Top 19 Best Airsoft Guns 2023: A Comprehensive Review
Updated: Sep 18
If you're an avid airsoft player or just getting started in the sport, finding the best airsoft gun that suits your needs is crucial. With a wide range of options available, it's important to consider various factors before making your purchase. From determining your playing style to selecting the appropriate gun type and power source, each decision can significantly impact your gameplay.
Further in this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the key considerations to keep in mind when searching for the perfect airsoft gun as well as listing out some recommendations for each gun type. Whether you're a sniper, a close-quarters enthusiast, or somewhere in between, this article will provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision and enhance your overall airsoft experience.
How to Pick the Best Airsoft Guns?
When searching for the best airsoft gun, it can be overwhelming to navigate through the multitude of gun types, designs, and power sources available.
Determining what is the best airsoft gun that caters to your needs requires careful consideration. Factors such as your experience level, specific requirements, personal preferences, and budget will influence the choice of the best-rated airsoft guns that align with your expectations. Understanding the capabilities you require from your airsoft gun is essential in selecting the right one for you.
Make sure you fully understand what you need your airsoft gun to be able to do. This is essential to select the correct gun for you.
When assessing an airsoft gun, there are several criteria to consider:
Realism: Airsoft guns should be as realistic as possible, and those that are closely modeled on real-life guns are best. It is important that airsoft guns explicitly modeled on real guns are licensed replicas, which means the airsoft gun manufacturer has secured permission from the original gun manufacturer.
Reliability & Durability: The best airsoft guns are well-made and will last for years with basic care, even when used frequently. They should also be functional in heat and cold.
Performance: Power, range, and accuracy are all important features to consider when buying an airsoft gun. Your airsoft gun should suit your needs.
Brand Community & Support: It’s best to buy an airsoft gun from a reliable brand that produces affordable airsoft guns and accessories in reasonable quantities. This ensures that there will be a community of airsoft players familiar with your airsoft gun and able to help troubleshoot issues. In addition, brands that produce airsoft guns in quantity and regularly release new models will have ready supplies of spare parts should you need them.
Top 4 Best Electric Airsoft Guns (AEGS)
The experts at SWIT have put together a list of the top electric airsoft guns. We’ll discuss the features and advantages of each below to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Upgraded WE-Tech M4 RIS Full Metal Airsoft AEG Rifle
The WE-TECH M4 RIS Full Metal Airsoft AEG Rifle is a great multipurpose assault rifle design. With a metal and polymer construction, the gun is a durable and realistic option. It can operate in semi-automatic or fully automatic modes. Check it out here!
Pros | Cons |
• High rate of fire(ROF) • Consistent performance in accuracy, velocity, and rate of fire • Ease of use • Higher versatility and maneuverability • Customization | • Higher cost • Requires regular maintenance and occasional replacements • Jamming |
Anubis-Custom 2023ver. MK18 MOD1 AEG Rifle
The Anubis Custom MK18 MOD1 AEG Rifle is a licensed electric assault rifle with safety, semi-automatic, and fully automatic modes. Because this model is made-to-order, it can be configured with different upgrade packages directly on the SWIT website, which can offer helpful accessories for combat simulations and even increase the fire rate. Check it out here!
Pros | Cons |
• High rate of fire (ROF) • Consistent performance in accuracy, velocity, and rate of fire • Ease of use • Lightweight • Good choice for close-quarters battles • Customization | • More complex to repair • Higher cost |
Upgraded WE SCAR H AEG Airsoft Rifle 2023ver
The WE-TECH SCAR H is an electric assault rifle with an aluminum alloy and nylon-reinforced polymer construction. With a high-volume magazine and available full-auto mode, the SCAR H will make for fun airsoft matches. It even has a folding stock for more compact storage. Check it out here!
