The M4 is one of the most popular style of rifles, as with real guns, so in airsoft. There are hundreds of M4 airsoft replicas on the market, so choosing the best can be difficult. That’s why we created this list of best airsoft M4 replicas for 2023.
If you’re in a hurry:
Without a doubt, the M4 is among the most popular airsoft guns out there. As an AEG, they’re cost-effective, powerful, accurate, durable, easy to maintain, consistent, have a fast trigger response, and offer a wide variety of choices to modify them. Even if you’re just starting into airsoft, an M4 is among the best options for your first airsoft gun.
The choice of M4s on the market is huge, with hundreds, or even thousands of options available. On one hand, the large number of M4s is a good thing, since it gives you a lot of options to choose from. But, it also makes it difficult to choose the best one. And to make matters worse, a lot of the M4s on the market are low-quality and should be avoided. That’s why having a reliable guide in choosing an M4 is crucial.
And if you’re not really sure what airsoft guns even are, how they are used, what to look for in them, how to stay safe when using them, and what types of airsoft guns are there, you can check out our buyer’s guide on best airsoft guns.
There are many factors to consider when choosing an airsoft gun. Some of the more important ones that we took into account when we made this list are shooting performance (FPS), accuracy, reliability, build quality (both internal and external), value for money (we made sure to only include airsoft guns on the list if they’re definitely worth their respective price), the presence of an adjustable hop up, the reputation of the manufacturer, as well as others.
And now, here are the best airsoft M4 replicas on the market in 2023.
Best Airsoft M4 Replicas for 2023
Best Airsoft M4 Overall
1. Elite Force/VFC Avalon Gen2 VR16 Saber Carbine M4 AEG Rifle
FPS | 370-380 |
Length | 800mm-890mm, Adjustable |
Inner Barrel | ~363mm |
Battery | 9.6v Small Butterfly Type recommended |
Magazine | 120rd Mid-Capacity |
Gearbox | Ver 2 Full Metal, Fully Upgradeable |
Motor | Long Type |
Hop up | Yes, Adjustable |
Firing Mode | Semi/Full-Auto, Safety |
Manufacturer | Elite Force / VFC |
Among the many great M4s, we chose the VFC Avalon Gen2 VR16 Saber Carbine M4 as the best one out there.
The VFC Avalon Saber Carbine M4 is a powerful, full metal (aluminum) airsoft gun, with an FPS of around 370-380. It comes with a mid-capacity magazine of 120 rounds, which is lower than most of the other M4s on the list. Still, it features an adjustable stock, a quick spring change system, an ambidextrous selector switch, and a dual MOSFET.
This airsoft rifle is one of the most accurate and snappy M4 replicas on the market. It’s a lightweight airsoft gun that has a great rate of fire. Both its externals and internals are of the highest quality. And it comes awesome right out of the box, without the need to customize. All in all, it’s difficult to find a flaw in the VFC Avalon Saber Carbine M4.
Features:
- Full metal receiver and barrel assembly; Full metal M-Lok carbine length handguard; Stamped VFC trademarks
- Railed upper receiver prefect for optics
- Ambidextrous selector switch
- QRS ergonomic motor grip with aggressive texturing provides a reliable grip; QRS enhanced trigger guard; VFC QRS adjustable stock
- Quick change spring
- Integrated steel one-point sling adapter
- Detachable rear sight
- Mock bolt catch for easy hopup adjustment
Apart from a carbine version with an inner barrel of 363mm, you can also find an Avalon Saber CQB version. This one comes with a shorter inner barrel length of 250mm and is a great choice if you want a more compact gun.
The only con the VFC Avalon Saber Carbine M4 has over some of the other replicas on the list is its relatively higher price. There are some solid airsoft guns that are cheaper than it. However, if you don’t mind paying a little bit more, these option is probably the best M4 you can get, and even one of the best airsoft guns overall.
Best Airsoft M4 for Beginners
2. Krytac Full Metal Trident MKII CRB Airsoft AEG Rifle
FPS | 380-400 |
Length | 675mm – 787mm, Adjustable |
Inner Barrel | 280mm |
Battery | 9.6v 1600mAh Butterfly Type |
Magazine | 300rd Hi-Cap M4 magazine |
Gearbox | Ver 2 Full Metal, Fully Upgradeable |
Motor | Long Type |
Hop up | Yes, Adjustable |
Firing Mode | Semi/Full-Auto, Safety |
Manufacturer | Krytac |
We already mentioned that the biggest disadvantage of the VFC Avalon Saber Carbine M4 is its relatively higher price. Now we’ll look at the Krytac Trident MKII CRB AEG. This is another awesome airsoft M4, which comes at a significantly smaller price.
The Krytac Trident MKII CRB AEG also comes great straight out of the box, without needing upgrades. Along with the VFC Avalon Saber Carbine M4, it’s not only one of the best M4s on the market, but they’re in fact some of the best airsoft rifles overall.
The FPS of this airsoft gun is comparable to the best ones out there, at around 380-400. It’s on the shorter side, which makes it more comfortable and maneuverable. The Krytac features a high-capacity magazine of 300 rounds, an adjustable rotary hop up, and an ambidextrous selector switch and fire selector.
