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Step aside, pepper spray—there's more than one way to defend yourself from an attack, like a handy stun gun. Our top three picks are from Vipertek, a brand with a strong reputation for quality stun guns. Among these devices, the Vipertek VTS-989 takes the top spot thanks to thoughtful features like a great hand grip and anti-grab electrodes for extra protection against attackers.
We also talked to an expert about stun gun tips and looked into state laws to teach you the basics of stun gun legality (especially since they're illegal in two states). Read on to learn how stun guns and TASERs are more affordable and lower stakes than purchasing a gun.
Best stun guns
- : Best overall
- : Budget pick
- : Best tactical flashlight
- : Best combo pack
- : Best range
Compare the best stun guns
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Product
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Price
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Carry method
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Range
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Power source
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Learn more
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| Best overall |
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$19.99 | Wrist strap, holster | Close contact | Rechargeable battery | View on Amazon | Read review |
| Budget pick |
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$9.99 | Pocket or purse | Close contact | Rechargeable battery | View on Amazon | Read review |
| Best tactical flashlight |
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$19.98 | Wrist strap, holster |
Close contact |
Rechargeable battery | View on Amazon | Read review |
| Best combo pack |
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$24.99 | Wrist strap, belt clip | Close contact Up to 10 ft. |
Rechargeable battery | View on Amazon | Read review |
| Best range |
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$489.98 | Optional holster | Up to 15 ft. | CR123A batteries (2) | View on Amazon | Read review |
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
See also:
Stun gun reviews
1. Vipertek VTS-989: Best overall
The Vipertek VTS-989 is a perfect example of what to expect from a stun gun—we like its handgrip, which makes it easy to hold and use. There's a handy power button on the side so you can use the device with one hand.
Safety switch
It won't turn on accidentally, since there's a safety switch on the other side of the unit that you can also use to turn on the LED flashlight. The rechargeable battery is great for keeping the Vipertek VTS-989 ready for anything.
Easy hand grip Safety switch Difficult for attackers to grab
More expensive than average Larger sizeAnti-grab strips
There are two electrodes on the business end of the stun gun to help you make skin contact through clothing for a more effective defense. Alongside the electrodes are two metal strips that shock attackers who are trying to grab it. Even without shocking someone, this thing's loud sound is an extra layer of intimidation.
Size
While it's not the smallest stun gun we've seen, it's about the size of a typical smartphone, so you can store it in a bag or pocket. No matter where you store it, we recommend keeping the stun gun in its included holster to prevent the safety switch from moving.
Cost
This is one of the more expensive stun guns on our list, but it's hard to deny the glowing customer reviews online. We think it’s worth a few extra dollars compared to cheaper models.
2. Vipertek VTS-880: Budget pick
If you have a small budget, take a look at the Vipertek VTS-880, which costs around $10. For this price, you get a compact unit that won't take up too much space in your pocket. Even with a small size and a low cost, this stun gun can effectively subdue an attacker.
Built-in charger
We like that you don't need an extra charging cable for this unit since it has a small plug built into the base. As with any stun gun, you'll get loud sounds to help deter attackers from getting closer.
Compact size Integrated charging plug Low price
No wrist strap No anti-grab stripsNo anti-grab strips
Unlike our top pick, this stun gun is too small for metal strips along the sides to prevent attackers from grabbing the device. Still, the small size won't stick out of your hand as far, so it's harder to grab anyway.
No wrist strap
It doesn't have a wrist strap, so you need to keep the included holster on a belt if you don't want to carry a bag while running. None of these drawbacks are deal-breakers, especially if you want a reliable, cheap stun gun.
If a compact size is more important than a lower price, consider spending an extra dollar to buy the Vipertek VTS-881, which has a slightly smaller design.
3. Vipertek VTS-195: Best tactical flashlight
While flashlights are usually a secondary feature on stun guns, the Vipertek VTS-195 does the opposite by taking on the looks and functionality of a tactical flashlight. Because it looks like a flashlight, it's less likely that an attacker would swipe it right away, giving you more time to defend yourself.
