Every woman deserves to feel safe and in control of her surroundings. Whether you're walking to your car, going for a run, or heading home after class, having a self-defense tool can help you feel prepared.
Here are five of the best self-defense tools that every woman should consider carrying. Each one offers unique benefits, so you can choose what makes you feel most confident.
1. Pepper Spray
Pepper spray is one of the most widely recommended self-defense tools for a reason. It is small, easy to carry, and incredibly effective at deterring an attacker. When sprayed in the face, it causes intense burning, tearing, and temporary vision loss, giving you time to escape.
- Legal in most states
- Causes immediate disorientation
- Available in multiple colors and styles at Safely: Shop Pepper Sprays
Pro tip: Add a Practice Spray to your order so you know exactly how to use it in an emergency.
2. The Safely Sidekick
Think of the Safely Sidekick as a self-defense keychain, reimagined.
Instead of carrying multiple separate safety tools, the Sidekick combines pepper spray, a personal alarm, a flashlight, and more into one compact device that's designed for quick access when you need it most. Everything is in one place, so you don't have to dig through your bag or fumble with multiple attachments during a stressful situation.
Trusted by thousands of women nationwide, the Sidekick was designed to make everyday safety simple, accessible, and easy to carry. Whether you're heading out for a run, walking to class, commuting to work, or running errands, it's built to help you feel confident and prepared.
- Combines multiple safety tools in one compact device
- Faster and easier to access than traditional self-defense keychains
- Includes pepper spray, a personal alarm, and a flashlight
- Created by women for women
- Ideal for runners, students, travelers, and commuters
See why SafeWise named it the #1 pepper spray device.
3. The SOS Sidekick
If you're looking for the most advanced self-defense keychain for women, the SOS Sidekick offers multiple layers of protection in one easy-to-carry device.
Built on the award-winning Sidekick platform trusted by thousands of women, the SOS Sidekick adds emergency contacting capabilities for an additional layer of protection and peace of mind.
Think of it as an all-in-one self-defense keychain. Instead of carrying separate tools, you have pepper spray, a personal alarm, a flashlight, and emergency contacting capabilities built into one compact device that's designed for quick access when every second matters.
The SOS Sidekick can connect you with emergency services and notify trusted contacts, giving you more options depending on the situation.
- 6-in-1 personal safety device
- Includes pepper spray, alarm, flashlight, and emergency contacting
- 24/7 live emergency support available
- Designed for everyday carry and quick access
- Created by women
- Ideal for runners, students, commuters, and anyone seeking extra peace of mind
Whether you're running alone, traveling, walking to your car at night, or simply want additional support in an emergency, the SOS Sidekick helps you stay prepared and confident wherever life takes you.
4. Personal Safety Alarm
A loud personal alarm can be a great deterrent. When activated, it emits a piercing sound that draws attention and can scare off an attacker. These alarms are easy to use and can be clipped onto a bag, keys, or belt loop.
- No legal restrictions
- Quick to activate
- Helps alert others nearby
The Safely Sidekick includes a built-in alarm, so you don’t need to carry a separate one.
5. Practice Spray
For anyone new to pepper spray or wanting extra confidence, practice spray is the perfect training tool. It contains no OC—just water—so you can safely practice aiming and spraying. Learning how it feels before you need it makes all the difference.
- Can ship to states where pepper spray is restricted, including New York
- No OC formula (safe for practice)
- Builds confidence and preparedness before real use
Safely’s practice spray is an essential step to feeling prepared. Check it out here.
BONUS: Self-Defense Training
While tools are helpful, knowing how to use them matters even more. Self-defense classes can teach you how to stay calm under pressure, use your body effectively, and turn everyday items into defensive tools.
- Builds long-term confidence
- Helps you practice real-life scenarios
- Available virtually and in person
If you are new to self-defense, download our Free Safety Guide or attend one of our upcoming beginner-friendly virtual classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are self-defense keychains legal?
The legality of self-defense keychains depends on the product and your location. Pepper spray is legal in most states, but some states have restrictions on size, strength, or purchase requirements. Always check your local laws before carrying any self-defense tool.
2. What is the best self-defense tool for a beginner?
For most beginners, pepper spray is one of the best self-defense tools because it is effective, easy to carry, and simple to learn. Many first-time users also choose a Practice Spray so they can build confidence before carrying pepper spray in everyday situations.
3. What is the best self-defense keychain for women?
The best self-defense keychain is the one you'll actually carry consistently. Some women prefer a simple pepper spray keychain, while others choose a multi-tool option like the Safely Sidekick or SOS Sidekick, which combine pepper spray with features like a flashlight, personal alarm, and emergency contacting.
Ready to Build Your Personal Safety Kit?
Whether you're looking for a simple pepper spray, a self-defense keychain, or a device with emergency contacting, the best safety tool is the one that helps you feel confident and prepared.
| If You Want... | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Simple, effective protection | Safely Pepper Spray |
| An all-in-one self-defense keychain | Safely Sidekick |
| An all-in-one self-defense keychain with emergency contacting | SOS Sidekick |
| Practice before carrying | Practice Spray |
| Hands-on confidence and skills | Self-Defense Training |
Explore the items:
At Safely, we believe confidence comes from preparation. That's why all of our devices are compatible with our Practice Spray, allowing you to train with the same device you'll carry every day.
