Best Paintball Guns
Paintball guns, or guns, are the most important pieces of equipment in the game, but finding the perfect one for your style of play can be a challenge. Paintball guns come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, so choosing the right one is all about finding the perfect balance between portability, performance and price. Here are the best paintball guns in the world right now:
Skip all the talky-talky & jump straight to the full list of best paintball gun picks.
While paintball guns have certainly changed a lot over the years, the basics have stayed the same. Most players stick to either semi-automatic or pump-action paintball guns, since they’re the most popular and familiar. Some players prefer to invest more money in their paintball gun, while others like to save as much as possible.
We will walk you step-by-step through this guide to the best paintball guns, but you will need to ask yourself some hard questions to find “the one” for you.
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Mechanical vs. Electronic Paintball Markers
Choosing the correct paintball marker for your need can be difficult, especially with the numerous options available in the market. Most times, there are too many technical details to sort through.
One of the issues you may face is whether to buy a mechanical or electrical paintball gun. Of course, both of them are paintballs, but they serve different purposes. You need to understand their difference in order to make the right choice of paintball marker for your needs.
Here, let’s review their features and how they differ from each other:
Mechanical Paintball Guns
This type of paintball gun typically comes as blowback guns. This feature means that you’ll need to pull the barrel every time you want to shoot.
The gun’s mechanism is quite simple.
Every time you pull the trigger, you begin a quick cycle that leads to the release of a paintball. When pulled, the trigger releases a bolt that propels forward, thanks to the support of a spring. The bolt contacts the paintball and pushes it into the barrel.
During this process, the bolt strikes a pin that opens the gun’s valve, allowing air through the barrel. The expanding force of the air would force the bolt back to its original position; hence, the name “blowback.”
Mechanical paintball markers come in different types, ranging from basic plastic pumps to precision-milled guns. These guns range in prices, leaving buyers to choose what falls within their budget.
Advantages of Mechanical Paintball Guns
- Like most other mechanical guns, mechanical paintballs cost less, with a perfect design for starters.
- Being powered by compressed air or CO2 means that you won’t need to worry about gas outages or battery issues.
- They are pretty easy to set up and use.
- You’ll easily find replacement parts in the market.
Disadvantages of Mechanical Paintball Guns
- Their working mechanism typically means that they are slow, less accurate, and less consistent compared to electronic guns.
- Paintball speed can vary from shot to shot because of the variation in the amount of air that propels them.
- This type of gun is usually loud, and the need to cock before every shot may alert your target.
Electronic Paintball Guns
Electronic paintball guns are also popularly referred to as electro-pneumatic guns. They typically use battery-powered circuit boards to fire paintballs.
By pulling the trigger of this gun, you are signifying to the circuit board to fire. The programmable nature of circuit boards makes it easy to command them to fire automatically, semi-automatically, or to use other firing modes.
Please note that electric guns will also typically depend on regulators to ensure consistent firing.
Types of Electric Paintball Guns
As expected, electric guns come in varieties, with each variety featuring a different internal setup. This is why you’ll generally notice that the different types of bolts, valves, and regulators in different guns would affect their performance levels. However, despite these differences in setup, these guns feature similar advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s mention at this point that electric paintball markers are generally more difficult to maintain because of the complexity of their parts. We often advise taking your electric market to a professional when it needs a repair or upgrade.
Advantages of Electric Paintball Guns
- Electric guns feature faster and more consistent shots than mechanical guns.
- They are also lighter and smaller than mechanical paintball guns, making it easier to move them around.
- The operation of these guns also requires very low pressure, so you can be guaranteed to get more shots per tank.
Disadvantages of Electronic Paintball Guns
Electronic guns are typically more expensive than mechanical guns.
You’ll need to be an expert to be able to repair them.
They run on batteries, so you’ll hardly be able to use them in places where there’s no light.
Paintball Gun Accessories (That Make a Difference)
Different paintball guns come with different accessories. Most times, these accessories determine your gun’s functionality and ease of use. Therefore, it’s essential to look at accessories to ensure a gun will serve your needs before buying it. Here, let’s review some of the vital paintball markers’ accessories you should pay attention to when buying.
Paintball Gun Barrels
Barrels are an essential part of paintball guns. They typically determine the accuracy and efficiency of your shots. This is why it’s almost impossible to shoot rightly with a wrong barrel. There are two vital aspects to consider when buying a paintball marker: length and bore.
