5 Best Stun Guns for Self Defense Reviewed [2023]

In this post, we’re going to review the best stun guns on the market and provide you with some pros and cons for each one. We’ll also provide some tips for choosing the best stun gun to fit your needs.

What Are the Best Stun Guns?

When you need a non-lethal option for self defense, few weapons are better than a stun gun. They’re small, lightweight, and affordable for every budget. Plus, the pack a punch when you need and are a great option for self protection.

So whether you’re traveling alone or out at night in some sketchier areas, our recommendations below will help keep you safe to make it back home in once piece.

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Overall Best Stun Gun: Vipertek VTS-989

Vipertek VTS-989 Stun Gun Review:

The Vipertek VTS-989 is one of the most popular and widely recommended stun guns on the market. And that’s because it’s the perfect example of everything you should expect from a stun gun — high voltage, firm handgrip, and easy to use. We think it’s the best stun gun.

Plus, it’s got a lot of other nice-to-have features that really help it standout from other stun guns on the market.

First, it offers military strength protection and durability. The Vipertek VTS-989 is has a rechargeable battery and is designed to meet the needs of police departments, military personnel, and security professionals worldwide. So it’s more than capable of providing you with personal safety and self defense.

Next, it has a really handy Grab Guard feature that keeps you extra safe from would-be attackers. In the case someone tries to grab the stun gun away from you, this model has two metal Stun Strips which extend the current down the sides of the unit to shock their hand.

At the top/front of the unit, it has two ultra sharp spike electrodes to help you penetrate thick clothing in the event your attacker is more heavily clothed and guarded.

And with the ergonomic design and deep finger grips, this stun gun is made to fit firmly and comfortably in the palm of your hand.

A really nice safety feature is the safety switch that prevent accidental discharge by requiring you to flip it to the “stun” position and then press the trigger for it to operate.

But what’s cool is that the safety switch is flipped by your index finger, and the stun button is pressed by your thumb. This allows for fast action stunning when you need to react quickly.

Overall, the Vipertek VTS-989 has everything you need from a stun gun, and tops the charts of stun gun reviews on nearly every marketplace. And that’s why we recommend this powerful stun gun to anyone looking for one some effective electroshock weapons.

Vipertek VTS-989 Stun Gun PROS:

• Most popular and widely recommended stun gun
• Ultra sharp spike electrodes help penetrate clothing
• Grab Guard feature defends against attackers grabbing the gun

Vipertek VTS-989 Stun Gun CONS:

• Larger size may hamper ability for concealed carry
• Can’t check current battery charge without using it

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Most Affordable Stun Gun: Vipertek VTS-880

Vipertek VTS-880 Stun Gun Review:

If you’re looking for a small stun gun that’s also friendly on the budget, then you can’t beat the Vipertek VTS-880 which is priced at merely $10.

But don’t let the low cost fool you, this stun gun still packs a wallop to subdue an attacker and then fit right back in your purse or pocket without taking up much space.

At 2 inches by 4 inches and less than an inch thick, it’s roughly the size of a deck of playing cards. This makes it the perfect stun gun for concealed carry as it easily fits into any pocket or purse with ease.

And while it’s one of the smallest stun guns, it still maintains some of the core functionality and features of its bigger brother, the Vipertek VTS-989.

The Vipertek VTS-880 also has a rechargeable battery, and there’s no need for an additional charging cable because it has a small plug built into the base of the unit.

It also has a built in LED flashlight to help protect you at night, and can also act as a backup flashlight in case of emergency situations.

So whether you’re taking a walk a night, having fun out late on the town, or visiting an area that raises some alarm for you, this is one of the best stun guns to help keep you safe.

We’ve read numerous reviews where this stun gun has helped women fend off attackers and angry dogs, arguably saving their lives in a moment of crisis.

Which is why we feel comfortable recommending the Vipertek VTS-880 to anyone needing a mini stun gun and self defense weapon. Afterall, with two recommendations on our list, Vipertek is one of the most popular stun gun manufacturers on the market.

Vipertek VTS-880 Stun Gun PROS:

• Compact size makes it easy to carry
• LED flashlight helps illuminate your surroundings
• Rechargeable battery helps you save money over time

Vipertek VTS-880 Stun Gun Cons:

• Doesn’t have the 989’s Grab Guard protection (it’s too small)
• No wrist strap for added security against grabbing

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Best Taser Stun Gun: Taser Pulse+

Taser Pulse+ Stun Gun Review:

The Taser Pulse+ isn’t your traditional stun gun, but it’s still one of the best self defense weapons on the market.

T.A.S.E.R. actually stands for Tom A. Swift Electric Rifle, and it was created in the 1970’s by a man named Jack Cover. His goal was to create a handheld weapon that used non-lethal force to subdue the target in situations where using a real gun would be impossible, like in an airplane hijacking scenario.

Unlike most stun guns, the taser gun shoots barbed electrodes into your target at distances up to 15 feet away or more. This makes the Taser Pulse+ a great first stun gun, because it can help you defend against attackers from a distance rather than having to get into close quarters to use it.

And one of the best features about this stun gun is that it connects to a smartphone app you can download that will automatically call the local law enforcement if you ever fire the weapon and alert them to your location.