Pros | Cons |
• Adjustable rates of fire • Consistent performance in accuracy, velocity, and rate of fire • Modular adaptability | • Jamming • Higher cost |
Upgraded S&T PPSh-41 Airsoft AEG SMG 2023ver
The S&T PPSH-41 AEG is a top choice for WWII enthusiasts! Its super high-capacity 2,000-round drum magazine and realistic design and heft make it a fun and exciting airsoft gun to play with. With a metal body and a real wood stock, the S&T PPSh-41 is a real beauty. Check it out here!
Pros | Cons |
• High rate of fire (ROF) • Ease of use • Realistic look and feel | • High rate of fire can lead to excessive use of ammunition • Jamming • Heavy Weight • Higher Cost |
Top 7 Best GBB Airsoft Guns
Gas blowback (GBB) airsoft guns are a popular choice for airsoft hobbyists. The experts at SWIT have put together a list of top airsoft guns in this category. Let’s take a look at their features and advantages that marked them as the best automatic airsoft guns.
Upgraded WE AK PMC GBB
The WE-TECH AK PMC is a realistic model of the real AK-74, and you can even swap out its standard pistol grip with one from the real gun! With a stamped steel receiver and a fully moving bolt, this GBB assault rifle feels like the real deal. It accepts power from Green Gas, Red Gas, or a Propane Adapter. Check it out here!
Pros | Cons |
- Realistic design, operations, and recoils - Versatile for close- to medium-range engagements - Affordable - Solid construction - Wide availability | - Potentially inconsistent performance - Weak to moisture and humidity - Requires more attention and upkeep - Complex and sensitive internal mechanisms |
Upgraded WE M16A1 Gas Blowback Airsoft Rifle LV1 2023ver
WE-TECH’s M16A1 GBB assault rifle runs on Green Gas, Red Gas, or a Propane Adapter. With the iconic triangular handguard and fixed polymer stock, this airsoft gun is so realistic it looks like it came straight out of the Vietnam War. Check it out here!
Pros | Cons |
• Realistic design, operations, and recoils • Good accuracy and range for close- to medium-range engagements • Affordable • Easy to maintain | • Lower gas efficiency • Less durable • Weather sensitivity |
Upgraded WE MP5A2 Apache Airsoft GBB SMG 2023ver
The WE-TECH MP5 GBB rifle is a compact and highly accurate choice with durable metal and polymer construction. Powered by Green Gas, it can fire in semi-automatic, automatic, and three-round burst modes. It’s a versatile and well-made airsoft gun. Check it out here!
Pros | Cons |
• Realistic design, operations, and recoils • Affordable • Compact and maneuverable • Higher adaptability in versatile airsoft scenarios • Suitable for close-quarters combat (CQC) and medium-range engagements | • Lower accuracy and range • Weather sensitivity • Requires more attention and upkeep • Less durable |
Upgrades VFC HK416A5 GBB Airsoft Rifle Forged Edition
The VFC-manufactured Umarex HK416 GBB rifle is a top-quality choice with a price tag to match! The manufacturer has paid attention to every detail, even giving each airsoft gun a unique etched serial number. If you’re looking for a beautiful GBB rifle that will last for years, this might be the option for you. Check it out here!
Pros | Cons |
• Durable construction • Good accuracy and range for close- to medium-range engagements • Higher gas efficiency • Realistic design, operations, and recoils | • Complex disassembly • Higher cost • Heavy and unwieldy |
VFC LAR (FN FAL) Type-1 GBB Airsoft Rifle
The VFC LAR (FN FAL) GBB rifle is the world’s first GBB version of this iconic gun design. This well-made gun is long and sleek with a realistic vintage appeal. Check it out here!
Pros | Cons |
• High accuracy and range • Higher gas efficiency • Robust and durable construction • Realistic design, operations, and recoils • Compatible with a variety of aftermarket parts and accessories | • Higher cost • Complex disassembly • Heavy and unwieldy • Magazines lacking availability • Weather sensitivity |
Umarex/VFC H&K PSG-1 GBB Sniper Airsoft Rifle
The Umarex/VFC H&K PSG-1 GBB sniper rifle is a great option for anyone looking to expand their airsoft arsenal beyond the assault rifle category. It comes with a scope rail installed and a tripod adapter for maximum accuracy over long ranges. This beautiful rifle is realistic down to the fine details, including an adjustable cheek pad on the stock. Check it out here!