Rechargeable battery
Much like the other Vipertek stun guns we looked at, the VTS-195 comes with a rechargeable battery, so you don't need to buy replacement batteries.
Better flashlight than other stun guns Disguise hides true function Rechargeable battery
Dedicated flashlights are more durableBright flashlight
This stun gun flashlight is brighter and more useful than others on our list, making it a great pick to accompany you on an evening walk. User reviews seem to agree that it's not going to last as well as a dedicated flashlight, but it can free you from carrying extra items.
In any case, we think the Vipertek VTS-195 is a practical alternative to more purpose-built stun guns.
4. Sabre Self-Defense Kit: Best combo pack
We thought we'd include the Sabre Self-Defense Kit, since you get two types of self defense for a low price. It comes with a stun gun and a pepper spray. While Vipertek might sell the best stun guns, Sabre dominates our rankings of the best pepper sprays.
Passable stun gun
The stun gun isn't much different in design from our top pick, but we found a few user reviews saying it wasn't very sturdy. Still, the product has a lifetime warranty that should cover any manufacturing defects.
Comes with pepper spray Affordable Lifetime warranty on stun gun
Low-quality buildConvenient combo pack
In most cases, we suggest buying your stun gun and pepper spray separately, but the combo pack is a convenient choice if you don't want to browse pepper spray reviews after an exhausting search to find the right stun gun.
Compared to stun guns, pepper spray is safer than stun guns, legal in more states, and generally more affordable, making it a great alternative. Head over to our pepper spray review to learn why Sabre is our top pick in that category.
5. TASER Pulse+: Best range
The TASER Pulse+ is the only proper TASER gun on our list. Unlike stun guns, this unit shoots barbed projectiles up to 15 feet away to keep attackers from getting close, similar to a TASER used by a police officer. The gun-style design is also easy to aim and shocks attackers for 30 seconds to disable them completely.
Smartphone app
And this TASER weapon works with the Noonlight smartphone app to contact the police if you ever fire the weapon. This is a nice safety feature, but it doesn't overcome the single biggest flaw of this product: its cost.
15-foot range Easy to aim Smartphone app
Expensive gun Expensive replacement cartridgesToo expensive
Even though this is a consumer-grade product, it's too expensive for most folks—costing around $480. And to further add insult to injury, its one-time-use cartridges cost more than most stun guns. To put the cost into perspective, imagine having to buy a new Vipertek VTS-989 after every use.
In all fairness, you can still use the TASER Pulse without a projectile cartridge, but it will have the same point-blank range as a typical stun gun.
While the TASER Pulse is the most powerful electric shock weapon on our list, we don't think it's worth the cost for most folks.
More products we considered
Guard Dog Security Hornet
The Guard Dog Security Hornet is probably the smallest stun gun we came across during our research—it even fits on a keychain. We say "probably" because there aren't any dimensions available to compare with other brands. Still, the product photos show a compact device about the size of a Snickers candy bar. It also doesn't have many customer reviews, making it harder to recommend.
Foxfend Spark
The Foxfend Spark looks like a lipstick from the outside but sports a hidden stun gun. While we like the lid that protects the stun gun from accidental discharge, it might be slower to access during an emergency. It's also not as compact as a typical lipstick.
Stun gun safety tips
We asked safety expert Pete Canavan for some stun gun safety tips:
1. Understand the risk
First, and most critical, is understanding the risk. Stun guns deliver debilitating shocks and cause pain. If you cannot see yourself doing this even in self-defense, consider alternatives like a personal safety app or self-defense weapons or courses.
Any weapon can also be used against you if you’re not prepared to use it. Regularly practice deploying your stun gun so that you’re ready when you need to.
