Best Paintball Guns For The Money [Beginner to Pro Level]

Paintball is a shooting game with a lot of colors and adventures which is why a lot of people are attracted to it all over the world. A good paintball gun is essential in taking down an enemy. If you want to impress your friends with your new weapon and a deeper understanding of the game? Here, our experts cover all aspects of paintball markers, including the basic features, the internal workings, and the material and strength.

In this article, we review the Best Paintball Guns for the Money by taking a look at the paintball markers, as well as the specification, anatomy, and the different types of paintball guns.

Our Top Picks Comparison Chart

We’re going to take you on an insightful journey of paintball insights from the perspectives of both makers and players.

Top 7 Best Paintball Guns For The Money of 2023

Under $250

1. Tippmann Cronus – Top Paintball Gun

Key Features:

• 0.50 Caliber Paintballs
• 6+1 Paintball Harness
• Barrel Thread: A5
• Barrel Squeegee
• Inner Gas line

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There is no doubt that Tippmann Cronus is a top paintball gun under 300 dollars on the market. Tippmann is one of the best paintball gun manufacturers. This paintball marker comes with a variety of accessories, including a 6+1 harness that enables you to carry 6 pods of different colors during the battle. The Tippmann Cronus is the best paintball marker for beginners to intermediate players. It’s easy to open, clean, and durable.

With a soft rubber grip, easy handling, and more durability, Tippmann Cronus is a favorite of entry-level players. It also comes with the best paintball gear as well as a lower price tag. Tippmann Cronus paintball markers feel heavier in your hand. However, it has high durability which prevents it from breaking if it falls. The package includes a paintball mask for glasses that fits all head sizes that is very comfortable and lightweight.

The package includes a reusable 20 Oz CO2 tank, but it’s empty. By using this 20 Oz capacity, you will not have to refill the tank during battle. It is possible to replace the CO2 tank with an HPA tank, which will increase accuracy and performance. TIPPMAN recognizes the needs of paintball players and designs products that are user-friendly for all levels. The Tippmann Cronus Paintball Marker is an excellent choice for beginners.

Under $250

2. Maddog Tippmann Cronus Tactical – Top Rated Paintball Gun

Key Features:

• Standard 20 Oz. CO2 Paintball Tank
• Shooting range 150 Feet
• 4+1 Paintball Harness
• Four Picatinny Rails
• Milsim Design

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The Maddog Tippmann Cronus Tactical Silver CO2 Paintball Gun is another great Tippmann product. This package includes everything you need for the field. It comes with three additional features, including a shroud, handle, and barrel. Adding this feature to the paintball marker makes it perfect for tactical games.

A unique in-line bolt design minimizes the risk of cutting hazards. The gun loads paintballs into the chamber before firing. This could result in the paint breaking inside the gun. By using in-line bolts, the paintballs are guaranteed to be safe and the paintballs can be shot smoothly.

According to a shooting range perspective, it is one of the best paintball guns in the world, having an effective range of 150 meters. This Tippmann Cronus Tactical Paintball Marker is an affordable sniper rifle for long-range paintball combat. It can be used with both CO2 and HPA.

Military simulation milsim designs are attractive to buyers. Game lovers have always enjoyed shooting games. Painting is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in real situations with real people. Paintball games are fun, colorful, and leave the screens at home. It is the milsim design that is the most realistic and adds a sense of excitement to the game, as it simulates real military situations.  

Under $300

3. Tippmann A-5 .68 Caliber – Pro Paintball Gun

Key Features:

• 8.5-inch high-performance barrel
• Cyclone Feed System
• 3.1-pound weight
• 15 BPS feed rate
• Semi-Automatic

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Tippmann paintball guns are among the most reliable, durable and competitive on the market. It is an awesome paintball gun for outdoors, longer fields, and scenario-based games. It is lighter in weight and more affordable, along with having modern features. It can be upgraded, but even after the upgrade, the price remains low compared to other paintball rifles.

With the cyclone feed system, it is easier to load paintballs without having to manually load them. You need to make sure that the CO2 is not low on supply or empty. The A5 looks like the AK47 from the shooter’s perspective, but it uses colorful paintballs. However, the use of .68 caliber requires more care and we do not recommend it for beginners.

Tippmann A-5 .68 cal is a great all-in-one gun because of the enhanced grips for the front and the rear. Shooting accuracy is improved with the upgraded fire switch and 8.5-inch barrel. Players who prefer a two-point sling connection will appreciate the new all-metal front sling mount.  

It features smoother shooting, improved rate, and noise reduction, making it the perfect choice for professional players who wish to have no difficulty on the battlefield.

