10 Best Pepper Sprays 2020
Pepper spray is such a popular self-defense weapon because you can carry it in so many different ways.
It is easier to conceal, it isn’t as harmful as a gun or a taser (a.k.a. stun gun), and it is much more cost efficient. So, how do you choose the best pepper spray?
There are quite a few things to take into consideration before you purchase one, and to simplify everything for you, we created this detailed guide.
Important – Is It Legal in Your State?
One of the most important things you need to consider before you purchase a pepper spray is whether it is legal in your state.
The following states have strict rules and regulations concerning pepper spray, so if you live in any of them, be sure you find out that state’s laws regarding the use of pepper spray:
- California
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- New York
- Massachusetts
Note that Washington D.C. also has restrictions, so be sure to contact the local police department for more info if you live in the DC area.
Top 10 Pepper Sprays Table
| Picture | Name | Type | Spray Range | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. SABRE Red Pepper Gel - Police Strength - Family, Home & Property Defense Gel | Gel | 30 feet | $$$$ | 4.6 |
 | 2. SABRE Red Pepper Gel - Police Strength - Tactical Series with 18-Foot (5.5M) Range | Gel | 18 feet | $$ | 4.6 |
 | 3. Little Viper Pepper Spray Bracelet with Adjustable Silicone Band | Spray | 3 feet | $$$ | 4.6 |
 | 4. SABRE 3-IN-1 Pepper Spray - Advanced Police Strength - Compact Size | Spray | 10 feet | $ | 4.5 |
 | 5. SABRE RED Pepper Gel - Police Strength - Runner with Adjustable Hand Strap | Gel | 12 feet | $ | 4.5 |
 | 6. SABRE Red Lipstick Pepper Spray - Police Strength - Discreet, Pink, 10 Bursts & 10-Foot | Spray | 10 feet | $ | 4.5 |
 | 7. Police Magnum OC Pepper Spray with UV Dye and Twist Top | Spray | `Not Specified | $ | 4.4 |
 | 8. Mace Brand Pepper Spray Pepper Gun | Spray | 20 feet | $$$$ | 4.3 |
 | 9. SABRE Dog Spray - Protector Dog Deterrent | Spray | 15 feet | $$ | 4.3 |
 | 10. Mace Brand Pepper Spray Key Guard Key Chain | Spray | 5 feet | $$ | 4.1 |
What Is in Pepper Spray, Anyways?
Red hot chili peppers – it’s not just the name of a band; those fiery little fruits from the Capsicum plant (more commonly known as the chili pepper plant) are the key ingredient in certain cuisine and also in pepper spray.
You’ll see a few terms used when discussing pepper spray, so let’s take a look at them individually so that we understand the differences.
- Capsicum. This is the genus of the chili plant. In botanical terms, plants are categorized first by family, then by genus and then by species.
- Capsaicin. This is the actual component of the chili that makes it hot. Think of it as the plant’s natural defense system in the wild, as it is quite irritating to most mammals who decide to take a bite (we humans, included).
When manufacturers of pepper spray add the capsaicin to the mixture, they do so in a very high dosage, which means that it not only irritates the skin and senses but also causes excruciating pain because the concentration of capsaicin is so high.
Spray Bottle Delivery
One of the main things you’ll need to look at when choosing pepper spray is how the spray is released from the bottle.
Since you’re using it as a means of self-defense – whether it be from a human or maybe a dog – ideally you want it to have a good spray range. We would suggest getting something that can spray further than five feet.
- Stream. The good thing about a stream of spray is that it is easy for you to see. It makes it easier for you to aim it toward a certain area (an attackers face, for example) as opposed to a fog of spray that would disperse and float everywhere.
- Gel. Gels are a serious form of delivery since once you spray them, they land on the subject and stay there.
The natural reaction is for someone to wipe it off, but this worsens the burning sensation and makes it more painful.
This one is probably the best pepper spray for home defense use.
- Cone. Unlike the stream of pepper spray that is released in a straight jet, this is released in a cone shape when it exits the bottle: this means that you don’t have to aim (you can spray the general area around you to hit the target). In a struggle, this would increase the chance that a moving target breathes in the spray.
The only problem is that you can also breathe in the pepper spray with the cone delivery and this will most likely happen if you end up spraying against the wind.
How You Carry It
Since many of you are probably searching for something that you can carry with you in public, the most common ways to carry it include keychains, wristbands, straps, and holsters.
- Keychains
- Wristbands
- Straps
- Holsters
Which you use is a matter of preference as each one has its pros and its cons, so you’ll need to compare and contrast them to determine which is the best pepper spray for your individual needs.
Top 5 Best Pepper Spray Reviews
1. SABRE Red Pepper Gel Police Strength
As you can see, Sabre is a brand that dominates the pepper spray world, and they offer you plenty of ways to protect yourself.
This particular bottle of gel is ideal for use in the home to protect yourself against intruders or anyone who could attack you in your home. It comes with a handy wall mount, which makes it easy for you to place near your bed or anywhere else in the home. Just be careful about the height if you have young children in the home.
Each bottle will provide you with 32 bursts (which means “sprays”), and you don’t need to shake it to mix up the contents. Just grab it and spray.
With a four-year shelf life and a 30-foot spray range, this is a reliable form of protection that you can count on in the event of an emergency.
2. SABRE Red Pepper Gel Tactical Series
The same gel used in the previous Sabre product is also used in this one, but the delivery mechanism is much different.
It is great for self-defense when you’re on the go. Thanks to the handy holster, you can attach it to your clothing and the flip top prevents it from accidentally falling out as you walk, cycle or run.
Each bottle provides you with 18 bursts and can shoot up to 18 feet. It’s potent and reliable as a means of protecting yourself in the event of an emergency.
3. Little Viper Pepper Spray Bracelet
Little Viper is the ideal companion for runners due to the way you wear it.
As a wristband, you can easily fire it in the event of a sudden attack, but unfortunately, it does have its limitations.
The spray range is only 3 feet, which means you will only get an attacker once they are pretty much by you, and if for some reason they grab your hands, you won’t be able to spray anything.
It’s better than nothing, and if you don’t have room to carry around a larger bottle when you’re working out, this would be a good choice.
4. SABRE 3-IN-1 Pepper Spray Compact Size
This spray has a clip on the bottle that allows you to hook it to a purse or your clothing, for example.
Like most of Sabre’s products, this has a four-year shelf life, and we like that it has a safety lock on the top so that you avoid any accidental discharges (oops!)
Police officers trust it, prison employees trust it, young joggers trust it and so can you.
We’d choose this one over the previous product due to the fact that it sprays farther, but with a product like this that clips to clothing, it might fall off when you run so you need to be extra careful that is stays where you put it.
5. SABRE RED Pepper Gel Police Strength Runner
Sabre’s Red Pepper Gel is perfect for walkers and joggers!
The fact that the previous one had a clip and that it might fall out from all of the movement made it an OK choice for those of you out working on your fitness, but probably better for everyday use when you’re going from point A to point B, and you need a little protection.
This one, on the other hand, is that same gel we looked at earlier but comes with a hand strap that allows you to carry it and use it quickly in the event of an attack.
With this gel spray in your hand, you might even ward off attackers since they can see it in your hand and if they do catch you by surprise, you’ll be ready to spray.
It might not be convenient for everyone, but if you want to have something at your fingertips and ready to use, this would be a great choice.