Features:
- Krytac billet style Aluminum alloy receivers with stamped Krytac trademarks
- Krytac’s renowned Nautilus gearbox with integrated MOSFET, quick change spring system, 8mm ball bearing bushings
- Adjustable rotary hop-up
- Ambidextrous fire selector
- Realistic locking bolt and bolt release
- Licensed KRISS® TR110 rail system
- Custom designed KRISS® motor grip provides enhanced comfort
- 6 position Krytac battery stock
It’s manufactured by Krytac, which is owned by the KRISS ARMS group. This manufacturer is one of the most reliable ones when it comes to airsoft rifles, and the Trident MKII CRB AEG is a proof of this.
In a nutshell, the Krytac Trident MKII CRB AEG is hands down one of the best airsoft M4 replicas out there. Although it might be a little bit below some of the more expensive options, you really can’t go wrong with it.
If you’re interested to learn more about this gun, check our in-depth Krytac Trident MKII CRB review.
Another great M4
3. Krytac Full Metal Trident MKII SPR Airsoft AEG Rifle
FPS | 400 |
Length | 840mm – 920mm, Adjustable |
Inner Barrel | 416mm |
Battery | 9.6v 1600mAh Butterfly Type |
Magazine | 300rd Hi-Cap M4 magazine |
Gearbox | Ver 2 Full Metal, Fully Upgradeable |
Motor | Long Type |
Hop up | Yes, Adjustable |
Firing Mode | Semi/Full-Auto, Safety |
Manufacturer | Krytac |
Another very similar option to the Krytac CRB is the Krytac Trident MKII SPR AEG. Just like the CRB, this one is also great right out of the box, and features a high-capacity magazine of 300 rounds, an adjustable rotary hop up, and an ambidextrous fire selector.
The only differences between the Krytac Trident MKII CRB and the Krytac Trident MKII SPR are in the FPS and the rifle length. The SPR will generally shoot with a slightly higher FPS of 400 and above. On the other hand, the CRB is shorter, and is therefore more maneuverable. We ranked it before the SPR only because we value the compactness of the CRB more than the small increase in FPS.
Features:
- Krytac billet style Aluminum alloy receivers w/ stamped Krytac trademarks
- Integrated MOSFET; 8mm ball bearing bushings; Quick change spring system
- Ambidextrous fire selector
- Realistic locking bolt and bolt release
- Adjustable rotary hop-up
- Licensed KRISS® TR110 rail system
- Custom designed KRISS® motor grip provides enhanced comfort
- 6 position Krytac battery stock
Both the Krytac CRB and the Krytac SPR are some of the best M4 options on the market, and you can’t really go wrong with any of those. Which one you choose will completely depend on whether you value the SPR’s slight improvement in FPS more than the compactness of the CRB.
Best Budget Airsoft M4
4. KWA Full Metal VM4A1 2.5 / M4 Carbine Airsoft AEG Rifle
FPS | 390-440 |
Length | 825.5mm – 908.1mm |
Inner Barrel | 396.9mm |
Battery | 7.4v Small Type LiPo recommended |
Magazine | 30/120rd Mid Capacity |
Gearbox | Ver 2.5 Full Metal |
Motor | Long Type |
Hop up | Yes, Adjustable |
Firing Mode | Semi/Full-Auto, Safety |
Manufacturer | KWA |
If you’re a beginner, and consider the Krytacs too expensive, there’s an even cheaper solid option. It’s the VM4A1 2.5 / M4 Carbine AEG manufactured by another highly reliable airsoft manufacturer, the Taiwanese KWA.
One of the newest models on the list, it has already proven itself as maybe the best M4 airsoft gun in its price bracket. It features the brand-new Variable Performance System by KWA, as well as other relatively newer features.
The KWA VM4A1 2.5 / M4 Carbine AEG is a full metal rifle that comes with a reinforced metal gearbox, matched heavy duty springs and high-torque motors, rotary style hop up, and a PTS Enhance Polymer Grip which provides more comfort.
Features:
- Variable Performance System: fully adjustable FPS through stock with provided quick change tool. Adjusts from 390 to 440 FPS
- Full metal one-piece upper receiver, metal lower receiver, barrel assembly, metal buffer tube
- V2.5 custom gearbox with upgraded high-speed gear set and an improved high-torque motor
- Integrated switch life extender to prevent contacts from burning out
- Rotary style hopup
- PTS Enhanced Polymer Grip
- 30/120rd magazine cut-off
It’s one of the more powerful M4 airsoft rifles on the list, with a high FPS of around 390-440. It’s also accurate and highly dependable. On the other hand, it features a relatively lower (compared to some of the others rifles on the list) mid-capacity magazine with 30/120 rounds.
The KWA VM4A1 2.5 / M4 Carbine AEG may not be as excellent as the abovementioned airsoft rifles. However, if you’re looking for a good M4 airsoft gun for a price of around $300, there is probably no better choice.
Another Top Choice
5. Krytac War Sport Licensed LVOA-C M4 Carbine Airsoft AEG Rifle
FPS | 390-410 |
Length | 825mm (32.5″) – 915mm (36″) (Adjustable) |
Inner Barrel | 387.5mm |
Battery | Wired to the stock with Deans connector |
Gearbox | Ver 2 Full Metal, Fully Upgradeable |
Motor | