Less-Lethal & Pepper Spray

Best non-lethal projectile launcher overall. A .68 caliber CO2 launcher that fires kinetic and pepper rounds at up to 280 fps, effective to 60 ft, with no permit or background check.

Best aim-assisted sprayer. A trigger-activated pepper gun with an LED strobe, a 20 ft reach, and a refillable cartridge system that includes a water practice cartridge.

Best value keychain pepper spray. A made-in-USA 1/2 oz canister with a patented flip-top actuator, 10% OC at 2.2 million SHU, and about 20 bursts.

Best premium handheld launcher. Byrna's most powerful pistol-format .68 caliber launcher, up to 330 fps and accurate to 60 ft, with a redesigned lighter trigger.

Best high-capacity home-defense launcher. A rifle-style .68 caliber CO2 platform with a 19-round magazine and a carbine form factor built for staging at home.

EPA-registered 2% bear deterrent with a 44-foot range, 10-second spray duration, and a belt-or-pack holster for immediate trail access.

The highest-Scoville raw-heat pick. Fox Labs rates it at 5.3 million Scoville Heat Units from 2% OC, with stream and cone-fog patterns and a non-flammable, stun-safe carrier.

Best value projectile launcher. A .68 caliber launcher up to 350 fps with a 7-round magazine, fiber-optic sights, direct impact to 60 ft, and area saturation to 175 ft.

Best for home defense. A 13 oz pepper-gel canister with a wall mount, about 32 bursts, and a 25 ft reach to stop a threat before it reaches your door.

Best overall everyday-carry pepper gel. SABRE's maximum-strength 1.33% Major Capsaicinoids in a wind-resistant gel that flips open one-handed and clips to your keys.

Best discreet-form ranged TASER, with a 15-foot cartridge, 30-second cycle, laser, light, safety cap, and contact backup.

Best ranged TASER for everyday carry, with a 15-foot cartridge, 30-second cycle, laser, light, and contact-stun backup.

Best close-contact stun device. A 20kV stun device built into a 700-lumen USB-C flashlight, so it disguises as everyday gear and needs no permit.