When it comes to self-defense options for personal safety, everyone wants to know: What is the best choice for self-defense? Most people will decide among the two most commonly known less-lethal options, pepper spray or TASERs. While both offer a range of distance we'll explain the differences along with which is best for your self-defense toolkit.

So let’s do a Pepper Spray vs. TASER head-to-head match up and go over all the differences, pros and cons, as well as situational usage between these two devices to determine which comes out on top!

Contender #1 – Understanding Pepper Spray

Is pepper spray or a taser better? When people think self-defense in terms of less-lethal tools, pepper spray comes to the forefront of their minds. It's arguably one of the most common self-defense weapons of choice (and for good reason). People imagine intense burning, agonizing pain and blinding of the eyes. That is exactly what you can expect from this self-defense product.

The way pepper spray works is brutal. Its main component is oleoresin capsicum (OC), a natural derivative of pepper plants. Unlike its irritant counterpart, tear gas (see:  Pepper Spray vs. Mace), pepper spray is an inflammatory agent that attacks the central nervous system. It's important to note that  pepper spray should not be confused for mace. 

Pepper spray causes involuntary eye closure (temporary blindness), tearing, restricted breathing, coughing, choking and a strong burning sensation that can last between 30 to 45 minutes before dissipating.

Pepper Spray Effects, Benefits and Facts

• The beauty of pepper spray is its effects are immediate due to its inflammatory properties
• Pepper spray, like DPS Pepper Spray, provides protection from up to 25 feet away. As a rule of thumb and self defense industry standard, other pepper sprays and OC sprays generally offer a 8-12 feet range for small units.
• It is non-toxic yet can impair attackers
• It is easy to use, affordable and easily accessible
• Legal in all 50 states, though with some restrictions

Pepper Spray Drawbacks

• Blowback can occur with poor positioning
• Your spray may not work as intended (nothing is foolproof)
• Lack of training can lead to complications

Contender #2 – Understanding TASERs



The Tom A. Swift Electric Rifle (TASER), not to be confused with the commonly known hand-held stun gun that relies on pain compliance (see:  Stun Guns vs. TASERs – Important Differences), is a long-range Electronic Control Device (ECD) that utilizes nitrogen-propelled fish-hook shaped darts to neutralize a target. These darts create a circuit with the body, which effectively incapacitate the affected person by releasing 50,000 volts of electricity through the central nervous system.

TASER International, the company that designed the device, calls this process neuromuscular incapacitation, which causes involuntary muscle contractions throughout the body. These contractions involve the use of high voltage, low amperage shocks that are less-lethal in nature. People have died from TASER devices, but only in cases of improper police use of force and/or pre-existing conditions regarding the affected persons.

Civilian TASER models, like the  TASER Pulse and TASER Bolt, run for 30 second cycles while the police models, such as the TASER X26P, run for roughly 5 seconds. For non-police persons using the TASER for self-defense, the purpose is to stun the attacker and run to safety. Your device will be replaced free of charge by TASER International upon submission of a police report. It can also become a close-contact stun gun through its drive stun capability as well, causing pain but not incapacitation.

TASER Benefits

• They're shockingly effective, you can neutralize a threat from up to 15 feet away
• 30 seconds gives you plenty of time to get away
• There mere sight of a TASER can scare someone off

TASER Disadvantages

• Hefty price tag of $400+
• BOTH darts must hit the body in order to complete the circuit and work
• Can only penetrate up to 2 inches of clothing
• Requires good precision and aiming; hesitation can be a problem
• Restricted or outright banned in several states

The Verdict, is Pepper Spray or a TASER better? Pepper Spray is the Best Self Defense Option!

The Pepper Spray vs. TASER match-up was good, but…

Although the TASER is a well-known self-defense and law enforcement tool, it pales in comparison to its chemical agent counterpart. The high price tag, necessary precision, limited penetration ability and restrictions by state its hamper its viability.

Pepper spray can stop a threat up to the same distance (15 feet) and further, immobilize an attacker for up to 45 minutes (much longer than a 30 second ride), is legal in all 50 states, affordable and easy to use.

So really, it’s a no-brainer. When it comes to self-defense products, pepper spray is on top. If you are looking for the best brand,  DPS pepper spray is the way to go.

What self-defense product do you prefer for your personal safety, pepper spray or the TASER? Tell us in the comments!