When you’re facing an attacker, you want to be able to rely on your pepper spray—but you don’t want to be caught off-guard because you didn’t read the fine print on how the spray works.
We researched and tested dozens of pepper sprays from the top self defense brands. Our best overall pick, the SABRE Pepper Spray, is effective at a range of up to 10 feet, safe for use around pets, and comes with a UV marking dye to help identify an attacker.
Here are the best pepper sprays for self defense.
Best Self Defense Pepper Spray: Editor Recommended
Our Editor’s Best Self Defense Pepper Spray Reviews
- Trust The Professionals: Sabre Is The #1 Pepper Spray Brand Trusted By Police And Consumers Worldwide, Including New York Pd, Chicago Pd, And U.S. Marshals; Made In The Usa
- 2X Stronger: 4 Out 10 Violent Crimes Involve Alcohol Use By The Offender - Our Maximum Strength Pepper Spray Is Strong Enough To Use Against A Goal Oriented Attacker Under The Influence Of Drugs Or Alcohol; Backed By Our Industry Exclusive In-House Hplc Lab, Assuranceing Maximum Strength In Each Canister
- 5X More Protection: 42% Of Crimes Are Committed By Multiple Assailants - This Pepper Spray Has 25 Bursts And A True 10-Foot (3M) Range Delivered In A Powerful Stream From Nozzle To The Target'S Eyes While Decreasing Wind Blowback
- Faster & Easier To Hit The Target: Easiest To Grasp Finger Grip Enhances Your Aim And Helps Keep Your Eye On The Threat; Includes Quick Release Key Ring For Immediate Access To Spray When Seconds Count; Secure And Easy To Use Twist Lock Safety
- Training Videos To Maximize Your Safety: In Addition To Your Pepper Spray, Packaging Includes Links To Free Sabre Pepper Spray Training Videos And Safety Tips To Help Maximize Your Personal Safety
- TRUST THE PROFESSIONALS: SABRE is the #1 Pepper Spray brand trusted by police and consumers worldwide including New York PD, Chicago PD, and U.S. Marshals; Made in the USA
- 2X STRONGER: Our maximum strength Pepper Spray is strong enough to use against a goal oriented attacker under the influence of drugs or alcohol; Backed by our industry exclusive in-house HPLC lab, guaranteeing maximum strength in each canister
- 5X MORE PROTECTION: 42% of crimes are committed by multiple assailants; this defense spray has 25 bursts & a true 10-foot range delivered in a powerful stream; SABRE ADVANCED 3-in-1 formula includes max strength pepper spray, CS tear gas & UV marking dye
- FASTER & EASIER TO ACCESS: Compact belt clip allows for discreet protection and easy access to your pepper spray in an emergency
- TRAINING VIDEOS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SAFETY: In addition to your pepper spray packaging includes links to free SABRE Pepper Spray training videos and safety tips to help maximize your personal safety
![Byrna SD [Self Defense] Pepper Ultimate Bundle - Pepper Spray, Non Lethal, Less Lethal Pepper Launcher, Home Defense, Personal Defense | Proudly Assembled in The USA (Black)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51zlS-90nLL._SL160_.jpg)
- WE MADE THE POPULAR BYRNA HD SERIES BETTER: Introducing the new Byrna SD. Reengineered with a performance straight trigger, sticky ergonomic honeycomb grip, and improved sights for faster target acquisition. It is time to level up.
- THE UN-GUN: Looks like a gun, performs like a gun, but designed to be non lethal.
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: Byrna SD Launcher, Pepper Ammunition (5 ct.), Eco-Kinetic Training Ammunition (5 ct.), Kinetic Training / Self Defense Ammunition (5 ct.), 8g CO2 Canisters (7 ct.), Additional (50 ct.) Bag Kinetic Training / Self Defense Ammunition
- NO BACKGROUND CHECKS OR PERMITS: No background checks or permits required to own and carry the Byrna SD. Must be 18 or older to purchase.
- SELF DEFENSE FROM A SAFE DISTANCE: The Byrna SD Pepper Spray Launcher has an effective range of up to 60 ft with an average projectile speed of 300 feet per second.
- TRUST THE PROFESSIONALS: SABRE is the #1 Pepper Spray brand trusted by police and consumers worldwide, including New York PD, Chicago PD, and U.S. Marshals; Made in the USA
- 2X STRONGER: Our maximum strength Pepper Spray is strong enough to use against a goal oriented attacker under the influence of drugs or alcohol; Backed by our industry exclusive in-house HPLC lab, guaranteeing maximum strength in each canister
- 5X MORE PROTECTION: 42% of crimes are committed by multiple assailants - this pepper spray has 25 bursts and a true 10-foot (3m) range delivered in a powerful stream from nozzle to the target's eyes while decreasing wind blowback
- FASTER & EASIER TO HIT THE TARGET: Easiest to grasp finger grip enhances your aim and helps keep your eye on the threat; Includes Quick Release Key Ring for immediate access to spray when seconds count; Secure and easy to use twist lock safety
- TRAINING VIDEOS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SAFETY: In addition to your pepper spray, packaging includes links to free SABRE Pepper Spray training videos and safety tips to help maximize your personal safety
- Proudly made in the USA - 1.33% MC police pepper spray maximum heat strength OC that is used and trusted by several law enforcement agencies and security personnel - Our formula is HPLC lab tested for a consistent self defense pepper spray performance. Provides strong 10-12ft range with multiple blasts.
