Want to defend yourself without escalating to live rounds? We don’t blame you; it’s good to have options.
Stun guns are a popular method of self-defense, but choosing the right one can be confusing. Good thing we did the homework for you!
Today, we’ll show you the best stun guns we’ve personally used as part of our everyday carry and talk about what makes them a cut above. At the end, we’ll go over stun vs TASERs, how to choose a stun gun, and give you some tips on how to use one effectively.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Overall
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Best Compact
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Best TASER
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Best Micro
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Most Powerful
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Best Budget
Table of Contents
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Stun Gun Comparison Chart
| Volts | Dimensions | Weight | Range | Price | |
| Tiger-USA Xtreme Sanctuary | 150 Million | 6″ x 2″ x 0.8″ | 7.4 oz | N/A | $23 |
| Streetwise Lifeguard | 16.5 million | 4.25″ x 1.6″ x 1″ | 7 oz | N/A | $18 |
| TASER Pulse 2 | 50,000 volts | 1.25″ x 5.25″ x 4.75″ | 8 oz | 15 feet | $399 |
| Police Force Stun Gun Flashlight | 9.2 million | 6.5″ long | 8 oz | N/A | $21 |
| Streetwise Sing Ring | 18 million | 3″ x 2.3″ x 1″ | 5 oz | N/A | $22 |
| Vipertek VTS-989 | 300 million | 6.5” x 2” x 1” | 8 oz | N/A | $25 |
| Vipertek VTS-880 | 35 million | 4″ x 2″ x 0.9″ | Not specified | N/A | $9 |
How We Tested the Best Stun Guns
This is the second iteration of our hands-on testing of stun guns and TASERs.
We chose some of the most popular options that are available online, got them in-hand, and charged them up for testing.
Although we didn’t test on any live human beings, we carried each one for a month in pockets and purses.
Every week, we performed a function check to make sure each one could reliably carry an adequate charge. Each tested unit has quick videos to showcase the *cackle* of electricity.
We also tested the flashlight and alarm functions (for the units that had them) and compared them against each other.
We tested TASER units by shooting electrically wired targets 15 feet away to evaluate the claimed range, expansion of prongs, and the ability to incapacitate.
Best Stun Guns
1. Tiger-USA Xtreme Sanctuary – Best Overall
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Intuitive to use
- Decent flashlight
- Very loud alarm
- 150 million volts
Cons
- Initial charge takes eight hours
Specs
- Volts: 150 million
- Dimensions: 6″ x 2″ x 0.8″
- Weight: 7.4 oz
- Range: N/A
The Tiger-USA Xtreme Sanctuary is our favorite full-size stun gun right now.
It beat out the Vipertek VTS-989, our original favorite, for a couple reasons.
I always take the Voltage number with a grain of salt, but the Xtreme Sanctuary’s 150 million volt cackle is ominous sounding and I would definitely not want to get hit by it.
Check this thing out!
The Xtreme Sanctuary also comes with a 150-decibel alarm that’s activated by flipping the slide button all the way up. It will turn heads and hurts my ears even for a few seconds when I activate it indoors.
The Xtreme Sanctuary also comes with a much brighter flashlight than the Vipertek. And the flashlight automatically turns on when you’re in stun mode. For the Vipertek you have to choose between light or stun.
Activation of the stun button is very similar for both models with a flip switch on the side opposite the slider mode switch. I also like that it has side shock plates so baddies can’t grab it away from you.
I’ve tested the stun capability every week for three months and it’s still going strong. However, you should probably still charge it a few hours every month just to be safe. It has a rechargeable battery with an accompanying cord.
Note, the battery comes completely drained and you need to charge a full 8 hours or it won’t work properly.
What’s your take on the Xtreme Sanctuary?
2. Streetwise Lifeguard – Best Compact
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Usable flashlight
- Integrated charger
- Good ergonomics
- Decent voltage rating
Cons
- Needs frequent charging
Specs
- Volts: 16.5 million
- Dimensions: 4.25″ x 1.6″ x 1″
- Weight: 7 oz
- Range: N/A
The Streetwise Lifeguard is our favorite pick for a compact stun gun, beating the smaller Vipertek VTS-880 that was our previous favorite.
The specs are very similar but the Streetwise is more curvy and easier to hold.
Even though the voltage rating comes down to a more modest 16.5 million volts, it’s still pretty intimidating.
