The best Nerf guns to buy in 2023 (2023)

With the weather gradually improving and the days getting longer bit by bit, it's time for the best Nerf guns to shine. Nerf battles outside will soon be upon us once again, so now's a good time to stock up on your arsenal before foam-based warfare recommences. To point you in the right direction, our team has a few suggestions on must-have Nerf blasters that deserve to be in your collection. There are options here to suit any age and budget, too.

No matter what you go for, the greatest thing about the best Nerf guns is the fact that they can be used at any time of year (unlike the best water guns). That means you'll get plenty of bang for your buck in this instance. In addition, there's a pretty ridiculous variety of Nerf blasters on offer these days. With multiple ranges that cater to different audiences, it's a dart-firing gold-mine. That's only becoming more true the further into the year we go. As an example, an all-new kind of Nerf blaster has just hit shelves this year using soft rounds that burst safely on impact and don't need to be cleaned up afterwards. It's also the reason we've tried to narrow things down with this list.

To help you get the lowest price, you'll find the latest discounts on this page as well. Our bargain-hunting software is constantly on the lookout for deals, so price cuts on the best Nerf guns will be displayed alongside each blaster.

Best Nerf guns - top 10

On paper, the Gelfire Mythic shouldn't work. Biodegradable ammunition you don't need to clean 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.

That's because the blaster makes good on its promises. As we mentioned in our review, it's "a mechanical marvel that changes the game" with ammo that goes far beyond our expectations. Simply drop these tiny 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.

That alone helps the Nerf Pro Gelfire Mythic feel like the start of something big, but its other features elevate it even further. Besides being powered by a rechargeable battery that slots into the handle, it comes with a single-shot or semi-auto firing mode, remarkable range, and the ability to spit out 10 rounds per second. Oh, and you won't need to shop for bonus ammunition anytime soon either - there are 10,000 in the box.

• Read more: Nerf Pro Gelfire Mythic review

Don't be fooled by this Nerf blaster's size; it packs a punch and toes the line well between cost and good old-fashioned fun. This revolver-style option is cheap yet surprisingly accurate, and it can unleash a satisfying barrage of darts in one go once you've pulled back the priming slider (refreshingly, it isn't a one-shot wonder).

Plus, the Elite 2.0 Commander RD-6 has versatility to spare. Tactical rails allow you to add numerous accessories should you want to upgrade down the road, and you can clip on everything from scopes to better grips if you have the budget or inclination. You can even add a shoulder rest if you want to level up what is already one of the best Nerf guns. When combined with its cowboy-esque loading mechanism, it's a solid all-rounder.

Alright, so it only carries six darts at a time. But that makes picking them up again less of a chore, we suppose. An impressive range of 27 meters means you'll be able to hit foes from ages away while they're still underestimating your blaster, too.

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.

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. However, it's what's inside that really impresses. The AR-L features a motorized mechanism that will fire darts 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 and a 10-dart clip for quick reloading. It's comfortably a front-runner for any list of the best Fortnite Nerf guns.

There are plenty of Nerf guns that are more expensive than this one, but the Ultra Select gets our vote as the top premium option because it's still (relatively) affordable, looks awesome, and has a smart gimmick that actually makes it worth the extra cost.

This Nerf blaster does exactly what it says on the tin; it carries two separate magazines with unique types of dart, and you can then 'select' whichever one you want to fire on the fly. That means you can use Ultra ammo with increased range for laying down suppressing cover before instantly switching to a new, alternate Ultra dart if you want more accuracy. It's a novelty, sure, but it's a novelty with practical uses.

A battery-powered firing mechanism helps push the Ultra Select over the edge. It hurls out shots quickly and accurately when fuelled by batteries, putting it head and shoulders above Nerf's cheaper alternatives.

If you prefer to keep your foes at a distance, the Ultra Pharaoh is a dream come true. Offering a staggering range of up to 120ft, it's the ultimate sniper rifle from Nerf.

As the poster-child of Nerf's Aerofin Ultra foam darts, this blaster is able to shoot farther than anything that's come before it - very little can match the Pharaoh in terms of sheer distance covered. Thanks to a bolt-action system, it's also pretty satisfying to reload.

Festooned with gold embellishments that compliment the orange, black, and white design nicely, the Pharaoh is a handsome beast too. When combined with those impressive new darts, it's got performance and looks nailed down.

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.

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 we went hands-on with this Nerf gun, we were averaging distances of about 20 meters per shot.

Sure, it's not the easiest blaster to aim thanks to a lack of sights. And yes, other crossbows from Nerf (like 2014's Zombie Strike Crossfire Bow) come with a slightly greater capacity. But this newcomer will have your opponents on the run in short order nonetheless.

• Read more: Nerf Minecraft Pillager's Crossbow review

Fortnite crossing over with Nerf is a match made in heaven; the battle royale is both imaginative and wacky when it comes to weaponry design, making for memorable toys that stand out from other blasters in the Nerf stable. They're instantly recognisable as items from the game, too. These aren't cheap reskins with a fresh coat of paint.

The TS-1 is a great example. Inspired by Fortnite's Tactical Shotgun, it may as well have been wrenched from the screen and dropped into real life. There are a couple of different versions to choose from (including one with llama targets), but each of them is a pump-action heavyweight with plenty of stopping power.

That's due to the fact it uses Mega darts. These are larger than standard Nerf ammo, so the TS-1 fits a unique role on this list of the best Nerf guns - it's easier to hit things with, making it a good choice for younger Nerf warriors.

If you can't decide which Nerf blaster to get, why not opt for one that can do it all? Starting out as a pistol and scaling up to a full-size assault rifle, the Retaliator has four configurations for greater personalization. It's the pièce de résistance of modular design and is one of the best Nerf guns thanks to that 'more is more' mentality.

