From personal alarms and home security cameras to discreet jewelry that can call for help, these practical products can help you feel safer
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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.
“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.”
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
The 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
As 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
Jewelry 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
If 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
A 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
Another 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
A 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.
