The pandemic had us confined to our homes, and we couldn’t wait to go out, which made street muggers and other criminals very happy. Having the best stun gun on you is a great way to turn the odds. But how to choose the right one? After all, they come in different sizes, designs, and power levels. Do not be afraid, we are here to help you find the best solution for you.
Stay with us, and we will help you find the product you can use in real-life situations. No gimmicks, no sales pitches — only the information you need to make the best decision.
Best Stun Gun on the Market – Top 13 Devices For Self-Defense
Each of these eleven items are effective and affordable. Continue reading to check in-depth specifics and features to find the most convenient option for you.
Our Pick of the 3 Best Stun Guns
3. TASER Pulse+
Features
- Mobile app dispatches police as soon as the weapon is used
- An exceptionally strong shock
- Can subdue a target from 15 feet away
Price: From $399.99
TASER & Stun Gun Reviews – The Top 10 Choice
TASER Pulse+
Pros
- Mobile app dispatches police as soon as the weapon is used
- An exceptionally strong shock
- Can subdue a target from 15 feet away
Cons
- A steep price: $449.99
We hold the TASER Pulse Plus model in very high regard. It’s the most appropriate TASER for self-defense, and it has a price tag to match.
Imagine finding yourself in a dark alley with no one to hear you cry out for help. A burglar approaches and demands that you hand over your belongings. Those are the moments you’ll be glad you’ve invested in a self-defense option.
But having a Taser stun gun close at hand doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods just yet—you could miss, or the weapon could misfire.
Features
With this stun gun, missing your target is not as detrimental—the Noonlight mobile app stays connected to the weapon at all times and contacts the authorities as soon as it fires.
When the pulse taser darts hit the mark, you are free to run away and leave it behind. If you provide evidence (an official police report) that the weapon was used in self-defense, Axon’s Safe Escape product replacement guarantee allows you to take a new weapon free of charge.
There’s another fail-safe if you miss; this taser pistol turns into a melee-range weapon after you fire. That said, the Pulse+ laser aiming system makes it difficult to miss an assailant in even the most stressful situations.
A direct hit will send 50,000 volts of electricity at 7 watts through the target’s body. Undoubtedly, TASER Pulse packs quite a punch. It will render attackers unable to move and cause them to convulse uncontrollably for 30 seconds.
That’s ample time to escape and wait for the police that have already been notified via the mobile app. The low-battery indicator will notify you when your weapon’s battery is almost empty. It uses CR123 batteries that can be found in most retail stores.
It’s also a great TASER for women as its ergonomic and streamlined design makes it easy to conceal and carry, especially in small purses. An additional benefit is that it immediately sends out a distress signal, something you might forget to do in stressful situations. And even if you do remember, dialing while running is not something you could easily do.
Vipertek VTS-989
Pros
- The best option for mini stun guns
- The metal shock plates on the sides shock an assailant if they try to grab the weapon from your hand
- Rechargeable battery
Cons
- The safety mechanisms sometimes hinder the effectiveness of the device
The best thing about this Vipertek stun gun is the light design, which means you can carry it in your purse or pocket, enabling you to feel safe when walking the streets.
Its small size guarantees that nobody will suspect you are ready to deliver a devastating hit to anyone who tries to threaten you or compromise your safety.
The metal shock plates at the top of the device deliver a debilitating shock to any attacker who tries to grab it from your hand. Right beside them are two ultra-sharp spike electrodes that can penetrate even the thickest clothes.
Once you grasp this portable taser, there’s no dropping it—the deep contours on the sides ensure that this piece of security equipment fits snugly in the palm of your hand.
Features
You need to engage two switches to fire this stun gun effectively. The safety switch on one side has three positions: off, flashlight, and stun. When the switch is in the middle position, you will see a Vipertek stun gun flashlight on the top shining, warning your attacker or blinding them enough to get a cleaner shot.
When you put the switch in the final position, the safety is off, and the stun gun is ready to be used. This may sound complicated; however, the Vipertek VTS-989 is actually one of the easiest mini stun guns to use.
