In this post, you’ll find the best cheap airsoft guns for beginners in 2024 (that are still reliable). These airsoft guns are sorted by price for convenience.
As a beginner airsofter buying your first gun can be overwhelming. There are many airsoft guns on the market, figuring out if you’re getting the best airsoft gun for the money can be time-consuming.
In this post, I make it easy by boiling down the best budget airsoft guns at different price ranges so you know you’re getting your money’s worth.
This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use my links, but it does help fund these posts in hopes of bringing more value to you!
Without further ado, let’s jump in:
Table of Contents
Top Cheap Airsoft Gun Picks
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CYMA M870 Pump Shotgun | JG BAR-10 | JG M4 Tactical System V2 | G&G CM16 Raider 2.0 | |
| Cheapest | Best Budget Sniper | Best Budget AEG | Best Value AEG | |
| Type | Spring (3-Round Burst) | Spring | AEG | AEG |
| Avg. FPS | 290 | 435 | 400 | 360 |
| Weight | 2.6 | 5.0 | 7.7 | 5.7 |
| Price* | 70 | 140 | 140 | 196 |
| Availability | Shop Evike | Shop Evike | Shop Evike | Shop Evike Shop Amazon |
Best Cheap Airsoft Guns For Beginners Under 50$
Buying an airsoft gun for under 50$ is usually not a good idea even for beginners. Guns in this price range usually break and fall apart fast leaving you frustrated.
By spending just a little bit more money you are getting a lot more for your money. There is a threshold where reliability, durability, and performance will increase a lot with a minimal investment.
Best Cheap Airsoft Guns For Beginners Under 100$
CYMA Standard M870 3-Round Burst Airsoft Pump-Shotgun
This CYMA M870 shotgun is one of the best cheap airsoft guns for beginners on the market. It is the cheapest airsoft gun on this list. This shotgun is a great budget option that is still durable and reliable for the money. It shoots 3 pellets at a time and each shotgun can hold 30 bbs so you get 10 shots per shotgun shell.
The downside to this gun is that it shoots slower than an AEG because you have to pump the shotgun for each shot. It also does not have great range because it is shooting multiple pellets. You can expect to hit a target out to about 75 feet.
ASG McMillan USMC M40A3 Sport Line Airsoft Sniper Rifle
The ASC McMillan M40A3 is similar in appearance and adjustability when compared to the Toyko Marui M40A5. For example, this sniper comes with stock spacers to adjust your length of pull and a cheek riser for a perfect line of sign when shouldering your gun.
The receiver and barrel of the gun are made out of aluminum and the body is made of high-strength polymer. With these lighter materials, the gun weighs 7.5 lbs, which is light compared to the 16.5 lbs of the real M40A3 sniper rifle.
The ASC McMillan M40A3 makes the list because of its affordable price point and because it is ready to go out of the box. There is little need to upgrade this airsoft sniper rifle right away, making it one of the best airsoft snipers for the money. That said, there are upgrade parts that will fit in this gun if you want to further increase performance.
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Best Cheap Airsoft Guns For Beginners Under 150$
JG BAR-10 Airsoft Sniper Rifle
This JG BAR-10 is a near replica of the Tokyo Marui VSR-10. This is very useful because as mentioned above, the Tokyo Marui VSR-10 is one of the most upgradable guns because it has the most aftermarket parts. Thus, you can pretty much expect the exact same upgradability from the JG BAR-10, meaning you can really make this gun outstanding and have it grow with you.
Although there is a lot of upgrade potential with this gun, you might choose not to upgrade it (at least for a while) because it comes already pre-upgraded out-of-the-box. This is one of the biggest reasons to go with the JG BAR-10 over the Tokyo Marui VSR-10. If you don’t like the fiddle factor of upgrading your own guns, this sniper could be for you.
