Alexis Mikulski Ruiz
Contact Alexis Mikulski Ruiz by Email View all posts by Alexis Mikulski Ruiz September 29, 2026 Add us as a Google Preferred Source
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Personal safety looks different for everyone, but if you’re looking for useful products that can help you feel a little more secure — whether you’re at home or on the go — there’s no shortage of options available online. The harder part is figuring out which ones are actually worth it.
There are alarms that emit a screeching sound when you’re in trouble, cat-shaped prongs designed to fit over your knuckles, and even discreet jewelry that looks like a luxury accessory but can call for help when you need it. And while these newer items are all designed with safety in mind, some people may still prefer more traditional options.
At a Glance: The Best Self-Defense Tools to Buy Online
overall pick Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm
BUY NOW $27.95 Jump to Details restrictions apply Sabre Fast Flip Top Pepper Spray
BUY NOW $10.99 Jump to Details backed by adt Invisawear Personal Safety Device
BUY NOW $99.00 Jump to Details multi-purpose NightCap Drink Cover Scrunchie
BUY NOW $12.99 Jump to Details get it fast Swiss Army Synergy X Alox Knife
BUY NOW $96.00 Jump to Details portable pick My Kitty Self-Defense Keychain
BUY NOW $10.99 Jump to Details Best for home Ring Battery Doorbell 2K
BUY NOW $39.99 Jump to Details View more +“I would go with pepper spray or a pocket knife,” Stephanie Pabis, a police officer stationed in New Hampshire, tells Rolling Stone. “Most people (especially women) feel more comfortable with these devices because they can work from a distance and create space between you and the subject.”
The Best Self-Defense Tools to Buy Online
That said, laws and shipping restrictions for tools like pepper spray and pocket knives vary by state. Some products may not be available for delivery in your area, meaning you’ll have to purchase them in person. But if you’re looking for personal-safety pieces you can buy online, we rounded up some of the most useful ones below.
overall pick Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm
$27.95
Buy Now On AmazonThe Birdie safety alarm is my top pick for a self-defense tool because it’s easy to carry around, whether you want to attach it to your keys or slip it into your pocket, and simple to operate. All you have to do is yank the top, and a full-volume alarm will blare from the device, alongside flashing lights to help ward off any unwanted company.
restrictions apply Sabre Fast Flip Top Pepper Spray
$10.99
Buy Now on walmartAs mentioned above, pepper spray is a traditional option for self-defense because you can use it from a distance without having to get too close to a potential threat. The only issue is that some users may feel nervous about operating the spray, and certain states, like Massachusetts, have restrictions on where you can buy pepper spray and may not allow it to be shipped directly to your home.
backed by adt Invisawear Personal Safety Device
$99.00
Buy Now On AmazonJewelry that doubles as a self-defense tool is another way to stay safe without having to carry around an obvious device. This necklace, which retails for just under $100, “allows you to instantly alert your friends, family, or optionally police that you need help by clicking a button on the back,” according to the official description. It can also share your location and connect to a smartphone app.
multi-purpose NightCap Drink Cover Scrunchie
$12.99
Buy Now On AmazonIf one of your safety concerns is having your drink drugged while you’re out at a bar or restaurant, we recommend the NightCap Scrunchie. The concept is simple: It looks like a hair tie on your wrist, and when the time comes, you can slip it over your cup to help prevent concerning substances from making their way into your drink.
get it fast Swiss Army Synergy X Alox Knife
$96.00
Buy Now on reiA pocket knife is a practical self-defense tool, and no one makes them quite like Swiss Army. You can use it as a way to feel more secure when walking alone, and this one ships in just a few days.
portable pick My Kitty Self-Defense Keychain
$10.99
Buy Now on the home security superstoreAnother keychain option, this kitty knuckle ring has received multiple five-star reviews, with users praising everything from its convenience to its cost. It’s a portable option if you want something you can quickly grasp.
Best for home Ring Battery Doorbell 2K
$39.99 $99.99 60% off
Buy Now on ringA slightly different type of self-defense tool, a Ring doorbell can help you feel safer at home by showing you who’s at your door before you open it. You can even speak with the person on the other side through the device and receive safety alerts, according to the official description.
About the Author
Alexis Mikulski Ruiz is a commerce writer at Penske Media, where she tests, reviews, and writes about the latest in lifestyle, fashion, tech, and entertainment. A lifelong shopaholic, she’s dedicated to helping readers separate the hype from the must-haves. Previously, she was Associate Style Commerce Editor at Esquire and has contributed to Men’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Oprah Daily, Women’s Health, and more. She’s a proud Oxford comma enthusiast and graduated from Emerson College with a B.A. in Journalism.