Thanks to a range of over 70 feet, this utility doesn't come at the expense of performance. It's capable of holding its own in a Nerf battle, and the presence of a tactical rail allows you to add your own scopes as well.

Although it's harder to find nowadays than it once was, the effort is worthwhile. And luckily enough for us, the Retaliator relies on Elite darts that are widely - yet cheaply - available. Want to stock up on extra ammo? You'll be able to buy them in bulk at very little cost.

Want maximum flexibility to go with value for money? This option is perfect for hot summer days outside. Bringing together Nerf and its Hasbro-owned sibling, the Super Soaker, this option shoots water from a 40floz tank while also firing five Nerf darts from a barrel at the top. It's the best of both worlds.

Helpfully, the DartFire uses cheaper Nerf Elite darts as well. These are the standard ammo-type for most of the best Nerf guns, so you should have no trouble finding and stocking up on these foam bullets in bulk.

The Super Soaker part of the DartFire is no slouch either. Powered by a 40-fluid ounce (1.1 liter) capacity, it's capable of shooting water up to 38 feet during a battle. Considering this blaster's price, that's not bad going.

Looking to take your Nerf battles to the next level? The Hyper line is tailor-made for the competitive scene and will provide a more powerful, precise blaster; it's a contender for the top spot of the best Nerf guns around thanks to high-impact foam pellets and motorized insides.

While other blasters feature battery-powered mechanisms, this takes things to the next level. As well as rounds that fire at 110 feet per second, it provides enormous, easy-reload ammo hoppers to help you stay in the game for longer. Tactical rails leave you space to store extra rounds, too.

Basically, this is more of a grown-up Nerf blaster for tournament play and Nerf Arena. If you want a good all-rounder to see you through such intense competitions, the Mach 100 is an excellent choice.

Best of the rest

If you want to get your hands on one of the best Nerf guns without breaking the bank (or having to put up with something bulky that'll take up loads of room), the Elite Strongarm is perfect. This revolver blaster is cheap yet surprisingly accurate, and it won't weigh you down either. It's the ideal gift for a kid or your own inner child.

Although it may not boast a laundry-list of features, the Strongarm still makes an impression thanks to its cool six-chamber loading mechanism and impressive 75ft range. That means you'll be able to keep foes at a distance despite this blaster's modest size.

In addition, the Elite Strongarm includes a tactical rail for adding accessories later on. That means you can snap on scopes or other extras if you want to upgrade.

If you're hoping to keep things as cheap and cheerful as possible, this pocket-sized blaster is the best Nerf gun on the market. Sitting pretty at the lowest price point on this list, it's spot-on for beginners, younger children, or as a novelty gift to your friends.

Despite being a single-shot blaster that must be reloaded with new darts after each shot, the Jolt is also punchy enough to be taken seriously. It won't strike fear into the hearts of your enemies like a Nerf Elite Titan CS-50 heavy machine gun, but that just gives you the element of surprise.

Because of the Jolt's small size, it's fantastic as a last resort as well. Out of darts for your main Nerf blaster? This discreet sidearm is what you need in a pinch. There aren't many moving parts to jam or get broken either, so it's ideal for rough-and-tumble kids who are always on the go.

OK, so this isn't a traditional blaster. But come on. It's a freakin' Nerf rocket launcher. That makes it one of the best Nerf guns in terms of cool-factor alone. Want to intimidate your opponents? This is the way to do it.

Seeing as it's based on the Fortnite weapon in particular, the RL is quirky too. With a shark face to go with tongue-in-cheek Xs and Os along the barrel, it's an eye-catching toy that's sure to turn heads. The bright green paint helps it stand out as well; it's a real showstopper.

Naturally, the RL doesn't utilise normal darts. Oh no - it calls upon something more impressive. Massive foam rockets, in fact. Marvellous.

Why have a rocket launcher or blaster when you can get both? That's the thought process behind Nerf's Modulus line, and the Demolisher is one of its figureheads. This is one of the best Nerf guns out there thanks to that smart 2-in-1 design, and it's the versatile little toy that could.

Combining a standard rifle with something bigger, it attaches a pump-action secondary shooter below the motorized main barrel. That means you can be laying down supressing fire before shooting an enormous foam rocket to disrupt your opponents' plans.

Combine that with a removable stock you can replace with others and you're left with the ultimate customizable blaster. It's a great all-rounder and well worth considering.

Nerf dart deals

Finding the best Nerf guns is just half the battle. To make sure you're ready for your next Nerf shootout, you'll need to find ammunition - and plenty of it. To help you get started (and avoid the ignominy of having to pause the game and pick up your ammo in the middle of a firefight), we've listed deals on darts below.

However, make sure to check which Nerf gun you're buying for before diving in. Some use different types of darts, ranging from classic run-of-the-mill ones to new versions that fly further. Although a few are interchangeable (such as the Elite range), many, like the Rival pellets, aren't.

You can find out more in our guide to cheap Nerf bullets, but here's a quick breakdown:

• Nerf Elite: (opens in new tab) Bog-standard Nerf darts. They're compatible with almost everything that isn't an Ultra, Hyper, or Rival blaster.
• Nerf Ultra (opens in new tab): New Nerf darts that fly further than others. Only compatible with Nerf Ultra blasters.
• Nerf Hyper (opens in new tab): Because they're pellets rather than darts, these won't work in anything that isn't a Hyper blaster.
• Nerf Rival (opens in new tab): Another set of pellets that will only fit Rival blasters (they're bigger than Hyper pellets, so won't work on those either).

Best Nerf guns - FAQ

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.

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.

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