Whether you’re a novice or a veteran, paintball is one thrilling and fun-filled game. The competitive sport involves two teams trying to eliminate their opponents by hitting them with paintballs, which are colorful dye-filled gelatin capsules fired from paintball guns. Upon impact with the target, they break into colorful splotches, thus identifying who gets eliminated. Usually, most paintball places rent both outfits and guns. But, if you’re ready to move out of the rental game, then you might just end up liking cheap paintball guns. You might think them very expensive, but the best cheap paintball gun options for the money are available for under 400 too! As the years go by, finding decent paintball guns that don’t break the bank has become a worrisome prospect. Luckily, now there are tons of options in the market.
If you consider the countless options today, buying even a cheap gun can be an overwhelming and daunting task. What’s more, paintball guns come in different varieties and dimensions depending on several factors, key among which are level of detail and intricacy. Moreover, if you’re a beginner, it doesn’t make sense to go for intricate models, which is why it’s best you stick to those that cost anywhere around $100-300. To that end, here are the 13 best cheap paintball gun options for the money including those under 400.
How To Choose The Best Cheap Paintball Guns?
No matter the kind of sport you’re interested in, choosing its accessories needs careful consideration. Just like the Best Binoculars For Safari, the Best Kayak Fishing Rods, or the Best GPS Watches For Hiking, you need to be careful when it comes to paintball guns too. And if you’re looking for one in your budget, then your options and selection process get even narrower. So, what should you look for in the best paintball gun for the money? Read on.
Type
Paintball guns can be broadly divided into six kinds – pump, mechanical, electronic, three-burst shot, ramping, and fully automatic ones. Pump, ramping, and fully automatic ones are the exact opposite; the former is the oldest style that requires a lot of effort, while ramping and fully automatic ones fire continuously as long as your finger is on the trigger. Mechanical are semi-automatic and the most widely used ones, electronic ones are powered by a battery, while the three-burst shot ones fire three pellets when pressed ones. When it comes to this, choose the style you’re most comfortable with, while keeping in mind what most of your opponents use.
Feed system or hopper
One of the most crucial features of a paintball gun is the feed system, or the hopper, which is what controls the speed of the balls per second as well as ensures the smooth firing of the ball. Basically, there are four types of feed systems – force-feed, agitating, gravity-feed, and stick-feed. Both force-feed and agitating ones are controlled by systems and used by professionals and fire more balls per second as compared to the other two. Gravity and stick-feed ones are cheaper, and while gravity ones have the feed tubes at the bottom, the stick-feed ones feature both vertical and horizontal loading.
Weight
No one wants to lug around a heavy paintball gun, especially when there are tons of lightweight options on the market. In fact, even the options for the best paintball gun under 400 are lightweight, weighing just around 2-3 lbs. Even if you can carry a heavier gun, make sure to check the weight and move it around realistically to get an idea of how it’ll feel during play.
Which is the best paintball gun under 100?
Our vote for the best paintball gun under 100 goes to the fabulous Spyder Victor Paintball Marker. It’s made by the classic paintball brand Spyder, but that’s not all that’s great about this gun. For a beginner’s gun, it shoots a massively impressive 1500 shots from a 20 oz CO2 tank, thanks to the air-efficient EKO valve system. You’ll look great carrying this marker which comes in an all-aluminum anodized matte body, complete with a slick two-finger trigger and a non-slip grip. If that wasn’t enough, the gun also features a steel-braided hose line and an external velocity adjuster that allows you to adjust the pellets’ speeds sans pausing gameplay.
Tippmann Gryphon .68 Paintball Gun (CU)
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For ballers on a real budget, the Tippmann Gryphon .68 Paintball Marker is the gun to go with. This best cheap paintball gun option is also extremely reliable and easy to maneuver. The basic yet streamlined mechanical gun allows you to move very fast with it, as it weighs just 2.75 lbs. It’s one of the best paintball guns for the money and the best paintball gun under 100 options. It features a center feed system, an internal gas line as well as Tippman’s proven and reliable metal in-line bolt system. Adding to the comfort is the rigid yet ergonomic composite body with a solid internal structure. All-in-all, this Tippman gun is perfect for younger and individuals newer to the game who simply want to brush up on their skills, shoot at targets, or who want to play for fun to start with.
