4 Best Personal Safety Alarms: Garmin, Sabre, & More (2026)
Wired · LC · trust 40/100
Not everyone feels at ease with self-defense tools that rely on physical confrontation, and I'm no exception. For many, myself included, personal safety alarms offer a straightforward alternative. These devices are especially helpful for families, whether it's a child signaling for help after getting separated in a crowded space or a parent needing a quick way to alert others in an emergency. But personal safety devices are useful for everyone, from solo joggers to commuters and hitchhikers.
In this guide, I've rounded up some of the best personal safety alarms that I and WIRED staffers have tested. We also have a guide for the Best Personal Safety Apps , as well as a guide for apps that help people with disabilities travel more easily .
Updated July 2026: I've removed discontinued products and added an FAQ section. Prices, links, and product information were also updated.
How I Test Personal Safety Alarms What Am I Testing Next? Honorable Mention Frequently Asked Questions How I Test Personal Safety Alarms
I personally trigger every alarm and, when applicable, speak to the emergency responders. Here's how I evaluate these devices:
I'll be testing the Taiker Personal Alarm for $9 , the Kosin Personal Alarm for $18 , and the Thopeb Original Safety Alarm for $19 .
I used the original Birdie for over a year, and just knowing it was clipped to my keys gave me peace of mind when I walked home at night. This gadget is like carrying a fire alarm in your pocket. If you ever feel threatened, you simply pull the pin to activate a 130-decibel siren, accompanied by a flashing strobe light; keep the speaker uncovered and directed toward your target. It’s designed to create a diversion and attract the attention of anyone within earshot.
Most recently, She's Birdie released the Birdie 3.0 , an upgraded version with extra features. This model is rechargeable, includes an on/off switch, and is designed with a flashlight you can use without activating the siren. With the She's Birdie subscription, which costs $5 per month or $50 per year after your 30-day free trial, you'll gain 24/7 access to a live emergency support representative, location sharing with emergency contacts, and fake call functionality if you need an excuse to leave. I haven’t tested the new Birdie 3.0 yet, but will report back soon with thoughts.
Backed by home security company ADT, InvisaWear offers a range of accessories, including keychains , bracelets , and necklaces . Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano has tested them all and has had no issues with the features.
The functionalities require a $20 monthly subscription ( iOS , Android ). This includes 24/7 ADT access, in-app chat (clutch for situations when you can't make a phone call), a voice-activation option if you can't reach the button, and even virtual self-defense classes.
As with many personal panic alarms, the battery is nonrechargeable, so after a year or two, you'll need to replace the button at a discounted $99. InvisaWear also encourages monthly testing to ensure the device is functioning smoothly (to do this, select “Place Test Alert” in the app's menu).
Sabre is a trusted brand in personal safety, most notable for its line of pepper sprays and gels. It also sells a variety of defense alarms; I have yet to try every single one, but the 2-in-1 clip-on stands out for outdoor runners and cyclists. It's weatherproof, and you can clip it onto your clothes, backpack, or bike. The LED light feature includes three modes (always on, slow flash, and fast flash) to keep you visible during nighttime walks, runs, and rides. If needed, you can press the button to trigger the 120-decibel siren that is audible up to 1,300 feet.
Most personal safety gadgets can't reach emergency services if you're out of cell range, which is a problem if you’re a frequent camper or hiker, or perhaps just someone who spends time off the grid. For a reliable connection wherever you are—even in remote wilderness or on the open sea—WIRED loves the Garmin inReach Mini 2. We also cover a few more options in our satellite messenger guide .
Using the Iridium satellite network, the inReach Mini 2 enables you to send SOS alerts, messages, and location updates from nearly anywhere on Earth. WIRED contributing reviewer Kieran Alger tested it on his 1,830-mile run across Europe and found the live map feature invaluable for updating loved ones on his progress. You can also pair it with compatible Garmin watches to get notifications right on your wrist. You can send messages directly from the device or through Garmin's Earthmate app ( iOS , Android ).
Photograph: Martin Cizmar Fenix E35R Flashlight for $82 : Many self-defense instructors suggest owning a flashlight as a personal safety tool as well. Besides helping you spot potential threats in the dark, the right flashlight can disorient an attacker, hopefully long enough to help you escape. Unlike mace, you haven't hurt anyone, so if it was just a lost stranger asking for directions, no harm done. Former WIRED commerce director Martin Cizmar recommends the Fenix E35R in WIRED's Best Flashlights and Headlamps guide. It's compact enough to throw in a bag without weighing you down, yet durable enough to double as a self-defense weapon if all else fails.
A personal safety alarm is a portable device designed to alert others if you're in danger. Think of it as a handheld, wearable security system. When activated, it emits a loud, often piercing, siren to draw attention from nearby people and potentially deter attackers. Most panic alarms blast at least 120 decibels, which is comparable to a thunderclap or a jet taking off , but volumes can vary. Many models also feature an LED flashlight, and some even go a step further by sending emergency alerts to preset contacts or 24/7 monitoring services.
TSA-friendly and allowed in places where other self-defense tools (like pepper spray) might be prohibited, personal security alarms can also offer peace of mind.…
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