What is the Best Airsoft M4 – Your Buying Guide to the Most Popular Airsoft Gun Platform
With 1,000+ M4’s on the market, how do you know which ones are the best?
Between all the writers at Airsoft Core, we have a combined total of over 1000+ airsoft games played with dozens and dozens of MILSIM event experience. One of our writers spent 4+ years teching AEGs and one even worked in the industry for over 2 years.
We’ve gotten hundreds of new players into the sport and if there is one thing we can say… M4’s sure are popular. After handling a large number of guns, both real steel & airsoft, we can definitely understand why.
- Plethora of spare parts for repairs and upgrades? Check.
- Customizable… everything? Check.
- Rails, rails, and rails everywhere? Check.
In terms of pure performance (and looks in our opinion) you’d have to make a hard case NOT to choose an M4 platform.
With popularity though, comes an overload of airsoft manufacturers cashing in on this common weapon system. You’ll find airsoft M4’s at the low end (sub $100) to the tippy top of high-performance machines ($400+).
If you’re looking for the best of the best airsoft M4 AEG’s, then you’ve come to the right place. Let our decades of experience help you select the best money can buy (outside of getting yourself a full-on customize piece).
Quick list of the top airsoft M4 on the market
Fully licensed H&K trademarks
Ambidextrous controls
Quad rails
High-quality external build quality
Modular rails
Multiple quality-of-life features not available in other brands
Lowest cost of the high quality M4’s
As with anything, we must first determine what factors we should be considering when deciding what is the best airsoft M4 available.
Main Factors to Consider for the Best Airsoft M4:
For starters, we’re intentionally leaving out “budget” options. This is the list for the TOP end airsoft M4 AEG’s (airsoft electric guns). This means that our standards have to be quite high. We’ll be reviewing the below components.
Shooting Performance
Consistent Muzzle Velocity – we won’t settle for a variance level of greater than +/- 10 FPS. If the FPS is inconsistent then it can throw off the backspin to your BB’s and thus hurt the consistency of flight that you want to have for a high-end airsoft rifle.
Rock Solid Hop Up, Bucking, and Nub – Just like consistent muzzle velocity, having a high-quality bucking and nub ensures the backspin on your BB’s is nice and consistent.
Performance with an 11.1V Lipo Battery – While you can get away with a 7.4v LiPo battery, we do highly suggest just going for an 11.1 volt LiPo. If you’re gunning for a high-performance airsoft M4, it better be able to natively take an 11.1.
20+ RPS Minimum – With that 11.1v, these guns better be shooting at a higher than 20 RPS (Rounds per Second) firing rate on full auto. While the RPS is somewhat contingent on the ratio of the internal gears, higher quality AEG’s have a tendency to have near-perfect shimming and gears designed for speed.
Reliability
It will shoot under most circumstances – the top end performance AEG’s should be able to fire under a variety of harsh circumstances. Yes, they are precision machines, but they should also be durable and reliable.
Precision internal construction – well built and precisely installed internal parts help ensure longevity of the airsoft gun. This is expected of higher tier airsoft guns really.
Internal Build Quality
High quality bucking – the bucking is the main object touching your BB before you fire your gun, it is important that it is of HIGH quality.
Solid hop up – the hop-up unit should be adjustable and the adjustment shouldn’t move by itself while firing the gun.
Rock-solid nub – the nub helps put pressure on the BB to create the all-important backspin.
Rubber seals are good – good gas efficiency is reliant on solid seals.
Smooth inner barrel – the inner barrel should be smooth and the crowning should be well made.
Well shimmed gearbox – a well-oiled and shimmed gearbox keeps your gears, motor, and piston in good working order. You can hear a poorly shimmed gearbox as it will whine heavily underuse. Reshimming a gearbox commonly requires a technician, so the better shimmed it is out of the box, the better.
Low resistance wiring – this means that your battery’s output won’t be wasted on inefficient wires.
Built-in MOSFET – While this isn’t necessary, a MOSFET will help maximize the longevity of your trigger contacts.
External Build Quality
Full metal body – at this price point, it should not be negotiable.
Tactical rails – much like the full metal receiver, rails should be a given at this point. Additionally, the rails should be rock solid and not have any wobbling or loosness.
Extra quality of life features – the best airsoft M4 will get extra points for having some of the following quality of life features: ambidextrous safeties, ambidextrous magazine releases, comfortable collapsible stocks, an easy to reach hop up adjustment wheel, and more.
Full licensing – while this doesn’t actually contribute to the external build quality having some kind of licensing on the receiver does add quite a bit to the cool factor.
What about electric recoil? Well, since shooting performance and reliability is the most important two components of the best airsoft gun, we’ve omitted any airsoft gun featuring an electronic recoil system.
While this feature is certainly cool, it adds a level of complexity and wear-and-tear on your AEG that simply hurts both the airsoft M4’s performance and reliability.
Umarex Fully Licensed H&K 416 A5 AEG by VFC
| Specs | Value |
|---|---|
| Type: | M4 / AR-15 Electric |
| Muzzle Velocity: | 390 – 400 FPS |
| Range: | 175 Feet |
| Receiver Construction: | Full Metal Upper / Fuller Metal Lower |
| Length: | 28.25 inches / 32 inches (Retracted / Extended) |
| Weight: | 6.5 lbs |
| Inner Barrel Type | 6.05mm |
| Inner Barrel Length | 290 mm |
| Outer Barrel Length | 10.5” Metal |
| Hop-Up | 1 Piece – Adjustable – Rotary Style |
| Includes Rail | Yes – Quad Rail 416 Style |
| Battery Type | Rear Wired – Buffer Tube |
| Magazine Capacity | 300 Round High Capacity |
| Gearbox Type | Version 2 – VFC Avalon Gearbox – Quick spring change |
| Upgradability | High |
| Action | Semi Auto / Full Auto |
Umarex has been described, before, as a “wild card” brand. This means that while Elite Force / Umarex is stamped on the box, it doesn’t say anything about the actual quality of build on the AEG within. Typically, Elite Force / Umarex OEMs out to various manufacturers for their products.
For the H&K 416D, however, they went with a VERY high-end manufacturer.
VFC (Vega Force Company) is well known for making some of the most exquisite external bodies on the market. Their internal build is absolutely outstanding as well.
One HUGE advantage with their internal build is that all parts used in the VFC Avalon Gearbox can be found, with no proprietary parts. So, if you’re open to teching your airsoft M4, the Umarex 416D will end up being your playground as it is effectively a pre-upgraded TM Version 2 Gearbox with all the fixings.
Aside from top-notch external build quality and high-quality out-of-the-box shooting, some of the major standouts here include the fully licensed H&K stamps on the receiver, full metal quad RIS, ergonomic telescopic buttstock & pistol grip, and ambidextrous controls.
Who is this gun for?
Fully 11.1v Li-Po ready, this gun is for anyone looking to have one of the highest quality AEG’s straight out of the box. Those looking to emulate a Seal Team Six loadout should also look no further as the H&K 416D is the same rifle used by DEVGRU & other Special Forces around the world.
Our very own Ricardo “Black” Mariconda uses this exact airsoft M4 and here’s what he had to say about it:
I’ve been using it for a few years now, and I’ve yet to find anything to fault with it: the rifle is aesthetically stunning, identical to the original in every aspect, from measurements to logos. It works fine with an 11.1, has a stable, long, and accurate shot.
Most of the players we’ve ever talked about have raved about how much they like this airsoft M4 and it easily stands to be one of the best.
