Finding the best airsoft brand for you is no easy task. Especially if you’re looking for one that will be a name that you can trust for the long-term. We’ve always preached numerous times that when choosing an air rifle, the name usually isn’t important. However, we’ll break that tenet in this writing (we hope it will be the only time we ever do this).
If you simply want to know the best brand names and which air rifles are top of the line from them, then we’ve put together a list of the ten best airsoft brands on the market. With each brand, we’ll showcase their best airsoft rifle. This way, you’ll get to know them quite well and determine whether they will be a brand you’ll trust for a long time.
Before we get to the list, we’re going to briefly discuss whether or not all brands are the same and why these ten stand out as the best in the business.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Airsoft Brands
Quick Comparison of the Best Gun Per Brand
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Are All Brands The Same?
The short answer: no. The longer, more detailed answer can’t be simple enough. Yes, they do make the same type of rifle, but a lot of things differ from another. One example is the way a brand’s rifle is designed. Some designs will differ from others. Some will also be known for throwing in an accessory or two to include with their rifle.
This is their way of making their initial impact on new buyers (and possibly future buyers). Not all brands are the same, just like how not all airsoft guns are the same either. You’ll find out soon enough why that is as we go through the list.
Why Are These The Best?
There are some unique characteristics, features, and even some other reasons why a certain airsoft brand stands out as one of the best in the business. Their mission is simple, to attract the lion’s share of the airsoft market. What makes a potential airsoft gun owner tick? Why should they trust in an airsoft brand? Here are a few reasons why a potential owner like you would rely on a brand:
Price
As budget shoppers, we know of two types of brands: those that are high-end and those that are affordable. Affordable has various definitions. Some will look for a brand that is low in price but great in quality, while other brands are affordable but a little higher on the budget spectrum. As expected, higher-end brands will always equate to high in price. This is something to keep in mind.
The One Thing They Can Excel At
There are some brands that are best known for excelling at a certain quality. Let’s explain this better by steering away from airsoft brands for a moment and focus on a related topic: scopes. Yes, most airsoft rifles need scopes, but which brand is better for a certain attribute.
If you’re looking for something with image quality that is second to none, Nikon is a brand that excels the most when it comes to this specific attribute. One other scope brand to know about is Vortex Optics. What’s so special about them? They are one of the few brands known for making the toughest scopes on the planet, bar none. When looking for a brand, you can make a note of one thing that makes it stand out among the other names in airsoft guns.
Intents and Purposes
While all airsoft guns are basically used for general purposes, there might be one that can make rifles that will excel at a certain application. Some brands might be known for making the most powerful airsoft rifle in the world, and which application will these types of rifles excel in? If you guessed varmint control, you’re absolutely correct.
Review of the Best Airsoft Brands
The following is a list of the ten best airsoft brands on the market. As you look through each one, you should make a note of how each brand stands out from another. Also, consider one thing that might draw you to that brand if you’re considering the idea of choosing an airsoft gun from them. Remember, your personal needs and preferences will come into play here when choosing a brand, and yes, so will your intents and purposes. Now, let’s begin this list by unveiling the best gun from our first brand name for airsoft guns:
Best Gun From Tokyo Marui:
Tokyo Marui 1911 MEU Airsoft Gas Blowback Pistol
Pros
Cons
Brand Background Info
Tokyo Marui was founded in Japan in 1965. Not only are they known for creating airsoft guns, but they also have manufactured toy cars for kids. They are best known for creating some of the world’s first battery-operated airsoft guns. They were exclusive to Japanese customers until they were able to expand their base worldwide later on. These days, their next-gen line of airsoft guns have been quickly catching on and growing in popularity.
What Recent Buyers Report
This pistol quickly gained quite a following from new users. So they were not surprised when they were able to fire off and accurately hit targets situated from about 40 to 50 feet away. One user said this has quickly become his go-to target shooting pistol. Quality-wise, it’s durable and doesn’t have that cheap flimsy feeling to it, according to most users.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If not the United States, then one other country that can make some pretty solid airsoft pistols is Japan (hence the name Tokyo Marui). As expected, they’ve manufactured something that fails to disappoint. This is made from high-quality materials that ensure protection from bumps and bangs. Plus, the slide movement is smooth like butter. This is a good sign that reliability issues will be few and far between, if not non-existent.