- Feel safer at night - Peace of mind protection walking home at night or for runners in the park. The compact discreet keyring is easy to conceal with the belt clip in your pocket or have on your keys and it is quick to deploy making it practical for every day carry and security.
- A Non-Lethal Layer Of Protection - A smart pepper spray option to defend and protect yourself or your loved ones. Safety first is important and our tactical pepper spray kit will incapacitate an attacker when sprayed across the eyes and nose for a minimum 30 minutes with effects laster longer so you can get to safety.
- Easy to use - One hand operation will bring you confidence to defend yourself when you need it. Simply twist the top actuator to the centre and press down to fire. The Hand held grooves help for a strong grip for increased accuracy and control while feeling comfortable to hold in your hand.
- Personal Safety Is Important - We manufacture in small batches so you will receive a full 4 year expiration date with your pepper spray 1 pack. Pull off the keychain bottom to see the date. In the event you have to use your small pepper spray we will replace your sprays.
- ✔️MAX ACCURACY: The Guard Dog AccuFire keychain pepper spray boasts the world’s only laser sight built in to the pepper spray. Bridge the gap between uncertainty and confidence by simply pressing the push-button to activate the laser
- ✔️MAXIMUM STRENGTH (LAB TESTED): The 1.44 MC formulation will give you enough time to abandon the scene and ask for help
- ✔️NO ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE: With our patented non-leak design and a safety slide, this Hard Case keychain has been designed for safe storage in purse, pocket, or backpack
- ✔️IDENTIFY THE ASSAILANT: Trusted by police and civilians, this Pepper Spray contains an invisible UV dye enabling law enforcement to identify an attacker, even if they try to wash it off
- ✔️FREE PEPPER SPRAY FOR LIFE: Guard Dog industry-exclusive Protected 4 Life Program replaces your self defense spray in the event of use
- TRUST THE PROFESSIONALS: SABRE is the #1 Pepper Spray brand trusted by police and consumers worldwide, including New York PD, Chicago PD, and U.S. Marshals; Made in the USA
- 2X STRONGER: 4 out 10 violent crimes involve alcohol use by the offender - our maximum strength Pepper Spray is strong enough to use against a goal oriented attacker under the influence of drugs or alcohol; Backed by our industry exclusive in-house HPLC lab, guaranteeing maximum strength in each canister
- 5X MORE PROTECTION: 42% of crimes are committed by multiple assailants - this defense spray has 25 bursts and a true 10-foot (3m) range delivered in a powerful stream from nozzle to the target's eyes while decreasing wind blowback; SABRE ADVANCED 3-in-1 formula includes max strength pepper spray, CS tear gas for enhanced burning and UV marking dye to help ID suspect
- FASTER & EASIER TO HIT THE TARGET: Easiest to grasp finger grip enhances your aim and helps keep your eye on the threat; Includes Quick Release Key Ring for immediate access to spray when seconds count; Secure and easy to use twist lock safety
- TRAINING VIDEOS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SAFETY: In addition to your pepper spray, packaging includes links to free SABRE Pepper Spray training videos and safety tips to help maximize your personal safety
- Max Strength - lab tested 1.4% Major Capsaicinoids (MC); one of the highest concentrations in the category
- 12-Foot Range - point & spray a direct stream up to 12-feet with 12-15 shot-bursts per canister
- UV Marking Dye - burning hot formulation includes ultraviolet dye to stain the attacker for police identification
- Swipe Safety Lock - swipe left to secure lock and prevent misfires; compact and safe to carry on keychains and purses
- Three Million Women - trust & carry BLINGSTING since 2013, formulated and bottled in the USA & 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
- Revolutionary non-aerosol pyrotechnic delivery system with an ergonomic grip and sights for increased accuracy.
- Superior ingredient formulation combines a powerful solution of 10% OC (2.4% capsaicinoid content) with benzyl alcohol for viscosity.
- Delivery speed of 112 MPH keeps blasts on target, reducing the risk of blowback or drift.
- Just .42 ounces, with 2 charges.
- Maximum Distance-35 Feet Range: AIMHUNTER Home Self Defense Tactical Pepper Gel has an impressive 35 feet range with a powerful stream to reduce wind blowback by pulling the safety pin and pressing the lever. Pepper spray offers an extreme blast of powerful 10% OC pepper formula ( 2.0% Capsaicinoids) for Personal Protection.