2. Understand how your stun gun works
Some have switches, others have buttons, and some have both. There are dozens of designs available. Some look like brass knuckles, others are also flashlights, and some are traditional hand-held designs.
The end of the many stun guns deliver a charge when pressed against someone, completing the circuit between the short electrodes. Before contact, many of these stun guns also create a bright electrical charge and crackling sound that can serve as a deterrent to would-be attackers.
Some stun guns, like many made by TASER, fire barbed electrodes connected to the gun by wires. The barbs stick to clothing or skin so the charge can be delivered from a distance of 15–20 feet.
Most stun guns will work through light clothing, but keep in mind that heavy or bulky clothing or jackets will reduce their effectiveness.
3. Consider your habits
In your research, take into account your individual habits and situation. If you frequently travel by air, you won’t be able to take a stun gun with you on the plane. Do you rarely carry a bag? A smaller design that fits in a pocket may better serve you than a bulky one.
Final word
Stun guns and TASERs use a sharp electric shock to deter and subdue attackers, making them an effective alternative to traditional firearms. In particular, stun guns are reusable, affordable, and compact.
Vipertek consistently sells the best stun guns on the market, culminating in the Vipertek VTS-989. Its sturdy hand grip, rechargeable battery, and anti-grab electrodes make for an effective tool to protect yourself wherever you are. It's one of the more expensive stun guns but still quite affordable compared to pricey TASER guns.
While stun guns provide convenient, chemical-free self defense, they're not an excuse to slack off on smart security habits. You still need to pay attention to your surroundings and be ready to react in an emergency.
If you're looking for a place to start improving your safety, most communities offer self-defense courses. For a stun gun alternative, check out our pepper spray review.
Stun gun FAQ
Yes. Stun guns are close-range devices that require you to be near the person attacking you while using a painful shock to discourage further contact. In contrast, TASERs have a projectile that attaches to targets further away.
While a TASER device is just as painful as a stun gun, it incapacitates muscle functions so an attacker can't move. TASERs are usually more expensive due to their projectile and incapacitation elements.
Yes. According to Reuters, 49 people died from stun guns in 2018. Here are five factors that can increase the risk of dying by stun gun:
- Repeated use of TASERs and stun guns
- Malfunctioning devices
- Medical conditions
- Drug use
- Serious injury from falling to the ground
Always call 911 whenever you use an electroshock weapon for self defense. This allows law enforcement to apprehend dangerous people and facilitate medical assistance if necessary.
You can buy a stun gun if you are at least 18 years old in most states. Some states have higher age limits and may restrict possession to non-felons.
State-by-state stun gun and TASER laws
Are stun guns and TASERs legal?
Only 48 states legally permit stun guns, while they're illegal in Hawaii and Rhode Island. In 18 states, you can expect additional ownership restrictions generally based on age, criminal history, and whether you need a permit.
Although stun guns are legal in most states, it's usually good to check if your city and county have any restrictions in place.
While there are no specific federal regulations on stun guns, you can't put them in carry-on luggage when flying. Even though they're allowed in checked bags, they need to be inoperable to prevent accidental discharge.
For a quick rundown of state stun gun laws and requirements, check out the table below.
States with stun gun restrictions
States with no stun gun restrictions
Contributing writer: Pete Canavan
How we reviewed TASERs and stun guns
We researched top stun gun brands using online specifications, product listings, and customer reviews to find our top picks. While we include multiple picks from Vipertek, its pricing and customer satisfaction stood out better than the competition.
Although we focus on stun guns, we made sure to include at least one TASER gun model to show how the two types of products differ. You can learn more about how we review products in our ranking methodology.
Related articles on SafeWise
Sources
- TASER Self-Defense, "State Requirements," May 2019. Accessed September 20, 2021.
- Defense Gears, "Stun Gun Laws: Does Your State Permits You to Use Them?," August 2020. Accessed September 20, 2021.
- Illinois State Police, "Frequently Asked Questions," March 2015. Accessed September 20, 2021.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
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