Under $400

4. Empire Mini GS .68 Caliber Paintball Gun – Coolest Paintball Gun

Key Features:

• Foregrip accepts drop-in redline OLED boards
• Venting ASA regulator with On/Off lever
• Break-beam anti-chop eyes
• Works with HPA
• Sleek Design

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The Empire Mini GS is a sleek design, and it is the modified version of Empire’s original Mini. It is a limited edition. There are very few O-rings in the in-line poppet system, making it low maintenance and easy to clean. This pump does not give much kick. It is also highly air-efficient and has a clamping feedback system. You can easily put on and remove the gloved hand grip. No paintballs break inside the weapon when the gun is loaded with paintballs.

In comparison with the original Mini, the trigger is more efficient and has a smaller profile. The bottom screw has to be removed with an Allen wrench in order to remove the bolt. There is a change you will experience with this version of Empire Mini, but it is not a big issue. Cleaning the eye may require you to disassemble the gun, and the process takes some time.

Let’s get to the point of why you should buy Empire Mini GS. It has all the features of competing products at a significantly lower price.

Under $200

5. Tippmann Stormer Elite .68 Caliber – Biggest Paintball Gun In The World

Key Features:

• High-impact, composite construction
• Two 20 Round Paintball Magazines
• Adjustable from 250-325 FPS
• Single Aluminium Trigger
• Great Design

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The Tippmann Stormer Edition is the ultimate form of Tippmann’s best paintball gun under $200. In addition to its access to add-ons and easy upgrades, its most notable features are its accessibility and flexibility. You will feel like you are standing on a battlefield with this heavy-duty tactical design. This is the biggest Megfed paintball gun on the market.

The trigger frame and the grip are very similar to Tippmann’s Cronus, which provides better ergonomics to play speedball. There is an easily removable and adjustable foregrip. With the weaver rails, the Picatinny can be customized with either lasers or grenades, whatever you desire.

The barrel thread of this badass paintball gun matches that of the Tippmann 98, and it is made with aluminium that measures 9.78 inches long. That’s why, if you grasp it in your hands, it’s light in weight, though it appears so vast. It provides ease, comfort, and better grip. It is equipped with a single trigger that allows fast shooting. The players will get set up with their equipment and lead like a professional.

Under $100

6. Spyder Victor Semi-Auto – Best Budget Paintball Gun

Key Features:

• Air Efficient EKO Valve System
• Steel Braided Hose Line
• Top Cocking Delrin Bolt
• Tool-Free Striker
• Coolest Design

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This is the best budget paintball marker. It is lightweight and has essential features. However, it does not shoot very fast. However, beginners will find it most useful.

Spyder Victor is the best and most affordable mid-range paintball marker for an entry-level player to present to a kid or new player. The features of the Spyder Victor are similar to those of Tippmann’s Stormer basic version such as vertical, sight rail, and standard ASA.

Despite the intermediate performance, there is a relatively low shooting speed. The trigger is hard so that the shot can be taken with a strong pull. Slow shooting is also beneficial for those who have no experience handling guns. To avoid misfiring, make sure you are clear on your shooting target before pulling the trigger.

We consider the shooting range as one of the most prominent features. The gun can easily be fired from a distance of 40 feet and hit the target accurately. It can also be cleaned easily due to its simple design. It is necessary to oil the gun for maintenance, and you are good to use it for years. To avoid leaks, make sure the O-Ring is in good condition and replace them when necessary.

Under $150

7. Tippmann Stormer Basic .68 Caliber – Light Paintball Marker

Key Features:

• Front and rear fixed sights
• Proven, in-line bolt design
• Multiple Picatinny rails
• Offset Freeport
• Vertical Grip

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Tippmann’s latest paintball gun retains the reliability and durability of Tippmann’s other products, which is why it is considered the best paintball gun under 150 dollars. It is a basic version of Stormer Elite. The product comes with a removable vertical grip and fixed sights that make it easy to adjust.

There’s a slight difference between this one and the elite, the major one uses a sleeker design. It is ideal for woodsball and speedball, and it is a must-have for recreation. In the design, we notice that there are no external lines. This means HPA enters through the bottom ASA.

Paintball guns with a side cocking bolt and a cover to conceal the stock mount are the best paintball guns for beginners. The stock mount allows you to convert the basic edition into an elite or tactical edition at any time by adding the stock. Safety features include a push-button, an adjustable vertical foregrip, and removable fixed sights. Like elite, it is easy for paintball players to customize, so it is an excellent purchase overall and is one of my favorites.

Types of Paintball Guns

There are several types of paintball guns available on the market. It is up to you to pick one that suits your needs.