The upgraded components that come with the JG BAR-10 include an upgraded metal trigger box, a 400+ FPS high power spring, sturdy bipod mount, VSR-10 scope mount, sling loops, metal bolt, and metal cylinder assembly.Â
The JG BAR-10 is much less expensive than the iconic Tokyo Marui VSR-10, even though the JG BAR-10 is basically an upgraded version of the Tokyo Marui VSR-10. For this reason, the JG BAR-10 is one of the best rifles out there for both quality and price, making it one of the best airsoft snipers on the market right now.
JG M4 Tactical-System V2 Airsoft AEG Rifle
The JG M4 Tactical-System airsoft rifle is one of the absolute best cheap airsoft guns for beginners. Although it is inexpensive it is reliable, upgradeable, and has a lot of bonus features for a budget airsoft gun. For example, the magazine holds 300-rounds, it has a fast rate of fire (semi-auto & full-auto), and it shoots fast (380-420 FPS).
This rifle checks just about all of the boxes for a beginner airsoft rifle which is why it is one of the most popular beginner airsoft guns on the market. You can also continue to grow with the gun as you progress as an airsofter because of the upgradability. The JG M4 is a highly recommended beginner airsoft rifle for these reasons.
Best Airsoft Guns For Beginners Under 200$
JG M16 Vietnam Airsoft AEG Rifle
The JG M16 Vietnam airsoft gun is another great cheap airsoft gun for beginners. Like the M4, it is reliable, upgradeable, and has a lot of bonus features for a budget airsoft gun. For example, the magazine holds 300-rounds but you can get up to 5000 rounds with a drum magazine. Additionally, it has a fast rate of fire (semi-auto & full-auto), and it shoots fast (350-380 FPS).
This M16 is very similar to the M4 above, but with a slightly slower FPS. For this reason, this M16 checks just about all of the boxes for a beginner airsoft rifle. You can also continue to grow with the gun as you progress as an airsofter because of the upgradability.
Because of the lack of rails, there is less customizability than the M4 out of the box.
G&G Combat Machine CM16 Raider
The G&G Combat Machine M16 Raider is Version 1 of 2 in the Raider series (see version 2.0 below). This gun offers a lot for the money. For example, you get a 450 round magazine, 370-400 FPS, and a fast rate of fire with semi/full auto options.
This has been one of the most popular guns in airsoft for a long time and is still a great choice for beginners on a budget. If you’re looking to save a few bucks you can opt to buy this Version 1 Raider. That said, the new Raider (Raider 2.0) is available which costs only slightly more but comes with better overall performance. Version 1.0 vs Version 2.0 CM16 Raider Comparison.
G&G Combat Machine CM16 Raider 2.0
The G&G Combat Machine M16 Raider 2.0 is the newest version of the Raider series. This is version 2 of one of the most popular guns in airsoft because of its build quality and performance at an affordable price. For example, you get a 300 round magazine, 350-370 FPS, and a fast rate of fire with semi/full auto options.
If you’re looking to save a few bucks you can opt to buy the Version 1 Raider, but overall it’s worth a few more dollars for the upgrade for the increased usability.
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Lancer Tactical Gen 2 Airsoft M4 Interceptor AEG
The Lancer Tactical Gen 2 is another cheap airsoft gun for beginners on a budget. There are minimal metal parts externally to keep costs low, however, the externals of these guns are made of sturdy and high-quality polymer that feels durable in the hand. Another benefit of the polymer is the gun is lightweight coming in at 4.3 lbs.
Since Lancer Tactical was able to use polymer for the outside to keep costs down they were able to focus on providing high-quality internals. This rifle has an adjustable hopup, can shoot up to 390 FPS, has a 300 round magazine, and has a 6.03mm tightbore for better accuracy.
It is a very sturdy and well-made gun that you can get on Amazon and has great reviews making it one of the best starter airsoft guns.
JG AUG Military Full Size Airsoft AEG With Integrated Scope
There are a lot of great features that come with this AUG that make it one of the best budget airsoft guns. For example, it has semi/full-auto fire modes, a 330-round magazine, and shoots from 370-420 FPS. Additionally, it is easy to take apart for maintenance.