Who Will Use This Most
This will likely be used for the purpose of target shooting. After all, this pistol has a good amount of range and firepower to hit targets consistently from some pretty solid distances. You can shoot off targets casually or take part in any airsoft shooting competitions. Either way, this pistol is solid, fires really well, and has the potential to never let you down when you need it most.
What Could Be Improved and Why
While we mentioned before about the slide possibly needing to be replaced sometime down the road, we think it’s a great idea to include an additional slide when that day comes. Typically, it should be changed if you don’t see any smooth movement or if it tends to stick more often. As a rule, you should change it out after about 1000 rounds. This way, your new slide will last you longer than normal.
Bottom Line
If you want an excellent airsoft pistol that goes above and beyond in terms of quality and performance, the Tokyo Marui 1911 MEU Airsoft Gun is the best airsoft gun that might ever come out of the Land of The Rising Sun. If the Tokyo Marui brand is of any interest to you, this is a good time to check them out.
Best Gun From ICS:
ICS M4 Ris Airsoft Rifle AEG Sport
Pros
Cons
Brand Background Info
ICS was founded in Taiwan. The company is said to be one of the oldest brands on the market that pertain to AEG airsoft guns. It is unclear how long the company has been in existence, but they are known for manufacturing popular models like pistols, electric guns, and accessories. Like Tokyo Mauri, ICS started out in the Asian markets before making a worldwide presence known.
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers were looking for a beginner-level rifle for either children or those who have never used an airsoft rifle before in their lives. They were satisfied with this rifle overall. Most were able to accurately hit their targets from as far as 30 yards away. One user said that his son uses it for target practice.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The ICS brand comes to us from Taiwan. Their mission is making all of their air rifles the best in the business with the mission of making them high in quality, efficiency, and as innovative as possible. This rifle has a good amount of velocity for shooting at close range targets. While it’s not at all-powerful, it definitely sticks out as a really good beginner rifle. Especially for those who are young children.
Who Will Use This Most
This rifle will mostly be used by novices. Expect the users to be younger children who are using airsoft guns for the first time. They can shoot at paper targets, bottles, cans, you name it. As long as it's safe to fire at they will have a ton of fun with this rifle.
What Could Be Improved and Why
This rifle can do without the scope included on this rifle. It may not seem all that reliable at first. If anything, you should include a scope mount or a rail so it can accept any kind of rifle scope that will work perfectly with this M4 airsoft rifle.
Bottom Line
If you want a beginner level rifle that your kids or grandkids might enjoy, then you’ll love the ICS M4 airsoft rifle. This will be a fun rifle to use no matter what age the user is. As long as you have a lot of rounds and available targets, the fun will never end.
Best Gun From Classic Army:
Classic Army Airsoft GI M132 Microgun
Pros
Cons
Brand Background Info
Classic Army was founded in Hong Kong. This brand has gained a bit of popularity over the years. They are probably best known for creating airsoft rifles that are made from metal. Most of these airsoft guns are semi-automatic rifles and pistols that replicate such popular types like the Glock 19. Velocity wise, an unmodified gun from Classic Army will have a velocity ranging from 240 feet per second on the low end, while it can reach as fast as 340 fps.
What Recent Buyers Report
Many new buyers had a lot of fun using this airsoft gun, and we’re not even surprised in the slightest. The auto-firing ability is able to fire nearly 40 rounds in a single second. Users were able to fire off all kinds of rounds with bottles and cans as their favorite targets. One user said that his son loves firing this in their backyard.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We turn our attention to the Classic Army brand for a bit. They bring it home by creating a rifle that provides unstoppable firing power, and with well over 2200 rounds at your disposal, you’re definitely going to need a giant container of steel pellets. Other than the firing ability, the construction is quite durable. That’s because it’s made from polymer. And it does a good job resisting a lot of impact and abuse that most airsoft guns may not even stand up to.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a fun airsoft gun that will be used mostly by kids of all ages. Especially when they want to have so much fun firing off pellets at cans and bottles. This is the closest you can get to an airsoft rifle that only your GI Joe action figures from the past would appreciate (if only we knew).
What Could Be Improved and Why
What would make this airsoft gun more interesting? Including a tripod for extra stability. This will definitely make using this kind of airsoft gun a whole lot of fun. After all, you’ll definitely need some stability in order to make the shots hit their targets accurately and with efficiency.
Bottom Line
If you want an airsoft gun that will be a ton of fun to use, the Classic Army Airsoft Microgun will more than likely be your best possible choice. There is no shortage of boredom here, especially if you’re blasting away targets with an airsoft gun like this.
