In this guide we’ll look at the best nerf guns.
We’ve compared design, firing range, firing speed and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
What Is The Best Nerf Gun?
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More Detailed Nerf Gun Reviews
Nerf Rival Nemesis MXVII - 10K
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Nerf Rival Nemesis MXVII - 10K Review
The Nerf Rival Nemesis MXVII is the best on the market, fantastic value and seriously fun. It’s extremely easy to use and fire. The easy-loading, high-capacity hopper lets you load fast and big. It can hold over 100 high-impact rounds giving you a huge amount of firepower.
This Nerf gun is also motorized which means rapid blasting. Blast rounds at a velocity of 100 feet per second – that’s speedy! Despite the speed, this is easy to aim and exceptionally powerful, making it the one to watch in the family battle! It comes in either red or blue allowing for an even more intense competition!
This can be powered with batteries or the Nerf Rival Rechargeable battery pack which is sold separately.
Specifications:
No. of darts: 100
Rounds per second: 6
Speed: 100 feet per second
Weight: 5.78lbs
Age range: Best for kids aged 14 and above
Batteries: Not included
Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII - 20K
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Nerf Rival Prometheus MXVIII - 20K Review
The Nerf Rival Prometheus is another high impact and intense Nerf gun. This has an advanced acceleration system meaning it can blast up a whopping 8 rounds per second. It comes with a trigger lock, tactical rail and shoulder strap, meaning you can battle on all day without getting tired, although this is better suited to the older kids.
The hopper is high capacity and can hold up to 200 Nerf Rival rounds, and it comes with 200 foam bullets. This fires rounds at a velocity of 100 feet per second, and it’s super easy to aim. It comes with red and blue team flags. Either attach a flag to your blaster or get the family involved in a capture the flag battle! This includes a rechargeable NiMh battery.
Specifications:
No. of darts: 200
Rounds per second: 8
Speed: 100 feet per second
Weight: 5lbs
Age range: Best for kids aged 14 and above
Batteries: Includes NiMh battery
Nerf Doomlands 2169 Vagabond Blaster (Amazon Exclusive)
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Nerf Doomlands 2169 Vagabond Blaster (Amazon Exclusive) Review
One for the younger kids, The Vagabond makes the perfect present. This beast has a 6 dart rotating barrel with pump action blasting for that added excitement. It comes with and can fire 6 darts in a row, or fire all 6 at once! All you need to do is load them into the barrel, give it a pump, and pull the trigger to blast the enemy.
This Nerf gun has a unique see-through blaster which allows you to see the inner firing mechanism and watch it in action as you blast. The gun can be reloaded as you fire. While the bullets might not travel as far as some others on my list, it’s safe, seriously fun, and perfect for younger kids.
Specifications:
No. of darts: 6
Rounds per second: 1 or 6
Weight: 2.2lbs
Age range: Best for kids aged 8 and above
Batteries: Not needed
Nerf N-Strike Elite HyperFire Blaster
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Nerf N-Strike Elite HyperFire Blaster Review
The Nerf N-Strike Elite HyperFire Blaster is seriously impressive, firing up to 5 darts per second at speed. The bright orange and blue body means you’ll stand out from the crowd, and the unique shape makes it comfortable to hold and easy to aim.
This comes with 25 Elite darts which it can fire up to 90 feet away. The blaster is fully motorized and, with fresh batteries, can fire up to 5 darts per second allowing you to truly shower the enemy. Powerful and impressive to look at, the HyperFire Blaster will be a strong contender in any Nerf gun battle.
Specifications:
No. of darts: 25
Rounds per second: 5
Speed: 90 feet per second
Weight: 8lbs
Age range: Best for kids aged 8 and above
Batteries: Not included
Nerf Zombie Strike FlipFury Blaster
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Nerf Zombie Strike FlipFury Blaster Review
The Nerf Zombie Strike FlipFury Blaster is exciting, energetic and perfect for battling the enemy (or showing your brothers and sisters who’s boss).
This Nerf blaster has 2 flipping dart drums which hold 6 darts each. Waste zero time reloading with the Flip-Fire action. This lets you fire 12 darts without reloading, blasting the first 6 before pulling the secondary trigger to flip the drum and release another load.
With 12 foam darts included, this Nerf gun will clear the battlefield in minutes. It’s perfect for kids who fancy spending their free time battling zombies, and it’s extremely durable. The design is awesome and it’s exceptionally lightweight.