And the light is much more usable compared to the Vipertek.
I tested it out every week for three months and it lasted through the end of the second month. I highly recommend following the instructions and charging a few hours every month.
Another feature is that the charging plug is integrated so there’s no cord to lose. And the size is much smaller than our overall favorite on this list.
If you’re looking for a portable, concealable stun gun, you can’t go wrong with the Lifeguard — and don’t worry, it also comes in black.
3. TASER Pulse 2 – Best TASER
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Pros
- 50,000 volts
- 15-foot range
- Red aiming laser
- Decent flashlight
Cons
- Accuracy is key
- Expensive
Specs
- Volts: 50,000
- Dimensions: 1.25″ x 5.25″ x 4.75″
- Weight: 8 oz
- Range: 15 feet
Our top pick for a civilian TASER is the TASER Pulse 2, an updated version of the Pulse we originally tested.
It holds and points like a firearm but gives you a less-lethal option.
I know I recommended stun guns with more than a million volts, but this 50,000-volt TASER is an exception because it doesn’t just contact the assailant’s body, it delivers a shock internally.
Two dart electrodes (that both need to hit the target) fire from the Pulse 2 and cause “neuromuscular incapacitation.” Sounds serious.
It’s great to keep a little extra standoff distance between you and an assailant. I’d say I’m comfortable shooting this up to 15 feet — a lot more comfortable than the literal contact distance needed with a traditional stun gun!
A downside is that if you shoot and don’t hit, you’re not really going to be reloading with speed. This is realistically a one-and-done situation.
If that happens, you have the ability to remove the spent cartridge and put the taser into contact stun mode.
Want to know more? We have a full review that goes into all the details and accessories like extra cartridges and holsters.
4. Police Force Stun Flashlight – Best EDC
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- More than adequate power
- Functions like a normal flashlight
- Inconspicuous
Cons
- Light doesn't activate in stun mode
Specs
- Volts: 9.2 million
- Dimensions: 6.5″ long
- Weight: 8 oz
- Range: N/A
Looking for something more useful on a day-to-day basis? Meet the Police Force Stun Flashlight.
I like how you can have it in flashlight mode with the ability to press the button for stun — you know, just in case!
However, it’s weird that when you want to enter stun mode the light turns off.
How does the light compare as a regular flashlight? You can obviously find better dedicated lights out there (see our guide to the best tactical lights) but it’s decent.
Charging is done via a cord attached to the bottom of the unit. I’ve tried it every week for 3 weeks and it’s still going strong. But go with the instructions and charge a few hours every month especially if you’re using it as your primary EDC flashlight.
This is a great option for people who want to go about their business without announcing to everyone that they’ve got a stun gun in their hand.
5. Streetwise Sting Ring – Best Micro
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- Powerful
- Super easy to conceal
Cons
- Not as easy to grab and go as a larger stun gun
Specs
- Volts: 18 million
- Dimensions: 3″ x 2.3″ x 1″
- Weight: 5 oz
- Range: N/A
Looking for something covert? Take a look at the Streetwise Sting Ring. It’s sort of like a brass knuckle…but with added shock value.
The easiest way to explain the Sting Ring is to show it in action…
I’m glad there’s a safety switch. It takes some deliberate action to activate the stun capabilities so you shouldn’t experience a negligent (electrical) discharge.
It charges via a small port and is still holding a charge after 3 months. Although, again, follow instructions and charge it up a few hours each month.
It’s not the most powerful stun gun here, but it’s also no the least powerful. I like the balance of conceivability and defensive capability the Sting Ring offers.
6. Vipertek VTS-989 – Most Powerful
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Pros
- Serve up 300 million volts
- Decent ergonomics
- Built-in flashlight
Cons
- Needs frequent charging
Specs
- Volts: 300 million
- Dimensions: 6.5” x 2” x 1”
- Weight: 8 oz
- Range: N/A
The Vipertek VTS-989 is one of the most widely recommended stun guns on the market and our previous favorite.
It’s incredibly powerful with a voltage of 300 million, making it the strongest stun gun on this list. I’m a little skeptical about stung gun ratings, though. It sounds a lot like the 150 million one to my ears.
The electrodes are sharp spikes designed to penetrate through thick clothing.
It has a safety switch that must be flipped before the stun gun can be used.
Check it out in action (heads up…loud crackling sounds):
It also has two metal strips that go down the sides of the top of the device from the electrodes, preventing the device from being taken away from you. Make sure you keep your fingers clear of it!
