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
- 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 3-in-1 defense spray provides protection against multiple threats with 35 bursts delivered in a powerful stream from nozzle to the target's eyes while decreasing wind blowback
- 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 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 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 3-in-1 defense 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
- 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 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
- 5X MORE PROTECTION: 42% of crimes are committed by multiple assailants - this pepper gel has 35 bursts to protect against numerous threats; gel does not atomize like traditional spray & deploys in a powerful stream while virtually eliminating wind blowback
- FASTER & EASIER TO HIT THE TARGET: Adjustable reflective runner hand strap makes it easy to take pepper gel with on the go and have ready for immediate access when seconds count
- 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
- Pepper Spray Maximum Strength Self Defense Keychain for Women
- [LASER SIGHT TO AIM BETTER] - The world's only pepper spray for women with an integrated laser sight, This self defense keychain for women can cause involuntary eye closure, breathing difficulties, and burning of the face and skin. The spray defense should only be used when in immediate danger from a person.
- [CAR, PURSE ESSENTIALS FOR SAFETY] - A staple to all women when they go out as this pepper spray has the maximum strength with 1.44 MC formulation which will give you enough time to abandon the scene and ask for help. This small self-defense weapon is ideal for providing mental security while you are indoors or outdoors.
- [UV DYE CAN IDENTIFY THE ASSAILANT IMMEDIATELY] - This spray self defense is trusted by both law enforcement includes an invisible UV dye that can assist police in identifying the attacker because it will stain on skin. Our pepper spray has the maximum strength formula so you will never walk afraid again.
- [SAFETY LOCK] - Our self defense keychain has a revolutionary non-leak construction and safety slide to prevent unintentional discharge, this keychain pepper spray is made to be both secure and simple to use.
- [FREE PEPPER SPRAY FOREVER] - Our Protected 4 Life Program is a lifetime guarantee program that offers a lifetime supply of pepper spray to customers who have used the pepper spray and can provide a police report verifying its use. For further information, please reach out to us.
- ✔️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
- ✅ SELF DEFENSE WEAPON:Best self-defense pepper spray trusted by customers worldwide
- ✅ MAXIMUM STRENGTH:The pepper spray comes with 18% OC red pepper spray, 1/2 oz. compact size police grade formula for Enhanced burning and UV marking dye to help Police in suspect identification.
- ✅ LONG DISTANCE AND MAXIMUM STOPPING POWER:Up to 14 foot range with 25 burst in a powerful pressurized stream for optimum efficiency without blowback.
- ✅ DURABLE AND ACCESSIBLE:Clip it with your keychain, purse or backpack and be protected always. Available in various colors with leather case
- ✅ FIGHTSENSE LIFETIME WARRANTY: Not happy with a product, DON'T WORRY we will replace it for free
- ACCURATE PROTECTION – Accurate & effective, the Mace Personal Pepper Spray combines an advanced delivery system with a powerful formula to protect you from threats. Its power stream 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.
- STAY PROTECTED IN STYLE: Housed in a hot pink case, this full-size pepper spray protects you in stye. With the built-in belt clip and keychain, you can easily carry and access this pepper spray in a pocket, belt, keys, backpack or purse.
- 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 pocket pepper spray convenient and safe.
- MACE BRAND – "Mace" is Pepper Spray, but not all pepper spray is Mace Brand. Made in the USA, we continue to innovate the industry with powerful formulas, fast-acting delivery systems, and new safety features that ensure protection and peace of mind.
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.