Best Gun From Guay & Guay:
G&G Airsoft Combat Machine M4
Pros
Cons
Brand Background Info
Guay & Guay (or G&G for short) was founded in Taiwan in 1986. Since its inception, G&G was considered to be one of the handfuls of brands that have pledged to build high-quality airsoft pistols and rifles. Even today, they continue to fulfill that promise to their customers. They have long been at the front of the curve as far as improving their line of airsoft guns goes.
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of users were happy with the rifle in general. They managed to fire off a lot of rounds without any jamming or reliability issues to report. The targets were situated from distances ranging from 10 to 60 yards. They were able to hit them effectively and accurately within this range.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The rifle is a standard airsoft M4 rifle that is solid in construction and has a decent amount of velocity. In short, it’s the kind of rifle that will work the way a semi-automatic airsoft rifle should. Other than that, it’s got a bit of power behind it as evident by the velocity of the rounds you fire.
Who Will Use This Most
This rifle will definitely have its uses. But it might be more suitable for use by older kids and teenagers. It will be a really good target shooting rifle for them. Consider it an intermediate level rifle for those who have used beginner-level airsoft guns as a kid.
What Could Be Improved and Why
The rail should be done away with. In its place should be a solid scope mount that will allow for many rifle scopes to be installed. This way, you have a better opportunity of installing the optic you want so you can shoot your shots a little farther than before. The farther you can shoot, the more satisfied you’ll be.
Bottom Line
The Guay & Guay Airsoft Combat Machine M4 will probably stand out as one of the best in the business. Especially if you’re looking for something that can operate with a powerful enough battery that can deliver accurate, reliable shots.
Best Gun From Krytac:
Krytac Trident SPR Mk.2 Electric Airsoft Rifle
Pros
Cons
Brand Background Info
Krytac is probably one of the newest kids on the airsoft block. The company was founded in California in 2013. They have partnered up with the Swiss-based KRISS Group to help develop highly durable and highly reliable airsoft rifles. Aside from the rifles themselves, they are also manufacturers of many accessories and parts that make their rifles stand out the best and last longer than any other on the market.
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of recent buyers were satisfied with the rifle. They were impressed with the firing ability and accuracy. Especially when they were able to hit their targets dead-on from about 30 to 40 yards out. One user said that he uses this for both target practice and warding off any small critters that might be digging up his lawn.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This rifle looks rugged, and it might be due to the rail system that’s all part of the design. Its intent and purpose are to accept any kind of scope or optic that will give you a better chance at boosting the rifle’s accuracy. You’ll have plenty of space handy to find a scope that is compatible with the rail so you can give this puppy some reach.
Who Will Use This Most
The rifle will definitely have a following among avid target shooters. While it’s not all that powerful, it can still also be used for animal control. If you don’t want to knock them down but rather ward them off in a harmless manner, this rifle will fit the bill. You’ll definitely need to get them to think twice before they ever invade your property again.
What Could Be Improved and Why
This should come without a battery intact. This way, you can choose your own battery. Something that will be made to last and possibly easy to recharge. Some of the batteries that are included with airsoft rifles don’t live up to their expectations. That alone leads to some disappointed users.
Bottom Line
The Krytac Trident is a good airsoft rifle to have if you’re looking for something with a good amount of semi-auto firepower. No matter your intent or purpose, you’ll have a blast firing off multiple rounds at a time (provided that you have enough pellets and targets to work with).
Best Gun From CYMA:
410 Fps Cyma Full Metal Gearbox AK47
Pros
Cons
Brand Background Info
CYMA is probably best known as the budget brand among many users. Indeed they manufacture high-quality rifles at affordable prices. They are best known for making airsoft AK-47s and also clones of airsoft rifles from popular brands like Tokyo Murai. This is likely a go-to brand for many of those starting out with an airsoft gun.
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, a lot of the buyers were satisfied with the rifle. This packs quite a punch and has been popular among those who use airsoft rifles for varmint control. One user said that he loves it so much that he calls it his “squirrel rifle”. He also added that he does use it to ward off any other small critters that tend to destroy his lawn.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This rifle might be one of the easier airsoft rifles to use on the market. One is the adjustable buttstock. This can be adjusted to fit across many lengths of pull. So, if you’re looking for something that will be fitting for you or another shooter that might find an adjustable stock better than a fixed one, this rifle will have you covered.