Specifications:
No. of darts: 12
Rounds per second: 6
Speed: Approx 20 feet per second
Weight: 2.5lbs
Age range: Best for kids aged 8 and above
Batteries: Not needed
Nerf N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18 Blaster
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Nerf N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18 Blaster Review
The Rapidstrike CS-18 Blaster is perfect for kids of all ages. This awesome Nerf gun is can hold 18 Elite darts, firing them up to 75 feet. The motorized rapid-fire blasting is unleashed with just a simple hold of the trigger to gather power, and can send the Elite Darts flying at a rate of 3.2 darts per second.
This has a see-through clip meaning you can instantly see how many darts you have left. It’s lightweight, streamlined and comfortable to carry in multiple positions. Plus, the material is excellent quality and it’s seriously durable. Made using safe materials and great for the kids.
Specifications:
No. of darts: 18
Rounds per second: 3.2
Speed: 75 feet per second
Weight: 2.98lbs
Age range: Best for kids aged 8 and above
Batteries: Not included
Infinus Nerf N-Strike Elite Toy Motorized Blaster
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Infinus Nerf N-Strike Elite Toy Motorized Blaster Review
The Infinus Nerf N-Strike Elite blaster features speed load technology that automatically loads darts into the 30 dart drum, saving valuable seconds that could be the difference between winning and losing.
This model is fully motorized to shoot 30 darts at high speed. The 30 dart drum is detachable, but it’s easy to reload in the middle of a battle an indicator light will tell you when the drum is full. Holding down the acceleration trigger will build insane amounts of power, and you can keep feeding darts into the loader as you blast.
Tested rigorously for performance and durability, this Nerf blaster is a solid weapon of choice.
Specifications:
No. of darts: 30
Rounds per second: 6
Speed: 72 feet per second
Weight: 4.7lbs
Age range: Best for kids aged 8 and above
Batteries: Not included
Nerf Rampage N-Strike Elite Toy Blaster
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Nerf Rampage N-Strike Elite Toy Blaster Review
The Rampage N-Strike blaster has a high capacity 25-dart drum, and comes with 25 quality foam darts. It has bundles of firepower thanks to its slam-fire action. This lets kids shoot a rapid-fire dart storm at the enemy simply by holding the trigger and sliding the handle.
This Nerf gun shoots at speed. It blasts darts up to 90 feet away, with no batteries required. Prime and fire a shower of darts at family members, broccoli, homework…you name it! This gun has been tested for performance, quality and durability. It’s guaranteed to take your Nerf gun game to the next level!
Specifications:
No. of darts: 25
Rounds per second: 5
Speed: 90 feet per second
Weight: 2.8lbs
Age range: Best for kids aged 8 and above
Batteries: Not needed
Nerf Zombie Ripchain Combat Blaster
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Nerf Zombie Ripchain Combat Blaster Review
The Zombie Ripchain Combat Blaster is an awesome nerf gun with 25-darts which can be loaded into the chain to defend your turf against a Zombie invasion. Pumping the handle will prime the blaster to fire a shower of darts.
Fire one dart at a time or use the exciting slam-fire action, which allows you to fire all 25 darts at high speed to overwhelm invaders. This is extremely lightweight but good for both beginners and more established Nerf gun fanatics. The 25 dart chain is fun to load and gives the Nerf gun a unique look, while pumping the handle to prime the blaster will build energy so you can take out the energy with ease.
Specifications:
No. of darts: 25
Rounds per second: 5
Weight: 3.3lbs
Age range: Best for kids aged 8 and above
Batteries: Not needed
Nerf N-Strike Mega TwinShock
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Nerf N-Strike Mega TwinShock Review
The Mega TwinShock is for mega battles. It has 3 awesome ways to blast making it practically unbeatable. Fire 1 dart if you’ve just got one person to take out, blast 2 at once or unleash the impossibly fast slam-fire on your enemy.
This fires darts up to 85 feet and comes with 10 Mega darts. But these aren’t just any darts! For added adrenaline, these darts will scream through the air! This gun has a powerful pump action blasting and it’s easy to load. The best thing about this Nerf gun? The size. This gun is a real monster but it’s still lightweight, weighing under 4lbs.
Specifications:
No. of darts: 10
Rounds per second: 2
Speed: 85 feet per second
Weight: 3.79lbs
Age range: Best for kids aged 8 and above
Batteries: Not needed
Nerf Zombie Strike Brainsaw Blaster
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Nerf Zombie Strike Brainsaw Blaster Review
The Nerf Zombie Strike Brainsaw Blaster has an awesome spinning saw blade which is perfect for showing the enemy who’s boss, and it comes with 8 foam darts. Pair with other Zombie Nerf guns to protect the world from zombie invasions.
