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 max 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
- 5X MORE PROTECTION: 42% of crimes are committed by multiple assailants - this pepper spray has 25 bursts and easiest to grasp finger grip to enhance your aim while keeping your eye on the threat and decreasing wind blowback
- FASTER ACCESS: 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
- FULL AXIS (360-DEGREE) FLIP TOP WITH BELT CLIP: Designed for versatile personal protection, this pepper spray features full axis technology that sprays from any angle—even upside down. Its flip-top safety cover provides quick access for reliable, non-lethal, 360-degree defense, and an integrated belt clip for secure carrying.
- MAXIMUM STRENGTH FORMULA: Trusted by law enforcement and military personnel, this non-lethal pepper spray for women and men is formulated for consistent, maximum strength, providing peace of mind and confidence in your personal safety.
- EXTENDED 20-FOOT RANGE: With a long 20-foot reach, this portable canister delivers added distance for safety. Always store responsibly, out of children’s reach, either concealed or in its holster. Not available for sale in all states.
- PROFESSIONAL-GRADE SAFETY: This Zarc Pepper Spray represents over 40 years of expertise manufacturing pepper spray for U.S. State and Federal law enforcement, offering the same trusted quality for your personal protection.
- RELIABLE & LONG-LASTING: Up to a 4-year shelf life, quality-tested in our in-house HPLC lab. Made in the USA in an ISO 2001:2015 certified facility to ensure reliability and effectiveness when you need it most.
- TRUST THE PROFESSIONALS: SABRE is the #1 Pepper Spray brand trusted by police & consumers worldwide, including the New York PD, Chicago PD, & U.S. Marshals; Made in the USA
- MAXIMUM STRENGTH: Backed by independent lab testing & SABRE’s industry exclusive in-house HPLC lab, we guarantee consistent, max strength capsaicinoid levels in every canister to help give you peace of mind, confidence & safety when you need it most
- SPRAYS 3X LONGER: 42% of crimes are committed by multiple assailants- this spray has a total spray time of 10 seconds to help defend against multiple attackers
- FASTER, EASIER, & MORE ACCURATE AIM: Finger grip enhances your aim & helps keep your eye on the threat; QuickRelease Keychain provides instant access & is secure to carry on keys, bags, & purses; Twist Lock safety prevents accidental discharge
- TRAINING VIDEOS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SAFETY: In addition to your pepper spray, packaging includes links to free SABRE Pepper Spray training videos & safety tips to help maximize your personal safety
- TRUST THE PROFESSIONALS: SABRE is the #1 Pepper Spray brand trusted by police & consumers worldwide, including the New York PD, Chicago PD, & U.S. Marshals; Made in the USA.
- MAXIMUM STRENGTH: Backed by independent lab testing & SABRE’s industry exclusive in-house HPLC lab, we promise consistent, maximum strength capsaicinoid levels in every canister. Gain peace of mind, confidence, and safety when needed most.
- SPRAYS 4X LONGER: 42% of crimes are committed by multiple assailants. With total spray time of 13 sec, SABRE's ADVANCED 3-in-1 self defense spray protects against multiple threats. Formula includes max strength pepper spray, CS tear gas & UV marking dye.
- EASY TO CARRY PROTECTION: Attachment clip allows the pepper spray for women and men to be attached to pockets or the inside of a bag for instant access & discreet protection.
- 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; The strength of SABRE stun guns are independently tested to ensure reliable protection
- 5X MORE PROTECTION: 42% of crimes are committed by multiple assailants -this pepper gel has 25 bursts to protect against numerous threats; gel does not atomize like traditional spray & deploys in a powerful stream while virtually eliminating wind blowback
- EXTREME STOPPING POWER: Stun gun delivers a painful 1.60 µC (Microcoulombs) charge to help defend against an attacker; Locate door locks in the dark with the 120 Lumen flashlight, Get multiple uses out of your stun gun with built-in rechargeable battery
- CONVENIENT AND EASY TO CARRY: Included holster makes this stun gun easy to hold and carry; Pepper Spray features convenient key ring for immediate access to spray when seconds count
- TRAINING VIDEOS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SAFETY: In addition to your pepper spray and stun gun kit, packaging includes links to free SABRE Pepper Spray and Stun Gun 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 max 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
- 3X MORE PROTECTION: 42% of crimes are committed by multiple assailants - this pepper spray provides protection against multiple threats with a 10 second total spray time delivered in a powerful stream from nozzle to the target's eyes while decreasing wind blowback
- FASTER & EASIER TO HIT THE TARGET: Fastest to use under stress, the Fast Flip Top safety also helps to prevent accidental discharge for safe storage; Easiest to grasp finger grip enhances your aim and helps keep your eye on the threat
- 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 max strength pepper spray for women and men 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.