Who Will Use This Most
Expect this to be used by teens and adults for the use of target practice, but it will be most relied on by those who are consistently dealing with a pest problem. This rifle’s got the power to knock down these small critters, and every shot can hit them quickly and with accuracy. This might even give some gas-powered rifles a run for their money.
What Could Be Improved and Why
A possible improvement idea would be to make sure that the control plate stays in place the entire time. This means possibly changing up the screws so securing it is a little easier than normal.
Bottom Line
If you want an airsoft rifle that’s as close as you can get to something like an AK-47, the CYMA airsoft rifle will definitely be your best option. Especially when you need something that will do a great job warding off those pesky critters that dig through your lawn or garbage.
Best Gun From Lancer Tactical:
Lancer Tactical Interceptop SPR
Pros
Cons
Brand Background Info
Lancer Tactical is one of the more recent brands that has burst onto the scene. They began making airsoft guns and accessories since 2012. Like the CYMA brand, they aim to bring affordability and high-quality together for their airsoft guns. They have long catered to a following that comprises of paintballers, law enforcement officials, and military members.
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of recent buyers were mostly paintballers. They were satisfied with this airsoft rifle for so many reasons. The firepower was excellent and was quite consistent even after going through 100 rounds or more. One user said that he found this to be more reliable than his first ever paintball gun, which was less powerful and tended to jam at times.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This rifle is chambered to fire off large rounds like paintballs. The Dark Earth color actually fits the look of a paintball rifle as well. Other than that, it’s quite durable and will handle all kinds of impact and abuse. That is quite standard with recreational applications. Especially when you’re faced with the possibility of getting fired at constantly by fast-flying projectiles.
Who Will Use This Most
As expected, this will be used by shooters of most ages from 12 and up. This will be mostly used for the purpose of paintballing and even the usual target shooting for tune-up purposes. Either way, it’s a rifle that can be relied upon if you’re ready to get down and dirty for some friendly competition.
What Could Be Improved and Why
A possible improvement would be to investigate the cause of misfirings that occur with some of these rifles. Make sure that the gas canisters that are used for propelling the paintball rounds are secured tightly and show no signs of leakage.
Bottom Line
The Lancer Tactical M4 Carbine Airsoft Rifle is definitely the must-have rifle if you’re more of a paintballer enthusiast than not. You’ll have a really tough, super accurate rifle that will be your best combat buddy in almost any paintballing competition.
Best Gun From UK Arms:
UKARMS Lancer Tactical M4 KEYMOD AEG
Pros
Cons
Brand Background Info
As of right now, we’re not sure of where UK Arms originated from (we’re assuming it is the United Kingdom, given the name). But they have been a brand that has consistently manufactured semi-automatic airsoft rifles. Specifically, these are rifles that are more aimed towards paintballers and recreational airsoft shooters.
What Recent Buyers Report
This rifle was a hit among the new buyers. Most of them were beginners who have never used a paintball gun before. They were able to hit targets from about 20 to 30 yards out. In a paintballing competition, they hit their moving targets from about 20 yards out. Not a lot of jamming or reliability issues were occurring.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The rifle once again proves itself to be a standout among many airsoft rifles used for recreational purposes. It will fire off a lot of paintballs without even a single hint of jamming or reliability issues. Plus, it’s built to last you quite a while and the overall durability proves it. Let this take on some bumps and bangs. You’ll be surprised how it will still work without any issue after taking on the abuse.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be popular with many beginner users. Especially those who are new to the sport of paintball. Expect this rifle to be a first-choice for new paintballers or for the sake of just shooting at targets with paintballs themselves. Either way, it’s designed to be a long-lasting rifle that will provide countless hours of fun.
What Could Be Improved and Why
Get rid of the battery. This way, it will allow you to get a new battery of your own. You can find one that will last you a long period of time and will probably take a little less time recharging as well. Also, a battery charger should be included so you don’t have to track one down yourself and spend more money in the process.
Bottom Line
The UKArms Lancer Tactical airsoft rifle can be yours if you’re looking for a decent paintball rifle to start out with. It’s the perfect recreational airsoft gun that will be a lot of fun to use whether your targets are on paper or moving fast on their own two feet.
Best Gun From AGM:
AGM L96 AWP Spring Airsoft Sniper Gun OD
Pros
Cons
Brand Background Info
The AGM brand was founded in China. They have long been manufacturing rifles and pistols, including replicas of many popular guns like the German-made MP40. There’s a handful of selections that you can choose from. Even some of their more popular models are made completely of metal. However, their airsoft sniper rifles are hands down one of the best airsoft rifles on the market. Their bolt action on these rifles is among the smoothest and easiest to use.
