Best Stun Guns & TASERs [Hands-On Tested]

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 personal safety plans 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.

Stun Gun Comparison Chart

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

Best Overall

Tiger-USA Xtreme Sanctuary Stun Gun

$23

at The Home Security Superstore

Prices accurate at time of writing

$23 at The Home Security Superstore

MIRA Safety (see price)

Ammunition Depot (see price)

Rainier Arms (see price)

Show all prices

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

Best Compact

Streetwise Lifeguard Mini Stun Gun

$18

at The Home Security Superstore

Prices accurate at time of writing

$18 at The Home Security Superstore

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

Best TASER

TASER Pulse 2

$399

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$399 at Amazon

TASER (see price)

PSA (see price)

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 defense 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

Best EDC

Police Force Stun Gun Flashlight

$21

at The Home Security Superstore

Prices accurate at time of writing

$21 at The Home Security Superstore

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

Best Micro

Streetwise Sting Ring Stun Gun

$23

at The Home Security Superstore

Prices accurate at time of writing

$23 at The Home Security Superstore

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

Most Powerful

Vipertek VTS-989

$25

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$25 at Amazon

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 high 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

Best Budget

Vipertek VTS-880

$9

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$9 at Amazon

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.

Be sure to check the legality in your area before buying!

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!