Pros:
- Excellent internals.
- 10-inch ported barrel.
- Sleek and slim profile.
Cons:
- Not much in the way of mods and upgrades.
- Loud.
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Azodin KAOS 3 Paintball Gun
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Not only is the Azodin KAOS 3 Paintball Gun the best paintball gun under 400, but it also features amongst the best paintball gun under 300 options! Available in five colors, the mechanical marker has a wonderful honed 12-inch barrel as well as a new glass-reinforced nylon frame that’s extremely durable and lightweight too. Add to that the adjustable regulator, the screw-lock feed system, and the slim nylon double trigger frame, and you’ve got yourself a wonderful gun without having to break the bank. Finally, the gun is compatible with both HPA and CO2, making this a decent entry-level paintball gun without you getting intimidated by the complexities or the costs of paintball. If you’re someone who loves rapid firing from cover, evasive maneuvers, and high-paced action, then this is the gun for you. So, go create ‘kaos’ with this value-for-money marker!
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable glass-reinforced nylon frame.
- CO2/HPA compatible.
- 12-inch honed barrel.
Cons:
- Exposed gas line.
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Tippmann TMC Mag Fed Paintball Marker Gun
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There’s yet another Tippman product on this best cheap paintball gun list – this time it’s the Tippmann TMC Mag Fed Paintball Marker Gun. Ideal for woodball and objective-based games, this one has a dual-feed system, which can easily be switched between magfed and hopper designs. The in-bolt reduces chopping and enhances the continuity of the balls, while the two external position selectors allow you to switch between the two feed systems easily. The gun even has an adjustable stock and weighs 4 lbs, which might be slightly on the heavy side but is still a brilliant gun. Besides having a range of 150+ feet, the marker even boasts an over-molded rubber grip for ensuring comfort during long hours of playing the game. Wrapping up its features is the one-year limited warranty, making this a great candidate for the best paintball gun under 300 options.
Pros:
- Dual feed system.
- The external switch allows switching between systems.
- Adjustable stock.
- Over-molded rubber grip for comfort.
Cons:
- Some users had issues with the charging handle.
- Slightly heavy.
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Planet Eclipse Etha 2 Paintball Marker (CU)
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The best paintball gun under 400 options that’s also an excellent sniper paintball gun is the Planet Eclipse Etha 2 Paintball Marker. One of the top options for the best paintball gun for the money, this one uses the gamma core bolt for regulating the amount of air released during ball firing. Adding to the air efficiency and reducing the impact is the spool valve system while the double-density rubber grip provides a comfortable hold for using it for longer hours. The electronic trigger, which is run by batteries, combined with an LED status indicator that tells you about how many paintballs are left helps you play to the fullest. Moreover, the high-quality regulator allows the gun to withstand different output pressures and better the overall functionality. Rounding up the features is the weight of just 2.2 lbs, making it amongst the lightest paintball guns on this list.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable.
- LED status indicator and high-quality regulator.
- Electronic trigger.
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a kit.
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Tippmann Cronus Basic Paintball Marker Gun
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One of the best cheap paintball gun options for woodsball is the Tippman Cronus Basic Paintball Marker Gun. Firstly, it comes with the gravity feed system that fires up to 15 balls per second. What’s more, it even features a low recoil level, so there’ll be no pushback movements. That, combined with the in-line bolt system prevents chopping and ensures smooth firing of the balls. Since it features mechanical triggers, the ball can easily get loaded via the spring system. Weighing around 3.7 lbs, the paintball marker even comes with two years of manufacturer’s warranty and is highly reliable. Plus, the two-piece handle design makes the grip very comfortable and enhances the accuracy of the balls. Finally, this entry-level gun is highly customizable and can be upgraded using many rails.
