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13 Best Paintball Guns For Under $300. Your Complete Guide with Comparison Table

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Paintball is a high-octane and thrilling sport and if you love to play as much as I do, then you're eventually going to want your own gun! But, what's the best paintball gun when your budget is up to $300?

In this article, I provide you with a review of 13 guns and I talk about 8 more all under $300-. If you just want to know my overall pick... Here it is: the Tippmann A-5 (I'll go into more detail below).

Once you've decided that you aren't renting a gun anymore and you want your own, then lets talk a little bit about what you should consider in a gun:

  • Which marker has the best speed, accuracy, and precision?
  • Will my marker break down when I need it most?
  • Which markers have a good weight for carrying around?
  • How long will it last before I need to replace it?
  • Can I customize and upgrade it easily?
  • Are there any unique features that make one marker better than others?

Your paintball marker is going to be your most valuable ally in every game, so you need one that’s not only dependable but will also grow alongside you.  But as important as it is to make sure that you’re getting the right kind of marker – whether you’re planning to play recreationally or even looking to go pro one day – no-one wants to break the bank on their first marker.

That’s where we come in. This guide will go through the best markers available on the market, what your best options are when considering what your price range is, and what the pros and cons of each marker are.

By the end, you’ll have a great idea of what kind of marker will be best for you while considering your budget.

Best Overall Paintball Marker Under $300

The Tippmann A-5

It’s been said by many others in the paintball community before, but the Tippmann A-5 is truly the AK-47 of the paintball world, coming down to how customizable it is. But asides from that, the A-5 has many incredible features that make it stand out from other markers of the same price.

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The Tippmann A-5 is designed to be a rapid-fire marker and accomplishes this using a cyclone feed system. This works by connecting the feeder sprocket to the marker’s internal air system, which gives its shots a lot more power. This design allows you to more easily load and shoot paintballs, which can be difficult or even stressful to newer players.

The A-5 is quite quick, with a very rapid firing speed. It is also highly accurate and is not prone to breaking down easily, meaning that it is a very reliable marker to take into the field. More than that, it feels great to use with how smoothly it fires.

The Tippmann A-5 is also one of the best-looking markers as well. A large part of this comes down to it being one of the few markers that use an integrated bolt system, which makes it look like a very sleek gun. When coupled with its smooth black finish and long-lasting aluminum body, the A-5 has a very realistic and pleasing design.

As we suggested earlier, the A-5 is often praised for how easy it is to customize, as well as for how many customizable options it has. With how easy it is to install supportive parts, this marker can be a very versatile piece of gear, that can be made to match the situation.

With how quick the Tippmann A-5 is, most owners of this marker will use it for woodsball or for different scenarios/scenario play where precision and speed matter the most.

If possible, it is recommended to invest in the A-5’s mega set. The Tippmann A-5 3Skull mega set comes with:

  • An A-5 marker with cyclone ammo hopper
  • Global mask with visor and no-fog lens
  • A 20 oz. Co2 tank with pin valve
  • 6+1 Deluxe Paintball Harness with six 140 round heavy-duty tubes.
  • Various cleaning supplies
Pros
  • Perfect for beginners and intermediate players
  • Easy to use and maintain
  • Fully customizable
  • Ideal shooting accuracy
  • Easy to assemble, integrate and detach
  • Looks great visually
  • Long-lasting and durable
Cons
  • Does no have a response trigger
  • Ranked around medium in heaviness - lighter markers are available
  • Only comes in one color


Best Value Paintball Gun for under $300

The Tippmann TMC

Another product from the Tippmann line, the Tippmann TMC is another highly rated paintball marker that is both high-end and versatile, giving you an incredible bang for your buck.

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The TMC is well-renowned for its most unique feature – the ability to choose whether it will be fed ammo by magazine or by hopper, also known as its dual-feeding system. Depending on the type of match you’re playing in, you can switch between modes to get an advantage on your opponents. Being given the ability to choose depending on the situation you’re in is a large part of what makes this marker the best value deal available for a $300 price range.

But that isn’t all that the Tippmann TMC has to offer. Regardless of which feeding system you use, the TMC shoots quickly and provides users with a high level of accuracy. Because it uses a more high-pressure operation, the TMC can be a little loud and gives a little bit of kick. But it more than makes up for it in how surprisingly lightweight a marker it is. You can travel and maneuver around the battlefield with the TMC with ease. Its quality is well-beloved and highly rated among its users.