Pros | Cons |
• High accuracy and range • Higher gas efficiency • Compatible with a variety of aftermarket parts and accessories • Realistic design, operations, and recoils | • Higher cost • Complex disassembly • Requires more attention and upkeep • Heavy and unwieldy • Magazines lacking availability • Weather sensitivity |
Top 3 Best Professional Airsoft Guns: The Best Competition Airsoft Guns
Professional-grade airsoft guns and airsoft guns made for the competition are a way to level up your airsoft gun collection. With consistent and reliable quality and compliant features, these guns could be a great choice for you. SWIT has compiled a list of the top contenders in this category below.
Upgrades ARES Kar98k Steel Airsoft Rifle & ZF39 Deluxe Pack
The ARES KAR98K is an airsoft model of the iconic WWII German rifle. With a poly wood stock, steel body, and realistic bolt action, this manual rifle is a joy to use. It can be easily combined with scope for use at long ranges. Check it out here!
Pros | Cons |
• Durability • Realistic design, operations, and recoils • Improved accuracy • Good performance under various environments and weather conditions | • Heavy and unwieldy • Higher price • Requires frequent maintenance • Limited customization options |
Upgraded ARES Lee Enfield No4 MK1 Airsoft Springer Rifle with No.32 MK1 Scope
The ARES Lee Enfield is another iconic WWII design, modeled on the famous British rifle in service for more than 50 years. This bolt-action manual rifle is made primarily of stainless steel for maximum durability. Check it out here!
Pros | Cons |
• Higher magazine capacity • Durability • Realistic design, operations, and recoils • Improved accuracy • Good performance under various environments and weather conditions | • Heavy and unwieldy • Higher price • Requires frequent maintenance • Limited customization options |
Upgraded WE SCAR H SSR AEG Airsoft DMR 2023ver
WE-TECH’s SCAR H SSR electric airsoft rifle is a licensed semi-automatic model. With a metal body, nylon grip, and foldable nylon stock, the rifle looks very realistic. In our experience, it’s an extremely accurate airsoft rifle. Check it out here!
Pros | Cons |
• Overall high-quality build • Good accuracy • Realistic design, operations, and recoils • More tactical and modern • High-powered • Versatility in playing styles | • Requires frequent maintenance • Higher complexity in maneuvering • Lacking compatibility |
Top 5 Best Realistic Airsoft Guns
For airsoft enthusiasts who crave an authentic and immersive experience, realistic airsoft guns are the ultimate choice. Most airsoft fans would consider these high-quality replicas the best-looking airsoft guns, since their appearance closely resemble real firearms in terms of design, weight, and functionality, adding an extra layer of excitement to your airsoft battles. If you're on the lookout for the best realistic airsoft guns available in the market, look no further. We have compiled a list of the top 5 options that deliver exceptional realism and performance below.
Upgraded WE MP5A2 Apache Airsoft GBB SMG 2023ver
WE-TECH’s HK MP5 is so realistic that it can even be broken down in the same way as the original gun. This licensed copy is a visual stunner with a metal and polymer construction. On top of this, it’s a highly accurate GBB rifle with a full suite of fire modes, including a three-round burst. Check it out here!
Pros | Cons |
• High accuracy • High build quality • Durable • Adjustable hop-up system • Realistic design, operations, and recoils • Versatility in playing styles | • Requires frequent maintenance • Heavy and unwieldy |
SIG Sauer Proforce P320 M17 MHS Airsoft GBB Pistol
The charming Sig Sauer M17 GBB pistol is a licensed airsoft pistol with Sig Sauer etchings and a striking tan body. It’s a 1:1 replica of the new U.S. Army Modular Handgun System, which is powered by Green Gas. For airsoft players looking for a beautiful gun on the cutting edge, this is a great option. Check it out here!
