If you want to snatch up some of the best Nerf guns and make sure your Holidays are full of foam darts flying around the house, you may need to get moving. Shipping delays become more of a possibility the closer we are to Christmas, so acting sooner than later isn't a bad idea when it comes to Nerf blasters.
To help you decide what to get, the GamesRadar+ team and I have been rounding up our favorite Nerf blasters here for the ultimate 'best of' list. That includes something for everyone, regardless of whether you're buying for your kids or you're a pro hoping to up their game in tournaments with the best Nerf guns. They don't have a sell-by date, either; unlike the best water guns, they can be played with all year round.
Crucially, these choices are based on hands-on experience or the reviews of our peers that we've extensively cross-referenced – we haven't settled for the coolest-looking or most expensive Nerf blasters in this guide. If it features here, we'd actually buy it ourselves.
Benjamin has been writing about Nerf blasters for more than five years, and he has decades of experience on top of that. A favorite of his was the original Longshot.
Quick list
The best Nerf gun overall
It may be small, but this Nerf blaster is still mighty. Besides packing six darts at once, it's surprisingly accurate and offers a decent range that'll keep you in the fight.
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The best Nerf gun for younger kids
If you're buying for younger Nerf warriors, the Jr. range is where you should start - and this is the best of them by a long way thanks to its superior ammo-count and accuracy.
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The best Nerf gun for adults
This new addition to the line-up has completely changed the game - it removes the need to pick up darts after use, is rechargeable, and remains lots of fun. It's a must-have.
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The best long-range Nerf gun
Prefer to keep your distance during backyard battles? This Nerf blaster has a particularly long reach of 120ft, making it the ultimate dart sniper rifle.
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The best Fortnite Nerf gun
Fortnite blasters might be some of Nerf's best, but we've yet to find one we like more than this. Thanks to its screen-accurate design and battery-powered mechanics, it's a winner.
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The best Minecraft Nerf gun
A lot of Nerf blasters bring the blocky world of Minecraft into real life, but few do it better than this. It may look unwieldy, but packs a decent punch.
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Best Nerf blaster overall
✅ You want a good all-rounder: There's a reason the Commander gets revised for every Nerf range – it's reliable, accurate at short to mid-range, and fun to use.
✅ You don't want to spend too much: Seeing as this blaster weighs in at less than $20 / £10, it occupies the sweet spot of performance VS cost.
❌ Your budget can stretch: If you can spare a little more, you'll have access to increasingly impressive Nerf blasters that are arguably more satisfying and useful.
❌ You don't want to get left behind: Because the N-Series is replacing everything Nerf this summer, you may find yourself being outpaced by rivals wielding the newer Commander and its N1 darts.
At a glance: Don't be fooled by this Nerf blaster's size – it packs a punch while toeing the line between cost and good old-fashioned fun. It may not be the flashiest or satisfying, but it excels in every way that counts.
Features & design: The revolver-style Commander RD-6 is a cheap yet surprisingly versatile option. It's able to fire single shots or unleash a satisfying barrage of darts once you've pulled back the priming slider, and that open cylinder makes reloading easy either way. When combined with the ability to add accessories of your choice, this blaster has customization to spare as well. Sure, the more muted color-scheme won't be to everyone's tastes. But on paper, this toy ticks all the boxes.
Performance: Despite being so cheap, this version of the Commander is fairly accurate at short to mid-range. It's not so big that younger Nerf warriors will struggle to wield it, either.
Meanwhile, tactical rails allow you to add numerous accessories should you want to upgrade down the road. You can clip on everything from scopes to shoulder rests if you'd like, allowing you to level up what is already one of the best Nerf guns.
Alright, so it only carries six darts at a time. But that makes picking them up again less of a chore, I suppose. An impressive range of 27 meters also means you'll be able to hit foes from ages away while they're still underestimating your blaster.
Best Nerf blaster for younger kids
✅ Your kids find it hard to use normal Nerf blasters: The Jr. range requires less force to prime and fire, so young Nerf warriors will find them a lot easier to use.
✅ You want something that'll last: Because this Nerf blaster is a decent size and is fairly accurate, your child shouldn't feel as if they've outgrown it any time soon.
❌ You don't want to spend too much: Even though you can get regular deals on the Nerf Jr. range, the Rookie Pack is still the most expensive of the bunch.
❌ Your kid doesn't struggle with 'normal' Nerf: This range is designed for use by younger children thanks to less force being needed to prime and fire, so if your kid is fine with normal Nerf blasters, you may as well stick to the classics.
