Ten Best Paintball Guns Under $500 with dependable designs, and advanced firing technologies offering maximum efficiency and accuracy.
Your experience in the paintball sport mainly depends on the design and quality of the weapon you hold. Having the best paintball gun in hand improves your overall performance and adds a lot of fun to your game. However, finding a paintball gun with reliable performance and maximum accuracy is a bit challenging since we have hundreds of options on the market.
It becomes even harder when you have a limited budget, and you cannot grab the premium options offering first-class functionality. If you have come here searching for the best paintball gun under $500, we have got you covered. After extensive market research, we have filtered out the ten best options under $500 you can find today.
10 Best Paintball Guns Under $500
9.7
- The Halo Too provides the best performance
- Empire’s 48 cubic inches 3000 Psi bottle is a high-quality aluminum high-pressure air
- Super absorbent material leaves no paint or residue behind
9.3
- The structure is light.
- The grip that won’t slide
- Efficient and precise
- Allows you to train for less than 9 cents a round
- Powered by economical CO2
- Shoots .43 caliber paintballs
1. Planet Eclipse EMEK 100 – Best Mechanical Paintball Marker
Planet Eclipse EMEK is one of the lightest and most silent paintball guns. It is a perfect choice for you if you are a fan of mechanical paintball guns. This marker is equipped with a Gamma Core bolt system that enhances the airflow for unmatched efficiency and offers a smooth shooting experience.
Also, you will get a consistent shooting speed and minimal recoil which gives you a clear advantage over your opponent on the battlefield. The best part of this paintball marker is its lightweight yet rugged construction. The Aircraft-grade aluminum body offers impressive impact resistance without adding extra weight to it.
Plus, the body of the marker is covered with high-quality textured material for better grip and control. Since it operates mechanically, it doesn’t require batteries and offers an unstoppable shooting experience. The gun disassembles quickly and offers easy access to the engine for effortless cleaning and maintenance.
Also, an On/Off switch makes it a safe and secure option for shooters of every level. This marker offers an average speed of 10 balls/minute, which is pretty okay for the machinal marker. The length of the barrel is 12 inches which offers a balance between speed and accuracy for beginners. However, if you are experienced enough, you can upgrade the barrel size to your shooting requirements.
- Lightweight structure
- Non-slip grip
- Smooth and accurate
- Effortless cleaning
- Short barrel for experts
- Average speed
Planet Eclipse EMEK 100 is one of the most user-friendly and ergonomic paintball guns we have ever tested. However, the speed is not very high, but the Smooth Core Gamm drivetrain offers unmatched accuracy and a smooth shooting experience, making it one of the best paintball guns under $500.
2. Empire Mini GS Paintball Gun – Most Reliable Paintball Gun
Empire Mini GS is another reliable and quiet paintball marker with many exciting features. The gun is equipped with a pressure-controlled poppet engine coupled with a pressure control ASA lever and E-trigger for smooth and uninterrupted performance.
The overall operation is made smooth and easy with a pressure gauge and an on/off switch. We found it pretty easy to regulate the pressure and take full advantage of multiple firing modes of the gun. The efficiency and performance are further enhanced by a 2-piece aluminum barrel.
The advertised firing speed of the gun is around 275 fps which is pretty impressive even for professional players. For unparalleled durability and long-term performance, it features lightweight aluminum construction. A non-slip rubber grip increases your hold on the weapon and enhances the target’s accuracy.
The firing capacity of the HPA tank is around 1100 balls with a single refill, and it uses a 9-volt battery. The only downside of this marker is that it is pretty hard to clean. To access the engine, you must undo multiple screws, which is a time-taking process.
- Impressive speed
- 2-piece aluminum barrel
- E-trigger for smooth performance
- Dual-density rubber grip
- Tough to clean
Empire Mini GS with Micro Switch trigger activation, 2-piece aluminum barrel, and Break-beam Anti-chop-eye offers unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. Since it has a smooth pressure regulatory system and multiple firing modes, it is ideal for players of all skill levels.
3. Tippmann Cronus Paintball Marker – Easy-To-Use Paintball Marker
Tippmann airsoft weapons are known for their durability and dependable designs. So the next option on the list is the Tippmann Cronus paintball marker, which is ideal for kids and beginners. While testing dozens of paintball markers, we discovered this gun as the most user-friendly option.