Like the A-5, the Tippmann TMC is also crafted incredibly well, making use of sturdy parts and being highly resistant to breakage or even scratches. Its design utilizes metal for its inner gears, frame, and trigger assembly, with the rest of the marker being composed of a high-level grade polymer. Even if a part was to somehow break, it can easily be replaced given how accessible parts for the TMC are. Beyond that, with its in-line bolt system, the TMC has a real look of military authenticity, looking very similar to an actual AR-15 style rifle.

Also, like the A-5, the TMC is highly customizable. While some feel that there are parts that should be replaced as soon as possible (the stock barrel being one such example), you’ll never have to worry that you’re limited in what you can change and upgrade. Its lightness is especially useful as it allows you to upgrade it as you like without having to worry that it will become too heavy.

The Tippmann TMC can be used for various kinds of matches, but almost everyone agrees that it is the king when it comes to mag fed play.

Pros
  • Dual-feeding system
  • Highly customizable for accessories
  • Very versatile, being able to utilize a hopper or magazines
  • Lightweight and easy to pull the trigger
  • Shoots quickly and with high accuracy
  • Easy to upgrade
  • Highly durable and sturdy
Cons
  • Slightly difficult to assemble
  • Sights cannot be adjusted by height
  • Prone to breaking down or jamming after extended use

Best Runner-up Paintball Marker Under $300

The Azodin KP3.5 Kaos Pump

The latest in the KP line, the Azodin KP3.5 Kaos Pump is a marker that boasts high efficiency, accuracy, and overall performance. Being a pump paintball marker, to operate the KP3.5 you have to physically pump the gun before every shot, making it much slower than other kinds of markers.

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However, while some might not consider a marker that gives up so much speed, the KP3.5 more than makes up for it in stability and precision.

The KP3.5 features a dual-pump, or cocking rods, that provide a more secure and smooth feel with each pump you make. This design makes it very beginner-friendly while still providing the performance quality that experienced pump players would expect.

The KP3.5 provides a different experience from either the Tippmann A-5 or TMC, but it’s still a very satisfying one.  

In comparison to its predecessor, the Azodin KP3.5 has been heavily redesigned from the KP2. Using its new internal ZeRO assembly and acoustic bolt, the operating pressure has been lowered which results in both the sound of fire being much more suppressed and increasing its precision. Other standard features have also been improved, including:

  • Single trigger frame
  • On/Off ASA
  • A clamping feedneck
  • A Delrin pump handle
  • An extended two-piece barrel of 14 inches

KP3.5s are very reliable, easy to fix, and have enhanced ergonomics which provide a comfortable playtime. It is possible to customize your KP3.5, but few upgrades offer significant changes – the KP3.5 is already a very good marker.

They’re also very stylish, coming in a variety of different colors to match the look of its user. However, while the body of the KP3.5 is very sound, you should be aware that the finish is not as perfect as it could be, and that after some time it may see wear and tear.

All things considered, however, the Azodin KP3.5 Kaos Pump is the ideal marker for pump-based games.

Pros
  • Best pump marker available for the price
  • Quick and easy pumping action
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Provides great firing accuracy
  • Gives a secure and smooth feeling with its ergonomic design
  • Very user-friendly without sacrificing precision or performance
  • Available in many different colors
Cons
  • Double pumping can cause paintball balls to break or double feeding
  • Slightly heavy
  • The finish is not as pleasing as other markers and chips much more easily
  • Does not work well with Co2

Best Paintball Gun For Under $200

The Azodin Blitz 3

The Azodin Blitz 3 is an entry-level, electronic marker that offers a variety of firing modes. While many beginners may be intimidated by electronic markers in general, the Blitz 3 is relatively user-friendly and easy to figure out and use, making it a great choice when you have a budget that you need to work with.

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Being electronic, it has a variety of different firing modes, including two different semi-auto modes (one capped at 15 rounds/second and the other at 20 rounds/second), PSP ramping, and a fully automatic mode. In addition, all these modes are programmable, meaning that you can customize the settings to your own preferences.