Shorter barrels are known for the speed and accuracy they provide, while longer barrels feature incredible sound suppression. As always, the length you choose should depend on what you intend to get out of your gun.
To increase barrel efficiency, different techniques have been invented over time. Some of the techniques you’ll want to watch out for in your gun barrel include.
Stock Barrel
Stock barrels come with a back portion known as buttstock or shoulder stock. This part serves as structural support for the barrel, action, and firing mechanism. The stock also serves as a means for you to firmly brace the gun and maintain stability while shooting.
Threaded Barrel
Another important barrel technique is barrel threading. It’s essential to decide whether you want a threaded barrel or not. Threading the barrel causes the paintball to spin when shot. The spin helps to stabilize the paintball while countering the effects of the air. Other effects of barrel threading include stabilization of the trajectory and increased accuracy. If you want these features from your paintball marker, then going for threaded barrels would be your best choice.
Barrel Portion
Finally, you may want to check whether your barrel has been ported or not. The rationale behind porting a barrel is that it facilitates rapid-fire by reducing muzzle flip. Most serious paintballers want to shoot over again without wasting time, and this mechanism helps you achieve that more easily.
Paintballs: The Ammo
Although often ignored, an essential accessory to think about when buying a paintball gun is the ammo. This comprises the caliber, hopper, and, in many cases, the magazine. The caliber actually plays a significant role in determining how good the quality of the gun is. Before buying, ensure that your paintball’s size matches the bore of the barrel. This can help you get the best performance out of your paintball gun. On the other hand, the paintball hopper stores the paint before loading it into the firing chamber. It’s vital to ensure that these parts are qualitative enough to deliver maximum performance.
Paintball Gun Tanks
You’ll probably find two different types of gun tanks in the market. One of these gun tanks is slowly being phased out, but they are still available. Your choice of gun tank should typically depend on the type of marker you have and the area you live in. Here, let’s review the types of paintball tanks.
CO2 Tanks
Otherwise known as carbon dioxide tanks, these tanks have been available for decades. However, they are being faced out today because they can potentially damage markers.
Many new markers do not work with CO2 again because they are designed to use HAP tanks. Some advantages of this kind of tank include affordability, lighter weight, and ease of filling.
HPA Tanks
This type of tank is gradually becoming an industry standard because of its efficiency. HPA thanks uses compressed air (regular air) instead of CO2.
Unlike CO2 tanks, the HPA works with air pressure rather than liquid. Therefore, it won’t super cool your marker, which is good for better accuracy. However, HPA tanks are typically bulkier and harder to fill than CO2 tanks. We recommend that you weigh the pros and cons of both before deciding which would be better for you.
Choosing the Best Paintball Gun Type for Every Type of Paintball Game
More paintball games are being invented today to bring more excitement to players. Your favorite game time would significantly influence your buying decision. You also want to put your experience level and playing location into consideration. There’s a need to also check the game modes supported by your local field.
If you prefer to transition to the pro circuit, then you’ll need to start emphasizing playing style and rapid improvements. Here, let’s briefly review the different types of paintball guns for different types of paintball games.
Speedball
Speedball is a fast paintball game. Here, players would need to buy guns that are quick and accurate. The play arena is usually small, with paintball players needing to shoot opponents as quickly as possible.
You’ll find several guns designed for this game in the market. However, we recommend choosing a weapon with a compact design and adjustable fire modes. This kind of gun allows you to hit your opponent quickly and at different angles.
Woodsball
If you are fond of playing paintball in the woods or anywhere outdoor, it’ll be best if you get a long-range paintball gun. Woodsball is commonly played in very large fields, so opponents have enough space to turn and dodge shots quickly.
Here, you’ll most likely belong to a team, so playing according to your team’s dictate is also essential. We recommend buying a gun that features a stock for the additional accuracy they can offer you during long-range shots.
Scenario Paintball
In this case, paintball events would encompass many themes that may include movies, video game simulations, historical re-enchantments, and more. This kind of game is played with between 75-1000 other players, so you’ll have a lot to do. Here, you need a gun that can combine quick shots with long-range accuracy. These types of paintball markers are typically expensive and available for only outdoor use.
Best Paintball Guns for the Money (2023 Update)
Whether you are a speedballing pro or a paintball beginner, you need the best equipment to improve your skills and get yourself ready to play at the top.