Elite Force VFC Avalon Gen2 VR16 Saber Carbine M4
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Type: | M4 / AR-15 Electric |
| Muzzle Velocity: | 370 – 380 FPS |
| Range: | 175 Feet |
| Receiver Construction: | Full Metal Upper / Full Metal Lower |
| Length: | 31.5 inches / 35 inches (Retracted / Extended) |
| Weight: | 5 lbs |
| Inner Barrel Type | 6.08mm |
| Inner Barrel Length | 363 mm |
| Outer Barrel Length | 14.5” Metal |
| Hop Up | 1 Piece – Adjustable – TM Gear Style |
| Includes Rail | Yes – M-LOK Full Metal Modular RIS |
| Includes Battery & Charger? | No |
| Battery Type | Rear Wired – Small Tamiya – Nunchuck or Small Li-Po |
| Magazine Capacity | 120 Round Mid-Capacity |
| Gearbox Type | Version 2 |
| Upgradability | Very High |
| Action | Semi Auto / Full Auto |
For those who want the internals of the Umarex 416D but don’t care for quad rails, this should be one of your go-to choices.
Everything we said about the Umarex 416 (high quality externals, great internals that are fully compatible with aftermarket parts, ambidextrous controls) basically come in this package with some major differences:
- Modular M-LOK rail for lighter weight and modularity in attachments
- QRS (Quick Response System) Ergonomic Stock
- QRS Pistol Grip
- Ambidextrous Rear Sling Attachments
- VFC trademarkers on receiver instead of H&K
In terms of internals, we’re happy to report that the VFC Avalon gearbox is effectively everything you would ever need in a top-quality AEG.
We were hitting human-sized targets out to 160 feet with .25g on stock settings. On an 11.1v LiPo the near-perfectly shimmed gearbox was squeezing out 22 – 23 RPS. Very respectable.
Who is this gun for?
A player interested in the internal quality presented in the Umarex 416D, and loves all the ambidextrous features, but prefers a modular rail vs the quad RIS.
Krytac Full Metal Trident MKII CRB Airsoft AEG Rifle (And Generally the Whole Krytac Line)
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Type: | Shortened M4 / AR-15 Electric |
| Muzzle Velocity: | 340-350 FPS |
| Range: | 150 Feet |
| Receiver Construction: | Metal Upper and Lower Receiver |
| Length: | 26.5 inches / 31 inches (Retracted / Extended) |
| Weight: | 5.5 lbs |
| Inner Barrel Type | 6.05mm |
| Inner Barrel Length | 280 mm |
| Outer Barrel Length | 10.5” Metal |
| Hop Up | 1 Piece Rotary Style |
| Includes Rail | Yes – Full Metal Keymod Modular RIS (KRISS TR110) |
| Includes Battery & Charger? | No |
| Battery Type | Rear Wired – Deans Type – Nunchuck or LiPo (comes with tamiya connector) |
| Magazine Capacity | 300 Round Hi-Cap |
| Gearbox Type | Version 2 Proprietary |
| Upgradability | Medium |
| Action | Semi Auto / Full Auto |
Krytac is a relatively new kid on the scene of airsoft manufacturers (new as in they’ve been around in the last decade). Krytac is a subdivision of KRISS, famous for the real-steel Vector sub-machinegun. The real-steel quality shows in their high-performance airsoft and training replica line.
The Trident MKII CRB line is the short-barrelled version of the Trident line of airsoft guns.
If you’re mainly concerned with maximizing performance to a reasonable price, then stop right here.
Their main standout feature is all the quality of life upgrades they’ve made to the, rather stagnant, Tokyo Marui design. Here’s a short list of the quality of life features that you usually don’t find on other high-end airsoft M4s:
- Rotary hop-up unit has audible clicks as well as a numbered wheel so you can set your hop up the same each time.
- The hop up arm can be lifted to clean or adjust the nub. No more screwing around with the nub and bucking!
- Gearbox windows to lub the gears directly without opening the gearbox itself. This window can also allow you to ensure your angle of engagement is correct (which is a contributing factor to broken pistons!)
- Multiple battery compartments for different configurations in the ergonomic buckstock.
