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Home | Personal Safety | Best TASER and Stun Guns of 2024
We researched the best stun guns and TASERs to help you find the right one. We also share state laws for these self-defense weapons.
Best overall
Best combo device
Stunner Safety
-
Stun gun, pepper spray and flashlight
-
Lightweight design
-
Expensive overall price
Read review
Budget pick
Most discreet
Streetwise Pain Pen
-
Disguised as a ballpoint pen
-
Charge indicator light
-
Easy to lose or disarm
Read review
Best tactical flashlight
Vipertek VTS-195
-
Excellent flashlight
-
Disguise hides true function
-
Dedicated flashlights are more durable
Read review
May 31, 2024
9 min read
SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review.
Alongside pepper spray, stun guns are among the most popular self-defense products around. Whether you feel uncomfortable walking alone or want a little extra confidence while traveling, you won't want to be on the wrong end of these stun guns. Our favorites include the Vipertek VTS-989, Stunner Safety, and Vipertek VTS-195.
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 come with lower stakes than purchasing a gun.
Best stun guns
- : Best overall
Vipertek VTS-989
- : Best combo device
Stunner Safety
- : Budget pick
Vipertek VTS-880
- : Most discreet
Streetwise Pain Pen
- : Best tactical flashlight
Vipertek VTS-195
Compare the best stun guns
Product | Best for | Price | Carry method | Range | Power source | Learn more |
| Best overall | $25.99 | Wrist strap, holster | Close contact | Rechargeable battery | View on Amazon | |
| Best combo device | $89.99 | Hand grip | Long and short-range | Rechargeable battery | Visit Stunner Safety | |
| Budget pick | $9.99 | Pocket or purse | Close contact | Rechargeable battery | View on Amazon | |
| Most discreet | $23.95 | Metal clip | Short range | Rechargeable batteries | View on Amazon | |
| Best tactical flashlight | $23.99 | Wrist strap, holster | Close contact | Rechargeable battery | View on Amazon |
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
1. Vipertek VTS-989: Best overall
Best overall
From its handgrip and size to its power, the Vipertek VTS-989 is a classic stun gun. Its secure wrist strap positions your hand right at the easy-to-reach power button, keeping your grip steady and preventing attackers from using the device against you.
Safety switch
The Vipertek VTS-989 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 it ready for anything.
Pros
Easy hand grip
Safety switch
Difficult for attackers to grab
Cons
Larger size
Anti-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.
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.
2. Stunner Safety: Best combo device
Best combo pack
Stunner Safety is a newcomer to the world of self-defense devices, but it's nothing to underestimate. This device is an all-in-one stun gun, pepper spray, and flashlight in a light 1lb package. It's small enough to fit in a car glove compartment, bag, or backpack.
Its stun gun delivers a powerful shock of up to 20,000 volts. We tested this feature and were surprised at how loud the stun gun is (think fireworks). Thankfully, it's equipped with a conveniently located safety switch on the grip.
Stunner Safety also holds 0.5 oz of police-grade refillable pepper spray. The canister faces away from the user and has an easy flip switch to disable the safety.
Pros
Three devices in one
Easy grip handle
Quick access safety locks
Cons
Not pocket-sized
Pricey
Because Stunner Safety is a new small business, this product does cost significantly more than other products on this list. But with all these features on board, it makes for an excellent one-hit punch to any attacker. We especially recommend Stunner Safety for college students and young women.
Check out our YouTube channel to see our demo video and interview with inventor and owner of Stunner Safety, Sydney Marvin.
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3. Vipertek VTS-880: Budget pick
Budget pick
If you have a limited budget or don't want to spend a ton of money on a stun gun, check out the Vipertek VTS-880. This cheap stun gun costs around $10 (much less than a self-defense class).
This mini stun gun is smaller than a cell phone and can slide easily into pockets and bags. But don't underestimate it—even with its small size and low cost, this stun gun is strong enough to disarm 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.
Pros
Compact size
Integrated charging plug
Low price
Cons
No wrist strap
No anti-grab strips
No 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.
Go even smaller
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.
4. Streetwise Pain Pen
Best range
The Street Wise Pain Pen is a stun gun disguised as a standard ballpoint pen. It's the same size and even has a strong metal clip for pockets and bags. But take a closer look and you may notice that it has two metal prongs designed to create a powerful charge instead of a writing nib.
Pros
Discreet design
LED charge indicator
Safety switch
Cons
Could be easy to lose or disarm
While it doesn't function as a standard pen, it has a strong metal clip to keep it secured to your pocket or bag. Its safety switch is easy to access, and it comes in multiple colors, like bright pink and purple, to make it easy to differentiate from a real pen.
5. Vipertek VTS-195: Best tactical flashlight
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.
Pros
Better flashlight than other stun guns
Disguise hides true function
Rechargeable battery
Cons
Dedicated flashlights are more durable
Bright 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, especially for vehicle glove compartments.
More products we considered
Guard Dog Security Hornet
The Guard Dog Security Hornet is small enough to fit on a keychain but powerful enough to contain a flashlight and an "incapacitating" shock. It has a built-in wall charger that allows you to plug it directly into the wall after use too.
Foxfend Spark
The Foxfend Spark looks like a lipstick tube 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. While we like the idea behind this product, the number of poor reviews makes us hesitant to fully recommend the Foxfend Spark.
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 delivers 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.
Call 911
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.
Stun gun FAQ
At the most basic level, stun guns are usually for close quarters, while TASERs use projectiles at a distance. Check out our guide to stun guns vs. TASERs to learn more.
Yes. An Associated Press investigation revealed over 1,000 police-related deaths involving non-lethal methods, including stun guns. In many of these cases, those on the receiving end of shocks were more vulnerable, thanks to medical conditions or drug use. Repeated use of a TASER or stun gun can seriously disable or injure people, especially those with heart conditions.
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. Most stun gun distributors cannot ship to the following states:
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Rhode Island
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- Massachusetts
It depends on where and how you're traveling. Electroshock weapons like stun guns are illegal in Rhode Island and Hawaii but legal in 48 other states with some exceptions in cities and counties. But if you plan on flying with your stun gun, be sure to leave it in your checked baggage and completely discharged.
State-by-state stun gun and TASER laws
Are stun guns and TASERs legal?
States with stun gun restrictions are few. There are many states with no stun gun restrictions.
In some states, you can expect additional ownership restrictions generally based on age, criminal history, and whether you need a permit. As you research your state laws, you'll find that stun gun restrictions are usually a few common rules:
- Concealed carry requires a permit
- Purchase requires valid government-issued ID
- Must be 18 or older to purchase
- Must be a non-felon
- In-home defense only
- Background check and a 24-hour waiting period
City and county laws
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.
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.
You can learn more about how we review products in our ranking methodology.
Related articles on SafeWise
Disclaimer
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.
Written by
As a renter, pet-owner, and woman living alone, Katie McEntire takes safety seriously. She’s tested devices like pet cameras, home security systems, and GPS trackers in her own home and devices in the name of safety. In addition to testing, writing, and reviewing for SafeWise, she also makes videos for the site’s YouTube channel.She’s been featured on publications like TechGuySmartBuy, Forbes, Healthy Moms, and Digital Care. Katie has a Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. She’s held previous writing positions at Overstock.com and Top Ten Reviews.
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