It is a complete kit that includes multiple accessories like a CO2 tank, hopper, masks, belts, and everything that an entry-level paintball shooter needs. Tippmann Cronus mechanical marker comes with a built-in gas line and Picatinny rubber rails for maximum accuracy.
The semi-automatic mechanisms coupled with a smooth trigger keep the recoil minimal for improved accuracy. Moreover, it is an 0.68 caliber gun that fires at a maximum speed of 325 fps. The speed is adjustable, and we found that it offers impressive accuracy at a speed of 275 fps. Another plus of this gun is that it requires minimum maintenance.
The gun has a few moving parts and is pretty easy to disassemble and clean. Finally, it features a lightweight yet rugged construction and guarantees impressive resistance against impact. The molded rubber grips let you hold the weapon more confidently and shoot the target with maximum accuracy.
- Low maintenance gun
- Rugged construction
- Complete accessories
- Adjustable speeds
- Too simple for experts
Tippmann Cronus paintball gun with its semi-automatic mechanism and exciting speed between 250-325 fps is an ideal choice for beginners. Also, it disassembles quickly, giving you quick access to internal parts for effortless cleaning and maintenance.
4. Action Village Dangerous Power G5 – High-Quality Construction
Action Village Dangerous Power G5 is an advanced paintball maker with a high-quality aluminum air tank and smooth pressure regulator. The gun comes with a low-profile clamping feed neck and a hoseless gas-through design for smooth airflow. The smooth airflow results in minimum recoil and maximum accuracy.
We found it impressively smooth and efficient since the gun works at a low pressure of 170 PSI. Plus, the self-lubricating triggers exhibit no friction for smooth shooting and offer multiple firing modes. The gun also comes with an OLED display with a control panel at the back and an eye-sensor brake system.
The eye sensor brake system puts the ball in the correct firing position and prevents the ball from chopping for a smooth and clean shooting experience. The gun features a lightweight aluminum body with molded rubber grips making it pretty easy to hold and position.
The overall construction is lightweight yet durable and promises long-term performance. We loved everything about this gun except its complex cleaning process. It features a complex assembly and takes a lot of time and effort to clean the gun after use, especially if you are new to paintball sports.
- Efficient and smooth
- Minimum recoil
- Lightweight and rugged
- OLED display
- Not easy to clean
From an OLED screen to eye sensor break and minimum recoil, Action Village Dangerous G5 offers every feature you can expect from an advanced paintball gun. With a hoseless gas through mechanisms and a smooth trigger, this paintball gun can outperform many professional-grade markers.
5. Umarex T4E Walther PPQ Paintball Gun – Lightweight Paintball Pistol
Umarex Walter PPQ paintball pistol is an excellent sidearm weapon that will help you survive on the battlefield when you run out of ammo. It is a 0.43 caliber pistol featuring lightweight construction and a user-friendly grip for unparalleled control on the battlefield. This gun works on a CO2 blowback action and can fire up to 24 consecutive shots with a single load.
In addition to impressive firing capacity, we loved the accuracy and efficiency offered by T4E water. You get a metal barrel with 0.43 caliber and a smooth trigger that aids improve the shooting efficiency and target accuracy. The user-friendly ergonomics include a Picatinny rail for accessory attachment and rear sight to improve target acquisition.
The most impressive part of the piston is its firing ability. It can fire at a velocity of 290 fps and comes with a nine-shot-drop magazine giving you a real advantage on the battlefield. This pistol is compatible with paintball and rubber balls and is ideal for quick action in the game. The lightweight structure and straightforward mechanism of the pistol make it pretty easy to maintain and clean after the game.
Umarex Walter PPQ paintball pistol is an excellent sidearm weapon that will help you survive on the battlefield when you run out of ammo. It is a 0.43 caliber pistol featuring lightweight construction and a user-friendly grip for unparalleled control on the battlefield. This gun works on a CO2 blowback action and can fire up to 24 consecutive shots with a single load.
In addition to impressive firing capacity, we loved the accuracy and efficiency offered by T4E water. You get a metal barrel with 0.43 caliber and a smooth trigger that aids improve the shooting efficiency and target accuracy. The user-friendly ergonomics include a Picatinny rail for accessory attachment and rear sight to improve target acquisition.
