When it comes to personal protection, pepper spray is a trusted and effective security measure. You should never take any risks with your safety, which is why having the best pepper spray can mean all the difference in an unexpected altercation or emergency. Finding the best pepper spray for your particular needs may seem daunting, but don’t worry. We will review some of the top pepper spays available on the market today. We’ll also go into detail about features that you need to consider before buying the right one for you.
When it comes to pepper sprays, you have options, traditional hand-held canisters or a convenient keychain. Traditional canisters cost between $10 to $25, while compact options like keychain sprays are priced around $5 to $10. Prices may increase for larger containers or those with additional features like UV dye. Verify local regulations before purchase for compliance.
Top 5 Best Pepper Sprays In 2024
| 1 | Sabre Red Pepper Gel – Best Overall |
| 2 | Sabre Red Pepper Gel Spray – Best for Runners |
| 3 | Plegium Smart Pepper Spray 5-in-1 – Best Self-Defense Tool |
| 4 | Sabre 3-in-1 Pepper Spray – Budget Pick |
| 5 | Mace Brand Triple Action – Best For Pockets |
Best Pepper Spray (Reviews)
1. Sabre Red Pepper Gel
Pros
- The gel is safer than an aerosol spray.
- Affordable.
- 18-foot spray range.
Cons
- Doesn’t include a practice canister.
- Possible leaking issues.
This is one of the popular sprays from Sabre regardless of its price (about $20), which is two times of other sprays from Sabre. The gel in this self-defense product is part of its appeal.
Gel sprays are a heavier-than-air type of aerosol spray because they are liquid-based. This gives gels an edge over other types of aerosols in that there are fewer chances that it will drift back into your eyes while you’re spraying at an aggressor. Because the blowback is reduced, gels are safer to use. Gel sprays deliver a steady stream of spray that a person can direct the spray toward the attacker’s face, making them easier to aim.
The range of Sabre Red Pepper Gel is 18 feet, which is quite long compared to other sprays in the market. This range allows you to defend yourself well even before an attacker comes close. This self-protection instrument contains a 10% OC concentration, which is considered the maximum limit in many states. Few of these sprays have a practice canister, which allows you to fire the spray comfortably without using the real thing. However, Sabre sells them separately. While there isn’t a clip or keychain option on the canister, thankfully, it has a holster.
After the first usage, some users say their canisters dripped. This is a typical complaint with many pepper sprays. It’s possible to alleviate this by placing the canister in its holster.
2. Sabre Red Pepper Gel Spray
Pros
- 12-foot spray range.
- Palm strap for immediate deployment.
- A number of bursts.
Cons
- Potentially annoying during long runs.
The Sabre Red Pepper Gel Spray for runners is one of the best self-defense products on the market. It’s a gel-based spray, which means it’s accurate, and it comes in a small package that you can easily take with you on your run. Additionally, it has a palm strap that keeps it within reach so you can respond quickly to any threats.
It has the most bursts per canister, with 35 bursts total. Although the number of bursts does not count for its performance, it is good that it offers more options for its users. You may try a few practice sprays before using this as your jogging buddy.
The gel is popular because it has less recoil and is more accurate, according to many runners. The range of the gel is 12 feet, allowing you to maintain the distance when a wild animal approaches you.
The palm strap on this product ensures that the spray will stay in your palm; however, it may feel slightly scratchy to grip in case you are jogging longer. If you would prefer to keep your hands free, you can rotate the canister on your wrist so that it will sit back on the hand comfortably. Even though these positions make accessing the product more difficult, they still provide better access than a pocket or holster.
3. Plegium Smart Pepper Spray 5-in-1
Pros
- Powerful spray that reaches up to 10 feet.
- Equipped with a 130-decibel siren and bright LED strobe light.
- Long battery life of 4 years.
- Breakaway magnetic keychain for quick access.
- Includes free real phone calls and GPS location text messages sent to chosen contacts.
Cons
- Costly compared to standard pepper spray.
Plegium Smart Pepper Spray 5-in-1 is the ideal product for those seeking ultimate safety and security. The unparalleled design of the one-button trigger gives you powerful protection when you need it most. In comparison to traditional pepper spray, Plegium Smart Pepper Spray has the added advantage of being able to reach up to 10 feet away with a continuous stream that can last for as long as 15 seconds. Additionally, this powerful spray will also mark assailants with red and UV dyes which makes it easier for law enforcement officers to identify the attacker.
The Plegium Smart Pepper Spray also provides an extra layer of protection by coming equipped with a 130-decibel siren and a bright LED strobe light for increased accuracy in low-light conditions – perfect for those who prioritize their safety in unfamiliar settings. It also has a built-in 4-year battery life, so you don’t have to worry about recharging your device or running out of power when it matters most. It’s small and portable, plus the addition of a breakaway magnetic keychain allows for quick access when needed.
