2020 update: I now use POM. Look them up for another great option. Additionally, all affiliate links have been removed from this article.
Looking for the best affordable pepper spray currently on the market for 2017? Naturally, I’d always recommend you apply for a conceal carry permit and start carrying it.
However, if you prefer the ‘easier’ route of self defense, then pepper spray is your guy.
Most states you don’t need a license and there are no special regulations to carrying it with.
Plus, it’s an incredibly versatile product. The newer versions (post-2015) have a much better design so you won’t accidentally get hit with pepper spray blow-back, and they go much, much farther.
But still, some are always better than others.
And after working for gun shows, I got to know all of them incredibly intimately.
So if you want to know the best options for 2017, you’ve come to the right place!
Best Affordable Pepper Spray Disclaimer
Know your laws!
Some states are kinda picky on the pepper spray topic. I’m sure you can guess which states.
But prior to purchasing or attempting to get a shipment of some pepper spray, make sure it complies with your states individual laws.
If you can’t get it shipped – it’s incredibly easy to find a retail location.
IMPORTANT UPDATE 2020: I have since switched to POM pepper spray. I like the design better and it still hurts like hell. It’s my new #1.
Top 2 Best Affordable Pepper Spray For Self Defense
In terms of design and longevity, you can’t beat Sabre.
It’s the #1 pepper spray distributor for tons of police departments including NYPD, Chicago PD, and the US Marshalls – and they know their sh*t.
My two favorites are:
3-in-1 Pepper Spray – Sabre Advanced Police Strength
Sabre Red Pepper Gel – Police Strength
Sabre 3-in-1 Pepper Spray
- Includes CS tear gas plus UV marking dye to aid in suspect identification
- 10 foot range
- 25 burst succession
- Includes clip
- 35 sprays per can
- 4 year shelf life
- Free training video included
Overall, you’re not going to find a better deal for the price.
Who knows? It may save your a** one day.
Sabre Red Pepper Gel
- It’s a gel, so it eliminates wind blow-back problems associated with the spray
- UV dye aids in identification of attacker
- This one comes with a free holster, if you’re into that kind of thing
- 18 foot range (longer than previous)
- 18 sprays per canister
- 4 year shelf life
- Free training video included
You can’t really go wrong with gel. But you can do it so incredibly right, as Sabre demonstrates.
This pepper spray has one of the highest rankings of net SHU and Major Capsaicinoids from nearly all other brands of pepper spray at 200,000 and 1.33%, respectively.
Overall, both of these pepper sprays are your best bet for the best affordable pepper spray currently available on the market.
I recommend Sabre to anyone that used to ask me about the differing pepper spray brands. And if they asked for specifics, I always recommended the Red Pepper or the 3-in-1.
The competition just doesn’t stack up. Either the material isn’t as strong, they fail the blow-back test (sometimes up to 30% of the time!), have a mediocre amount of sprays, or it’s prohibitively expensive.
So for the best, affordable option – you won’t beat these two.
If you’re not quite sold, or if you have more questions – I have a link for you!
Check out Sabre’s official FAQ. They can easily clear up the most common questions people have before buying pepper spray.
Otherwise, feel free to leave me a comment below and I’ll do my best to answer any question you have!