This model’s rechargeable battery needs to be charged for an hour or two each month, even if it hasn’t been used.
The Vipertek VPS-989 is pretty compact and should be easy enough to carry and conceal.
And it has a built-in LED flashlight that’s decent but not as good as the Tiger USA.
Although it doesn’t stand up to the new favorite Tiger-USA, the Vipertek is still a good option if you want quick Prime shipping from Amazon.
7. Vipertek VTS-880 – Best Budget
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Pros
- Super affordable
- Adequate power
Cons
- Mediocre ergonomics
- Weak flashlight
Specs
- Volts: 35 million
- Dimensions: 4″ x 2″ x 0.9″
- Weight: Not specified
- Range: N/A
If you’d like something a bit smaller and for the cheapest price, the Vipertek VTS-880 may be right for you.
It’s only about the size of a deck of cards, but still packs a hell of a punch, firing 35 million volts.
With the exception of grab protection and power output, it has the same safety mechanism as the VTS-989, including an LED flashlight.
Unlike the VTS-989, the Vipertek VTS-880 is available in pink, purple, and black.
This is our pick if you want something smaller with a built-in charger and a really affordable price.
What’s the Difference between a TASER and a Stun Gun?
People often use these terms interchangeably but a TASER and a stun gun are two different devices.
A TASER works by shooting metal prongs that embed in the assailant’s skin up to several yards away and deliver a shock.
A stun gun is a smaller device that delivers the shock through direct contact with electrodes on the device.
There are pros and cons to each.
For one, tasers are illegal under many state and local laws. Even where they are legal, acquiring one involves a background check.
On top of that, tasers can be pricey to purchase and maintain, and some models have a tendency to be bulky and difficult to conceal.
Finally, you’ll need decent aim since a TASER shoots out two prongs and both of them need to hit your target for it to work.
A stun gun, on the other hand, is much more affordable, is subject to fewer legal regulations, and is more compact and easier to conceal — all while delivering the same strength of shock as a taser.
How to Pick the Best Stun Gun
When choosing a stun gun, you’ll want to pay particular attention to a few different traits. These are important in more ways than one!
Voltage
The higher the voltage, the stronger the shock. You want a stun gun that shoots at least one million volts (TASERs are a different story because they penetrate the skin).
Power Source
Stun guns use either rechargeable lithium-ion batteries or replaceable batteries. Replaceable batteries mean you never have to wait for the stun gun to charge, but you’ll need to stay on top of replacing them every so often.
Built-in rechargeable batteries typically have greater battery life and are capable of delivering a greater shock. It’s also nice to top them off for peace of mind.
Ease of Use
Make sure you’ll actually be able to quickly fire off the stun gun when you need to. If you need to push a lever, slide a switch, and then press a button — will you actually be able to do that under duress?
Ease of Carrying and Concealment
If the stun gun isn’t easy and comfortable to carry, you’ll probably just leave it at home. A compact model will be easier to carry and conceal, but there are also covert options that look like everyday objects like a cell phone or lipstick.
Why Carry a Stun Gun?
For one, cost is a limiting factor for many people in acquiring a firearm.
If you can’t afford a handgun but still want to carry something to protect yourself, a stun gun is far better than a knuckle sandwich.
Another great option would be pepper spray. Depending on where you live, pepper spray might be legal where a stun gun isn’t — or the other way around.
Stun guns are also legal in more places than firearms.
If you live in or are visiting one of these places, a stun gun is better than nothing. And if you have to wait to finish a course or receive your CCW permit, you may want to carry a stun gun in the meantime.
Finally, stun guns generally aren’t lethal.
If you know that you would personally have a hard time delivering a fatal blow to an attacker, a stun gun is better than a gun you won’t be able to bring yourself to use.
You can read all about our top 9mm handgun picks in our guide to the best beginner handguns.
Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical
This article comes to you from PPT Founder and CEO Eric Hung. In addition to his experience with this batch of stun guns and TASERs, Eric is an NRA-certified pistol instructor and a USPSA/3-Gun/NRL22 competitor. He has also researched and written over 250 articles on firearms and gear. He brings this expertise to this article, offering his perspective on less lethal self-defense stun guns and TASERs.
Final Thoughts
Stun guns are less regulated than firearms, but they aren’t legal in all places. Be sure to check your local laws before buying one to make sure you won’t be in legal trouble if you ever have to use your stun gun.