Despite the CQB length of this gun (10.5 inch barrel w/ a 280mm inner barrel) we were able to easily strike targets out to 150 feet with 0.25g BB’s.
In addition to the great internals, there are a plethora of external quality-of-life features. The modular keymod handguard keeps the airsoft gun light and has the famous “trident” prongs that allow you to brace the airsoft m4 up against terrain and barricades. Additionally, the fire selector is ambidextrous accommodating left and right handed users.
The bolt catch is also functional (mostly making the gun look and feel more cool) but this also has the function of making it easier to adjust the hopup.
In addition to the built-in sling adaptors near the buffer tube the stock also features QD (quick detach) sling swivels allowing you to use the most high-tech sling system.
Overall, it’s hard to say no to the Krytac line of full metal airsoft M4’s.
What’s the difference between the MKII-M and the MKII standard?
The difference is in the rails. The MKII-M line will use the M-LOK variant of the modular rail system (most similar to the real-steel KRISS TR210 rail). The MKII standard line will include the Keymod variant of the modular rail system (most similar to the real-steel KRISS TR110).
It all comes down to aesthetics and which modular rail works best for you. Personally, we prefer the M-LOK handguard. It is all personal preference, though. The MKII-M line is a little bit more expensive, but not by much typically.
Who is this gun for?
If you want to maximize your performance while spending a reasonable number of dollars, it is VERY hard to beat the Krytac Trident MK2 here.
The main thing you’ll have to ask yourself is: Do I intend to tech the gun at a later date? If you do plan to do so, keep in mind the gearbox limitations as many parts are going to be proprietary. If teching isn’t your thing, then the Krytac airsoft M4 will be one of the best purchases you can make.
Keep in mind that there are also other lengths for the Trident line. All of them feature the great Krytac internals, so you want to select the right length for the right missions.
Small Battery Compartment in Stock
Typically More Expensive
Knights Armament Airsoft URX3 M4A1 Airsoft AEG by G&P
| Specifications | Value |
|---|---|
| Type: | M4 / AR-15 Electric |
| Muzzle Velocity: | 400 FPS |
| Range: | 175 Feet |
| Receiver Construction: | Full Metal Upper & Lower Receivers |
| Length: | 33 inches / 36 inches (Retracted / Extended) |
| Weight: | 9.0 lbs |
| Inner Barrel Type | Brass |
| Inner Barrel Length | 390 mm |
| Outer Barrel Length | 14.5” Metal |
| Hop Up | One Piece TM Style |
| Includes Rail | Yes – Full Metal Knight’s Armament URX3 Modular Rail |
| Includes Battery & Charger? | No |
| Battery Type | Rear Wired – Deans Plug |
| Magazine Capacity | 120 Round Mid Capacity Magazine |
| Gearbox Type | Version 2 (G&P gearboxes we found can be picky with parts) |
| Upgradability | Medium High |
| Action | Semi Auto / Full Auto |
G&P is known for having high-quality internals and rugged externals. Out of the box, we were able to hit targets ranging out to 170 feet.
All in all, everything about this airsoft M4 is above average by a significant margin, but let us get to the sexy part about this airsoft gun: the Knights Armament gear.
The included URX3 modular RIS is just one of the best-looking (in our humble opinion) rail systems out there.
Included with the gun are KAC flip-up sights and the outer barrel is dimpled to mimic the KAC weight reduction design. Other notable inclusions are the QD (quick detach) sling mounts near the buffer tube, and the laser engraved trademarks located on the RIS, receiver, and even the crane stock!
It’s, unfortunately, a bit too bad that this gun comes in much heavier than other top-tier airsoft guns at this price range.
For your average casual game it probably won’t matter, but the extra 2-3 lbs on an airsoft gun can be a big difference in a MILSIM 40 hour event.
For those who are looking for a KAC airsoft gun, however, this is one of the few good options. We don’t hesitate recommended G&P since we know that the internals and externals are almost always close to top tier in terms of quality and construction.