The body of the AUG is a strong ABS plastic the front assembly is made of metal. It comes with a removable 3x scope which has integrated open sights on top of the scope.
The forearm is a bit flimsy because it has a hinge that allows it to fold out of the way when you don’t need it.
It is easy to adjust the hopup by cocking the charging handle back, which exposes the hopup.
This rifle is a bullpup design which means the barrel is longer than your standard rifle, which helps improve accuracy and compactness.
Best Airsoft Guns For Beginners Under 300$
Arcturus Tactical Nylon Fiber M4 Airsoft AEG Rifle
This is another great budget airsoft M4 option for beginners. The build quality and specs of this gun make it one of the best cheap airsoft guns.
For example, the receiver is made of very high-quality and strong nylon fiber. Because of the nylon fiber receiver, it’s also lightweight and maneuverable coming in at 4.45 lbs. Other parts of the gun are made of metal for durability.
This M4 shoots fast – shooting between 415-420 FPS, has a high rate of fire with semi/full-auto modes, and a 320 round magazine.
CYMA Standard Stamped Metal AK-105
If you’re looking for something other than an M4, this AK is one of the best budget alternatives. It has a 500 round mag, shoots fast chronoing between 425-435 FPS, adjustable hopup, and a fast rate of fire with semi/full auto options.
Like the M4 models, you will be able to be a threat on the battlefield right from the start with this airsoft rifle.
CYMA is well known for having high-quality airsoft guns at an affordable price. They are the oldest airsoft manufacturing facility in the world.
CYMA Platinum M4 QBS Airsoft AEG Rifle
The M4 comes with everything you’d expect from a CYMA M4 in this price range. For example, it has a fast rate of fire with semi/full auto options, shoots fast at 350-370 FPS, and has a stock 150 round magazine. These magazines don’t require winding as the Hi-Caps do. The receiver is made out of metal alloy for great durability.
It also comes with a Quick Buffer System (QBS) which makes it easy to swap springs by hand depending on what style of gameplay you are playing in which is convenient.
Because of the reliability, simplicity, and value you get for your money this is one of the best budget airsoft rifles for beginners.
G&G CM16 ARP 9
The G&G CM16 ARP 9 is another fantastic airsoft rifle gun for the money. It is based off of the extremely popular G&G CM16 (listed above) and is basically the same gun but in a much smaller and more compact package. The build quality is great, it is lightweight and compact (5.2 lbs), has a high rate of fire (3-round burst/full auto), medium speeds (330-350 FPS), and has a 300-round magazine.
This is one of the best airsoft guns for beginners looking to primarily play in close-quarter. The ARP 9 was designed for CQB with a high rate of fire with slower speeds. It also includes a lot of rails for personal customization.
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How To Choose A Cheap Airsoft Gun For Beginners On A Budget
You can find cheaper airsoft guns than what is recommended on this list. However, these super cheap guns (under 50-60$) are not worth the money because they break down fast and cause more frustration than they’re worth. In most cases, airsoft guns under 100$ are not worth the money with a few exceptions.
For this reason, this post contains the cheapest airsoft guns that are also reliable so you’ll be happy with your purchase.
Best Cheap Airsoft Gun Criteria For Beginners On A Budget
- Price
- Upgradeability
- Durability/Reliability
- Accuracy / FPS Consistency
- Overall FPS (Feet per Second)
- Easy In-Game Hopup Adjustment
- Adjustability/Customizability
- Magazine Capacity
- Weight
- Cool Factor & Aesthetics
- Ammo Capacity
- Rate of Fire
- Range
Choosing An Airsoft Gun Platform For Beginners
There are many types of airsoft gun platforms to choose from, I’ve listed some of the most common ones below. You’ll want to determine what type of airsoft player you want to be before purchasing an airsoft gun.
- Sniper Rifles
- Semi-Autos
- Full-Autos
- Handguns
- Shotguns
- Light Machine Guns
That said, certain platforms are going to be harder to use for beginners. For example, bolt-action spring snipers don’t shoot fast so you are easily picked off if you don’t have experience. Handguns can be effective but usually don’t have many rounds. And toting bulky and heavy guns like LMG’s can make for a workout rather than an enjoyable game experience.