Becoming an expert begins with choosing the best paintball guns in the market. Thankfully, there are so many of them with fascinating features and top-notch functionality.
To help you make the right choice, we reviewed 7 of the best paintball guns we could lay our hands-on. Read on to find out more about their features and advantages.
1. Tippmann Cronus Tactical Marker
The first thing you’d probably notice about this paintball marker is its impressive physical design. Many users notice its direct resemblance to an M4 carbine. But there’s so much more to this gun than its physical looks!
For example, it is an effective option for beginners and immediate paintballers that desire more target accuracy.
The gun features a basic setup, so beginners would not waste time trying to set up before games.
Straight out of the box, you’ll find a set of most accessories you’ll need for the smooth operation of this paintball marker. Some of the accessories include the mask, which features a visor and an anti-fog lens, a CO2 tank, a paintball harness, and a black hopper.
Beyond the accessories and ease of usage, this gun is also reliable. It comes with an adjustable buttstock and forward rail grip that can be repositioned to assist beginners in mastering marksmanship fundamentals.
Let’s also mention that the gun does well in user-friendliness. It is engineered to be adaptable to users that want to grab it off the table to test the skills. Not many guns feature the ease of maintenance that this one does, so you can be guaranteed long-lasting functionality.
Pros
- It is very lightweight
- An excellent option for beginners to learn new skills
- It comes with additional accessories
- Easy to use and customize
Cons
- The short length of the built-in barrel may affect accuracy
Quick Facts
- It features a high-impact composite body
- Does well in durability
- Vertical grip
2. Empire Axe 2.0 Paintball Marker (Best of the Best)
One look at this paintball marker, and you’d probably be able to tell that it’s designed for intermediate and advanced players. It features so many details, but that means more accurate and faster shooting.
This market features everything to stand it out for woodsball, from balance to accuracy, reliability, and maneuverability.
Perhaps, the first feature you’ll notice about the Axe 2.0 is its all-aluminum exterior. This allows for greater durability and the ability to play in extreme conditions.
The gun also features a compact design, which can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on your playing preference. Overall, it’s a reliable paintball gun with better trigger sensation to allow for quicker shots. Thanks to its ability to release quick shots, many users now prefer it for woodsball play.
Pros
- Its compact design and lightweight stand it out in the world of tactical guns
- Quiet shots and efficient use of air
- It is also easy to maintain, so woodsball players can expect more prolonged use
Cons
- It’s easier to spot the defects when the gun begins to show signs of wear and tear
- The barrel is shorter than many people would prefer
Quick Facts
- Pressure controlled poppet engine for proven, reliable performance
- Can be serviced externally
- The superior velocity consistency it features would help for shot accuracy
3. Tippmann Stormer Elite .68 Caliber Dual Fed Paintball Marker (Best Magfed Paintball Gun)
Simply put, the Tippmann Stormer Elite is a bigger rifle-style version of the TiPX pistol.
It comes with similar features, and users can almost feel like they are using the same paintball guns, just a riffle version.
The Tippmann Stormer Elite was produced to serve people looking for top-quality construction, excellent functionality, and military aesthetics.
One outstanding feature of this gun is the amount of attention paid to details during its construction.
However, beyond structure, there’s so much more about this gun to savor. It is incredibly versatile and user-friendly, which makes it great for paintball players at all levels.
The market may be relatively expensive, but its high-quality build justifies every dime you’ll spend on it. Its features a high-impact composite body that’s designed to suit more rigorous play. Every paintball player wants a gun that features plenty of scope for customization, and that’s exactly what the Tippmann Stormer Elite brings to the table.
Pros
- It features an integrated accessory rail that allows you to customize the marker to meet your needs
- It is not too weighty, so handling it won’t be a big deal
- Excellent physical design for rigorous play
Cons
- It is relatively pricey
- Not a good option for indoor use
Quick Facts
- It features several scopes for better customization
4. Action Village Tippmann Cronus Epic Paintball Gun Package Kit – Tactical & Basic (Best Paintball Gun Package)
If you are looking for a paintball marker that combines ease of operation, durability, and usage fun, the Tippmann Cronus is an excellent option for you.
This marker combines durability with superior performance to give you just what you’ll want at different levels.
Although generally touted as the gun for beginners, this gun would still suit paintballers at different levels.
Most users are particularly drawn to the lightweight design of this gun. Join that with the ergonomic design of its handle, and you can almost tell that this gun will suit rigorous play. The gun is compatible with compressed air and CO2, depending on what you prefer.