The lightness of this marker is one of its key features and makes it a pleasure to use. With the Azodin Blitz 3, you can easily maneuver around the field without having the worry about your marker slowing you down. Being a highly powerful and highly accurate marker, wielding the Blitz 3 makes you a real threat in almost all situations.

Being mostly metal, the Blitz 3 is very durable. However, it does have a few pieces of composite plastic which may degrade over time. Its design has been vastly improved and streamlined, meaning that you won’t need to worry about being distracted by the marker’s moving parts like you would have had to for its predecessor.

The Blitz 3 is remarkably easy to maintain and take care of, making it ideal for persons who don’t want to spend much time tinkering with their markers. However, with how pricey parts can be for this marker compared to the low price of the Blitz 3 itself, it’s not really worth it to upgrade it. If you’re determined to upgrade your marker in the future, the Blitz 3 may not be the best choice.

Being as well-rounded as it is, the Azodin Blitz 3 is a great budget marker for pretty much every kind of game.

Pros
  • Very lightweight at only 2 lbs
  • Offers a guarantee not to dismantle during play
  • Has a very solid and dependable frame
  • Highly efficient and uses gas efficiently
  • Pre-programmed with multiple different firing modes
  • More streamlined design compared to its predecessors
  • Very powerful and durable
  • Comes with a generous warranty
Cons
  • Not the best marker to buy new upgrades for – better to use transferable upgrades if any
  • A bit stiff - not the most comfortable to hold and shoot
  • Does not come equipped with an On/Off ASA

Other suggestions for markers under $200 include:

Best Paintball Gun For Under $150

The Tippmann Cronus Basic

Often praised as the “best beginner marker”, the Tippmann Cronus Basic is as efficient as it is affordable.

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The frame is very solid, and this marker is durable enough that you can constantly go out into the thick of things without having to be concerned that it will break down on you. Its design also has a very militaristic likeness, being very cool and attractive, making it a good fit for mil-sim style games.

The Basic gives very little recoil, meaning that players can use this marker for a long period of time without becoming disoriented. Even better, with it being such a lightweight marker, even players with smaller statures can make use of the Basic without being quickly tired out. Its molded rubber grips only continue to increase how comfortable and easy it is to use this marker when carrying it around the field.

In spite of its affordability, it is not a bad marker. The Tippmann Cronus Basic has both very high accuracy and a fast firing rate. It has been built to be efficient for various situations and game types.

The Tippman Cronus Basic is also very open to customization. With customization options including barrel, shield, red dot sights, grip, and lights, players can change this marker to more efficiently match their play style. If desired, one could even turn it into a full tactical marker.

If you’re a completely new player and in need of most of the gear needed for paintball, then the Cronus Paintball Starter Package is highly recommended. This set comes with:

  • The Tippmann Cronus Basic itself
  • An anti-fog paintball mask
  • A 20 oz. Co2 tank
  • A 4+1 paintball harness
  • Six standard paintball pods with 140 rounds
  • A 200 round paintball hopper
  • Cleaning supplies

Just like the Azodin Blitz 3, the Tippmann Cronus Basic is a great fit for almost any game. For any beginners who are interested in getting into the sport, or intermediate players who like to play casually, this marker would be a great fit.

Pros
  • Very comfortable to hold and carry
  • Highly durable
  • Very reliable and accurate shooting
  • Very reasonably priced for the quality
  • Simple to use
  • Very lightweight
  • Has minimal recoil
  • Great for beginners or younger players
Cons
  • Disassembling this marker can be frustrating
  • Prone to leaking Co2

Other suggestions for markers under $150 include:

Best Paintball Marker Under $100

Spyder Victor

Finally, if you’re looking for a great marker that’s under $100, look no further than the Spyder Victor.

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Despite its very low cost, the Spyder Victor is remarkable when it comes to its high level of performance. Its external velocity adjuster gives you extreme control over your shots resulting in a high level of precision. It is also very efficient with its gas, being able to fire as much as 1,500 shots from a 20 oz. Co2 tank (compared to the typical 800 shots per 20 oz. tank for other markers), meaning that you can outshoot most other markers of this price range.

In addition to being powerful, this marker is also very reliable. The Victor rarely has jamming issues on the field meaning you’ll never be caught unarmed. With its comfortable grip panel, you can expect a good level of comfort while holding and shooting this marker. And, with its incredibly light weight, you can easily move around the field and will always be prepared to take an essential shot.

