Stun guns and tasers are some of the most popular forms of self-defense currently available…even more popular than firearms.
This isn’t particularly surprising.
But not all stun guns are created equal.
And we now have our update with some others that have performed better.
Read on to see our favorite picks and see/hear all of the devices sparking with their fury in our quick videos.
And at the end we’ll go over stun vs TASERS, how to choose a stun gun, and how to use one the most effectiveyl.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Full-Size Stun Gun
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Best Compact Stun Gun
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Best TASER
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Best Stun Flashlight
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Most Concealable Stun
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Runner-Up Full-Size Stun Gun
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Most Affordable Stun Gun
Table of Contents
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And now with our favorite TASER…the TASER Pulse.
How We Tested the Best Stun Guns & TASERs
This is the second iteration of our hands-on testing of stun guns and TASERs.
We chose some of the most popular options online and got them in-hand and charged up for testing.
Although we didn’t test on any live human beings, we carried each one for a month in pockets and purses.
And did a function check every week to make sure each one could carry enough 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.
For TASER units we shot them at 15-feet away electrically-wired targets to test listed range, expansion of prongs, and ability to incapacitate.
Best Stun Guns & TASERs
1. Tiger-USA Xtreme Sanctuary
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Comes with decent flashlight
- Very loud alarm option
- Intuitive activation
- 150 Million Volts
Cons
- Needs to initially charge 8 hours
The Xtreme Sanctuary from Tiger-USA is our current favorite full-size form factor stun gun.
Some quick stats:
- 150 Million Volts
- 200 Lumen Flashlight
- 150dB alarm
- Side Shock Plates
- 6″ x 2″ x 0.8″
The Xtreme Sanctuary beats out the Vipertek VTS-989, our original favorite, for a couple reasons.
I always take the Voltage number with a grain of salt since there’s an asterisk on every stun gun saying something along the lines of it will vary, etc.
However the Xtreme Sanctuary’s 150 million volt cackle is ominous sounding and I would definitely not want to get hit by it.
The Vipertek is listed at 300 million volts but sounds the same as the Xtreme Sanctuary’s listed 150 million volts.
The Xtreme Sanctuary also comes with an insanely loud alarm activated by flipping the slide button all the way up…something that’s missing on the Vipertek. 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 is on when you’re in stun mode. For the Vipertek you can either have the choice of 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. And both models come with side shock plates so baddies can’t grab it away from you.
I’ve tested the stun capability every week for 3 months and it’s still going strong. However you should probably charge it a few hours every month. It has a rechargeable battery with an accompanying separate cord.
Note, the battery comes completely drained and you need to charge a full 8 hours or else it won’t work properly. It says it in the instructions and they were right!
What’s your take on the Xtreme Sanctuary?
2. Streetwise Lifeguard
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Very usable light
- Integrated charger
- Easier to hold in hand
- 16.5 Million Volts
Cons
- Charge a few hours every month
The Streetwise Lifeguard is our favorite pick for a compact stun gun.
Some quick stats:
- 16.5 Million Volts
- Flashlight
- 4.25″ x 1.6″ x 1″
- 7 oz
And beats out the smaller Vipertek VTS-880 that was our previous favorite.
Specs are very similar but the Streetwise is more curvy and easier to hold in the hand compared to the Vipertek.
And even though the voltage comes down to 16.5 million volts it’s still pretty intimidating.
And the light is much more usable compared to the Vipertek.
I also tested it out every week for 3 months and it lasted through the end of the second month. Highly recommend following the instructions and charging a few hours every month.
Another feature is that the charging plug is integrated so no cord to lose. And the size is much smaller than our other favorite on the list.
So if you’re looking for a small stun gun…you can’t go wrong with the Lifeguard. And don’t worry it comes in pink AND black.
3. TASER Pulse
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- 50,000 Volts
- Decent flashlight
- Useful red laser for aiming
- 15 foot range
Cons
- Accuracy is key
Our top pick for a civilian TASER is the TASER Pulse.
It holds and points like a firearm but gives you a less-lethal option.
Some quick stats:
- 50,000 Volts
- Flashlight & Red Aiming Laser
- Contact Stun Ability
- Range: 15 feet
- 1.25″ x 5.25″ x 4.75″
- 8 oz
It shoots our two dart electrodes that both need to hit the target…and in return causes “neuromuscular incapacitation.”
Great to give you a little distance…I’d say I’m comfortable shooting it up to 15 feet. Much better than the literal contact distance needed with a traditional stun gun.
A downside is that once you shoot and don’t hit…you’re not really going to be reloading with speed. Sure there’s cartridges but removing and putting a new one in is tough on the clock.
However you can easily remove the spent cartridge and put the taser into contact stun mode.
We have a full review that goes into all the details and accessories (extra cartridges and holsters). But the Taser Pulse is our pick if you’re going to be carrying a Taser as a civilian.
TASER official is offering Pew Pew Tactical readers 15% off with code PEWPEW. Although at this time The Home Security Superstore’s $70 off brings it down to $329.
4. Police Force Stun Flashlight
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- 9.2 Million Volts
- Can use as a regular flashlight
- Less conspicuous
Cons
- Light is off in stun mode
Looking for something more useful on a day to day basis…and also less weird to keep readily in your hand?
Enter the Police Force Stun Flashlight.
Some quick stats:
- 9.2 Million Volts
- Triple stun prong
- 6.5″ long
- 8 oz
I like how you can have it in flashlight mode without 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 is off.
How does the light compare as a real flashlight? You can obviously find better dedicated lights out there (see our Best Tactical Lights) but it’s still 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 a flashlight.