The most impressive part of the piston is its firing ability. It can fire at a velocity of 290 fps and comes with a nine-shot-drop magazine giving you a real advantage on the battlefield. This pistol is compatible with paintball and rubber balls and is ideal for quick action in the game. The lightweight structure and straightforward mechanism of the pistol make it pretty easy to maintain and clean after the game.
- Impressive firing velocity-290 fps
- Least maintenance requirements
- Economical CO2 blowback
- Smooth trigger
- Jamming issue
T4E Walther PPQ paintball gun is an impressive sidearm weapon that offers quick action when needed. The overall performance is smooth, and the firing accuracy is impressive, making it one of the best paintball guns under $500.
6. Maddog Tippmann Cronus Paintball Gun – Best For Professionals Under $500
Mddogg Tippan Cornus is an all-in-one paintball package that includes everything you need to start the game. The marker included in the package is designed with the needs of professional shooters in mind and will not disappoint you in the field.
Like all other advanced Tippmann markers, it also offers an in-line bolt and internal gas design. Its dependable design makes the gun impressively effective and promises reliability even in challenging conditions. The gun can fire at a maximum velocity of 325 fps.
Plus, the velocity is adjustable, and it is advised to keep it below 300 fps to maintain accuracy. Moreover, the lightweight profile copied with a non-slip grip texture keeps your energy high in the field.  Also, it boasts a rugged composite construction that can resist impact and offers long-term performance. The whole package includes safety goggles, an anti-fog mask, a 20 Oz CO2 tank, and a paintball hopper capable of holding 200 paintballs. Finally, it is an air-efficient paintball gun that lets you fire 1100 shots with a single 20 oz CO2 tank.
- Air-efficient mechanism
- Accurate and efficient
- Adjustable speed
- Minimum recoil
- Hard to clean
Maddog Tippmann Cronus combines reliability, accuracy, and ease of play, giving you the best value for money. Since it has an effective range of around 90 feet and can also fire a maximum velocity of 325 fps, it is equally suitable for beginners and advanced players.
7. Valken M17 Magfed Paintball Marker
Valken M17 is an unbeatable pinball gun under $500 when it comes to shooting range and accuracy. The gun uses a blow-forward self-regulated mechanism and is found to be one of the most accurate paintball markers on the market. The gun is compatible with HPA air tanks and can be operated with semi-automatic and fully automatic triggers.
It is a .68 cal gun featuring a 190 mm smooth barrel. Barrel length is short, but if you are experienced enough to aim accurately, it will take your firing speed to a whole new level. The gun is designed with the needs of serious paintball shooters in mind. It is equipped with an ambidextrous magazine release, an AR-15 style grip, and a 15mm mounting rail.
It means you will never run out of ammo in the fields. The gun weighs more than 4 lbs when attached to an air tank and is a bit heavy for beginners. Since it is an advanced gun designed for long-range shooting with maximum accuracy, you can not expect a quick disassembly. The gun requires a lot of effort and time for post-game cleaning and maintenance.
- Ideal for long-range shooting
- Fully automatic trigger option
- Ambidextrous magazine release
- Ideal for professional use
- Heavyweight profile
M17 Magfed Paintball marker is one of the few options under $500 that offers long-range shooting with maximum accuracy and efficiency. It is an advanced marker with an air-efficient blowback system and minimum recoil giving you a smooth and unbeatable performance in the field.
8. Action Village Kingman Spyder Epic Paintball Gun under 500$
Kingman Spider epic is one of the best-selling paintball guns under $500 that promises long-term performance and accuracy. The gun features a dependable design and combines reliable performance with the least maintenance requirements.
In this package, you get a complete kit consisting of a marker, belt, masks, 20 Oz CO2 tank, protective goggles, and everything you would need to start the battle. Additionally, we loved the impressive performance of the marker. It is equipped with a smooth blowback action mechanism with minimum recoil and remarkable efficiency.
The gun offers a firing velocity of around 250 fps within an exciting range of around 80 feet, which is impressive. Also, it is an air-efficient system that offers around 900 shots with a single refill.  Plus, you will get four magazine pod cables holding around 150 balls, which means you will never run out of ammo.
The gun features a lightweight aluminum body with a dual-density rubber grip offering maximum hold on the weapon. The only negative side of the gun is that we experienced jamming issues. The jamming issues limit its usability in professional sports, but it’s still a great option for kids and beginners.