- Personal Protection You Can Trust: AIMHUNTER Home Self Defense Pepper Gel can provide the maximum heat and stopping power in every burst and eliminating the failure rate while you defend against threats.
- Maximize Target Acquisition: AIMHUNTER Tactical Pepper Gel for home Self Defense with Ultraviolet Dye can optimize target acquisition relying on its defense technology with Quick Release for Easy Access. You can send a maximum amount of pepper spray in a smaller package when you pull the safety cap and press the start button.
- Easy to Use：AIMHUNTER Home Self Defense Pepper Gel allows with quick release for easy access. This pepper spray has a ring handle with a safety clip, which is easy to carry and prevents accidental pressing. When in use, pull down the orange safety wedge on the top of the handle and press the start button on the top of the handle to spray.
- Ergonomic Handle Safe Design：Ergonomic handle of AIMHUNTER Tactical Pepper Gel provides complete grip and can be easily held even in harsh conditions. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, we will solve the problem for you at any time.
Best Self Defense Pepper Spray Buying Guide
Before choosing the best self defense pepper spray you should consider following options:
1. Strength: The first thing to look for in a pepper spray is its strength. Look for capsaicin percentage to determine the strength of the spray. Most pepper sprays have a strength of between 1 and 3 percent capsaicin.
The higher the capsaicin percentage, the greater the chance of causing serious harm to the attacker. However, bear in mind that the strength of the pepper spray also depends on factors such as the weather, wind speed, and the distance from which it is sprayed.
2. Spray Pattern: The spray pattern of a pepper spray is important to consider. The three main types of spray patterns are straight stream, fog, and cone.
The fog pattern resembles a shower and is the most effective. However, the disadvantage of this type of spray is that it is hard to aim and it has a greater risk of affecting you as well as the assailant.
The straight stream and cone pattern are easy to aim but are not as effective as fog. The distance at which the pepper spray can be used also depends on the spray pattern.
3. Intended Use: Pepper spray is used in many different situations. The first thing to consider when purchasing a pepper spray is its intended use.
If you intend to use the spray on a potentially dangerous animal, choose a bear or fox pepper spray. If you want to use it on a human assailant, look for a self-defense pepper spray.
Different self defense pepper sprays are suitable for different situations. For example, you can use a UV marker pepper spray to mark the assailant for identification purposes.
Other sprays contain additives such as capsaicin and UV for maximum effect. If you are looking for a pepper spray to use on multiple assailants, you can purchase a pepper spray that contains several shots.
4. Delivery Method: Depending on the type of delivery of the pepper spray, you can use it in two different ways—as a fog or as a stream. The advantage of the fog option is that it covers a larger area and is easier to aim. The disadvantage is that it has a greater risk of affecting you as well as the assailant.
The advantage of the stream delivery is that it can reach a greater distance. The disadvantage is that it affects a limited area.
What else you should know about best self defense pepper spray
1. What is the best self defense pepper spray?
The best self defense pepper spray is the one that you feel most comfortable using and that you feel will be the most effective in a given situation.
2. How does self defense pepper spray work?
The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, which is a naturally occurring substance found in chili peppers. When the pepper spray comes in contact with the attacker’s eyes, nose, or mouth, it causes a burning sensation and temporary blindness.
3. What are the benefits of self defense pepper spray?
Some benefits of self defense pepper spray are that it can help to disorient an attacker, cause temporary blindness, and make it difficult to breathe.
4. How do I choose the right self defense pepper spray for me?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best self defense pepper spray for you will depend on a number of factors, including your personal preferences and the specific situation in which you plan to use it. However, some general tips on choosing the right self defense pepper spray for you include:
- Consider the size of the pepper spray. Smaller canisters are easier to carry and conceal, but may not have as much pepper spray as larger ones.
- Think about the range of the pepper spray. Some pepper sprays have a shorter range than others, so if you are concerned about being attacked from a distance, you may want to choose a pepper spray with a longer range.
- Choose a pepper spray that is easy for you to use. Some pepper sprays require you to press a button or trigger in order to release the pepper spray, while others have a simple point-and-shoot design.
- Make sure the pepper spray you choose is legal in your state or country. Some states have restrictions on the size or type of pepper spray that can be carried, so be sure to check the laws in your area before making a purchase.
5. How do I use self defense pepper spray effectively?
There are a few things you need to do to use self defense pepper spray effectively. First, you need to point the pepper spray canister away from your face and toward the attacker. Second, you need to press the button on the canister to release the pepper spray. Finally, you need to aim the pepper spray at the attacker’s face and spray for two to three seconds.
Conclusion
On the market, there is numerous best self defense pepper spray. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best self defense pepper spray will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.