Another very useful feature of this marker is that it is very simple to maintain it. Disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling the Victor can be done in just under five minutes. When it comes to customization, however, it is suggested that you keep upgrades simple: a major suggestion being that you replace the adjustable screw for the feedneck with a lever-style clamp.

While the Spyder Victor is an overall great product for its price, it is unfortunately not perfect. The main downside to this marker lies in its durability. Because the composite material used to craft the Victor’s body is of a lower level to the other markers on this list, you can eventually expect some wear and tear.

Despite that flaw, this marker is still a great choice and can be utilized for all types of play. If you’re looking for a budget marker for under $100, we recommend the Spyder Victor.

Pros
  • Among the best of entry-level guns
  • High level of accuracy
  • Great Co2 gas-efficiency
  • Highly reliable and affordable
  • Offers a high level of control/precision
  • Very lightweight
Cons
  • Not as durable as other markers
  • Screws may loosen over time
  • Not the best marker to invest your upgrades into

Other suggestions for markers under $100 include:

Second-hand Purchase / Used and Refurbished Paintball Markers

For a sport like paintball where your equipment can make or break a game, you might think that buying a brand-new marker is the only way to go. However, we’re happy to say that this is not the case.

Used and refurbished markers are absolutely a great option and one that is chosen by not only beginners but also by high-level players of the game. If you’re fine with using gear that has been previously used, you can end up saving a lot of money that you can later invest in other pieces of equipment, attachments, or ammo.

The question is, what are the important things to consider before buying used or refurbished?

Check the marker’s condition

Superficial wear and tear usually isn’t a problem. However, if there are any obvious signs that the marker has been worn down, cracked, or is generally non-functional, it would be a good idea to pass on it.

Verify who is making the sale

If you’re purchasing the marker online, investigate the seller’s history. Trusted shops in the industry are ideal. Be wary of individuals who might just be trying to make a quick buck by selling you a broken gun.

Only make Payments through Trusted Payment Systems

It’s a good idea to make any purchases through a payment system that can keep track of your money, like PayPal. That way the seller can’t run off with your cash if the marker does not come as described.

Test out the marker yourself

There’s no better way to see how the marker handles than by trying it yourself. If the marker is the real deal, then the seller should have no problems with letting you test the marker yourself under their supervision. If they refuse without a good reason, be wary of a possible scam.

If you’re purchasing online, ask for a shooting video.

Places to Purchase Used/Refurbished Markers

The following websites are trusted and verified sellers of used and refurbished markers:

Alternatively, you can find independent sellers on the following sites, just be sure to do your research before making any purchases:

Finally, there are some groups and pages on Facebook and Instagram that sell used/refurbished markers:

Best Used / Refurbished Marker you can Find for under $300

Empire Mini GS

If you’re open to used or refurbished paintball guns, there is no other marker that we can recommend more than the Empire Mini GS.

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The image above will take you to Amazon, however for used and refurbished guns and equipment, I would also recommend checking eBay. I've found some really great deals on eBay... The bottom below will take you to a current search for Empire Mini GS on eBay.

Sometimes called “a legend” of a marker, it was highly praised in a review by Mensgear.com, where it was stated that “the Empire Mini GS beats out any gun in its price range while also having the same quality and feel of a high-end expensive marker.”

Being one of the most cost-effective markers on the market, the Mini GS is a great marker whether you are a beginner or intermediate player. At its best, you can get a top firing rate of 293 FPS, and with 45/4500 HPA tank, you can fire as many as 100,000 paintballs before your tank runs empty.

But just because you can shoot a high quantity doesn’t mean that this marker isn’t related to a high quality. The Mini GS offers a pristine and precise shooting experience and is very accurate to boot. Offering very little recoil, this marker is a pleasure to fire in a game, and with its extreme lightness, you will be able to travel and fire it all over the field.

Even if you are a beginner, the Mini GS is amazing to handle, especially due to its rubber grips which provide a high level of comfort. Beyond just how light it is, it is also very well balanced, meaning that this marker slipping out of your hands would be a very rare situation. Having a near non-existent learning curve, it only takes around 10 minutes to properly set up before you are all set to play. 

