Best TASER and Stun Guns of 2024

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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. 

We asked safety expert Pete Canavan for some stun gun safety tips:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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