A red on/off switch on the other side creates an incredibly strong current. The terrifying noise alone is enough to deter most attackers. If they do engage and you have no choice but to defend yourself, the Vipertek VTS-989 produces a shock of 53 million volts. A current with that amount of voltage passes through any barrier.
The Vipertek taser flashlight is one of the best stun guns on the market. It has a rechargeable battery and a low price. This is one of the cheapest stunners around to get when you feel you need an extra layer of close-range protection. With an ergonomic lightweight design and incredible shocking power, it’s the perfect safety tool to have, especially for women.
TASER Strikelight
Pros
- A trusted manufacturer with a great reputation
- A powerful flashlight
- 500 stun cycles
- A rechargeable battery
- A heavy-duty casing
Cons
- Pricey
This device is a Swiss army knife of the stun gun world. Namely, it is a powerful flashlight and a taser for self-protection, all wrapped in a heavy-duty protective casing. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
It comes from one of the most famous names in the business, and the built quality is excellent. However, Is it the best fit for you? Let’s take a look at the features.
Features
This disguised taser is small enough to fit in a glove box, backpack, or your hand while strolling but large enough to be used as a baton.
The flashlight is not just for show. It emits a powerful beam of 80 Lumens, which is more than sufficient to shed light on those dark corners in public garages or a dark path on your hiking trail.
When it comes to protection, this taser flashlight can be used both as a deterrent and an immediate self-protection device. So, by hitting a dedicated button, the device emits a warning arc and a shrilling noise. If that doesn’t chase away an attacker, the shock will. And you have 500 stun cycles at your disposal, so you don’t have to go economical on the aggressor.
The only drawback to this taser—the price. It is more expensive than its counterparts with similar characteristics, but we can partly justify that. Namely, the materials are high-quality and durable, and the producer is this industry segment founder and has an excellent reputation.
Police Force Tactical 13.5″ LED Stun Gun Baton 12M
Pros
- 12M Voltage
- Rechargeable Li-ion batteries
- 3 activation levels
Cons
- Heavy (weighs 1.89lbs)
A police-issued stun gun will never fail the user as it delivers a powerful 12 million volts of electricity.
The best thing about this baton stun gun is its ease of use. This means that with a simple setting to “stun” you can quickly turn it on and just hit the button to tase the target.
Features
It has five light modes and two rechargeable Li-ion batteries, making it reliable at any point in the day. And, the only drawback is its weight. With 1.89lbs, it might not be suitable for seniors who go for long walks daily.
On the other hand, pulling out a stun gun baton that also looks powerful may just intimidate an attacker enough to think twice about coming at you.
Furthermore, this baton is made entirely of military-grade aluminum alloy and equipped with a tactical striking edge for a faster and easier way to break the glass.
Maximum Strength Tactical SABRE Stun Gun With LED Flashlight
Pros
- An ergonomic design
- The stun gun emits 95 decibels of noise
- Made from durable materials
Cons
- The flashlight could be stronger
Combining stun guns with flashlights has become more and more popular over the past couple of years.
The utility of the flashlight perfectly fits the defensive features of a stun gun, especially since most attacks happen in the dead of night. Shining a flashlight at the attacker’s eyes can temporarily blind them and discourage them from continuing the assault.
Thanks to its ergonomic design, Sabre’s best stun gun stands out from the competition—the aluminum casing is lightweight and sits comfortably in the palm of your hand.
It can also fit comfortably into a holster on your hip. Furthermore, the build quality is excellent, with no loose parts compromising the integrity of the piece.
Features
With 2.517 micro coulombs of charge, it won’t take the first place on the stun gun voltage chart, but it has more than sufficient power. It causes intolerable pain to the person getting shocked. The flashlight gives off a light of 130 lumens, while the stun gun generates a 95 dB noise.
For an affordable price, you’ll get a weapon that will help you avoid most fights and give you an extreme edge in the ones you do get into.
Taser X2: Police-Grade Taser
Pros
- Loaded with a second shot in case you miss the first one
- Made by the most prominent company in the industry
- Replacement warranty, if the weapon is used in a proven self-defense situation
Cons
- Extremely expensive, as you’d expect from such a product
An attacker is approaching you. The warning arc doesn’t scare him off. So you panic and miss the first shot. This would usually mean game over for any other taser gun that shoots, but not for the TASER X2. This extra-reliable security device has a backup shot ready to be deployed.