Like the Vipertek models, it also has a built in flashlight which allows you to keep your hands free from having to carry a separate flashlight while you aim.

However, unlike other stun guns, it doesn’t have rechargeable batteries. Like most other taser devices, it uses CR123A 3-Volt replaceable batteries you’ll have to replace from time to time.

As for safety features, it doesn’t have a safety switch or wrist strap, but it does have a safety cover to prevent accidental discharge. It also includes a holster made to fit the taser pulse+, as this taser gun is a little too big to be a “pocket taser.”

But still, the Pulse+ is one of the best taser models on the market, and one of the best tasers available with it’s great reviews and solid recommendations.

Just make sure to check if your state laws and local laws make tasers legal to own and carry. The last time we checked, only Rhode Island has state laws that prohibit the purchase, possession and use of stun guns and a taser gun like the Taser Pulse+.

However, there is one natural downside that comes with being one of the best tasers on the market (if not the best taser, period). And that is the high price.

While some of our recommendations are as low as $10, the Taser Pulse+ is currently priced at around $400. That is many times more expense than any of the other stun guns we recommend, and out of reach for most people seeking an electroshock weapon like a taser.

But if you want self protection with the ability to shoot electric shock at a distance, then there is no better option than the Taser Pulse+.

Taser Pulse+ Stun Gun Review:

• Ranged electrical shock up to 15 feet
• Powerful flashlight to temporarily blind attackers
• App for your cell phone automatically calls police when fired

Taser Pulse+ Stun Gun Review:

• Doesn’t have a rechargeable battery
• Pricier than most stun guns on the market

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Best Flashlight Stun Gun: Police Force Stun Gun Flashlight

Police Force Stun Gun Flashlight Review:

Sure, stun guns are great for self defense. But what if you could have a stun gun that doubled as a tactical flashlight?

Say no more my friend! The Police Force Stun Gun Flashlight is exactly what you’re looking for!

While some stun guns include a built in flashlight as a bit of an afterthought, the LED flashlight for the Police Force Stun Gun Flashlight is a core element of the design.

Which means you could use this stun gun primarily as a flashlight, and then use it for a stun gun and self defense when you need it.

The LED flashlight is a bright light that can temporarily blind attackers when needed, and it includes a rechargeable battery so you’re always ready to defend yourself when needed.

The flashlight is constructed with ultra strong ABS plastic that is durable and will protect against accidental drops and regular wear and tear. And the handle is covered with a non-slip rubber coating that’s just as durable and prevents it from accidentally falling out of your hand.

The only downside to this model is that it’s design as a flashlight sort of takes away from the core purpose of being a stun gun, and it shows. At 7.5 inches, the flashlight is longer than some comparable models, and some users even say the switch is a little too sensitive, which could accidentally drain the battery without you knowing it.

Overall, the Police Force Stun Gun Flashlight is a great option for people looking to be a little more discreet about their ownership and possession of a stun gun. If that’s you, then this is one of the best stun guns we can recommend and it will work perfectly for self defense.

Police Force Stun Gun Flashlight Pros:

• Extremely bright LED flashlight
• Rechargeable battery has longer life
• Built in glass breaker for emergency situations

Police Force Stun Gun Flashlight Cons:

• Flashlight is longer than comparable options
• Switch can be a little too sensitive for some people

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Best Value Stun Gun: Sabre Self Defense Kit (Stun Gun and Pepper Spray)

Sabre Self Defense Kit Review:

Instead of just getting one form of self defense, why not get two self defense weapons for the price of one?

That’s what we thought when we decided to include the Sabre Self Defense Kit in this list.

It might not have the same brand recognition for stun guns that Vipertek has, but when it comes to pepper sprays, Sabre is one of the market leader for premium products.

So in this convenient combo pack, you get both options for defending yourself (and you can even carry both at once if you want to!).

Compared to stun guns, pepper spray is safer and legal in more states (so you don’t have to worry about state laws preventing you from using it).

Plus, it’s generally more affordable than stun guns are as well. If you ever run out of some of the best pepper sprays on the market, you can replace it for only about $10-15.

As for the stun gun itself, it’s of decent quality and fairly similar in design to our top recommendation. It has a wrist strap, a built in LED flashlight, and rechargeable battery.

But despite it’s considerable stopping power, it’s still not Vipertek. We’ve read some reviews that said it wasn’t as sturdy or well built as the best stun gun on the market.

However, it’s a nice alternative for people who are looking for different options when it comes to self defense, and feel like it would be nice to have brand name pepper spray as an alternative means of self defense.

Sabre Self Defense Kit Pros:

• Come with high quality pepper spray
• Affordable and easy on the budget
• Lifetime warranty on the stun gun

Sabre Self Defense Kit Cons:

• Low quality build compared to the market leader

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Conclusion: Buying the Best Stun Guns

When shopping for a stun gun, there are many options to consider, and you pay most importance to it’s size, safety features, and pricing to get the right stun gun for you.

By considering the factors and the stun gun reviews we mentioned above, as well as doing your own research, we’re sure you’ll quickly find the right stun gun for your needs.