- Easy to handle
- Air-efficient mechanism
- Minimum recoil
- Plenty of accessories
- Jams occasionally
With smooth blowback action and zero recoils, Kingman Spyder is undoubtedly one of the best paintball guns you can find today. With a high-capacity POD magazine and smooth trigger, this gun won’t let you down in rapid-fire scenarios of the game.
9. Tippmann 98 Custom .68 Caliber Paintball Marker
Tippmann .68 caliber paintball gun features advanced technology and offers ease of play and unparalleled accuracy on the battlefield. It is a lightweight semi-automatic gun with user-friendly ergonomics that is equally useful for beginners and experts.
With an upgradeable metal barrel and 20 Oz air tank, this gun guarantees an unstoppable shooting experience without limiting accuracy. The smooth trigger of the gun coupled with a non-slip grip makes it pretty easy to handle and improves the target accuracy.
The gun is made of sturdy die-cast aluminum and features a rapid-fire impact-resistant matte black finish. The most standout feature of the gun is its simple mechanism. It consists of only three parts and can be disassembled by a split receiver. This feature aids in effortless cleaning and up-gradation of the gun.
In addition to reliable performance, we also noticed some downsides of this gun. Firstly the gun weighs more than 3 lbs, making it a bit hefty for teenagers and beginners. Secondly, the gun comes fully disassembled and also doesn’t include the CO2 tanks.
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to clean
- Easy to upgrade
- Best brand value
- A bit heavy
Tippmann 98 Custom paintball features advanced blowback technology and promises smooth performance with minimum recoil. Plus, it has the best brand name value could with reliable performance and durable construction, which help it stand out as one of the best paintball guns under $500.
10. Tippmann Stormer Paintball Marker
Tippmann Stormer is another entry-level marker that we found super consistent and reliable. The gun has an in-line bolt design and an internal gas mechanism for smooth and consistent blowback action with minimum fightback. The original barrel length is 8 inches which offers a better performance-to-accuracy ratio.
However, it is advised to pair this marker with an aftermarket 14-inch barrel to achieve maximum accuracy without limiting the speed. The gun offers an effective range of around 80- feet which are okay considering its entry-level price.  The feature we found most impressive is its speed.
The maker has an adjustable speed between 250-350 fps, but we recommend adjusting the speed to around 275 fps for maximum accuracy. The gun features an impact-resistant composite body with a molded rubber grip making it pretty easy to handle. The disassembly process is straightforward, allowing you to clean and upgrade effortlessly.
- Offers ease-of-play
- Impressive firing velocity
- Smooth Blowback action
- The barrel needs to be upgraded
Tippmann stormer paintball marker is an excellent option for beginners looking for a reliable option without breaking the bank. With a little upgrading in barrel and trigger, you can significantly improve the efficiency and performance of the marker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kind of gas does a paintball gun use?
Paintball guns use HPA compressed air or carbon dioxide gases. These gases are stored in a bottle or tank that is connected to the marker. When you push the trigger, a little gas comes out that provides the energy for blow-back action to fire a shot.
What is the difference between a paintball gun and a marker?
There is no difference between the paintball gun and paintball markers. These names are alternately used for the air-powered weapons used to play paintball games.
Do paintball guns have batteries?
Electric paintball guns do rely on batteries, while mechanical guns do not. Electric paintball guns require electric energy to release the gas, load the ball, and fire.
Are these paintball guns automatic?
You can find a few fully automatic paintball guns on the market since most of the paintball guns today are semi-automatic. These guns require you to manually push the trigger to load the new paintball automatically.
Wrapping Up
All the options reviewed on the list were selected after testing the shooting quality, design reliability, durability, and ease of maintenance or customization. We are hopeful that this article will help you choose the best paintball gun for under $500. To make your way even easier, we have shortlisted our three favorites:
- Tippmann Cronus Paintball Gun for adjustable speed, reliable performance, rugged construction, and ease of play.
- Empire Mini GS Paintball Gun for its two-piece premium-quality barrel, dual-density rubber grip, impressive speed, and e-trigger,
- Valken M17 Magfed Paintball Marker for its fully automatic mechanism, long-range, impressive firing velocity, and ease of use.
Finally, it is recommended to buy paintball guns that can be upgraded or customized in the future. These guns let you upgrade the barrels and other parts with aftermarket accessories for a significant performance improvement.
Additional Reading
Consider checking out our blog and/or listing to our podcast named Mastering The Game.