The police officers who have tested this TASER device claim that the warning arc is enough to scare some sense into almost all assailants. Also, a taser that looks like a gun probably looks scarier than the one that looks like lipstick.
If they do not comply, the shock will cause debilitating pain and involuntary muscle spasms to give you enough time to escape. The electric shock duration is limited to five seconds—any more would risk serious injury, defeating the purpose of a less-than-lethal weapon.
Features
Material and design quality make it one of the best tasers on the market. A laser-guided aiming system makes it easy to be accurate.
To top it all off, even if you miss both your shots, this TASER gun becomes a close-range stun gun.
However, the price will not make you smile. It is much more expensive than the competition. But the high price is to be expected, considering that this is a professional device and much more than your run-of-the-mill taser flashlight.
The company included things like a spare cartridge and holster in the package to make things a bit easier on a buyer. Furthermore, the letter is especially useful because this is a large weapon. The holster also enables a user to quickly draw the taser, which is crucial in risky situations.
Taser X26p Professional Series
Pros
- Professional-grade product quality
- Trusted by police forces around the world
- Causes extreme muscle contractions when used
Cons
- Steep price
- Both probes need to land for effectiveness
TASER is a registered trademark of the Axon company. Until 2017, the company was even called TASER. As a top-of-the-line product, the X26P Professional Series is considered one of the best tasers on the market.
The electrical current this less-than-lethal electroshock weapon delivers is ideal. Its amperage and voltage are strong enough to neutralize the target without risking cardiac arrest. It causes neuro-muscular incapacitation (NMI) that temporarily tampers with the person’s sensory and motor neurons.
Moreover, it causes severe muscle spasms and bodily control loss for five seconds. The company’s best taser gun leaves the suspect stunned and subdued for a period long enough for the police to arrive.
Speaking of the police, the X26P is the preferred less-than-lethal weapon of law-enforcement agencies across the globe.
Features
The professional holster, long battery life, ergonomic design, and quality of materials come together to make it the industry standard for a long-range TASER device. Its safety range is 15 feet—a safe enough distance in any situation.
The laser installed on the X26P will significantly improve your accuracy, which is another characteristic that makes it a great self-defense taser. If by any chance, the TASER gun probes fail to fire and hand-to-hand combat occurs, the X26P can be used as a melee stun gun.
The price tag is in line with the high-grade professional protection the X26P provides. No surprises there.
Best Options for a Taser Gun Under $100
Streetwise Sting Ring Knuckle Stun Gun
Pros
- Fits perfectly in the palm of your hand
- A Squeeze-N-Stun technology for the ease of activation
- A low price
Cons
- A low battery life
- Illegal in California
This is one of the strongest stun gun devices on the market. Shaped like a single-finger knuckle-duster, Sting Ring packs a punch. An 18 million-volt punch, to be exact. The high voltage guarantees that the current will reach the flesh through thick clothing.
It may be lightweight (it weighs only 0.32 lbs), but it is very powerful. By remaining easily concealed in the palm of your hand, this device is a very suitable stun gun for women that gives you an extra boost of confidence in situations where you can become susceptible to attack.
Features
The revolutionary “Squeeze-N-Stun” technology enables you to throw a jab and electrocute an attacker at the same time. Of course, there’s an on/off safety switch to prevent accidental discharge. This is probably the best stun gun for runners because they can keep it in their hands while running—they don’t need a pocket or a purse.
You can charge the batteries with the cable that comes with the product. However, you’ll have to charge them for eight hours straight before the first use.
You’ll also receive a lifetime warranty if you choose to buy this stun gun. However, bear in mind that electric batons and stun rings are illegal in the state of California.
Streetwise FRiPHONE
Pros
- Maintain the element of surprise with a cleverly concealed weapon
- Voltage in the millions passes through thick clothing
- Flashlight included
Cons
- Poor casing quality
Sometimes, the element of surprise is your biggest asset when facing down attackers. What looks like a smartphone to the unknowing perpetrator is a phone stun gun. The electric pressure of 14 million volts is more than enough to penetrate thick clothing and bring even the biggest of brutes to their knees. The product also has a built-in alarm that releases an ear-piercing sound to discourage thugs from attacking you.