At a glance: Due to being smaller, lighter, and easier to use than other Nerf guns, the best Nerf Elite Jr. blasters are ideal for children aged six and up. However, the Rookie Pack sits at the top of that pile. For a start, it's crammed with value; along with a load of spare darts, this set contains targets to practice on. It's arguably the most satisfying to use, too.
Features & design: Like all other Jr. blasters, the Rookie requires less force to prime and fire than normal Nerf guns. Nevertheless, this one stands apart thanks to its increased ammo capacity, a stock for comfort, a scope, and practice targets for you to try your aim on. That bright blue, green, and orange colorway will make sneaking around difficult, but I'd argue there's something very charming about the design – it doesn't feel as if it's pretending to be 'realistic.'
Performance: Called the 'Rambler', this blaster beats other Elite Jr. equivalents in terms of functionality... and fun. To begin with, it can carry more darts at once than any other toy in the range. Along with less reloading, this means your kid can lay down a blistering rain of ammo thanks to the low pull-force on display here.
In addition, the Rambler is simply cooler to use than the others. Lining up your shots with the oversized but still-useful scope is a blast, and getting into a rhythm with its pump-action mechanism is oddly satisfying. It's a shame it doesn't use the clips of other Nerf guns for easier reloading, but hey ho – you win some, you lose some.
Best Nerf blaster for adults
✅ You hate picking up Nerf darts: Because the Gelfire Mythic fires water-hydrated rounds that dissolve on impact, you don't need to clean up afterward. Hooray for laziness!
✅ You don't like faffing with batteries: This blaster is a rare one that can be recharged using a USB-C cable, and I'll never say no to that.
❌ You don't want to spend much: Due to being fitted with some fancy bells and whistles, the Gelfire Mythic will set you back a little more than other blasters.
❌ Everyone else uses 'normal' Nerf: This blaster fires much faster than others in the Nerf range, and it uses entirely different ammo. That gives it an unfair advantage if others are using classic Nerf.
At a glance: On paper, the Gelfire Mythic shouldn't work. Biodegradable ammunition that doesn't need cleaning up sounds too good to be true, and 'water-hydrated rounds' feel like a recipe for disaster. But in reality? This is one of the best Nerf guns we've ever used. It's not even a contest.
Features & design: The headline here would obviously be those gel pellets. Made from a biodegradable material that dissolves upon impact, these beads have a lot in common with Orbeez – you dunk them in water and they expand to many times their original size. A ridiculous 800 of these are then loaded into the hopper on top of the blaster.
Speaking of which, that blaster looks similar to Nerf's Rival range. It has many of the same perks, too; its appearance is less like an arcade raygun, it has rails for accessories, packs an extendable stock, features an adjustable rate-of-fire, and runs on a rechargeable battery. However, it stands out thanks to that battery being charged by a USB-C cable.
Performance: The Gelfire Mythic more than makes good on its promises. As I mentioned in my review, it's "a mechanical marvel that changes the game" with ammo able to go far beyond our expectations. Literally – their range is remarkable.
They're easy to set up, too. Simply drop these orange grains into a bucket of water, leave them for a couple of hours, and come back to find a tub of pellets that are sturdy enough to handle but will safely disintegrate after being fired. Seriously, they don't leave any sort of mess and help you avoid the dreaded dart pickup following a backyard battle. The prep is more of a faff, true, but the lack of pickup alone helps it feel as if it's the start of something big.
Its other features are even better. Besides allowing you to forgo endless packs of AAs, it comes with the ability to spit out 10 rounds per second. Oh, and you won't need to shop for bonus ammunition anytime soon – there are 10,000 pellets in the box.
The best long-range Nerf blaster
✅ You want reliable accuracy: Unlike other long-range blasters, this one will actually hit what you're aiming at more often than not. (Shocking, I know.)
✅ You want something fun to use: It's weirdly satisfying to prime the Pinpoint's bolt-action mechanism or slam a clip of darts into the holder. That feeling doesn't get old.
❌ You're short on darts: Seeing as the Pinpoint offers excellent range, there's a very real chance you'll lose a dart or three. It only comes with 18 in the box, so get spares.
❌ You'll only use it in small spaces: Thanks to this being a long-range blaster, it's not going to shine in cramped environments.
At a glance: Nerf has spent a long time perfecting its darts, but has only just struck gold – the ammo used in N-Series blasters like Pinpoint will go down as its best by miles. When loaded into this chic yet affordable toy, you're left with a more reliably accurate Nerf gun than we've ever seen.
