Buying guide for Best personal safety alarms
Your personal safety is paramount, which is why protection and self-defense matter. Being aware of your surroundings and staying vigilant are the top ways to stay safe. Public spaces can be soft targets, particularly dimly lit or low-traffic areas. If you find yourself in these areas regularly, it’s time to invest in a personal safety alarm.
These compact devices are ideal for runners, commuters, and students who want to minimize their vulnerability while traveling. Personal safety alarms are devices that emit an ear-piercing sound — as loud as 130 decibels — to ward off attackers. They’re activated by the press of a button or pull of a cord and continue to sound until help arrives and you can safely deactivate the alarm.
Key considerations
Why carry a personal safety alarm?
While it’s obvious that you’d purchase a personal safety alarm for self-defense, it’s important to consider your environment and situation before purchasing one. If you need an alarm to carry on the way to your car or during a late-night commute, almost any personal safety alarm will serve you well.
For early-morning or late-night joggers, walkers, or hikers, you could have more specific alarm preferences. You might need one that attaches to a bag and is within reach, or you could prefer one that can be secured close to your body during high-impact activity. If you exercise without a bag or fanny pack, you might opt for a compact device that can be tucked into a small pocket.
Volume
Personal safety alarms are known for their strident, piercing noise. They’re designed to make sounds that are very loud to shock and scare away attackers. In fact, the alarms can sound for as long as 30 minutes or more until they’re deactivated, which is a long time considering how loud they are.
The alarms range between 91 and 130 decibels. To put that in perspective, a conversation is about 60 decibels, and anything over 85 decibels is loud enough to harm your hearing, depending on the level and length of exposure. At the top of the alarm range, 130 decibels, the sound is comparable to that of a military jet taking off.
Alert mechanism
The two main ways to activate a personal safety alarm are by pressing a button or pulling a pin or bolt.
Power
Whether it’s for hiking or jogging early in the morning, we look for personal safety alarms that are versatile, easy-to-use, and effective.
We look at all types of personal safety alarms, from child-friendly, button-activated devices to alarms that require pulling a pin.
We examine technical details such as decibel range, battery life, and alert mechanism so our readers have the information they need to make an informed purchase.
When shopping for a personal safety alarm, volume is a crucial detail. We strive to find the best personal safety alarms with a loud enough output to deter would-be attackers.
Some personal safety alarms can be attached to keychains. Others are most effective when worn on a lanyard. Our buying guide examines the various attachment types available to shoppers.
Some personal safety alarms are specially designed for children to carry when walking to school. We examine the effectiveness of these models.
Some of the best personal safety alarms have a built-in flashlight or emergency whistle. We examine the functionality of these additional features.
We look for compact, ergonomic devices that are discreet yet easy to grip and operate.
Personal safety alarms can have changeable batteries or internal batteries with a limited lifespan. Our buying guide examines the pros and cons of each type.
To be effective, personal safety alarms should have a siren volume between 91 and 130 decibels. We take note of this in our research.
Personal safety alarm features
Colors: Personal safety alarms come in a variety of colors. If you prefer to have discreet protection, they’re available in black, gray, and other neutral colors to blend in with clothing, luggage, or bags. There are also brightly colored personal safety alarms that are easy to locate in a bag or purse. They’re also visible to the outside world, making others aware that you’re carrying an alarm device and you’re prepared to use it.
Attachment options: There’s more than one way to attach a personal safety alarm to your body or backpack. Neck and wrist lanyards are popular for easy accessibility, though if you’re jogging or exercising, these options could be cumbersome. Other alarms attach to a keychain and can be kept with your other keys. You could also hang a keychain alarm on a belt loop. Some people prefer holding the alarm in their hand and often remove any cords or chains so nothing hanging gets in the way of activating the alarm.
Additional features: Personal alarm devices sometimes have additional safety options. Some are equipped with a whistle that can be used in the event the device fails to activate. Several of the alarms we looked at also include a flashlight. You can illuminate the path to your car or home in poorly lit areas or use the light to get someone’s attention if you need help.
Personal safety alarm prices
Personal safety alarms range in price between $8 and $25.
Inexpensive: On the low end, between $8 and $12, you’ll find alarms that are activated by the press of a button or a pin mechanism.
Mid-range: These alarms cost between $12 and $15 and tend to be more reliable. Many come with a flashlight.
Expensive: Toward the higher end of the range, at $15 to $25, you can expect alarms with design elements that cater to specific activities like jogging. These tend to come in more colors and are often the loudest.
Tips
Change batteries or alarms regularly. Personal safety alarms have a limited lifespan, so it’s important to make sure yours is active. Mark your calendar so you remember when it’s time to get a replacement.
Watch tutorials. Most manufacturers offer a series of explanations on how to use your personal safety alarm. Video tutorials are especially helpful since you can watch someone else activate it as opposed to reading about it or looking at pictures.
Mind security checkpoints. If you’re passing through security at an event venue or airport, you might not be allowed to bring in your personal safety alarm. Travel advisories and regulations are subject to change, so check with the travel authority prior to your trip.
Replace the attachment cord or key ring. If the key ring, lanyard, or cord is damaged or lost, contact the manufacturer for a replacement. You can also purchase a new alarm. Personal safety alarms are uniquely designed to work with specific components, so trying to create your own replacement part could cause the alarm to malfunction when you need it most.
- Enroll in self-defense classes. While a personal safety alarm is a great line of defense, you might benefit from taking a self-defense class. These are geared toward the average person with no martial arts background, focusing on swift, effective moves that can help you escape an attacker. Some classes also offer training in proper alarm use and techniques.
FAQ
Q. Should I get a personal safety alarm that is colorful or plain?
A. The choice of color is up to you, and there are different schools of thought when it comes to concealing the alarm. Some people say it’s best to have a colorful alarm to send the message that you’re aware and vigilant. Others say the element of surprise is crucial for warding off attackers, so a darker, concealed alarm is preferable.
Q. Are personal safety alarms waterproof?
A. No, if you immerse your alarm, it will likely corrupt the internal elements and stop working. Personal safety alarms are often worn close to the body, though, so they hold up to contact with sweat.
Q. Will my personal safety alarm alert me when the battery is low?
A. No, unfortunately, it won’t. You’ll need to rely on the manufacturer's details regarding the recommended length of use, especially in models with an internal battery that isn’t replaceable. Keep in mind the battery drains more if you use the alarm, so the life of the device gets shorter in the event you actually use it.