Even though this product’s build quality is not the greatest, and it’s more of a novelty item than a serious stun gun, we chose to include it in our list because of its creativity and unique design. This cellular phone stun gun even has a flashlight.
Features
Its main feature, as with most hidden tasers, is its clever disguise. So, imagine a burglar telling you to empty your purse. You start pulling out various items—lipstick, tissues, a box of mints, and similar. Just by chance, you keep a mobile phone in your hand while you’re rummaging for your wallet.
The crook’s attention is so fixated on the upcoming reward that they let their guard down. That’s your moment to strike. You give the thug a taste of your FRiPHONE, then make a break for it.
Although it is one of the cheaper devices and not the most powerful stun gun out there, you can rest assured it won’t fail you when you need it most.
Gladiator USA Ultra Powerful Mini Stun Gun Police Rechargeable With Flashlight
Pros
- Small in size, easily concealed
- Rubber casing reduces slippage
- Long battery life
Cons
- The activation button can jam after it has been used
The stylish design of this item makes it one of the most popular personal tasers. For a ridiculously low price, you’ll be able to defend yourself against all attackers. The rubber casing ensures the weapon will stay in your hand, and the hit is strong enough to bring an assailant to their knees, no matter how large they are.
With it, you get a blinding stun gun flashlight that ensures a clean shot. The batteries need to be charged only once every five months with the accompanying USB charger.
Features
The most important detail is its small size that makes it easy to hide, even in the palm of your hand.
Although small tasers like this one are often regarded as women’s self-defense weapons, men can also carry them to boost their safety. Even the sound alone will scare off most potential attackers. It might even scare you.
Besides being one of the best, this is also one of the cheapest small stun guns you can buy for yourself or your loved one to stay protected. You can combine this handheld weapon with the best pepper spray for a complete sense of security when walking the streets. Money spent on personal safety is never wasted.
Stun Master Lipstick Stun Gun
Pros
- Perfectly disguised as lipstick
- High-amperage shock
- This is the best stun tool for women
Cons
- The design makes it difficult to handle sometimes
- Small activation buttons
We have to says that stun guns for women are an incredibly useful tool in today’s world. For example, you never really know what’s in store with the total strangers you encounter in online dating. Some guys might get too pushy and cross the boundaries of decency.
In that situation, you must have a way to defend yourself; a stun gun is the perfect non-lethal self-defense option.
A good stun gun has to be inconspicuous and easily concealed but pack enough of a punch to allow enough time to escape. This tiny but powerful stun gun has both of those qualities.
Features
Cleverly disguised in a five-inch plastic case, this lipstick stun gun delivers a 4.2 milliampere shock with a force of 3 million volts. Not even the strongest and most-determined attacker will be able to withstand the muscle-spasming pain that the shock produces, especially when taken by surprise.
This little devil solves the stun gun vs. taser dilemma women usually have. Namely, they are often torn between power and size. And it is understandable because (in general), the bigger the weapon is, the stronger the punch it provides. But women need something in between.
Hand tasers should be small enough to carry around and easy enough to use. After all, their sole purpose is to make you feel safe.
If you end up in a situation where using these weapons is necessary, the shock-and-run tactic is your best bet.
Mace Compact Pocket Stun Gun
Pros
- 7.6 microcoulombs hit
- Flashlight-stun gun combo
- Quality build
- Clip makes it easy to hang on the hip
Cons
- It’s look will not deter the attackers
This interesting device isn’t produced by any of the famous stun gun companies but by one of their main competitors in the self-defense market. From the famous Mace company that produces the best pepper sprays on the market comes a fresh take on another popular self-defense weapon—the flashlight stun gun.
The classic distract-and-attack tactic should be deployed when using this weapon. Distract an aggressor with the flashlight that also has a strobe mode for maximum effect.
Then, either discharge the weapon in the air, creating an intimidating visual effect or fire at the attacker. The best spots to shock someone with a pocket taser are the shoulder, hip, below the rib cage, or on the buttocks.