This blaster holds 8 darts and can fire one at a time. Simply load the darts into the blaster, take aim and build some power using the pump action blasting. It’s accurate, speedy and if you run out of darts, use the spinning saw blade as an extra mode of attack! Lightweight, durable, and all you need to free the world from a zombie invasion.
Specifications:
No. of darts: 8
Rounds per second: 1
Weight: 3.19lbs
Age range: Best for kids aged 8 and above
Batteries: Not needed
Nerf N-Strike Elite AccuStrike RaptorStrike
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Nerf N-Strike Elite AccuStrike RaptorStrike Review
Take down the enemy in one swift blow with the AccuStrike RaptorStrike. This comes with 18 darts specifically designed for accuracy and has bold action blasting. If you’re shooting from a distance, the extendable bipod lets you set up your position and lay waiting for the enemy.
This comes with 6 dart clips and 18 darts to keep you armed during battle. It also has a pop up sight to help you get that perfect shot even easier. These darts fire up to around 75 feet depending on conditions.
Specifications:
No. of darts: 18
Rounds per second: 1
Speed: 75 feet per second
Weight: 3.7lbs
Age range: Best for kids aged 8 and above
Batteries: Not needed
Nerf N-Strike StratoBow Bow
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Nerf N-Strike StratoBow Bow Review
A fantastic Nerf product to help you stand out is the Stratobow Bow. Fans of Lord of the Rings will love taking aim with this dart-firing bow. It has an integrated 15-dart clip that automatically loads the next dart, meaning you can fire 15 darts in a row without reloading – Legolas style!
This bow can send darts zooming through the air up to 85 feet away. Simply pull the string back and release it to unleash a dart, although I recommend perfecting your aim before you head into battle! This comes with 15 elite darts and is a seriously fun twist on traditional Nerf guns.
Specifications:
No. of darts: 15
Rounds per second: 1
Speed: 85 feet per second
Weight: 2.2lbs
Age range: Best for kids aged 8 and above
Batteries: Not needed
Nerf N-Strike Elite SurgeFire
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Nerf N-Strike Elite SurgeFire Review
The Elite SurgeFire is a true monster, with a 15-dart rotating drum to help you blast away the enemy in seconds. Simply load, prime and unleash a surge of 15 darts on top of the enemy. Alternatively, fire one dart at a time if you don’t want to give away your position.
This model can fire darts up to 90 feet away making it great as either a blaster or sniper. It’s easy to carry and load, simply move the grip backwards and forwards to prime the blaster, then pull the trigger. You’ll be virtually unbeatable with this by your side.
Specifications:
No. of darts: 15
Rounds per second: 5
Speed: 90 feet per second
Weight: 2.6lbs
Age range: Best for kids aged 8 and above
Batteries: Not needed
Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster
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Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster Review
The Elite Strongarm Blaster lets you fire 6 darts in a row at speed, and the darts can reach a whopping 90 feet. The fiip-open rotating 6-dart barrel is easy to load and hand powered for an extra adrenaline thrill.
This blaster has slam fire blasting, and comes with 6 Nerf darts designed for accuracy and durability, maintaining stability in the air even if you’re shooting from a distance. This is a perfect blaster for Nerf gun beginners as no batteries are required and it’s easy to use.
Specifications:
No. of darts: 6
Rounds per second: 6
Speed: 90 feet per second
Weight: 1.6lbs
Age range: Best for kids aged 8 and above
Batteries: Not needed
Nerf N-Strike Elite Triad EX-3
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Nerf N-Strike Elite Triad EX-3 Review
The Elite Triad EX-3 is well worth considering if you’re a beginner. This has a good amount of power, firing darts up to 90 feet! But it’s easy to use and compact, making it comfortable to carry around during battles.
This gun is equipped with smart technology that tells you which barrel is loaded meaning you can fire it with confidence! It can be concealed in the palm of your hand then quickly drawn for the element of surprise! Those of you who want the slam-fire feeling however, should opt for another, as this gun is more like a pistol – firing just one shot at once. It comes with 3 elite darts.
Specifications:
No. of darts: 3
Rounds per second: 3
Speed: 90 feet per second
Weight: 5.6 ounces
Age range: Best for kids aged 8 and above
Batteries: Not needed
TerraScout Recon Nerf Toy RC Drone N-Strike Elite Blaster
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TerraScout Recon Nerf Toy RC Drone N-Strike Elite Blaster Review
The TerraScout Recon Elite blaster is a little different. This remote controlled dart-blasting drone comes with a controller to operate the drone, and you can view live videos to see your out of sight targets.