But that’s not all! With Plegium Smart Pepper Spray, you can take even greater precautions against potential harm with convenient features like free real phone calls and GPS location text messages sent to chosen contacts. Additionally, an optional Professional Monitoring Service provides active tracking links that are sent directly to monitored 24/7 call centers ready to contact local authorities if necessary.
It is one of the most costly pepper sprays available, costing around $40. However, for true peace of mind, knowing your safety is covered no matter what situation you may find yourself in, the Plegium Smart Pepper Spray is the best way to protect yourself indoors and out!
4. Sabre 3-in-1 Pepper Spray
Pros
- A number of short bursts.
- Very affordable.
- Quick-release clip.
Cons
- Higher blowback chances than gel sprays.
The Sabre 3-in-1 Pepper Spray is a convenient aerosol spray. This versatile self-defense product comes with a standard capsaicin pepper spray along with CS tear gas(Chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile), which causes increased itching and an invisible UV dye that marks attackers for identification purposes.
This canister, despite its tiny dimensions, can store up to 25 explosions with a reach of 10 feet that will keep the attackers away from approaching you. We enjoy the small size since the fast-release clip makes it easy to attach to a keychain.
Because pepper spray usually costs around $10, it’s budget-friendly and easy to replace when the expiration date arrives. Even though it has a four-year shelf life, Sabre advises replacing the unit every three years for optimum performance.
The Sabre 3-in-1 can be considered a bit more vulnerable to backflow as an aerosol spray when compared to gel sprays; however, you can initiate your experience with the former by practicing with a trial spray. The top of the canister features a safety switch that necessitates twisting it beforehand to prevent any unintended discharge within your bag or backpack.
5. Mace Brand Triple Action
Pros
- The compact flip-top design fits easily in pockets.
- Marks attackers with UV dye.
- Tear gas provides additional security.
Cons
- Fewer bursts.
- Uses potentially toxic CN tear gas.
Many individuals are familiar with mace as the name for pepper spray, although it is in fact, one of the first pepper spray producers. While Sabre is more well-known, Mace Brand Triple Action (about $15 for the tiny size) makes some minor but effective pepper sprays.
While it is undoubtedly true that this particular pepper spray solidly resides on the list in terms of its size and small volume of spray. The design of this item allows for security during storage within pockets or backpacks, exhibiting an innovative flip-top mechanism. Furthermore, a keychain loop enables convenient attachment to your car keys. This smaller size may come with a few bursts, but it is not something unexceptional.
This defensive spray, like the 3-in-1 from Sabre, comes with UV dyes for classifying invaders while tearing gas to increase uneasiness so you can flee. However, it is worrying that it contains CN tear gas (chloroacetophenone), which is comparatively harmful. If at all feasible, you don’t want to breathe the backflow from this stuff. Therefore, you’d never want to get exposed to the backflow from this pepper spray.
Other Worthy Options
Kimber Pepper Blaster – Best for Frightening Aggressors
Pros
- Shoots like a tiny handgun.
- Fires two bursts of 10% OC pepper spray.
- Powerful punch up to 13 feet away.
- Provides 90 MPH shooting power.
- Incapacitates an attacker for 45 minutes.
- Less blowback and scattering with pepper spray guns.
- Most powerfully concentrated version on the market.
- Lasts up to four years.
Cons
- Expensive (Around $50).
- One-time use weapon with only two bursts per device.
The Kimber Pepper Blaster has a design that shoots like a tiny handgun and instead of using a canister, it fires like one. It’s not only easier to aim, but it’s also more frightening to attackers. It fires two bursts of 10% OC pepper spray which causes severe temporary blindness, coughing, nausea, and pain in those exposed to it.
Additionally, its revolutionary propellant technology guarantees that the punch is delivered accurately with optimum force up to 13 feet away. It provides 90 MPH shooting power, covering 13 feet in 1/10th of a second. A single shot of this product will incapacitate an attacker for 45 minutes and thus give you ample time to get away to safety. Users report that there is less blowback and scattering with pepper spray guns.
What sets this two-charge pepper spray device apart from traditional pepper spray is that it is the most powerfully concentrated version on the market. Additionally, since the product isn’t pressurized like an aerosol spray, it won’t experience pressure loss over time. It contains a solid guarantee of lasting up to four years, compared to most other brands that expire after one year. However, this is just a one-time-use weapon and requires a new replacement after only two bursts. Furthermore, it’s also pricey, costing around $ 50.