A decent selection for something you can hold while walking around without arousing suspicion.
5. Streetwise Sting Ring
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- 18 Million Volts
- Very concealable
Cons
- Not as powerful compared to others
Looking for something covert? Take a look at the Streetwise Sting Ring that is sort of like a brass knuckle…but with added shock value.
Some quick stats:
- 18 Million Volts
- Squeeze to Stun
- 3″ x 2.3″ x 1″
- 5 oz
The easiest way to explain the Sting Ring is to see it in action…
I’m glad there’s a safety on/off switch but it also takes some deliberate action to activate the stun capabilities.
Though the stun sound and distance is less than our other favorites…you give up a little for the size and concealability.
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.
6. Vipertek VTS-989
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Pros
- 300 Million Volts
Cons
- Needs to be charged every month
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. However I’m meh about the ratings and it sounds like the 150 million one.
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 cackling 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.
Just make sure your fingers are clear from it…
Plus, since this model uses a rechargeable battery, it needs to be charged for an hour or two each month, even if it hasn’t been used.
At 6.5” x 2” x 1”, 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.
*Update* Amazon is not letting a lot of locations checkout since stun guns have specific location laws.
7. Vipertek VTS-880
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Pros
- Most affordable
- 35 Million Volts
Cons
- Not as ergonomic
- Light is pretty weak
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.
It has the same safety mechanism as the VTS-989, but without the grab protection feature, and also features an LED flashlight.
Another cool feature is that you don’t need to charge it with a cable…it has prongs on the side.
Unlike the VTS-989, the Vipertek VTS-880 is available in pink, purple, and black.
Our pick if you want something smaller with a built-in charger and also really affordable. However, we still recommend spending a few more bucks for one of our other top picks.
What’s the Difference between a TASER and a Stun Gun?
Though the terms are often used interchangeably, 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 the assailant via electrodes on the device.
Obviously, distance is a huge advantage for tasers, but it comes with a lot of disadvantages.
For one, tasers are illegal under many state and local laws, and even where they are legal, acquiring one has the added difficulty of 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.
Plus…you’ll need some decent aim since a TASER shoots out two prongs…both of which need to hit your target.
A stun gun, on the other hand, is much more affordable, is less legally regulated, and is more compact and easier to conceal, all while delivering the same strength of shock as a taser.
What to Look for When Choosing a 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. Stun guns that shoot less are generally sacrificing quality for the price.
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 built-in rechargeable batteries typically have greater battery life and are capable of delivering a greater shock.
Safety Mechanism
The whole point of a stun gun is to deliver a powerful shock, but what prevents an accidental zap? Some stun guns also have features that render them unusable if it’s taken from you.
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?
There is safe and then there is too safe.
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.
These options have the added advantage of surprising an attacker — especially if you’re a man pulling out what appears to be lipstick.
Why Carry a Stun Gun?
For one, the cost is a limiting factor for many people in acquiring a firearm.
If you can’t afford a handgun at the moment, but still want to carry something to protect yourself, a stun gun is far better than nothing — and it can still get the job done.
Another great option would be pepper spray and depending on where you live, pepper spray might be legal where a stun gun isn’t — or the other way around.
See our pics for Best Pepper Spray for Self-Defense.
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, again, far better than nothing. And if you have to wait to finish a course or face any other delay, 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.
See some of our top 9mm handgun picks in Best Beginner Handgun.
That said, that also means that a stun gun doesn’t offer the same level of incapacitation as a firearm…so you’ll need to weigh these implications against each other when deciding whether a stun gun or firearm is better for you.
Now that we’ve talked about why you may want a stun gun, let’s clear up a common misunderstanding about stun guns.
How to Use a Stun Gun
Now that you have a good sense of which stun gun to get…let’s quickly go over how to use a stun gun!
Step 1
Turn off the safety as soon as you feel threatened so you’ll be ready for an attack.
Step 2
To use the stun gun, press the trigger and hold the probes firmly against the attacker, ideally aiming for the torso, particularly the neck, shoulder, underarm, groin, and abdomen between the hip and ribs. If you can’t hit the torso, hit any part of the attacker that you can reach.
Be Careful
You obviously want to avoid hitting yourself, but you won’t be hurt if the attacker is touching you when you hit them with the stun gun, so take any opportunity you have.
You’ll generally need to hold the stun gun against your attacker for three to five seconds. A large or particularly determined attacker may need a few additional seconds.
Practice using your stun gun regularly to create muscle memory and ensure you won’t be fumbling when you need to use it.
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.
My personal favorite full-size option is the Tiger-USA Xtreme Sanctuary for a great combo of bright light, alarm, and strong stun.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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For something smaller I like the Streetwise Lifeguard.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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And for best TASER…I love the TASER Pulse. Again see the full review here.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Copied! Visit Merchant
You should choose the one (or ones) that best fits your lifestyle. 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! Do you ever carry a stun gun? Which one? Why a stun gun instead of a firearm or pepper spray?
FAQ
What is a good stun gun voltage?
25,000 volts typically will deliver pain to your assailant. However higher voltage in the 50,000 to 100,000 volt range is better especially with clothing covering the skin.
How often do TASERs fail?
A study has shown that up to 40% of the time TASERs fail to bring down their target.
What's the difference between a stun gun and a TASER
A stun gun requires you to contact two points to an assailant while typical TASERs shoot out prongs at a distance. However, TASER has recently come out with contact models.
LATEST UPDATES
April 29, 2024 – Updated with How We Tested and additional details for choices.
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.