16 Best Airsoft Gun Brands for 2023

If you‘re new to the world of airsoft, you might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of brands and producers out there.

But don‘t worry – there are only a few that can guarantee you the best quality and reliability. As such, I worked with my team on a guide of some of the most popular airsoft brands (and their reviews).

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned airsofter, you should check out my reviews to find the best airsoft brand for you (and pros & cons)! In addition, some of the best airsoft brands offer a wide variety of products that range from guns to gear. This includes scopes, night vision goggles, facemasks, tactical vests, and more. You can also find products that are specially designed for different types of games, from CQB (close-quarter battle) to long–range shooting.

So, if you want to know more about the best airsoft brands on the market, check out my guide!

• CYMA
• Lancer Tactical
• CYBERGUN
• UMAREX
• UK ARMS
• AGM
• APS
• Redwolf Airsoft
• Systema
• Tokyo Marui
• Classic Army
• ICS
• G&G
• KWA
• A&K AIRSOFT
• G&P

As you will see, I separated the brands according to the type of airsofters they target: on a budget and invested in the game.

Still, it’s important to know that products with a lower cost are not unreliable; they just use fewer fancy features and low-cost materials to provide gamers with a good experience without breaking their budget.

Best Brands for Airsofters on a Budget

These brands target mostly beginners and airsofters whose budget is not always the largest. Still, it doesn’t always mean the products are low in quality; they’re just not as advanced as the more expensive ones.

CYMA

Innovative and affordable airsoft guns. This is the motto of CYMA Airsoft.

They come from China, but their products are some of the best for players on a budget!

CYMA is specialized in making cheaper copies of high-end models from brands like Tokyo Marui, but some of their products are quite good. I especially love their AK AEG models with full metal gearboxes, metal receivers, and a design that’s easily upgradeable.

They also feature a line of AEGs with a full metal body (if you want something a bit more advanced). Besides the AK line, they also produce M14s, M4s, and M5s – and they all cost a fraction of the price of a high-end AEG. Still, don’t expect too much durability since this is indeed a budget brand.

CYMA is also in the market with accessories and parts, and I’m sure you appreciate the fact that their guns come ready to be used (with batteries and chargers). They may not always be the best in quality, but you can get in the game as soon as you have the gun.

Click the button below to browse CYMA Airsoft products.

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Lancer Tactical

I dare say Lancer Tactical offers better quality products in comparison with CYMA, but it’s also a matter of preferences. So, if you like other budget airsoft brands better, it’s totally understandable.

I like their line of rifles with licenses, the Bolt Action Springs, and the Heavy Machine Guns. But there’s more to the brand, as you can get M4s, AKs (not as good as CYMA’s, but still great), and a great collection of protective and tactical gear.

In my opinion, Lancer Tactical is the brand to choose when you’re not ready to buy an advanced weapon but you’re not looking for an entry-level model either. They are indeed a bit costly, but many good players enjoy their products.

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CYBERGUN

Cybergun is based in France, which is a change of landscape when you consider that most of the brands come from Asia. Furthermore, they have licensing agreements with several firearms manufacturers, so many of their models are real steel replicas. And, even if they’re not replicas, the trademarks and logos of real steel guns make airsoft products look more authentic.

Most of their weapons are made of ABS plastic, but the overall quality is good, and the wide variety of products and low prices do open the doors for beginners. You’ll also find some interesting accessories, including targets and optics, on their list of products, which allows beginners to improve their game.  

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UMAREX

Just like Cybergun, Umarex is focused on using real steel logos and trademarks on replicas of real steel weapons. In my opinion, they make some nice-looking replicas, and I definitely love the Smith &Wesson replicas, Berettas, Rugers, Colts, or Walthers.  

Actually, their designs are so life-like (so to speak) that many collectors own several Umarex models. It’s also interesting that their offer includes a wide range of airsoft guns, starting with spring rifles and moving on to AEGs and gas-powered weapons.

One cool thing I like about them is that there is actually a Umarex USA subsidiary (they are originally based in Germany). This means they make the products locally and you can get in touch with the Company if you need to.

Still, I have to mention that I listed them as a budget brand only for their smaller guns (mostly pistols). The bigger guns are quite expensive and usually fit high-end brands better.

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UK ARMS

They are mostly known for producing cheap spring airsoft guns, but their pistols get the most attention. Still, contrary to all expectations, their products are quite durable (even if they are made of plastic), but it’s not necessarily a high-quality trait. As it seems, spring weapons are durable in general because there are no moving parts (such as motors).