Fox Labs Mean Green: Best Marking Dye
Pros
- Marks attackers for easy identification.
- 15 feet spray range.
- Perfect flip-top design for backpacks and purses.
Cons
- Difficult to carry around on a belt or keychain.
- OC content is lower than most brands.
Renowned in the realm of pepper spray, Fox Labs has firmly established itself as a producer of exceptional, high-caliber sprays. One of its products, Fox Labs Mean Green (valued at around $20), derives its name from the vibrant green pigment it dispenses onto aggressors. The unique hue sets it apart from other brands’ utilization of UV dyes; there is no prerequisite for a blacklight to visualize the dye and identify an assailant’s location. Furthermore, removing this tenacious tint requires extra effort to wash it off.
The Mean Green’s flip-top safety system presents an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a non-lethal weapon. Primarily due to the absence of any visible trigger, it is notably easy to conceal in either pockets or purses. Furthermore, its user-friendly design sets it apart from Sabre’s sliding safety apparatus, which some people may find unintuitive. Nevertheless, rest assured that in case of an emergency, both brands function smartly without giving rise to any hassle while handling them.
Mean Green is a spray formulated in a gel form that offers a user-friendly targeting system and an extensive range of 15 feet. Although Fox Labs may not measure up to Sabre Red Pepper Gel in terms of distance, it still serves as an effective mechanism for maintaining adequate separation from your target while minimizing potential backlash. The only downside is that it doesn’t include anything to attach to your keys or belt. You’ll have to buy an attachment separately.
While possessing a lower concentration of OC in comparison to other brands, Fox Labs affirms its effectiveness in incapacitating an attacker. In case you are walking your furry companion alongside you, opting for a lower strength can be the pragmatic approach. On the other hand, selecting a brand that boasts higher potency might cater to your need for enhanced protection.
Buyers Guide: Things to look for when buying the best pepper spray
The following features will help ensure you are equipped with the best pepper spray to protect yourself during an emergency.
A safe and secure trigger
The best pepper spray should have a reliable trigger mechanism that prevents accidental discharge of the product. It should also be easy to use in case of an emergency.
Maximum strength formula
The pepper spray you choose should have maximum allowable strength to provide effective protection against attackers while being safe for the environment.
UV marking dye
UV marking dye helps law enforcement officers identify attackers by showing up under a black light. This is important for quickly apprehending assailants and holding them accountable for their crimes.
Long-range delivery system
The best pepper spray for self defense should be able to reach distances of 8-10 feet, allowing you to protect yourself from a safe distance.
Easy to carry
Pepper spray should be easy to carry with you at all times for quick access during an emergency. Look for a pepper spray that comes in a small container and can easily fit in your pocket or purse.
Durable design
Look for pepper spray containers that are made from durable materials and designed to withstand abuse. This will ensure that your product remains effective in case of an emergency.
Safety lock
The safety lock prevents accidental triggering, making sure you don’t have to worry about spraying yourself when reaching for your pepper spray.
Clear labeling
Make sure that the product you purchase has clear instructions on usage and safety guidelines printed on the packaging. This will help to ensure that you use pepper spray correctly and effectively in case of an emergency.
User-friendly design
Look for a pepper spray container with an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in your hand. This will make it easier to use in case of an attack.
Brand reputation
Lastly, look for a reputable brand that is well-known and trusted by the public. This will ensure that you are getting quality products when you purchase pepper spray for your protection.
FAQs about Pepper Spray
What is pepper spray?
A: Pepper spray is a chemical agent used for self-defense that causes temporary blindness, pain, and breathing difficulties. It typically comes in small cans or keychains and can be sprayed at attackers when necessary.
Is pepper spray legal?
Yes, pepper spray is legal for self-defense in many states, but it is illegal to carry certain types of pepper spray in some areas. Before purchasing or carrying pepper spray, check your local laws to see what type and size are allowed.
How does pepper spray work?
Pepper spray works by causing temporary blindness, pain, and difficulty breathing. The active ingredient in pepper spray is oleoresin capsicum, which is a natural extract derived from hot peppers. When sprayed, it causes an intense burning sensation to the skin and eyes that can last for up to 45 minutes.
How do we know the strength and heat level of pepper spray?
One measure of pepper spray’s strength is the amount of OC present. The acronym “OC” stands for oleoresin capsicum, a component of chili peppers that irritates. The same element that gives chili its spiciness is also what makes pepper spray harmful.
The Scoville Heat Units, or SHU, scale is used by pepper growers to determine how hot their peppers are. Bell peppers have a 0 SHU rating, while jalapenos have a heat level of 3,500 to 5,000 SHU. A high SHU of around 1,000,000 indicates it’s incredibly hot—like a ghost pepper. This scale is used by some pepper spray producers to highlight the stinging and discomfort caused by their product. The pepper spray is typically above 2,000,000 SHU.
