Everyone should feel comfortable and safe when they head out the door. However, with reports of crime so readily available online, it's easy to see why you may worry about being out, especially alone.

Panic alarms play an essential role in your personal safety. These noise-emitting devices immediately draw attention to your situation, alert others to your need for assistance, and scare off potential threats.

If you're looking to bolster your individual security, we've found the best personal safety alarms available today for you to choose from.

The Alphahom Care Go Smart Personal Alarm is unlike the other personal safety alarms on this list. Instead of emitting an audible alarm, the Care Go connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth 5.0.

The company's mobile app allows you to set emergency contacts. Whenever you activate the Care Go by twisting the upper portion of the device, your selected contacts will recieve an audible SOS notification on their smartphone.

That alone wouldn't be enough information to act upon, so the alert also includes your location, provided by your phone's GPS sensor. Despite this functionality, the battery can last up to a year on standby---although it'll be considerably less than that should you use the device. Fortunately, a one-hour charge via USB brings the unit back to full power.

For added peace of mind, you can also use the Care Go to share your real-time location with trusted contacts. So, if you head out for a run, or are on your way home, activate the location tracking feature and your contacts will be able to keep an eye until you reach your destination safety, at which point, you can disable the location tracking.

 

Key Features
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • Discrete smartphone-based protection system
  • Location tracking and alarm features
Specifications
  • Brand: Alphahom
  • Alarm Volume: Not applicable
  • Flashlight: No
  • Battery: USB-rechargeable
Pros
  • One-year battery on standby
  • Real-time location tracking for trusted contacts
  • Emergency SOS alarm can alert multiple contacts and provide location
Cons
  • More expensive than other personal safety alarms
  • No locally audible alarm
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Alphahom Care Go Smart Personal Alarm
Editors choice

2. B A S U eAlarm+

8.60 / 10
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The B A S U eAlarm+ is one of the best slimline personal alarms on the market. The device is available in four colors (black, blue, green, pink), so you'll always have a discrete option that can blend in with your style. The alarm sounds at 130dB for up to 30 minutes and is powered by two CR1632 batteries.

When not in use, the eAlarm+ can last up to five years in standby before the batteries need replacing. Additionally, the alarm is simple to use. The lower portion is a semi-circular ring that, when removed, triggers the alarm. Inserting the removed portion back into the eAlarm+ disables the siren.

B A S U offers a free replacement device if you use the alarm in an emergency. Thanks to the dual-hook design, the eAlarm+ can double as a tripwire alarm for when you're out camping too. If you place the unit between two wires, any pulls on the perimeter will remove the detachable hook, enabling the alarm.

Key Features
  • Four colors available
  • 130dB Alarm
  • Five-year standby
Specifications
  • Brand: B A S U
  • Alarm Volume: 130dB
  • Flashlight: No
  • Battery: 2 x CR1632
Pros
  • Battery provides 30 minutes of continous alarm
  • B A S U offers a free replacement after emergency use.
Cons
  • Uses CR1632 batteries rather than rechargable options
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B A S U eAlarm+

If you need an affordable personal alarm for multiple people, consider the KOSIN Safe Sound Personal Alarm. This personal alarm six-pack retails for about the same price as a single unit from most other manufacturers. As such, don't expect that this will be a durable panic alarm.

However, the most crucial consideration is whether the alarm will keep you and your group safe. This personal alarm emits a 140dB siren and can last up to 50 minutes. To achieve this performance, the unit is powered by three LR44 batteries, which need to be replaced annually.

The keychain alarm is convenient and can be attached for your bag, belt loop, suitcase, or dog collar. As such, it is one of the best personal alarms for a range of uses. The KOSIN Safe Sound Personal Alarm is also equipped with an LED light activated by a separate button on the device.

Key Features
  • Six-pack of personal alarms
  • Keychain alarm
  • Independently-operated LED flashlight
Specifications
  • Brand: KOSIN
  • Alarm Volume: 140dB
  • Flashlight: Yes
  • Battery: 3 x LR44
Pros
  • One of the best value options
  • One-year standby
  • The 140dB alarm is one of the loudest available
Cons
  • The low-cost design isn't durable
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KOSIN Safe Sound Personal Alarm

The Original Defense Self Defense Siren is much like many other personal safety alarms. The device is powered by two CR2 batteries, can last up to a year before the batteries need changing, and emits a 130dB alarm.

However, this Original Defense option also activates a flashing LED while the alarm sounds. Particularly in low-light environments where there is some background noise, this could prove invaluable in alerting others to your situation.