This drone has an LCD screen that provides a live video feed, and it’ll also record your battles in pictures and videos. This has a 35 dart drum and comes with 35 high accuracy Nerf darts. This can be used on all terrains (although not in wet conditions) and comes with a rechargeable battery. It reaches a speed of 215 feet per minute and can turn 360 degrees rapidly.
Specifications:
No. of darts: 35
Rounds per second: 1
Weight: 11.25lbs
Age range: Best for kids aged 8 and above
Batteries: Rechargeable
Nerf Gun Buyer’s Guide
There’s no better way to release some steam than with a good old Nerf gun. Loved by adults just as much as kids, a Nerf gun battle is some lighthearted fun for all the family.
There’s a huge range on the market. From state of the art (and pricey) models, to durable and sturdy guns for those who are a little more accident-prone, the perfect Nerf gun is easy to find. And with technology expanding at the rate it is, Nerf guns are only going to get better.
The best Nerf guns will sell out fast, but with such a variety online it’s worth having a checklist of what matters to you. Here’s what to look for when it comes to shopping for the best nerf guns on the market.
Rapid Fire Mode / Automatic
Battery powered automatic Nerf guns are the most popular and seriously fun. They have a rapid-fire mode meaning you can shoot multiple darts. These are generally seen as more fun than standard Nerf guns and they certainly add to the adrenaline.
No. of Darts
Most Nerf guns come with foam darts included, but buying more is a good option to ensure you don’t run out! Buying them separately can be expensive, so while it might seem a lot of money to pay for a Nerf gun with 30+ darts included, it’s probably less than what you’d pay if you bought the darts separately.
Consider Shooting Distance
While the distance a Nerf gun can shoot won’t directly influence it’s firepower, it certainly helps! Many Nerf guns can shoot their darts 100 feet per second, which is great if you’re planning on battling it out in your local park or the forest. If you’re buying for younger kids or not planning on battling outside the house, the distance will be less important.
Easy to Hit Target
Of course, everyone wants a good shot, but the majority of Nerf guns can be pretty accurate if you shoot properly. Most Nerf guns come with foam darts, but it’s consistency that gets you the accuracy. If you have a gun that shoots the same way every time, you can learn to be accurate. Sniper-style guns are the most accurate, while attacking guns that fire showers of bullet will be less.
Portability
You need to find something that’s comfortable to play with and carry for long periods of time. If it’s too large or heavy, your child might get bored and tired quickly. Nerf guns that are too small might get boring quickly, especially when friends are upgrading!
Durability
If you’re playing with kids, durability is important. However, at the end of the day these are plastic toys, so they aren’t going to last forever. Read reviews to check that the Nerf gun doesn’t jam easily as this is a common issue.
Price/Budget
There are so many Nerf guns on the market today, so prices are generally very competitive. While the more expensive Nerf guns will have more advanced features, the cheaper options are perfect for beginners and not that different when it comes to durability. Save money by buying a Nerf gun with the foam darts included.
FAQs
How Does a Nerf Gun Work?
There’s 4 main types of Nerf guns, with each working in slightly different ways. Spring loaded blasters come with a powerful spring that compresses air into a plunger chamber. When you pull the trigger, the spring is released which causes a sudden rise in pressure to fire the dart.
Flywheel blasters have two wheels that rotate quickly. The dart fires through the wheels at high speed. These require batteries and are generally the Nerf guns with the fastest shot. Finally, there’s string blasters which are similar to a bow and arrow. Pull back the string until it’s taught and pull the trigger. This releases the string to fire the dart.
How Much do Nerf Guns Cost?
The price of a Nerf gun can vary enormously, but when it comes to hours of enjoyment versus money spent, they’re incredible value. Nerf guns will cost more if they have more advanced features, these ones will be powered by more expensive NiMh batteries. However, Nerf guns are still really just toys! They’re unlikely to break the bank and make great presents. The cheapest options will cost just a few dollars, while the more advanced Nerf guns could be up to $100.
How Safe are Nerf Guns?
The number one question that gets asked is, how safe are Nerf guns. The whole point of a Nerf gun is to give children and adults a taste of the action without compromising their safety. The darts are made from foam with a small plastic piece on the end. If fired from a very short distance towards someone’s skin, they may sting a little, but at longer range it’s very unlikely a Nerf gun dart will hurt you!
A few things to watch out for are not aiming the gun at anyone’s eyes, even if you think it’s not loaded. They can do damage when fired at close range into an eyeball. Do not leave your Nerf gun lying around if it’s loaded, and always shoot for the body – not the head. Be extra careful around unsuspecting pets!