Fully capable of taking an 11.1v LiPo and firing at around 21 RPS, we’re glad to see a G&P make the cut for being one of the best airsoft M4’s available.
Who is this gun for?
Anyone looking to get a KAC airsoft M4, look no further. There simply isn’t (at the time of the writing) a better option than this one.
EMG Black Rain Ordnance BRO SPEC15 Licensed AR-15 Airsoft AEG Rifle with M-LOK Handguard
| Specs | Value |
|---|---|
| Type: | M4 / AR-15 Electric |
| Muzzle Velocity: | 390 FPS |
| Range: | 150 Feet |
| Receiver Construction: | Full Metal Uppers & Lower Receivers |
| Length: | 35 inches / 38 inches (Retracted / Extended) |
| Weight: | 7 lbs |
| Inner Barrel Type | Brass 6.05mm |
| Inner Barrel Length | 445 mm |
| Outer Barrel Length | 16.5” Metal |
| Hop Up | 1 Piece – Adjustable |
| Includes Rail | Yes -15″ M-LOK Modular RIS |
| Includes Battery & Charger? | No |
| Battery Type | Rear Wired – Deans Connector |
| Magazine Capacity | 300 Round High Capacity Magazine |
| Gearbox Type | Version 2 – Quick Spring Change System |
| Upgradability | Medium High |
| Action | Semi Auto / Full Auto |
EMG’s Black Rain Ordnance AR-15 is an airsoft m4 OEmed by King Arms. King Arms has been making fairly high quality airsoft guns for a while now. We’ve always considered them a B grade airsoft manufacturer as they make quality products at a relatively reasonable price. Their airsoft guns don’t scream “amazing,” but are functional and no-nonsense.
The gearbox comes with most of what you can expect from a higher-end airsoft M4. The gearbox features a quick spring change system and has some fairly robust internals and an in-line MOSFET.
This King Arms gearbox sits inside a BEAUTIFUL package though.
The BRO SPEC15 M-LOK modular handguard is low profile and very easy to handle. The pistol grip is a replica of the Strike Industries style pistol grip and the crane stock is no non-sense comfortable.
While at this price point we’d hope for just a bit more performance – this gun does pass the basic standards we have set for a high-end airsoft M4.
Who is this gun for?
If you’re okay with not needing every inch of performance and you just want an airsoft M4 that LOOKS great – the EMG BRO SPEC15 airsoft M4 is a solid option.
G&G Top Tech Full Metal Blowback TR4-18 Airsoft AEG Rifle
| Specs | Value |
|---|---|
| Type: | M4 / AR-15 Electric |
| Muzzle Velocity: | 340 FPS |
| Range: | 150 Feet |
| Receiver Construction: | Full Metal Uppers & Lower Receivers |
| Length: | 27 inches / 31 inches (Retracted / Extended) |
| Weight: | 6 lbs |
| Inner Barrel Type | 6.08 mm |
| Inner Barrel Length | 275 mm |
| Outer Barrel Length | 10.5” Metal |
| Hop Up | 1 Piece – Adjustable |
| Includes Rail | Yes – 416 Style Quad RIS |
| Includes Battery & Charger? | No |
| Battery Type | Rear Wired – Small Tamiya – Nunchuck |
| Magazine Capacity | 45 Round High Capacity Magazine |
| Gearbox Type | Version 2 -Pneumatic Blow Back |
| Upgradability | High |
| Action | Semi Auto / Full Auto |
G&G’s Top Tech line has always been a decent hitter in the tier of high-quality AEG’s. They’re known for more esoteric airsoft gun models like the L85 or the F2000. However, they’ve done a fairly good job here with the TR418 (their version of the 416).
For those airsoft players looking enviously at the 416 quad rail, but don’t quite have the dollars to put toward the Umarex 416D by VFC would do well to consider the TR4-18.
