To compile this list, experts suggested I consider the features and power levels of each option.
Features: Safety keychains are available with a wide range of features, including whistles, alarms, sharp weaponry and more. However, according to Tay, an essential part of every safety keychain is a quick-release mechanism, whether it be for your alarm or your kubotan (which is a self-defense, striking-style weapon designed for use on keychains). You should be able to deploy your tool quickly without having to fumble or drop your keys, he says. Every option below either has a quick-release feature or can be used effectively without one.
Alarm power: Tay suggests keychains with alarms that are easy to activate and have a sound level of at least 130 decibels.
This personal safety alarm comes highly recommended by Tay since it’s 100% legal to carry and requires no training to use. NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin also has and loves her Birdie alarm for on-the-go safety. The alarm is designed with a pin that you pull to activate a loud siren and a flashing strobe light, according to the brand. NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider also had a Birdie alarm and says the keyring is easy to latch and big enough to hold all of her other keys. Keep in mind that there is a small potential for malfunctioning — Schneider says the alarm once turned on without being activated.
For close contact, Tay suggests these kubotan-style tools from GladTime, which he says are “excellent force multipliers” in an emergency. They’re made from solid aluminum metal and have a wide ring that attaches easily to a keyring, according to the brand. The kubotans also have an ergonomic, grooved design that is easy to grip while using.
These keychains are designed to be decorative and discrete, so they can appear as normal bag or keyring charms, according to the brand. However, they have a quick-release design that lets you detach them instantly from your keyring, and a sharp tip design for hand-to-hand defense against potential threats. The keychains are available in three different designs and are made from a metal alloy, according to the brand.
NBC Select editorial operations associate Jem Alabi shares these BellBird alarms with her sister. Each alarm has a built-in flashlight and a flashing strobe light, along with a 135-decibel siren, according to the brand. “They are loud, bright, and last for a while without charge,” she says. To activate the alarm, remove the pin or double press the SOS button — Alabi highly recommends reviewing the instructions first.
Alabi likes that the Bellbird has a long battery life and that it fits easily onto her keyring.Courtesy Jem Alabi
Dawn says tactical pens are “an underrated alternative” to kubotans. This one operates like a real pen, except its metal point can be effectively used for self-defense. While one side of the pen is for writing, the other is fitted with a sharp, stainless steel tip that can be used in defense or rescue, according to the brand. It also has a replaceable ink cartridge and a lanyard hole so you can hook it to your keychain.
Dawn also recommends this tactical tool, which she says is pen-like but doesn’t function as a pen. It’s sharper than a kubotan, and is designed to look like a pen so it can blend into your everyday keychain accessories. It has a grab-cap that makes it easy to deploy, and a sharp, steel point at the very top for defense, window-breaking and more, according to the brand.
Pepper sprays are one of the most popular self-defense tools, and while they’re very effective, Dawn says it’s important to keep a few things in mind before deciding to carry one:
Quality varies among pepper sprays — be sure to check reviews to ensure that the model you choose has a reliable spray pattern and formula.
Location also matters — if used in an enclosed space, you can end up inhaling the spray yourself. Wind can also blow your spray off-target or back into your face, she says.
Assailants wearing sunglasses or masks may not be affected by the spray, and it can also be difficult to use if the attack is coming from behind. High levels of adrenaline or other substances can also dampen the spray’s effectiveness, even if your assailant is hit directly in the face, she warns.
Before shopping for a safety keychain, experts suggest familiarizing yourself with the laws and limitations of safety keychains in your area. Aside from that, consider which type of tool may be best for you.
Legality: Before buying or carrying a safety keychain, check your local laws, which can vary by state, county or even city. Specific venues, for example, stadiums or airports, may have additional restrictions. The same rule applies when traveling with your device: double check the laws of your destination.
Know your tools: The right tool(s) for your safety keychain depends on how you want to use it, and the laws and requirements of certain tools in your area — be sure to check them before purchasing any of the devices listed below.
Kubotans: Pointed-end kubotans are one of Dawn’s top self-defense tool choices. They’re sturdy, have no moving parts, are easy to carry, and don’t require a lot of training, she says. She also likes that kubotans can be used very quickly — they can “interrupt or disable an attacker in five seconds or less,” she says.
Alarms: Personal alarms can be used to attract attention or help in the event of an emergency, however, Dawn says that they may not be as effective as other tools. “People often fumble them and waste precious seconds — they also tie up a hand you might need to strike, protect or steady yourself,” she says. When using a personal alarm, it’s best to have one or two other actual defense devices on your keychain.
Tasers/electronic devices: If you’re considering using a taser or electronic self-defense device, Dawn says it’s important to do solid research, including checking independent tests and user reviews. You should also make sure you understand how the device works before buying; “some devices need direct skin contact, while others rely on probes that attach to clothing or skin,” she says.
Frequently asked questions
The legality of safety keychain tools and devices varies by area, which is why experts advise checking your local laws before buying or carrying one.
Here are some expert tips to keep in mind when using your keychain:
Practice makes perfect: “Many people buy a device and never practice with it, which can create a false sense of security,” says Dawn. She suggests having regular, brief practice sessions with your tool to gain familiarity, or signing up for a self-defense class that uses tools.
Keep it ready: Dawn says that any tool you choose should already be in your hand by the time you need to use it, since getting to a tool in your pocket or bag can waste valuable time. “A device buried in a bag is useless when seconds count,” says Tate. For best use, keep your keychain in your hand when you feel vulnerable (ex. walking at night, on an empty street, etc.)
Stay aware: More than anything, Dawn says the number one asset to your self-defense is staying alert and aware of your surroundings. “Awareness and avoidance are always your number one priority,” she says. “They make up over 90% of your self-defense strategy.” Safety keychains are best used when combined with awareness and following your instincts — she also suggests learning basic hand-to-hand combat as an additional line of defense.
Decibels are a measure of sound volume — a normal conversation has a decibel level of 60, and loud yelling has a decibel level of about 110. Personal alarms should be louder than both, which is why experts say they should have decibel levels of at least 130.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Tina Dawn is a registered nurse, certified self-defense instructor, and co-founder of Life Force Self-Defense.
Peter Tay is a double-black belt martial artist and instructor, and the founder of Gotham Jiu Jitsu in New York City.
I’m an associate SEO reporter covering skin care, wellness, apparel and lifestyle, including stories on the best workout pants and wool socks. As someone who often travels alone, including at night, I was curious about the usefulness of safety keychains, so I reached out to self-defense experts for their advice and product recommendations.