What Recent Buyers Report
This rifle worked nicely for most users. Even they were able to attach a nice scope to it so they can boost the accuracy a bit. One user mentioned that this rifle not only gets an accuracy boost with a solid scope added on, but he also says that he uses it for the purpose of varmint control due to the firepower.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This rifle is arguably one of the more powerful airsoft rifles on the market. No doubt that it can pack a powerful enough punch to ensure that once you’ve hit a small critter or even a raccoon, it’s down for the count. Other than that, it’s a pretty good hunting rifle. Especially when it’s accurate and reliable most of the time.
Who Will Use This Most
This will definitely be used by those who want an airsoft rifle for the purpose of varmint control. If you want something with a good amount of power and accuracy, this rifle could be exactly what you’re looking for. Got a squirrel problem or a raccoon problem? This rifle is a must.
What Could Be Improved and Why
Consider the idea of making the sling a little durable. Most hunting rifles can be useful with a sling, but it should be durable enough for you to carry it while you’re freeing up your hands for any possible tasks that require using them (other than holding on to a rifle).
Bottom Line
The AGM Spring Airsoft Sniper Gun will reach some pretty good distances. Especially when you’re trying to get rid of small invasive critters long before they ever set foot on your lawn with the intent to destroy it. This rifle just makes animal control a whole lot better.
Best Gun From BB Tac:
BBTac BT-M82 Airsoft Gun Fully Automatic Electric Rifle
Pros
Cons
Brand Background Info
No info that we know of in regards to how long BBTac has been in business, but they’re on a continuous mission to make sure that their customers get the best quality airsoft guns and accessories that they can afford. Most of their models range from pistols, shotguns, and rifles.
What Recent Buyers Report
This rifle was a hit for most users. Some of them were adults while a majority of them were kids. One user bought this rifle for his son and said that he enjoyed shooting it. He noticed that the shooting was accurate and his son was able to hit consistent bullseyes from distances between 10 to 25 yards. Other than that, it was safe to use outdoors and doesn’t make much of a noise.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The BBTac is what an airsoft pellet gun should be. It’s powerful enough to hit some targets consistently and accurately at close range, and it provides hours of enjoyment for all ages. Aside from that, it’s a good rifle for those starting out with airsoft guns. While it may not be as long-lasting, it presents the opportunity for a lot of users to give airsoft guns a try.
Who Will Use This Most
This will likely be used by a handful of younger users rather than adults. As far as purposes go, it will definitely be used for target shooting. It may not be powerful enough for animal control. So the only targets that can sustain some serious damage are paper targets and some Coke cans.
What Could Be Improved and Why
The durability issue should be addressed. Make the stock more durable, but still collapsible for storage purposes. That way, you won’t have to worry about whether or not you’re breaking it in half. Aside from the stock, some of the parts should be a little better in quality as well.
Bottom Line
The BBTac airsoft rifle will be a treat for shooters of all ages. Whether you’re starting out or just giving it as a gift to your child or grandchild, it’s definitely an airsoft rifle that is safe, effective, and accurate.
Benefits of Investing in a Quality Brand
If you choose to invest in a quality airsoft brand, you’ll get to enjoy some pretty sweet perks. If you don’t own an airsoft gun, you really don’t know what you’re missing. Here’s what you’ll get to have for perks if you choose a trusted, reputable brand:
Affordability
You can choose a brand that will fit your budget. If you have some money to play around with, then you can afford just about any brand (including the higher-end ones). Either way, one of these brand names is guaranteed to fit your budget no matter how much of a financial restraint you have.
Top-Notch Quality
If durability is high on your list of priorities, then you’ll definitely find a brand that will be known for making durable and long-lasting rifles. Keep in mind which materials each manufacturer tends to use. If you like full metal, then go with that brand. If polymer is your thing, there are a few brands that might stick out.
Reliability
If you want an airsoft gun that is known for having little to no episodes of jamming, then find a brand that is best known for manufacturing reliable airsoft guns. While all guns are susceptible to jamming, the better ones will have fewer issues.
Conclusion
One of these ten airsoft brands will be a name that you can soon trust. Be sure to consider some of the characteristics and features of each one. If you come across one that stands out, figure out why it does. If you feel that it fits your personal needs and preferences, then the guns they have might be the best fit for you.