If stun guns are allowed in your area, any of these would be a great choice for you.
If you’re looking for a real firearm, though, you won’t go wrong choosing from one of our best concealed carry handguns.
Now, let’s hear from you guys! Share your experience with stun guns in the comments. Looking for other self-defense tools that don’t go bang? Check out our guide to the best pepper sprays!
28 Leave a Reply
Hello, Eric.
Good article.
Over twenty years ago I bought two of the original Taser Bolt models for my wife daughter. Both still function, but parts are no longer available. I will replace both of those with the newer Taser Bolt 2.
Why not the Taser Pulse for the replacements?
Well, if they are going to carry what looks like a firearm, then they’ll carry their Glocks.
If somewhere that’s not possible, then the outward appearance of the Bolt / Bolt 2 is, in my mind, less likely to cause them to be immediately shot by an antagonist or mistaken for bad guys by Police and shot ’friendly’. Both the Pulse and Bolt 2 are equally capable.
To each their own, but the best choice is avoid trouble, or de-escalate, and a gun looking object is most likely to escalate.
My two cents…
Just received the Extreme Sanctuary Stun Gun. While I am happy with the device, I think another "con" should have been the very short (8.5 inch long) charging cord. Not very convenient unless you're using a countertop outlet.
I have two charge up stun guns that loose their charge quickly. Should I ever need to use them I can be sure they will not work. I want a battery powered stun gun. Which of your stun guns operate with a battery?
Volts are fine, but the real measure is where it stands on the uC pain scale. A billion volts is great, unless it hits the uC scale at less than 1.0. Where do these hit the scale.
What do you recommend?
I believe in Florida you need a concealed carry permit to carry a stun gun or pepper spray.
Sense,, that everyone agrees on, simply will not happen.
Do you need a permit to have a concealed stun gun in your vehicle?
A Fond memory I have of my ex wife. She didn't like that I CC'd a 1911. She got me one of the old Safariland 90KV shock sticks for my birthday 40 years ago. Not concealable worth a darn. She was enthusiastically demonstrating the features and before I new what happened she had zapped herself on her left thigh and went down like a 130lb bag of wet laundry. I was still laughing as I made myself comfortable on the couch for the next couple of weeks. Honestly? I'd rather carry my 1911.
The Vipertek VTS-T03 is a poor choice in my opinion. I can't imagine trying to find and press that tiny stun button under stress, while fending off an attacker. A lot of budget gun seem to do this. Why would you have a button smaller than a pencil eraser, flush with the surface and the same color as the gun? I want a button as big as my thumb that sits an 1/8" proud and in fluorescent orange.
I’ve have 4 and they are JUNK!!!
I have the Viper 989 stun gun. I do like to very much however, the case it comes with is useless. It is a cheap lightweight thin material that is so tight, you need two hands to pull out the stun gun. If it is on your belt. You will not be able to get it out fast enough. Why they would make such a good product in the gun but use such cheap non fitting case is beyond me. But unless you are planning to use a tactical holster for e a stun gun, buy another product.
You ever review just flashlight stun guns with concealed or discreet prongs? Had 2, don't remember which, and they both fell apart. Safety switch on the back made it less available and resulted in me stunning myself a few times leaving the safety off. After that, they all sound shady, but i need a new one. Already had an incident where it would have been nice to have it and probably would have saved us all from a lot of trouble and harm done.
The only true measure of the stopping power of a stun gun is microcoulombs (μC). A microcoulomb is a measure of electrical quantity; the millionth part of one coulomb. The higher the μC value, the more it hurts
Your "Best Beginner Handguns" link is broken. It should point to https://www.pewpewtactical.com/best-handgun-beginners-home-defense/
Thanks! I'll fix that now.