Pros | Cons |
• Great training tool • Affordable • Lightweight • Convenient | • Less power and lower accuracy • Limited range • Requires frequent maintenance • Lower durability • Limited upgrades |
UMAREX GLOCK 17 Gen5 Airsoft Pistol
The sleek Umarex Glock 17 Gen 5 GBB pistol is a licensed replica of the iconic original. With a unique etched serial number and GLOCK wordmark, this pistol is a great choice if you’d like to own one of the most famous modern pistols. Check it out here!
Pros | Cons |
• Realistic design, operations, and recoils • Good accuracy and performance • High magazine capacity • Durable and long-lasting construction | • Higher cost • Higher gas consumption and requires frequent gas reloading • Reduced performance |
Upgraded Umarex/WE-Tech G3A3 Airsoft Rifle 2023ver
The WE-TECH-manufactured Umarex G3A3 comes with licensed Heckler & Koch markings and an iconic green and black design. It’s a GBB design with a fully moving bolt powered by either Green Gas or Propane. Check it out here!
Pros | Cons |
• Affordable • Good reliability and performance • High magazine capacity • Sturdy and durable construction | • Less realistic • More frequent magazine and gas system issues • Vulnerable to extreme weather • Limited upgrades |
G&G Kar98k (G980 SE) Airsoft Shell ejecting Rifle 2023ver
The KAR98K is an iconic rifle design, and it’s only fitting that many manufacturers have made beautiful replica versions. While the G&G version has a realistic design and finish, it does have some known functional flaws, which we explain in more detail on the product page. If you’re still interested, check it out here!
We instead recommend the Double Bell model, which comes with realistic shell ejection. It gets the fine details right, even down to metal sights adjustable for wind and elevation. Check it out here!
Pros | Cons |
• Realistic design, operations, and recoils • Good accuracy and range (for an airsoft sniper rifle) • High level of authenticity and attention to details | • Higher cost • Shell ejection can be messy and time-consuming • Requires frequent maintenance • Harder to repair |
Looking for more airsoft model recommendations, check out these articles!
- 5 Best Airsoft Sniper Rifles | The Comprehensive Review 2023
- Mastering the Game: Best Airsoft Pistols for Competitive Play
- The Power of Airsoft Revolvers: A Comprehensive Guide
The Best Brand for Airsoft Guns
According to the criteria we have discussed in the first paragraph, it gets easier to narrow the field down to the top airsoft brands. SWIT has curated a list of renowned airsoft gun brands that we will introduce briefly to help you in your decision-making process.
In this section, we will provide you with an overview of the pros and cons of each brand, enabling you to make an informed choice. The brands we will discuss include SRC, VFC, G&G, WinGun, King Arms, and WE-TECH.
SRC
Starrainbow Corporation (SRC) is a Taiwanese maker of airsoft guns founded in 1994. It makes guns for beginners and experienced airsoft players alike, and its products are known for their relative affordability.
While they offer some unique airsoft guns, their quality can be uneven in our experience, and they have few agreements to produce licensed replicas of real guns. One other potential drawback of purchasing from SRC is their relatively small market share, which can limit the size of the SRC-using airsoft community.
Pros | Cons |
• Affordable • Some unique products • Some of the products are compatible to the common systems. Such as magazine and spare parts. | • Their quality is unstable • They have few agreements to produce licensed replicas of real guns • Their market share is relatively small, which can limit the size of the SRC-using airsoft community. |
If you’re interested in getting an SRC airsoft gun for yourself, check out SWIT’s SRC catalog here.