With its aluminum frame, the Mini GS is quite durable, and you also won’t have to worry about it breaking down on the field even if it is under constant and intense use. However, it’s important to take care when disassembling and maintaining this marker. Beginners may initially struggle to properly maintain the Mini GS, but it is highly important to learn how to do so. Otherwise, this marker may not last for as long as it is truly capable of.

The Empire Mini GS is designed to be primarily catered towards speedball, but this marker can be utilized for any kind of game type. If you can find a used or refurbished Empire Mini GS in great condition for under $300, we highly recommend that you take it.

Pros
  • Extremely light and well balanced
  • Offers smooth and precise shooting
  • High speed and accurate shooting
  • Uses gas very efficiently
  • Has many different firing modes to choose from
  • Features an On/Off ASA and Micro-switch trigger
  • Has minimal recoil
  • Very tough and highly durable
  • Various ways to customize and upgrade
  • Suitable for both beginner and intermediate players
  • Incredibly budget-friendly
Cons
  • Can be uncomfortable in the hands of bigger players due to its smaller frame size
  • HPA may leak if not well maintained
  • It takes time to learn how to properly maintain this marker
  • Defected models have been reported (Known issue - Test before you buy!)

Other suggestions for Used/Refurbished Markers under $300 include:

Overall Comparison of Top Paintball Guns For Under $300

NamePriceBiggest ProsBiggest ConsRating
Tippmann A-5
(Choice!)
$$$Best performance and customization overall   Long-lasting and durableFairly heavy    5 out of 5
Tippmann TMC$$$Easy to upgrade and customize   Very versatile markerProne to breaking
down   Difficult assembly
4.7 out of 5
Azodin KP3.5 Kaos Pump$$$Quick and easy pumping action   Very user-friendlyDouble pumping causes paintball breakage   Slightly heavy4.8 out of 5
Azodin Blitz 3$$Very light weight   Offers multiple firing modesSlightly uncomfortable   Not ideal for customization/upgrading4.5 out of 5
Tippman Cronus Basic$Very simple and comfortable   Good for beginnersFrustrating to disassemble   Prone to gas leakage4.2 out of 5
Spyder Victor$Very gas-efficient   Very lightweightNot the most durable   Not good for customization/upgrading4 out of 5
Empire Mini GS (used / refurbished)$$$Has many unique features   Great for both beginner/intermediate playersMaintenance can be difficult at first   Only obtainable for less than $300 in used/refurbished condition5 out of 5

Which Marker would be Best for you?

All things said and done, there are many great options to choose from when looking for markers under $300. But before purchasing any markers, it would be best to ask yourself the following questions:

Do I really need to buy my own marker?

Depending on how often you want to play, it may be a better idea to rent rather than buy a marker of your own. However, if you play often you may become frustrated with the lower quality that rented markers have to offer. Adding in rental costs, it would be worth buying your own marker if you plan to play often.

Are there any spaces nearby where I can play?

Almost all types of paintball games require a large amount of space. There are plenty of spaces in the U.S. designated for players to play paintball. Be sure to look for areas close to where you live.

How often do I plan to play?

If you only plan to play a game of paintball once or twice a year, it may be a better idea to rent a marker rather than buy one. Keep in mind that if you don’t regularly maintain your marker it may become damaged over time.

Would it be better to get a cheaper marker even if I plan to play often?

While getting a cheaper marker might sound like a good idea at first, keep in mind that they also break down a lot easier. Cheaper markers also require more customization/upgrades to keep up. All of this results in paying more money than you would have for a better gun.

Would a pump, mechanical or electronic marker be best for me?

All types have their pros and cons, and it really comes down to your preferences.

Pump markers are slower to fire but ideal for players who value precision shooting.

Mechanical markers don’t need batteries and are very reliable but are typically slower and louder.

Electronic markers can fire more consistently and are quieter but are more expensive and harder to fix.

What type of paintball games do I want to play?

There are various kinds of paintball games (woodsball, speedball, scenario play, etc.), but even the best overall marker might be beaten by a ‘weaker’ gun. Look into the different styles of play and be sure to pick a marker that would work the best for you.

Can I repair my marker if it breaks down?

Before buying a marker, research some common problems and fixes that it has. Consider if you have the skills to repair it or if there is a specialist nearby who you can reasonably take it to so that it can be repaired.

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