What We Love
The 3-in-1 formula makes it a great pepper spray for self defense.
Pros:
- CS military tear gas
- UV marking dye
- 35 bursts with a powerful stream
- Reaches up to 10 feet (3 m) away
- 4-year shelf life
Cons:
It’s on the relatively pricey side.
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SABRE RED Pepper Spray Quick Release
1
What makes it the best pepper spray is the Quick Release Key Ring feature. This provides immediate and fast access. With 25 bursts, it delivers a powerful stream up to 10 feet (3 m) of range. It’s equipped with a UV marking dye that leaves a mark to identify the intruder. All these help you maximize personal safety when you’re in danger. It also has a reinforced trigger twist lock. With this, you can keep it in your backpack safely. The product comes with several bright colors, including pink, red, dusk purple, and mint. Sabre Red Pepper Spray Quick Release has a 4-year shelf life from the manufacturing date.
What We Love
The Quick Release Key Ring makes it even more practical to use.
Pros:
- Compact size, easy to carry
- Equipped with a twist lock
- Colorful options
- 4-year shelf life
- 25 bursts available
- Stream up to 10 feet (3 m) of range
Cons:
The trigger lock is relatively loose.
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