So, if you’re just starting and want to test out your abilities, UK Arms is a good choice. They also produce protective gear, which may come in handy during your first games. However, I wouldn’t advise anyone to participate in a game with a $10 pistol!

Click the button below to browse UK ARMS products.

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AGM

This Chinese producer has a rich offer of guns and parts but also features some unique models (a few cool examples are the MP44, the German MP40, or the British MKII Stem SMG).

AGM is somehow at the line between budget and high-end since the offer also includes full-metal AEGs with impressive performance, bolt action sniper rifles that are surprisingly powerful, shotguns, and rifles.

I love their full-metal M4s and M16s, but they also have weapons that should only be used for plinking in your backyard.

In conclusion, they come with a different, more diverse offer, but you should not buy on impulse. Do a thorough review of the products you want to purchase and make sure they are indeed durable and of good quality.

Click the button below to browse AGM products.

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APS

The last on my list is a budget-friendly producer that I would only recommend for beginners who want to test their skills with plinking. I wouldn’t recommend any of the APS guns in a game, but some of the accessories are quite interesting.

If I were to choose an APS airsoft gun to recommend, it would be the M4, as these are better from a qualitative point of view. They also have a line of AKs, but the rate of failure is too high to make them recommendable.

 

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Redwolf Airsoft

While it’s not an airsoft gun producer, Redwolf is one of the most well-known airsoft brands and general retailers in the world. I included them in the budget brands section because they practice good prices, but as you can expect, some of the high-end guns will also be in their shop.

The idea is that they have a rich offer, and most players will find something to buy from them, regardless of the budget. Redwolf’s base is overseas (Hong Kong), but they also have a branch in the UK, servicing Europe and the USA. However, when you order, you have the possibility to choose the location of the warehouse.

Overall, they practice low prices, but depending on your location, the shipping fee may be quite large, so pay attention to this aspect when you order. In terms of quality, the guns they sell follow the best standards, and they are always looking to introduce new products in their offer, which is nice.

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High-End Brands

In this category, I included popular brands that are known to produce high-end weapons with impressive features and realistic looks (please keep in mind that the order is not important).

Tokyo Marui

I have to admit, Tokyo Marui is my personal favorite brand, but it’s also the first brand most advanced players think of when they want a high-end airsoft gun.

The producer is in Japan, but they ship worldwide, and their weapons are in most known airsoft stores, including huge retailers such as Amazon or eBay. Their collection includes powerful AEGs, GBBs (which are phenomenal), spring weapons, and even gear for snipers.

Overall, the guns produced by Tokyo Marui are well-designed, even when they feature ABS bodies. Still, most of their high-quality weapons are designed with ABS and metal or an all-metal body. In any of the cases, their guns are durable and can withstand a lot of abuse on the field.

Another feature that’s characteristic of this brand is accuracy. Yes, the price tag is higher, but it pays to have a good gearbox that won’t bail on you during the first skirmish. Even more, Tokyo Marui gearboxes support improvements, which is extremely helpful for a driven player.

Click the button below to browse Tokyo Marui products.

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Classic Army

When you want a high-quality AEG with good internals, impressive performance, and plenty of power, your best brand is Classic Army.

They produce guns with both ABS and full-metal bodies, but the aspect that’s most impressive is the internals. CA is meticulous in implementing above-average gearboxes and well-designed motors that won’t fail you in the field.

They produce M16s, M4s, AKs, and more on this line, but I’m also completely taken by their M132 micro gun, which is a beast in disguise. So yes, CA is also good at producing gas-powered guns, but they like to go all-in when it comes to this category.

Overall, CA is a CQB player’s brand that produces durable airsoft weapons that won’t let you down when the fight gets heated.

Click the button below to browse Classic Army products.

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Systema

Systema Professional Training Weapons is one of the most high-end brands on the market! They work with AEGs and use computerized optical technology to create airsoft guns that feel extremely real. Not to mention, the dimensions are indeed real steel, which means you can use accessories for real guns (from slings to holsters to optics).

As you can expect, the guns produced by them are used in real training exercises, and if you want one for your collection, you should be prepared for a high price tag. They make some great M90 models, but their specialty is with MAX and SUPER MAX designs. The cool thing is that Systema also offers challenge kits for players who want to save some money. The kits require some tools and assembly skills, though.