For these reasons, semi-autos and full-autos with high ammo capacities are going to be the best airsoft guns for beginners on a budget that are looking to be effective in gameplay from the start.
Consider M4 Airsoft Rifles Platform For Beginners On A Budget
M4 Models of airsoft rifles have been around for a long time. For this reason, shops can easily fix them if they break because they have the tools and parts. M4 airsoft rifles also have a lot of upgrade potential so you can customize the gun to your liking. This also means that the gun will grow with you as you continue to become a better airsoft player.
M4 airsoft rifles are the best cheap airsoft guns for beginners because of their combination of price, upgrade path, durability, adjustability, versatility, rate of fire, ammo capacity, reliability, and range. M4s check most of the boxes when it comes to the best cheap airsoft gun criteria that are mentioned above.
For this reason, the majority of recommendations within this post are M4 or M4 Compatible Rifles recommended in this post.
Where Do You Plan To Use Your Airsoft Gun Most?
Where you are going to spend the most time playing will also affect what gun platform will be the best for your personal style of gameplay. For example, a sniper rifle might not be a good choice for close-quarter indoor gameplay. Instead, a shotgun or automatic would be a better choice.
- Indoor Gameplay
- Outdoor Gameplay
- Plinking (Shooting Just For Fun)
How Airsoft Guns Are Powered
Spring or electric airsoft guns are probably the better choices for beginners because gas guns require more maintenance and often cost more money. That said, if your heart is set on a particular gas-powered airsoft gun don’t let that hold you back.
- Spring Guns (Springers)
- Electric
- Gas
- Propane/Green Gas
- CO2 Gas
- HFC134a Refrigerant
- Nitrogen
- Compressed Air
Cheap Airsoft Gun Considerations For Beginners
Are Handguns/Pistols Good Airsoft Guns For Beginners?
Semi-auto handguns/pistols can be decent cheap airsoft gun choices for beginners if you’ll be playing indoors, but they don’t hold much ammo and are still slower and less accurate than a full-sized M4 for close to the same price. For this reason, a better option would be to buy the rifle so you can have the best advantage in games and get the most for your money.
Are Snipers Good Airsoft Guns For Beginners?
Snipers are generally not a great airsoft platform for beginners because using snipers can cause a lot of frustration when learning the ropes. Sniping requires gameplay knowledge, and if you’ve never played airsoft before you might be surprised how hard it is to be a sniper.
That said, if you have your heart set on being a sniper then go for it. Just be aware that there might be a bit of a learning curve before you get the hang of it.
Are Shotguns Good Airsoft Guns For Beginners?
The shotgun listed in this post is the cheapest option on the list. Shotguns are a good budget option for beginners, especially for indoor gameplay. The shotgun is not the best choice for outdoor use because of the lack of range (75-100 feet). That said, it could be manageable with a good strategy.
Best Airsoft Gun Platform For Beginners
Automatic Electric Guns (AEGs) are the best cheap airsoft guns for most beginners because you get the most for your money. For example, with an AEG like an M4 you’re immediately a threat on the battlefield with semi/full auto capabilities, fast FPS speeds, upgradability, replacement parts, and high capacity magazines. You can get all this without breaking the bank. This is why most of the guns on this list are AEGs.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this post has helped you gain some clarity on the best cheap airsoft guns for beginners. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with an M4 platform because you get a lot of for your money.
However, just because the M4 is arguably the best platform to start with doesn’t mean you should. If you’re interested in another platform then try it, just be sure to know the limitations of the platform so you don’t end up wasting your money in the long term.
Related Posts:
- Best Airsoft Sniper Rifles In 2024 For All Budgets & Skill Levels
- 15 Best Cheap Airsoft Sniper Rifles For Beginners On A Budget In 2024
- Novritsch SSG10 A1 Review (Hands On) | Best Airsoft Sniper Rifle?
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