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, 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 Gel 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 gel has 18 bursts and a true 18-foot (5.5m) range; gel does not atomize like traditional pepper spray and deploys in a powerful stream from nozzle to the target's eyes while virtually eliminating wind blowback
- SPRAY AT ANY ANGLE: Crossfire technology allows for 360-degree deployment of the spray, even upside down, for better, more dependable protection against moving threats. Flip Top safety helps with fast deployment of pepper gel in an emergency and prevents accidental discharge while carrying in a bag
- 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
- Accurate Protection – Accurate & Effective, The Mace Peppergard Maximum Strength Pepper Spray Combines An Advanced Delivery System With A Powerful Formula To Protect You From Threats. Its Stream Spray Pattern Provides Long-Range Protection Up To 12 Ft
- Strong Formula – Oc Pepper Spray Causes Respiratory Distress And Coughing, Impaired Vision And An Intense Burning Sensation To The Skin While Uv Dye Leaves A Long-Lasting Residue To Support Investigation And Identification
- Convenient And Safe: This Personal-Sized Pepper Spray Includes A Keychain For Fast Access Making It Easy To Find When In A Hurry. Plus, It Is 100% Tsa/Faa Compliant For Checked Baggage Airline Travel
- Flip Top Safety Cap – This Mace Brand Pepper Spray Features A Finger-Grip Design To Maximize Your Grasp And Accuracy. The Unique Flip Top Safety Cap Prevents Accidents Or Misfires Making This Pepper Spray Convenient And Safe
- 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.It can help you to resist multiple threats within a safe distance of 35 feet. It allows you for self defense both at home or outdoor.
- 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. Pepper spray provides maximum security and maximum defense for your home or business.
- 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 for self defense against some threats.
- 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：The ergonomic handle of AIMHUNTER Tactical Pepper Gel provides complete grip and can be easily held even in harsh conditions. Safety pin prevents accidental discharge and gives users peace of mind and provides additional safety. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, we will solve the problem for you at any time.
- PEPPER SPRAY TRUSTED BY ELITE TRAINERS ACROSS THE NATION: POM leverages over 40 years of industry experience in the manufacturing of aerosol defense products to bring the safest and easiest-to-use self-defense product on the market.
- MAXIMUM STRENGTH FORMULA: POMclear - 1.40% M.C. w/ UV Dye – is a Law Enforcement Grade O.C. that is HPLC tested to ensure consistent heat performance and maximum stopping power.
- PEACE OF MIND - MAXIMUM DISTANCE: Powerful STREAM spray pattern with a 10-12ft range & up to 12 seconds of continuous spray (24 bursts). Provides protection at a distant that will leave an attacker(s) incapacitated for up to 45 minutes.
- SAFE, ACCURATE, EASY TO USE: POM's patented flip-top technology allows the unit to be both in “safety” and “ready-to-fire” state at all times. Our design limits the number of movements required to fire the unit, to provide a quick and dependable defense product.
- TACTICAL POCKET CLIP MODEL - Compact & stealth for everyday-carry (EDC) – easy access via pocket, purse, or armband – ambidextrous clip for left or right hand. Ideal for discreet and concealed carry.
- ✔️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
- √ FULL AXIS (360 degree) FLIP TOP WITH BELT CLIP: This canister is equipped with our full axis technology that fires from any angle, even upside down. With a flip top safety simply flip the top of the lid and press for easy, non-lethal, 360-degree protection. Safely attached to your belt with integrated belt clip
- √ FIRE-HOT SPRAY: Trusted by POLICE and Military worldwide, non-toxic, powerful, and fiery hot, this is among the best non-lethal pepper sprays. Our formula causes eye and respiratory irritation, stopping the attacker giving you time to flee to safety
- √ LARGE 20-FOOT RANGE: This convenient pepper spray canister can emit sprays that can measure up to 20 feet away from the can itself. Due to its powerful capabilities, this hand-held can should be kept safe. out of reach of kids, either hidden or secured in the holster. This pepper spray is not available for sale in all states.
- √ BEST PROTECTION YOU CAN BUY: This Vexor Pepper Spray is among the best repellent tools and products on the market. With over 35 years manufacturing pepper sprays for US State and Federal Law enforcement you get the same quality as our Police and Military customers.
- √ RELIABLE & LONG-LASTING: up to 4-year shelf life, backed by our in-house high-performance liquid chromatography laboratory (HPLC) Made in the USA by Zarc International in a certified ISO 2001:2015 quality controlled facility to guarantee reliability
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.