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G&G

Another fantastic AEG producer that comes from Taiwan, Guay and Guay impressed me and the airsoft community with a highly performing gearbox (V2 gearbox, completely redesigned).

Of course, the durable ABS or metal bodies that keep the internals safe and tight bore barrels are also an indicator of advanced quality.

Most of their weapons have a badass design, with a good pistol grip, retractable stock, rails, or handguards that allow you to install plenty of accessories. In true CQB fashion, most of their guns feature a compact design and solid body.

I honestly love their M16 for the level of accuracy (straight from the box), but you shouldn’t expect that all their weapons will perform perfectly. Still, their Combat Machine series is one of the best on the market right now.

While it is a high-end brand, G&G doesn’t shine on other aspects, such as accessories. Many players complain about accessories being frail or downright low-quality, so I’d definitely stay away from them. Another flaw you may notice is the battery – G&G still equips their models with NiCad batteries (if it is included), which are not as effective as their NiMh or LiPo counterparts. Still, this problem is easily solvable: you just need to invest in a good battery.

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ICS

Short for I Chih Shivan Co., this airsoft gun manufacturer is based in Taiwan. They produce great AEGs, and most of their success is based on a constant seek for innovation. Airsofters like their split gearbox design because it makes gun maintenance so much easier, but I also admire the general durability and power (most weapons are capable of firing at 350+ FPS).  

Another cool thing about ICS is that they ship weapons with all the needed accessories (in most cases), so you don’t have to shop around for complete gear. On the downside, ICS parts don’t play well with other producers. As a result, you can’t mix and match with the weapons you already have; you’ll have to always buy parts from ICS.

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KWA

If you’ve ever tried one of their AEGs or Blowbacks, you know KWA is a serious brand. Furthermore, they are the leading company to produce airsoft replica weapons for military and law enforcement training!

I love the fact that they are mostly focused on innovation, which brought us the wonderful 2GX Mechbox and NS2 Blowback system that increases performance and reliability. Their weapons are equipped with high-end gearboxes, state-of-the-art internals, and solid ABS or metal bodies. Not to mention, most of their models are accurate right from the box and shoot at over 400FPS.   

Another huge advantage point is their orientation towards LiPo batteries when most producers are still deeply committed to NiMh, or worse, NiCad. This proves their models are fast and powerful, and it makes you feel a bit disappointed in their lack of diversity. But, I guess it is a natural consequence of the fact that they care more about quality.

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A&K AIRSOFT

This brand comes from Japan and is well-known for producing LGM AEGs. They favor an all-metal body (but it’s not available for all their models) and high-end internals that provides their weapons with good power and accuracy. Still, the full-metal gearbox on all their models is indeed a nice addition in terms of durability and reliability.

I love their all-metal M4 AEG line that can shoot up to 420FPS out of the box and the fact that their models are usually shipped with battery, charger, and magazine. However, you should think about A&K airsoft as a brand for beginners in airsoft art because most of their guns are entry-level.

So, if you want an easy-to-use product that’s both durable and accurate, one of their machine guns, carbines, or rifles would definitely do the trick!

Click the button below to browse A&K products.

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G&P

Based in Hong Kong, this manufacturer has a long history of creating beautiful and bad-ass MilSim and training designs. Their main purpose is to provide airsofters everywhere with high-end models, and they never sacrifice quality just to produce cheaper weapons.

To follow in their promise, each G&P AEG is assembled by hand and fine-tuned by experienced technicians. So, when you get such an airsoft gun, you can be sure it follows the highest standards of quality and reliability. Even more, their collection is not limited to just AEGs; they also produce shotguns and gas options, so anyone interested has a wide assortment to choose from.

The interesting part is that they also sell grenade launcher attachments – a wonderful addition to any advanced player’s kit.

G&P is a firm believer in CNC precision machining and real-steel coating, which is why most of their products look and feel like real weapons. Overall, G&P is the go-to brand when you want a reliable close or medium-range weapon.

 

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Wrap Up

Of course, the list can be longer, but these are the best airsoft brands that usually stand out in either budget category.

My advice is to start gradually. If you’re a beginner and don’t really know how you feel about airsoft, start with a cheap gun. Do some testing, improve your skills with target practice, and when you’re ready, jump to a gun that is still budget-friendly but can be used in a game.

Finally, if you are truly passionate and want to get better, take a look at high-end brands. It will be a bit of a budget stretch, but it is definitely worth it!