- 5X MORE PROTECTION: 42% of crimes are committed by multiple assailants - this 3-in-1 self defense pepper spray provides protection against multiple threats with 25 bursts 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 – Our maximum-strength OC spray, trusted by various security professionals, delivers consistent performance with a formula that is HPLC lab-tested. It provides a strong range of 10-12 feet with multiple sprays for reliable personal safety.
- Compact and Convenient for Everyday Carry - These small pepper spray canisters are lightweight and designed for practical, everyday protection. Ideal for carrying while walking alone or running, they fit comfortably in small hands and are simple to use by twisting the safety lock to the center and pressing down to activate.
- Feel Secure - Be prepared and have peace of mind knowing you or your loved ones can feel safe in a dangerous situation. The multipack includes a practice spray so you can confidently learn how to operate it effectively.
- Extra Layer of Protection - This smart personal safety spray offers a reliable option to defend and protect yourself and your loved ones. Prioritizing safety, our tactical spray is designed to temporarily incapacitate an assailant when applied to the eyes and nose area, lasting for at least 30 minutes, allowing you time to reach safety.
- Personal Safety is Important – We manufacture in small batches to ensure you receive a full 4-year expiration date with each safety spray pack. The expiration date is printed on the bottom for your reference. In the event you need to use your safety spray, we will gladly replace it for you.
- MAXIMUM STOPPING POWER: Byrna’s Bad Guy Repellent, or BGR, contains both pepper and tear gas, making it one of the most powerful chemical agent defense products on the market.Attacks the central nervous system, impairs vision, restricts breathing, and causes the nose to fill with mucus and skin to feel like it’s on fire – quickly incapacitates attacker.
- CONVENIENT CARRY CLIP: Equipped with an attachable clip, the repellent can be easily accessed and deployed from belts, backpacks, or purse straps for quick response.
- PRECISION STREAM SPRAY: Designed for maximum stopping power, the stream spray pattern ensures precise targeting and minimal cross-contamination.
- ATTACKER TRACKER UV DYE TECHNOLOGY: All BGR sprays also contain our Attacker Tracker UV dye, which even despite vigorous scrubbing, stains the assailants skin for up to 48 hours with a dye that only appears under UV lights, allowing police to identify suspects after the incident.
- EASY TO USE: For the half ounce can, to use, rotate the activator switch to the right and push down. For the 2 ounce can, place your finger under the safety cap and push down on the button to activate the spray. In the case of the one pound canister, remove the safety ring, and push the button down with you thumb.
- PERSONAL PROTECTION YOU CAN TRUST: SABRE is the #1 pepper spray brand trusted by police & consumers & a leader in the personal safety category. SABRE Pepper Spray is made in USA
- MAXIMUM STOPPING POWER: SABRE's professional-grade OC Spray is backed by our in-house lab testing, guaranteeing maximum heat and stopping power in every burst and eliminating the 30% failure rate of other pepper spray brands (U of Utah study)
- PROTECTION AT A SAFE DISTANCE AGAINST MULTIPLE THREATS: Includes a SABRE pepper spray canister with 25 bursts (5X the competition) for protection against multiple threat at a safer distance
- ATTENTION-GRABBING ALARM: Ear-piercing 130dB siren is audible up to 1,250-feet; Helps deter an attacker by attracting attention from those nearby so you can escape to safety
- STAY SAFE WITH FREE SAFETY TRAINING: Feel secure with every SABRE product; Packaging includes links to free training videos so that, in the face of danger, you are better prepared to use your SABRE Pepper Spray
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.