Greetings, Most of the time the Advertisers Utilize Gigantic Voltage Claims to promote their products. They want you to consider all these massive voltage claims as making their Stun Guns The Best. It would take much more space to present the statistics pertaining to differences in voltage/amperage in batteries, For example 9 volt rechargeable batteries don't produce 9 volts. Some batteries have built-in regulators to the point that they won't even work/function in a stun gun. They are now at claiming some Stun Guns to be producing voltage in the Billions, doesn't that seem very impressive??? The Voltage is a carrier of sorts but not the entity that disrupts the body functions of your Attacker!!! The amperage conducted into the Attacker is your defensive power. It can Kill a human being if too high. So it is regulated by law in this Country to a safe balance between disabling & killing. Of Course it can affect/effect different people in extremely different ways depending on a huge list of factors. Drugs, Clothing, Size, Physical Makeup, Age, Etc., Etc., Etc. The main point I want to Impact, Present, Pound into your Mnd is the requirements of success in saving your own Life are much more than placing your Stun Gun against your attacker while pushing the trigger & Magically Saving Yourself. Some of the Movie Presentations are more than ridiculous. As just presented, it may take "5 Seconds To Longer" to accomplish your Survival/Escape. Stop for a minute, find a clock/watch second hand somewhere and examine what a five second time span really is. "one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three, one thousand four, one thousand five" Are you getting the picture? It will feel like a lifetime. It Will Determine Your Lifetime. This conflict will require you to focus "Your Everything You Have" into holding your stun gun in "Continuous Contact" in a generally defined area on Your Assailant . Remember their body is not going to be stationary while you attempt to accomplish this mandatory requirement. You are probably going to have to lock onto them, possibly even going to the ground with them. If you are successful in this very serious challenge, you will have plenty of time to escape this horrible, terrifying Assault on Your Person. If this sounds frightening to you, then think of the other outcomes that are very possible. Don't just buy a Stun Gun, Demand, Search, Question, until you feel qualified to use it. "YES, Stun Guns Can Save Your Life But Not By Themselves, So To Say/So To Speak" They are just a Tool, a Defencive Weapon. Their success is directly Dependent On YOU. YOU NEED TO WIN, YOUR LIFE COULD DEPEND ON IT!!! YOUR FAMILY NEEDS YOU, THEY NEED YOU TO SURVIVE & COME HOME!!! If you are still reading, I Pray this will be of assistance because there is so much more. Blessings Of Health & Happiness Be Upon All Your Families, Be Safe, Be Well
Excellent advice
Thank You
The only true measure of the stopping power of a stun gun is microcoulombs (μC). A microcoulomb is a measure of electrical quantity; the millionth part of one coulomb. The higher the μC value, the more it hurts
I agree completely. And just buying one and putting it your purse or pocket is not the answer either. You need to train with it, practice deploying it under stress, be able to manipulate the buttons w/o having to think about it much, ect.
Far from an expert. You are dealing with high voltage but low amperage. If, you are in contact with the criminal are you not shocked as well?
3. Sabre S-1005 Dual Stun Gun - price @ $60, not $17 when I looked and no mention in your article or on the Amazon page about how many volts.
Stun Gun....'poor mans' karate....if you wanna do 'hand to hand combat'....
Most older people do not have the option to take up karate or work on there ground and pound. That's why they made Smith and Wesson. However, maybe there are these people that do not feel comfortable carrying a gun and there more concerned with living with themselves after killing someone. Whatever narrative or doctrine you represent in regards to your self protection, its yours. The stun gun can be a great option and it has it place. Just saying.
So I have had a stun gun for the house as part of self defense and home defense options should access to lock box pistol be too time consuming. I find that the light is great, but design flaw has it go off when switched to zap; that light as a blinding tool should remain on right up to body contact. As a tool in the toolbox its great because sometimes one has to create space and time to "earn your draw," just as good hand to hand and knife courses teach you.
have you ever tested a stun gun for 1 million + volts? maximum voltage that can pass between the electrodes is around 30,000 MAX....
Be cautious with this kind of weapons. It is a tool and it is not always efficient. Like a pepper spray, it could be a good alternative to lethal force under certain circumstances, and that’s about it.
If you have to carry ONE weapon pick a firearm.
I carry a taser on duty, and I don’t feel the need to carry any kind of electrical weapon off duty. Firearm, spare mag, knife, and flashlight only. On duty I also like to think my taser does not exist, too many cops become taser dependent and when it is ineffective they don’t know what to do. Again it can be a great tool and deterrent, it is up to you to make the decision, just don’t think it is the best thing ever.
You have to keep in mind that stun guns are WORTHLESS. There is a reason they don't issue these to cops. They flat out don't work (other than pissing people off). A taser actually works the better part of 95 percent of the time. (and that 5 per cent of the time is either those situations where non-lethal force is not appropriate to the situation or else those situations in which you're dealing with someone that has unusual physical attributes / training which tend to make electroshock weapons ineffective.