Pros:
- Semi-automatic function.
- Very reliable.
- Tippman’s proprietary in-line bolt system.
Cons:
- Not for the experts.
- Available only in one color.
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Tippmann TiPX Mad Fed Paintball Pistol
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Yet another best paintball gun under 400 is the Tippmann TiPX Mad Fed Paintball Pistol. One of the best options for the best paintball gun for the money, this one can fire eight balls per second thanks to the quick-release magazine feed system. It also lessens the friction and makes firing the balls much easier, while the external velocity adjuster even allows you to adjust the velocity easily without having to pause the game. Moreover, the Tippmann TiPX is also very lightweight and compact, weighing just 3 lbs. Since it’s equipped with a spool valve system, the contraption even reduces the impact and maximizes air efficiency. You’ll be happy to know that the gun has an effective range of more than 150 feet and also comes with a maintenance kit, including a deluxe carrying case.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Comes with a maintenance kit.
- External velocity adjuster.
- Fires eight balls per second.
Cons:
- CO2 gas can leak from the cartridge if not handled carefully. Plus, BPS is lower than other guns.
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Empire Paintball BT Defender Marker (CU)
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One of the cheapest options for the best paintball gun under 300 is the Empire Paintball BT Defender Marker. Best for speedball, this gun features a poppet feed system, which shoots a whopping 20 balls per second! It’s one of the highest BPS rates on this list. What’s more, the gun even has a selector switch for switching between five firing modes with a single click – select-fire, full auto, ramping, burst, and semi. The gun even features a three-way adjustable bearing trigger that allows you greater command over tensile strength and pullback resistance. Moreover, the bream beam eyes prevent the balls from half-loading or chopping while the empire loading system reduces back-end recoil. Weighing just 3 lbs, the lightweight gun has top Picatinny rails and a removable side allowing for mounting accessories for upgrading. Rounding up the features is the auto anti-jam ability, which maximizes its performance.
Pros:
- Very reliable and low maintenance.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Hits target accurately.
Cons:
- The buttstock is a little wide.
- It’s hard to load the last few rounds.
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Tippmann Cronus Tactical Paintball Marker
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One of the best paintball gun under 400 options is the Tippmann Cronus Tactical Paintball Marker, whose gravity feed system allows for firing eight balls per second. Since it comes with mechanical triggers, the ball is forced into the barrel via a spring system when the trigger is pulled. Slightly heavier at 3.7 lbs, this paintball gun is still very comfortable to carry. Moreover, it features Tippmann’s proprietary in-line bolt system for enhancing the continuity of the paintball firing. Thanks to the molded rubber grips, the gun can be carried around for hours without any discomfort, and that too with a range of around 150 feet with complete accuracy. It also comes with many customizability options on any of the four Picatinny rails. Finally, the gun also comes with a carry handle, an adjustable stock, and a mock silencer, making it perfect for outdoor environments.
Pros:
- Requires minimal maintenance.
- Is highly accurate.
- Doesn’t chop balls.
Cons:
- The in-built barrel is shorter than other guns.
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Azodin Blitz 3 Paintball Marker (CU)
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Yet another best cheap paintball gun is the Azodin Blitz 3 Paintball Marker, which lies up to its name. The battery-powered electronic paintball marker is extremely nimble and light, and perfect for beginners who want to move quickly and not be weighed down. Weighing just 2 lbs, this 0.68 caliber semi-automatic is perfect for assault-style gameplay. It also boasts ergonomic front grips that make it very comfortable to hold the gun for longer times without any hassles. Plus, the gun doesn’t use a lot of gas either, which means you can unload rounds continuously without worrying about refilling in the middle of gameplay. The best part? Along with the gun, you’ll also get a face mask, loaders, gas tank, and a hopper, amongst other things, making this the best paintball gun for the money. Also, did you know that it can also be upgraded for better performance? Yes!