Features & design: As the name would suggest, Pinpoint is all about maximum accuracy. While you'll get better results across the board with those new and improved N1 darts, the Pinpoint pushes them to new heights thanks to a powerful bolt-action mechanism. Together with a scope and 10-dart clip for easy reloads, this is a very user-friendly option.
The white, blue, and orange look is certainly attention-grabbing too; while mileage will vary for some, I'd say it feels like something dragged from a sci-fi movie.
Performance: There's almost nothing negative I can say about the N-Series Pinpoint. This thing is one of the most accurate and satisfying Nerf blasters you're ever likely to use.
For starters, you'll actually hit the target you're aiming at more often than not. In the past, this… well, let's just say it was difficult to be a Nerf sharpshooter. With the Pinpoint, though, it's easy to hit your mark. In a refreshing change, the scope actually helps as well rather than being there for aesthetics only.
Next, it's incredibly satisfying to use. The weighty ka-clunk of the bolt-action primer always puts a smile on my face, as does slamming a fresh magazine of darts into the blaster. A very occasional jam is the only downside I encountered after far too long mucking about with this in the GamesRadar+ office.
Best Fortnite Nerf blaster
✅ You are, or are buying for, a Fortnite fan: This is a doppelganger for the in-game item, so fans will appreciate it.
✅ You think pump-action is for wimps: Don't want the effort of classic pump-action blasters? This one is fully motorized.
❌ You don't want the fuss of batteries: If the idea of endlessly buying new AA batteries annoys you, avoid this Nerf gun.
❌ You want something cheap: This isn't the cheapest Nerf blaster out there, so look elsewhere if you're hoping to spend as little as possible.
At a glance: Blending one of the most popular video games of all time with one of the most beloved toy brands, this Nerf blaster is ideal for fans of either. That's because it's not just a cool Fortnite crossover; it's an excellent Nerf gun in general.
Features & design: Based on the Fortnite Assault Rifle, this blaster has all the personality of that series thanks to oversized proportions and a bright, here-I-am color-scheme. All the same, it's what's inside that really impresses. The AR-L features a motorized mechanism that will fire darts much faster than normal, making it a very cool piece of kit if you can keep it stocked with batteries.
Elsewhere, the AR-L offers utility thanks to flip-up sights that go with a stock for bracing against your shoulder. A 10-dart clip for quick reloading is also a winner.
Performance: This is already the best choice for those who love Fortnite thanks to how it looks, but the blaster's motorized insides push it over the edge into 'awesome' territory. These allow you to fire darts a lot faster than usual, making it a force to be reckoned with (if you can keep it well stocked with AA batteries, anyway). Simply hold down the power button to prime the mechanism, pull the trigger, and watch darts fly. It's much easier than pump-operated alternatives, even those seen in the N-Series equivalents.
Plus, those darts are standard Elites. Because these can be bought cheaply en-masse, you can stock up for less.
Best Minecraft Nerf blaster
✅ You are, or are buying for, a Minecraft fan: Unlike so many Minecraft blasters, this one actually looks like its inspiration.
✅ You want a powerful blaster: Eager to make sure you'll be effective in back-yard battles? The range on this one is impressive.
❌ You want a replica: Want something that looks as if it's come from the game itself? You may be disappointed by the Pillager's Crossbow, as it opts for an orange and white colorway.
❌ You want something accurate: This is a novel design, but it's hard to use as a result. Unfortunately, aiming with a blocky lump of plastic isn't easy.
At a glance: The Pillager's Crossbow isn't what we expected it to be. If anything, it's better. Even though it looks clunky and imprecise, this is a powerful blaster with enough range to give you a fighting chance in soft-play battle.
Features & design: Despite being based on the Minecraft weapon, Nerf's latest crossbow carries three Elite darts that can be fired one after the other in quick succession. Simply pull back the lever, squeeze the trigger, and watch your ammo catapult itself across the room at surprising speeds. When I went hands-on with this Nerf gun, I was averaging distances of about 20 meters per shot.
It's eye-catching too. Unlike so many other blasters in the range, the Pillager's Crossbow actually copies a Minecraft item in all its blocky glory… even if it doesn't recreate the color-scheme.
Performance: You wouldn't be able to tell how well the Pillager's Crossbow works by looking at it. This chunky lump of plastic may seem unwieldy, but it fires with a ferocity that took me aback. Crikey, but its darts are fast. They were able to clear the GamesRadar+ office without much effort during testing, and there was minimal drift along the way. It'll send foes darting for cover after they underestimate you.
Sure, it isn't the easiest blaster to aim thanks to a lack of sights. Other crossbows from Nerf (like 2014's Zombie Strike Crossfire Bow) come with a greater capacity as well. But this version will have your opponents on the run in short order even so.
