Best TASER and Stun Guns of 2025

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
VIPERTEK VTS-989
Vipertek VTS-989
  • pro
    Easy hand grip
  • pro
    Difficult for attackers to grab
  • con
    Larger size
Best combo device
Stunner Safety product image
Stunner Safety
  • pro
    Stun gun, pepper spray and flashlight
  • pro
    Lightweight design
  • con
    Expensive overall price
Budget pick
Vipertek VTS-880 stun gun
Vipertek VTS-880
  • pro
    Low price
  • pro
    Compact size
  • con
    No wrist strap
Most discreet
Streetwise Pain Pen product image
Streetwise Pain Pen
  • pro
    Disguised as a ballpoint pen
  • pro
    Charge indicator light
  • con
    Easy to lose or disarm
Best tactical flashlight
Vipertek VTS-195 stun gun
Vipertek VTS-195
  • pro
    Excellent flashlight
  • pro
    Disguise hides true function
  • con
    Dedicated flashlights are more durable

Original SafeWise safety & security research featured in:

Why you can trust SafeWise
products considered
250+
research hours in 25+ in-home tests
10k+
years of combined experience
176+
homes and people protected
10M+

For over 11 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to create unbiased, human reviews. 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.



Compare the best stun guns

Product
Best for
Price
Carry method
Range
Power source
Learn more
Best overall Wrist strap, holster Close contact Rechargeable battery
Best combo device Hand gripLong and short-range Rechargeable battery
Budget pick Pocket or purse Close contact Rechargeable battery
Most discreet Metal clip Short range Rechargeable batteries
Best tactical flashlight Wrist strap, holster

Close contact

Rechargeable battery

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

1. Vipertek VTS-989: Best overall

Best overall
Vipertek VTS-989 stun gun

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

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.

pro
Pros
pro Easy hand grip
pro Safety switch
pro Difficult for attackers to grab
con
Cons
con 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.

Size

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. 

pro
Pros
pro Three devices in one
pro Easy grip handle
pro Quick access safety locks
con
Cons
con Not pocket-sized
con 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. 

Bell
Deal Alert: 15% off!

We have an exclusive deal from Stunner Safety! Get 15% off when you enter the code safewise24 at checkout.

3. Vipertek VTS-880: Budget pick

Budget pick
Vipertek VTS-880 stun gun

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

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.

pro
Pros
pro Compact size
pro Integrated charging plug
pro Low price
con
Cons
con No wrist strap
con 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.

Light Bulb
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
Streetwise Pain Pen product image

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

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. 

pro
Pros
pro Discreet design
pro LED charge indicator
pro Safety switch
con
Cons
con 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
Vipertek VTS-195 stun gun

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

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.

pro
Pros
pro Better flashlight than other stun guns
pro Disguise hides true function
pro Rechargeable battery
con
Cons
con 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.

Bell
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
Notepad
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.

Katie McEntire
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.

Recent Articles

woman adjusting thermostat in bright home
The Best Home Security Systems and Alarm Companies of 2025
After thousands of hours of tests and research, we picked Vivint and SimpliSafe as the...
""
The Best Home Security Systems in Canada 2025
Learn about 2025's best home security systems for Canada with research from SafeWise experts. From...
SW_Article_Medical Alerts with the Best Battery_Featured image with logo
Best Medical Alert Systems 2025
We researched the best medical alert systems to find reliable options that can empower you...
Man and woman couple wife husband set up surveillance security camera
Best Apartment Security Systems of 2025
In 2025 we tested the best apartment security systems and cameras. They offer security solutions...