Pros:
- Sharp design.
- Lightweight and easy to maintain.
Cons:
- The trigger sticks sometimes.
- The regulator is preset, and cannot be adjusted.
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Tippmann 98 Custom Platinum Paintball Gun
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The Tippmann 98 Custom Platinum Paintball Gun is one of the best paintball gun under 400 options. This well-known classic mechanical marker is extremely popular with professionals and those who’ve been playing the game for a while. There’s a lot to like about this reliable marker, starting with the fact that it’s an easy-to-use semi-automatic marker. Thanks to the split receiver design, you can quickly access the internal compartments for modifications and installing upgrades. Moreover, the Picatinny rail along the top makes it easy to add additions such as scopes, a carry handle, and more. If that wasn’t enough, the Anti-Chop Technology minimizes paint breakage as well. Rounding up the features is Tippman’s proven inline bolt system that betters the gun’s ball-firing continuity.
Pros:
- Extremely durable.
- Semi-auto setup.
- Easy to modify, maintain and upgrade with a split receiver.
Cons:
- The barrel is short.
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Valken Blackhawk Paintball Gun
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Another best cheap paintball gun is the Valken Blackhawk Paintball Gun, which is durable, fast, accurate, and won’t give you any trouble. Made from corrosion-resistant polymer and aluminum, the paintball gun even has a durable powder-coated receiver. It’s perfect for those who want to move from intermediate to professional level in the game, thanks to the replaceable barrel thread adapter, the removable ported barrel, and the stainless steel bottom-line hose. What’s more, the gun even has a rail at the top for adding accessories and modifying and upgrading the gun. Finally, the gun boasts several nice features for such a low-priced paintball marker, including an adjustable clamping feed neck, an adjustable grip, and even an aluminum ASA.
Pros:
- Adjustable front grip.
- Picatinny rail for additional accessories.
- Accurate and fast.
Cons:
- Exposed gas line.
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GOG New GEN2 eNMEy Paintball Marker
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The GOG New GEN2 eNMEy Paintball Marker is the best paintball gun under 400, besides being easy to maintain and having a simple yet elegant design. The mechanical-feed gun is versatile too since it uses compressed air, making it perfect if you’re slightly smaller in size or if you want to maneuver really fast. The lightweight marker boasts a pneumatic spool valve design that sees no wear and tear. Moreover, the integrated vertical regulator assures safe control of the velocity of the pellets by stabilizing gas pressure for consistent operation. With just one moving part serving as both the bolt and the main valve, operating this gun is as simple as it gets, making it great for beginners. Since it boasts low pressure, the gun’s operation is silky smooth, with little to absolutely no recoil, which beginners will absolutely love and making this the best paintball gun for the money.
Pros:
- Very little recoil.
- Low pressure.
- Lightweight and durable.
- Easy to maintain.
Cons:
- The barrel is really short.
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Spyder Victor Paintball Marker
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Sitting atop the list of best cheap paintball gun options is the Spyder Victor Paintball Marker, which costs less than $100! If you’ve been relying on loaner guns until now and want to take a not-so-big jump into the buyer’s market, then this is the gun to get. Coming from the able stable of the popular and classic paintball brand Spyder, this gun, which comes in two colors, features an air-efficient EKO valve system that shoots up to 1500 shots from a 20 oz CO2 tank! Talk about a big whoop! The anodized matte all-aluminum body looks as sleek as it gets, while the non-slip grip with the two-finger trigger makes it easy for you to carry this gun for hours. The external velocity adjuster allows you to adjust the speed without stopping gameplay too, aided by the high-impact polymer feedneck. Rounding up the features is the steel-braided hose line and tool-free striker plug design.
Pros:
- Easy to maintain and use.
- Small and lightweight.
Cons:
- No front grip, but that’s a matter of personal choice.
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