VFC
Vega Force Company (VFC) was founded in Taiwan in 2004. It is a leading producer of highly realistic licensed airsoft guns. Some of their licensed products include guns by Colt and Glock, which are manufactured on behalf of Umarex. Also works with real steel companies such as SIG, KAC etc. VFC products are noted for their high realistic.
You will pay top-dollar for the quality of VFC airsoft guns, which can discourage less dedicated hobbyists or beginners. Limited production runs can make it difficult to source replacement parts for VFC airsoft guns.
Pros | Cons |
• Realistic • High-Quality • Licensed | • Higher price • Limited production runs can make it difficult to source replacement parts for VFC airsoft guns. |
If you’re interested in getting a VFC airsoft gun for yourself, check out SWIT’s VFC catalog here.
G&G
G&G is a long-standing Taiwanese manufacturer of airsoft guns that has been producing products under their own brand since 2001. With consistent quality and widespread global availability, G&G is considered a mid-level store brand at a moderate price point.
Some models have functional flaws that have been known for years and not been fixed, which dings G&G slightly in our assessment.
Pros | Cons |
• Consistent quality • Widespread global availability • A mid-level store brand at a moderate price point. | • Some models have functional flaws that have been known for years and not been fixed. |
If you’re interested in getting a G&G airsoft gun for yourself, check out SWIT’s G&G catalog here.
WinGun
WinGun produces very realistic guns and is famous for its CO2-powered revolvers, including some with full-metal bodies. It sells many licensed guns with good construction quality and strong power.
However, WinGun’s CO2 guns typically have high muzzle velocities and are unsuited for competitive airsoft games because they could cause injury. In addition, components are sometimes difficult to obtain.
Pros | Cons |
Famous for its CO2-powered revolvers Sell many licensed guns with good construction quality and strong power. | Their CO2 guns typically have high muzzle velocities and are unsuited for competitive airsoft games. Components are sometimes difficult to obtain |
If you’re interested in getting a WinGun airsoft gun for yourself, check out SWIT’s WinGun catalog here.
King Arms
Founded in 2004 and based in Taiwan since 2015, King Arms is a top airsoft gun manufacturer. King Arms is well-known for its WWII replica classic airsoft guns and has a wide offering of automatic electric guns (AEGs) and gas blowback (GBB) guns, including some unique models.
SWIT has found some King Arms products to have unreliable quality. Together with high prices, this has made King Arms guns relatively unpopular among airsoft hobbyists.
Pros | Cons |
• A lot WW2 Classic AEG/GBB • Some unique products | • Unstable quality • Together with high prices, this has made King Arms guns relatively unpopular among airsoft hobbyists. |
If you’re interested in getting a King Arms airsoft gun for yourself, check out SWIT’s King Arms catalog here.
WE-TECH
WE-TECH is the leading producer of GBB airsoft guns with many models in production and wide availability of replacement parts. They are known for producing affordable and realistic airsoft guns with some licensed models.
In SWIT’s experience, WE-TECH’s airsoft products can have unstable quality. Their product line does not include many licensed airsoft guns, which can be a drawback for hobbyists looking to closely mirror real gun brands.
Pros | Cons |
|
|
If you’re interested in getting a WE-TECH airsoft gun for yourself, check out SWIT’s WE-TECH catalog here.
Determining the best brand for airsoft guns ultimately depends on individual preferences, needs, and budget. Each brand has its unique strengths and weaknesses, and what may work for one person may not necessarily be the ideal choice for another. It is crucial to thoroughly browse through professional website articles (such as SWIT's guide to the Top 10 Airsoft Brands) and consider factors such as performance, reliability, durability, customization options, and customer reviews before making a decision.
Where to Buy an Airsoft Gun
We know you have many options to buy your airsoft guns and accessories online, including big sites like Amazon and eBay. We think you should trust the airsoft experts at SWIT and buy your airsoft products with us.
With knowledgeable staff, competitive prices, and experience navigating global customs and shipping, SWIT is the headache-free way to buy your top-quality airsoft products.
Check out our huge catalog of products here!