Features
It’s worth noting that the numbers Mace lists on its site seem overinflated. The company claims its product delivers a shock of up to 7.6 micro coulombs, which may seem a bit much for what’s a small keychain stun gun.
But even if we lower it by 20% or 30%, it is still enough to incapacitate an assailant for 3–5 seconds. This will give you ample time to escape.
Some users have complained about the shock gun’s build quality. However, our experts tested it and found that this device is sturdy and well-made.
It comes at a low price, and it’s a worthy choice for self-defense.
Taser vs. Stun Gun: How to Make the Right Choice
When deciding to buy a stun gun, the choice is not easy as you need to take into account the size, weight, and effectiveness of the tool.
While pepper sprays are easier to use, determined attackers might be able to avoid a spray, and in case of wind blowback, you could end up being hurt and not an attacker.
On the other hand, muscle spasms that a taser pulse induces cannot be ignored. If you hit one of the sweet spots, such as under the arm or just above the hip, the shock will bring your assailant to their knees no matter how big they are.
The warning arc also emits a thunderous noise and an ominous light, most likely dissuading the attacker and defusing the situation before things get out of hand.
Although the terms “stun gun” and “TASER” are often used interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing, and it’s important to understand the difference between a stun gun and a taser:
- Developed and sold by the company called Axon (formerly TASER International), a TASER device is a projectile electroshock weapon that has a 15-foot range. Two probes connected to the casing by thin insulated wires deliver the voltage.
To deliver the highest voltage, both TASER probes need to touch an attacker to close the circuit and activate the weapon. This will successfully incapacitate the attacker by making his muscles involuntary contract. However, the shock will not hurt them, and the shock will wear off in about 5 minutes. A handheld TASER will usually have only a single shot, so you will need to make it count.
- A stun gun is a close-range weapon. The electrodes are firmly attached to the case, meaning you can only use it for hand-to-hand combat. The high taser gun voltage makes the arc of electricity between the electrodes very loud and bright, which is often enough to diffuse a tense situation quickly. Furthermore, stun guns are much easier to conceal than larger electroshock weapons.
What You Should Know Before You Go Out and Buy a Taser
We all want to feel safe, whether it is in our home or outside. And while we can equip our homes with security door locks and alarms, we are pretty much on our own when we go out. So, it is only natural for people to search for ways to increase their safety.
But before deciding to purchase a stun gun, you’ll need to take into account local and state laws about carrying such items.
Given that some devices have lithium batteries attached, transport of such devices needs to adhere to law regulations to avoid accidental discharge.
Furthermore, stun guns aren’t legal in all states. Before starting your research on where to buy a stun gun, you should check your local regulations. So you need to be careful about where you live or travel before deciding to purchase. Check out this article to see which states allow stun gun carrying, and how each state regulates the possession of these devices.
Best Stun Gun: Requirements & Regulations
United States’ laws and regulations regarding the carrying of stun guns and taser devices are inconsistent across different states, to say the least. So even though your device is completely legal in one part of the country, it doesn’t mean you can have it on you when visiting another state.
The situation is changing today as self-defense taser devices get heavy upgrades, prompting many to consider them as dangerous as handguns.
With that in mind, some states regulate stun guns in the same way as any other weapon, needing specific permits to carry and use.
The Criminal Defense Lawyer site issued a detailed analysis of the requirements, permits, laws, and penalties regarding stun guns and taser devices.
Taser and Stun Gun Voltage: Truth & Myths
Stun gun manufacturers seem to compete when it comes to putting the biggest number of volts in their product specifications. An uninformed consumer assumes that the bigger the number, the stronger the shock and that the best devices need to be in a million-volt category.
Unfortunately, physics begs to differ when it comes to electroshock weapons. You don’t need to buy a Taser gun with the highest voltage. Remember that the TASER X26P has a voltage of 50,000 and is still used by police forces around the world.
The potential difference in a current, measured in volts, is just a part of the equation for determining a weapon’s power. It is the “force” or “pressure” with which the source pushes electric current.