Pump

This gun type is one of the most basic and has minimal accessories. It has a tiny feed tube for 10 rounds or a hopper for 50 rounds. The paintballs can be quickly loaded and fired. It uses either a small 10ci HPA tank or a 12-gram CO2 cartridge.

The simple design makes the gun lighter in weight. Pump guns are the easiest guns to carry and the easiest way to get into the game without having to learn a lot. The gun can be controlled by small kids, so it’s perfect for them.  

Guns with less complexity and lighter weight have a weakness. They have a lower shooting rate. Paintballs cannot be fired rapidly at the same time, so the gun must be manually set for each successive shot. The players who prefer to challenge themselves tend to prefer pump paintball guns. With the advancement of technology and the size of the pump, it is no longer challenging and provides ease in the field.

Mechanically Operated Markers

Here’s another common type of paintball marker. When compared with electro-pneumatic features, mechanical ones are easier to use and require less experience. In terms of shooting rate and range, these mechanically operated markers are still better than pumps. They operate using gears and cock handles.

The use of mechanically operated paintball guns is also simple, similar to pump markers. It is simple to pick up the gun and begin playing like a pro. It is weather-resistant, which is an important feature. There is no pump on the gun, and it’s not completely manual, and you can fire the whole round all at once.

There are three types of mechanically operated markers: bolt or pump action, double action, and semi-automatic (throwback, front flow). A trigger controls the performance of the marker. Many high-quality guns use this mechanism because it is suitable for a wide range of games and weather conditions.

Electro-Pneumatic Markers

The electro-pneumatic markers have a fast trigger system. When a trigger is pulled, an electronic or magnetic switch is triggered that allows a shot to be fired. In addition to built-in circuit boards, the circuit board can be customized to control the firing rate. It is as simple as a “tap” or a “click” and thus offers the highest shooting rate.

The lighter weight makes them ideal for games like speedball, woodsball, or scenario-based games. What if you’re a crazy speedball lover and want to overtake the competition? If so, electro-pneumatic markers would be perfect for you. You should be aware that these paintball guns are among the most expensive types of markers. You should ensure you have the funds to buy them. Other than that, mechanically operated guns still provide an excellent way to play with pleasure without spending a lot.

Types of Barrels

A barrel is used to control the release of paintball and tank gas. For different sized paintballs, different bore sizes are available. The barrel plays a significant role in the overall performance of the paintball marker.

Thread

You must make sure that the barrel threading follows the marker. Adapters for threading different barrel sizes are available, though. There are five standard thread types for barrels: A5, 98, Spyder, Autococker, and Angle. The A5 and spyder threads have already been discussed.

Configuration

There are three basic barrel configurations: one-piece, two-piece, and three-piece. They are also called barrel systems.

Material

In barrels, aluminum is the most common type of material. Aluminium barrels are commonly found in one piece. Another material is stainless steel, which is heavier than aluminium but costs less. Carbon Fiber is the lightest and strongest material, but it is also the most expensive. Titanium and ceramic are two other materials that are not commonly used for barrels. The material has nothing to do with accuracy, but it plays a role in the overall weight of the marker.

Length

Longer barrels provide better accuracy, but it is not a direct relationship. As the ball travels through a longer barrel when the barrel size is greater than 14 inches, the overall momentum of the paintball will be reduced. Therefore, a longer barrel will not be able to cover a more extended range shot.

Bore Size

Accuracy in shooting depends heavily on this factor. The bore size of the marker must match the paintball size. Different bore sizes and paintballs can affect velocity and, ultimately, shooting accuracy.

Types of Propellant Available

Propellers contain compressed air inside them that shoots paintballs out of the marker. The player pulls a trigger of the paintball gun; the signal goes to the tank that pushes compressed gas (CO2 or HPA/Nitrogen), which causes the paintball to fly. CO2 and HPA are two types of gas.

CO2

This is the most common type of gas used in paintball rifles. Paintball was the first sport that used gas. Paintball guns typically come with an empty CO2 tank that can be filled. Tanks of this type are durable and keep liquid CO2 intact without bursting. Due to the possibility that these tanks might explode, they are delivered empty. CO2 comes in two sizes: 12 grams cartridges for use with pumps, and 20 Oz refillable containers. Nitrogen has replaced CO2 because it is lightweight, but it is more expensive.

HPA / Nitrogen

HPA (high-pressure air), also known as nitrogen, is another option to replace CO2. Nitrogen is more expensive than CO2 and some players replace their CO2 tanks with Nitrogen to increase accuracy. Nitrogen also has the benefit that it works well with electronic guns and is safe to use. CO2 can damage the solenoid valve of electronic markers.