Internally speaking, it is a fairly decent performer using G&G’s 8mm V2 gearbox with a built-in MOSFET and pneumatic blowback.
The pneumatic blowback is a G&G novelty – but basically, the mock bolt cover will cycle as the piston cycles back in the cylinder.
It creates a pretty cool-looking moving bolt effect. Now, does it affect performance? Yes, a smidge, because the mock bolt cover is attached to a port in the top of the cylinder, there’s a loss in air efficiency. However, this airsoft M4 did pass our basic requirements for a high-tier airsoft M4… if just by a smidge.
Externally, you’re looking at a 416 style full metal quad RIS along with some H&K style sights. Aside from that and the H&K style fire selector engravings, there isn’t much else that can be considered “416” about the TR4-18.
Who is this gun for?
For those looking to have a decent performing 416 replica but can’t shell out top dollars for the Umarex 416 A5, then this is a good consideration for an airsoft M4.
The Winner is:
So we have some great choices in this round-up. If you went ahead and blindly selected any of them, we don’t think you’d be disappointed with any of them.
Nonetheless, to us, there are some clear winners here:
We’re generally extremely impressed by the VFC line of airsoft guns. This is why they are….
In terms of overall value and versatility – the best airsoft M4 is a tie between the Umarex 416 by VFC or the Elite Force VR16 Saber by VFC. At this point, it depends on the kind of rails and external features you want. Quad rails? Go with the 416. Looking for modular rails? Go with the VR16. Internally speaking they’re mostly identical in performance (which is outstanding).
Now, if you’re looking for a line of top-tier airsoft guns that are more affordable, but still bring that performance, then look no further than the Krytac line of airsoft M4’s.
If you’re interested in purchasing any airsoft gun in this list, you can check out the links provided above, or scroll further down for our final breakdowns. Truthfully, any of the guns is a contender for being on a list of the best airsoft guns on the market.
Conclusion: Final Breakdown on the Best Airsoft M4
Choose If You Want Modular Rails
Frequently Asked Questions:
What attachments do you recommend for these airsoft M4’s?
We recommend the following 3 components for each airsoft gun:
- Flashlight
- Optics (Usually a red dot)
- Sling
Feyachi FL11-MB Tactical Flashlight
Feyachi Reflex Sight – Red & Green Reticles
Black Rifle Sling with Quick Length Adjuster & Upgraded Metal Hook
What is the most realistic airsoft M4?
The KWA LM4 PTR is the most realistic airsoft M4 available. This is because it has a fully functioning gas operated bolt carrier. It was designed, from the beginning, to be a professional training rifle. However, we did not include it on our list of the best airsoft M4’s because it is a gas-blowback rifle. See our article on gbbr’s vs AEG’s. Gas blowback rifles, while highly realistic, are expensive and do not perform as well as AEG’s.
Does a longer barrel increase FPS?
Generally speaking, no. Sometimes it can, often times it does not. A tighter bore is likely to increase FPS, not length. What a longer barrel can do is allow more time for the BB to accelerate. However, this partly depends on the cylinder type (which is an internal component of your air compression system).
This video by TheAirsoftTech channel will help explain cylinder / barrel volume ratios. Just know that a longer barrel doesn’t always more more FPS, and in fact can always REDUCE it.
Can I remove the orange tip?
United States has federally mandated that all airsoft products are to be sold with the orange tip. This is really for your own safety as you don’t want any police agencies believing you have a real weapon (which the orange tip helps ID it as an airsoft product). You’d hope that United States law enforcement agencies would be able to tell the difference between a replica and real firearms, but it is not really reasonable for them to assume. This is why the orange tip is essential due to local laws and removing them can create a problem.
With that said, you’ll find a lot of players violating local laws and end up removing their orange tip. Hopefully they know the risks involved. Ultimately, we want you to be safe, and the airsoft hobby / sport truly does NOT need any tragedies and you want to reduce dangerous situations as much as you can.
By removing the orange tip you can create other legal concerns with local law as well.