Cheap Nerf darts
Getting your hands on the best Nerf guns is just half the battle. If you want to stay in the game for as long as possible, it's important to stock up on as much ammo as you can carry.
To help you prepare (and avoid the ignominy of pausing the game to pick up your darts), I've broken down what Nerf darts there are here… including what they're compatible with. You see, it's important to make sure you have the right dart for the right blaster. While some of them are interchangeable, many aren't.
For more, be sure to take a look at our guide on getting cheap Nerf bullets. As for a quick explainer, here you go:
- Nerf Elite : Bog-standard Nerf darts. They're compatible with almost everything that isn't an Ultra, Hyper, or Rival blaster.
- Nerf N1: This brand-new dart is the result of over a decade's testing. They fly faster and more accurately than anything we've seen before, and are only compatible with N-Series blasters.
- Nerf Ultra: New Nerf darts that fly further than others. Only compatible with Nerf Ultra blasters.
- Nerf Hyper: Because they're pellets rather than darts, these won't work in anything that isn't a Hyper blaster.
- Nerf Rival: Another set of pellets that will only fit Rival blasters (they're bigger than Hyper pellets, so won't work on those either).
- Nerf Gelfire: This entirely new invention differs from all of the above - the rounds are water-hydrated, so start out tiny and get bigger. Only compatible with Gelfire blasters.
Best Nerf guns: FAQ
What Nerf gun is best?
Although you'll get a very different answer depending on who you ask, we'd argue that the best Nerf gun is 2022's Pro Gelfire Mythic. Packing a unique new kind of round that shatters safely on impact and leaves nothing left behind to pick up, it's an innovative design that side-steps one of the biggest problems with toys like this (finding all your darts afterward).
However those wanting a more traditional blaster that balances price with performance should consider the Nerf Elite 2.0 Commander RD-6. Sure, it doesn't necessarily have a party trick either in terms of extendable stocks or removable barrels. But it still manages to hit hard and can be fired multiple times rather than having to be primed after each shot. It's not too bulky either, so younger Nerf warriors won't be weighed down (the Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm is also a contender for much the same reason, but that one's not so widely available anymore).
Meanwhile, those with a larger budget should consider the Nerf Fortnite AR-L. As well as looking awesome thanks to being a perfect replica of the video game weapon, it has a motorized mechanism that allows users to fire 10 darts in quick succession. It uses the cheap Elite darts as well, so you won't have to spend a fortune stocking back up.
Should I buy the new Nerf N-Series?
The Nerf range has seen a massive change this year; the N-Series line has been added. Although the toy company has introduced a handful of new blasters to its armory every year, this is something of an overhaul. Alongside revised designs that make them easier to fire, it introduces an entirely different kind of dart called the N1 that is both more accurate and flies further. These are bigger than the old Nerf darts so unfortunately won't fit into your classic Elite, Rival, or Hyper blasters.
That is the reason N-Series blasters seem to be superseding what's come before; they aren't compatible with the existing ranges. Despite the older blasters sticking around (and the Pro Gelfire series still going strong), I'd guess that the N-Series/N1 darts will become the new norm in time.
Honestly, that's no bad thing. The old Elite darts were great, but N1 is so much more accurate on the whole. I've tested them myself and the difference was immediately obvious; it's a lot easier to hit your mark.
Which Nerf gun is the most powerful?
If you're hunting down the most powerful Nerf gun, you'll want to keep an eye out for motorized blasters. These use batteries to increase the speed at which they fire darts, allowing them to spit out ammo at a blistering pace. So far as we're concerned, few can beat the Nerf Hyper Mach 100.
Able to fire at a rate of 110 feet per second, the Mach 100 is an absolute monster that is quicker and more precise than most rivals. You can get off-brand alternatives that can potentially outstrip it, of course, but no official Nerf gun can compare to this Hyper model. Just bear in mind that it fires foam pellets rather than darts.
Should I try third-party alternatives?
Hoping to save a little money and grab one of Nerf's rival blasters? There are certainly enough to choose from. Although the likes of Xshot may be the best known (and seem to be the closest match to classic Nerf Elite toys), I've got a lot of time for the Gel Blaster Surge XL. This uses tiny water-activated pellets just like Nerf's Gelfire range, and it's every bit as satisfying to fire.
However, if you want to make sure your existing darts work, it's probably best to stick with Nerf - especially if you've grabbed the N-Series range, because that ammo is exclusive to the new Nerf blasters and can't be used with anything else.
Looking for more ways to stay entertained? Don't forget to check out the top board games for kids or these board games for families.