As a beginner paintball gun, the manufacturers ensured basic designs and functionality. The gun’s composite body doesn’t come undone, so it delivers excellent usage safety and endurance for heavy-duty games.
Depending on what you want, the gun allows for additional mounting of accessories. In fact, the set comes with a paintball harness, a CO2 tank, suitable tubes, paintball masks, etc. It has everything you need to set up in the pack.
Pros
- It is relatively affordable
- It features an ergonomic design
- It doesn’t weigh much
- Great for tactical maneuvers
Cons
- The plastic parts of the gun may be prone to damage
- The sights cannot be adjusted
Quick Facts
- it is impressively lightweight
- Works with CO2
5. T4E Umarex .43cal Walther PPQ GEN2 Co2 Paintball Pistol Black semi-auto W/Free 50 Rubber Balls Package (Best Paintball Pistol)
Yes, we could argue that paintball pistols are not the best match for other markers in competitive situations, but they still do well as showpieces or side pieces.
The T4E paintball pistol from Umarex is one option that’s best described as a beast on the battlefield.
A prominent feature of this gun is its petite size. It is so small that you can just tuck it into your vest if you don’t have a holster.
There’s so much more about this paintball gun beyond its size. The size, weight, and feel of this gun are similar to those of actual firearms. Therefore it is also a good option for military training. It shoots paintballs at 360 feet per second.
Unfortunately, most fields do not allow this speed, so you may need to make some adjustments before trying them in the fields.
Most users are impressed with how well this gun does as a replica. Unless you are an expert, it’d probably be difficult to tell its difference from the original. Maintenance is generally easier, giving it a longer life.
Pros
- It features durable metal construction
- An ideal option for firearm training
- Relatively easy to use
- It is easy to maintain
Cons
- Its 360 fps shots are faster than what’s accepted in many fields
- Not a good gun for extreme weather conditions
Quick Facts
- It features a unique self-lubricating technology for easier maintenance
- Fixed front sight and adjustable rear sight
6. Umarex T4E HDS Shotgun .68 Caliber Training Pistol Paintball Gun Marker (Best Paintball Shotgun)
The biggest sell of this gun is its ability to provide the comfort, familiarity, and simplicity of an actual firearm, while also providing users with the confidence of accurate shots and top-level functionality.
It’s easy to fall in love with the unique and realistic design of this gun, but that’s not all that there is to it. It replicates a shotgun and is perfect for those that want a classic gun design.
Powered by CO2, the Umarex T4E is designed to shoot .68 caliber paintballs, pepper balls, chalk balls, and rubber balls. It functions as a double-barrel system and features a selector switch to choose shooting mode. One of the first features you’ll probably notice in this gun is the built-in Picatinny rail. The rail allows you to attach additional accessories for better functionality and shot accuracy.
The use of heavy-duty polymer and aluminum for designing this gun makes it more durable. However, most experts believe that it’s not an ideal gun for gameplay. Instead, it is better suited for self-defense.
Pros
- It is made of durable materials
- It features a unique design
- The gun’s design makes it excellent for self-defense
Cons
- Relatively pricey
- It is not a great option for gameplay
Quick Facts
- It includes a Picatinny accessory mount for lasers and lights.
- Shoots rubber balls, paintballs, and chalk balls
7. Spyder Victor Semi-Auto Paintball Marker (Best Budget Paintball Gun)
It’s hard to tell whether the popularity of this gun is due to its relatively low price or the outstanding quality it brings to the pack.
Straight out of the box, the gun features several accessories to make shooting more fun and accurate.
It is equipped with a top-quality 2003d hopper, a visor, and an anti-fog lens. The tank also comes with its pin valve.
Most users are also drawn to the fact that the gun allows users to customize its features. It offers users a more comfortable grip than most other options in its category. The external velocity adjuster it features also makes shot control possible.
This gun also features impressive overall stability. Perhaps, the stability comes from its unique micro-ported barrel. Maintenance is also generally easy, so you can expect it to maintain an excellent working condition for long.
Pros
- Its compact and lightweight design makes for more effortless maneuvers
- You can operate the gun with either Co2 or compressed air
- It can be customized to suit your needs
- Relatively affordable
Cons
- Screws become too loose after several uses.
Quick Facts
- It is field ready and fully adjustable
- Compatible with compressed air and CO2
- It features a unique external velocity adjuster