The other part of the equation determining the punch a shooting stun gun delivers is the amount of electricity—measured in amperes or coulombs.
The water hose metaphor explains it best: volts represent the water pressure, and amps are the water quantity. Ramping up the volts is equivalent to putting your thumb on the mouth of a hose—it does not increase the amount of water being sprayed.
Increasing the amps is equivalent to turning the faucet up. With this in mind, the highest amperage stun gun is considerably more powerful than the one with the highest voltage.
Stun Gun Power
Volts play an important part in the stun gun formula—they determine how effective it will be in penetrating thick clothing and surmounting the human body’s natural resistance. Voltage also helps “jump the gap” and creates the intimidating bright lightning arc between electrodes.
One thing to remember about tasers for self defense – the volts do not deliver the true punch. The pain depends on amperes—the amount of electricity (measured in coulombs) that goes through a given point in a second. You don’t need the strongest taser to bring attackers to their knees. For instance, a 4–5 milliampere current hits the sweet spot—strong enough to cause pain but not strong enough to do any severe damage or interfere with a pacemaker.
So, while manufacturers selling cheap electroshock weapons boast about the millions of volts their products deliver, the police-grade TASER M26 delivers its 3.6 milliamperes at 50,000 volts.
When you tase an attacker with that much power, not even the best tactical first aid kit will help them recover quickly.
People Also Ask
What is the best TASER gun to buy?
Best Tasers to buy are TASER X2 and TASER X26P. They are police-grade models that provide excellent stopping power, reliability, and precision. They are less-lethal weapons of choice for police departments across the country and the world.
Which is better: stun gun or TASER?
A stun gun is better for people who are not afraid of physical contact because you have to touch an attacker with it to shock him. TASER devices are better for people who can shoot at distances of up to 15 feet precisely, even when under stress. Many TASERS are also equipped with a secondary mechanism and can be used as contact shockers if you miss the shot.
What is the best TASER for a woman?
The best TASER for women would be TASER Pulse Plus. It is small, lightweight, and easy to conceal. It has a range of 15 feet, and even if you miss the shot, you can use it as a contact shocker. More importantly, it alerts the police once activated. If you can provide proof (official police report) that you used it in self-defense, the company will send you a new device.
What stun gun has the highest voltage?
Marketing divisions of stun gun manufacturers often go overboard with their voltage claims. In reality, the voltage depends on many different factors like distance, clothes, weather conditions, and similar. The truth is that you don’t need gazillion volts. For instance, police-grade tasers go from 25,000 to 50,000 volts.
What brand of stun gun do police use?
Most police departments in the country use Axon Enterprise products from the TASER line of products. They are TASER X2, TASER X26P, and TASER 7. The Axon Enterprise was previously called Taser International, and it had marketed the first stun gun—TASER. TASERS are considered the best on the market and highly appreciated by professionals all over the world.
Which stun gun is the most effective?
All stun guns are effective if you use them properly and hit or touch an attacker. It’s best to keep the weapon in contact with the attacker for longer than 3 seconds. This is because the effects of a stun gun vary depending on the time it comes in contact with the target.
If it’s half a second, the target will only be startled and likely jump back. Lastly, going over 3 seconds would incapacitate the target for 5–60 minutes, which is more than enough time to run away and call the police.
How much does a TASER cost?
Prices vary depending on the capacity, brand, and features of the stun gun you’re looking to buy. However, it ranges from a little under $10 to over $1,000.
One of the cheapest ones you can buy is the Vipertek VTS-880. For the price of $9.98, you can get a pocket stun gun with a flashlight and rechargeable batteries.
On the more expensive side, a TASER X2 package that includes the device, a spare cartridge, and a holster will cost you more than $1,000.
Where can I buy a TASER?
Nowadays, you can buy a stun gun or TASER for your safety practically anywhere. You can buy it from physical stores, such as Walmart, or choose from a wider selection of online stores like Amazon. You can even buy it online directly from some companies and have it shipped straight to your door.
The only two states where stun guns are illegal are Hawaii and Rhode Island. Moreover, to purchase stun guns, states like Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Minnesota require a background check. So, before setting off to buy the best stun gun, check if your local regulations allow it.