The Self Defense Siren is discreet as well, designed to look more like a padlock than a personal safety device. There's also a carabiner included, making it easy to attach to your clothing or belongings. Fortunately, the unit is also water-resistant.

Key Features
  • One-year battery life in standby
  • 130dB alarm
  • Flashing LED emergency light
Specifications
  • Brand: Original Defense
  • Alarm Volume: 130dB
  • Flashlight: Yes
  • Battery: 2 x CR2
Pros
  • Water-resistant
  • Carabiner included for easy attachment
Cons
  • Replaceable batteries
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Original Defense Self Defense Siren

An alternative personal alarm is the Kimfly Safesound. Like the B A S U model, the Safesound emits an alarm at 130dB. The company states that this should be loud enough to draw attention up to 300 yards away.

However, unlike the previous device, this personal alarm recharges in an hour via USB. Fully-charged, the battery provides up to 50 minutes of continuous use. Like many keychain alarms, there is a detachable section that triggers the alarm.

As a cord connects the detachable pin, you shouldn't lose the trigger, allowing you to silence the alarm. However, if you cannot use both hands, you can click the SOS button twice to activate the alarm instead.

Key Features
  • Alarm can be heard up to 300 yards away
Specifications
  • Brand: Kimfly
  • Alarm Volume: 130dB
  • Flashlight: Yes
  • Battery: USB-rechargeable
Pros
  • Detachable pin enables the alarm
  • Alarm can also be triggered by clicking the SOS button twice
Cons
  • Pin mechanism can be sensitive to movement
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Kimfly Safesound

Although most personal alarms are suitable for a range of situations, outdoor exercise has its own challenges. While out running, you may have headphones on, be less aware of your surroundings, and likely won't have a bag with you or pockets for storage.

The SABRE Personal Alarm for Runners is an excellent option for those who take their exercise outdoors. The personal alarm comes encased in an adjustable wristband, which you can wear on your wrist or forearm for easy access. This band is reflective for visibility and resistant to water and sweat.

The band has been designed to be comfortable over long periods, so you won't feel the need to leave it in the drawer when you go to exercise. The unit emits a 130dB siren and is activated by a detachable metal ring. An A23 12V battery powers the SABRE alarm. There's also a power test button, so you know the unit works before heading out.

Key Features
  • 130dB alarm
  • Wristband included for convenience
Specifications
  • Brand: SABRE
  • Alarm Volume: 130dB
  • Flashlight: No
  • Battery: A23 12V
Pros
  • Reflective wristband to increase visibility
  • Can check the power using the testing button
Cons
  • No flashlight
  • Uses an A23 battery rather than rechargable options
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SABRE Personal Alarm for Runners

The most attractive feature of the KSEFENCE 2020 is that it is easy to use. The personal alarm comes with a wrist strap, so it is always within easy reach. This alarm only requires a single push down on the unit's large button rather than a detachable activation method.

This activates the 125dB alarm and turns on two red LEDs. This makes it suitable as a personal emergency alarm while out but means that it is also ideal for use in the home to signify a medical emergency. Another press on the button deactivates the alarm and LEDs.

Given this unique design, it is well suited for those who have mobility impairments and makes an ideal choice for children, the elderly, and everyone in between.

Key Features
  • Single, large button for easy activation
  • Two red emergency LEDs
Specifications
  • Brand: KSEFENCE
  • Alarm Volume: 125dB
  • Flashlight: No
  • Battery: CR2032
Pros
  • Wrist strap included for ideal placement
  • Ideal for for children and the elderly
Cons
  • Uses CR2032 batteries rather than rechargable options
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KSEFENCE 2020

FAQ

Q: What Is a Personal Safety Alarm?

Personal safety alarms are small, portable devices that can be used to trigger an audible alarm in emergency situations. Although features vary between devices, most of these alarms can emit at 130dB, use batteries, and some offer emergency LED lighting.

Q: How Loud Is a Personal Safety Alarm?

The vast majority of personal safety devices emit an alarm at 130dB. There is some variation, but broadly this is the standard. For context, these alarms should be audible up to 300 yards away. However, this will vary depending on your environment, the buildings around you, and background noise.

Q: Are Personal Safety Alarms Effective?

Personal safety alarms can be used to alert someone to your presence. Most people purchase one of these alarms for use if they feel vulnerable or an attack is in progress. Beyond making your situation known, the vast majority of personal safety alarms are unable to send alerts, contact emergency services, or aid you in the event of an attack.