As CO2 must cool, high-pressure gas provides better accuracy. Electronic guns only work with HPA, while mechanical ones can work with both types of gases. Even mechanical markers perform better with HPA since it tolerates high pressures better than CO2.

How To Choose The Best Paintball Gun

The following are some factors you should consider before purchasing the best paintball marker available on the market.

Game Type (Woodsball vs Speedball)

Woodsball

A paintball game was never complete without Woodsball. The best thing about woodsball is that it utilizes the natural habitat of woods like trees, bushes, and bunkers. We have discussed the best woodsball guns. Woodsball players use the bushes to cover themselves, just like soldiers do in war to hide their enemies.

Speedball

An artificial arena is used to play speedball. To help players hide from their enemies, there are artificial bunkers and bushes. Woodsball differs from speedball in that the fields can be uneven and natural. Speedball fields are created evenly, and the bunkers can also be moved for a variety of game environments. As speedball is also played inside a building, the field space is also limited. I would choose the speedball even if there was limited space because of its flexibility.

Level of experience

If you are interested in particular gameplay, you will practice it more and gain more experience. In paintball games, there is no scale to measure experience, but players are categorized based on their level of experience.

Beginners

These are players who want to play or have just entered the game. We also refer to them as entry-level players. As a new player, you don’t have much skill, but with more playing, one can improve it. Tippmann has released a number of guns for beginners, including the Cronus and A5. For entry-level players, pumps are a good choice.

Intermediate

An intermediate player is someone who is familiar with the game, but still not an expert. Tippmann’s Cronus is the best choice for intermediate players.

Expert or Pro

There are a variety of guns for experts, such as the Empire Axe, Dye Rize, and Tippmann Stormer Elite. Even if you think you are a pro, there is more to learn.

Accuracy

The wide range of paintball rifles available allows buyers to purchase according to their preferences. Most paintball guns offer good accuracy. Before purchasing, check the paintball rifle’s specifications. The accuracy of the gun is enhanced by the better-fitted barrel, perfect bore size, aluminium trigger, and HPA packed in an aluminium tank.

To excel in the game learning the tactics to excel in the accuracy in-game comes from not only the type of guns but also the tactics used in the game. Besides learning tactics, one can improve accuracy by working on customizations such as an electric trigger and maintaining the gun (cleaning, lubricating).

Weight

A paintball marker’s weight is determined by two major factors. The first is the material used to produce the paintball gun, and the second is its design. As a result, the weight of a paintball gun varies according to its size and material

On average, paintball markers weigh 3-6 lbs or 7-9 lbs, but some can weigh as much as 30 lbs. Paintball guns can be chosen according to their overall features. A lightweight gun might not be suitable for tactical games.

The cost of lightweight materials like aluminium or carbon fiber is higher. In order to choose the right marker, you must consider all aspects.

Material

The material of the gun determines its overall weight, price, and grip. Accuracy is also affected by the material. Paintball guns made from composite material are considered to be the best on the market.

Aluminum is light in weight and easy to pull, but because it is expensive, it is not an ideal material for making the entire gun. Instead, most of the gun’s body is made from composites to keep costs down.

To allow better grip on the paintball marker, the foregrip is mostly made of rubber. The rubber grip is what high-level players look for when making purchases.

Budget

Most buyers consider their budget when choosing a gun. Paintball guns can be found in a wide range of prices. Prices can range from under $100 to more than $500. Features, materials, design, and other factors determine the price.

The paintball marker must be more expensive for people who demand better and more efficient features. Tippmann is one of the most popular names when it comes to providing more efficient features at a reasonable price. Under $300, Tippmann’s Cronus has many of the features of high-cost markers.

Design

A paintball gun’s design determines its performance on the field and overall weight. A variety of designs are available, including milsim (military simulation) tactical and compact

Milsim is one of the most famous designs that give the impression you are carrying a military weapon. This is ideal for scenario-based gameplay on the battlefield. A paintball gun is a heavy-duty rifle due to its tactical design, including the shroud, handle, and overall appearance.

It is important that the design you purchase allows you to customize the gun according to your requirements if you are a pro player or more eager to upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The paintball games are fun to play and allow you to feel like you are on a real battlefield. If you are interested in the paintball game and want to learn more, then read this article closely. We’ve discussed the 7 Best Paintball Guns for the Money that offer a wide range of features.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’re sure to find the perfect one. The basic characteristics of the paintball markers and some major game types have been discussed. It offers important points to consider before purchasing a paintball marker for your next game.

We made our best efforts to gather the top paintball guns that deliver the most features on a budget you can afford. After reading the article, choose what gameplay and gun you will be using in your next game.