What should I do if I get pepper sprayed?
If you are accidentally exposed to pepper spray, the first thing you should do is move away from the area. Then, flush your skin and eyes with cool water for at least 15 minutes. Over-the-counter eye drops may help alleviate the burning sensation and redness in the eyes. Medical attention may be necessary if symptoms persist or worsen.
What other safety precautions should I take when carrying pepper spray?
When carrying pepper spray for self-defense, you should always store it in a safe place that is out of reach of children. Make sure to read the instructions and understand how to use the device properly before using it. Additionally, if you suspect your pepper spray has expired, make sure to replace it with a new one. Finally, practice using the device in a safe environment before carrying it with you.
Is it possible to become immune to pepper spray?
No, it is not possible to become immune to pepper spray. However, repeated exposure can reduce the effects of pepper spray over time. If you are frequently exposed to pepper spray in your job or other activities, make sure to take extra safety precautions and wear appropriate protective gear.
How long does pepper spray last?
The effects of pepper spray can last anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the concentration. In some cases, the effects may linger for several hours or even days. To reduce the risk of prolonged irritation and discomfort, you should flush your skin and eyes with cool water as soon as possible after being exposed.
Does pepper spray expire?
Yes, most pepper spray products have a shelf life of two to three years. After this time, the active ingredient may become less effective or even cause adverse reactions when used. For safety reasons, it is important to check the expiration date on your pepper spray and replace it with a new one if necessary.
Is pepper spray lethal?
No, pepper spray is not lethal. However, in rare cases, extreme exposure can cause dizziness, nausea, or respiratory distress which can be dangerous and even lead to death. For this reason, it is important to take safety precautions and follow the instructions when using pepper spray.
Can pepper spray be used on animals?
Yes, pepper spray can be used to repel animals such as bears or dogs. However, it should never be used on domestic animals unless it is to protect yourself from their attack. Additionally, when using pepper spray on animals, make sure to take extra safety precautions and always adhere to local laws.
What about using the bear spray for self-defense?
Bear spray is a prevalent response to inquiries about non-lethal weapons and self-defense methods. Bear spray is similar to pepper spray, although it’s usually more powerful and comes in a bigger container—the majority of bear sprays are the size of a spray paint can or small fire extinguisher.
Bear spray is an essential tool for hikers, campers, and people living in areas where bears or coyotes may be present. Bear spray, on the other hand, isn’t appropriate for personal protection since it’s too heavy to transport.
Is pepper spray harmful to the environment?
Pepper spray is not necessarily harmful to the environment, but it can be if it is used in large quantities or near bodies of water. If you plan to use pepper spray outdoors, make sure to follow the instructions and take extra safety precautions to avoid inadvertently harming the environment. Additionally, some states have laws that prohibit the use of pepper spray in certain areas. Be sure to check your local laws before using them.
Are there any alternatives to pepper spray?
Yes, several non-lethal alternatives to pepper spray may be more suitable for certain situations. These include noise deterrents, personal alarms, and stun guns. Additionally, some states have laws that only allow the use of these alternative devices instead of pepper spray. Be sure to check your local laws before carrying or using pepper spray.
Can anyone buy pepper spray?
The minimum age requirement to purchase pepper spray in the majority of states is 18 years old. However, some states have additional restrictions for people with felonies.
How We Tested and Ranked the Best Pepper Sprays
When we set out to identify the highest-quality and most efficient pepper spray brands, we made sure that each of our top selections was both compact and easy to use. We researched technical characteristics and features, consulted with experts, read reviews from shoppers like you, and scoured online forums until finally narrowing it down to seven must-have models. With these picks at your disposal, you can go forth confidently, knowing that no detail has been overlooked in terms of quality or efficiency!
Final Verdict
Pepper spray is a low-cost, portable way to defend oneself. Even though attackers find pepper spray to be an unpleasant and painful feeling, it’s still a viable non-lethal option in comparison to carrying a weapon.
Out of all the defensive spray brands, we think Sabre is the best because they offer a wide variety of products. We like their gel-based solution for pepper spray because it sprays farther than other kinds, and there’s less blowback. It’s also easy to aim, so you have time to take action during an attack.
Pepper spray is only one component of your whole self-defense plan, which should include other measures like avoiding being alone and being aware of your surroundings when you’re out in public, especially in unfamiliar areas. Alternatively, consider participating in a self-defense class at your local community center. While we hope you never have to use force to defend yourself, we also want you to be prepared for whatever life throws at you.
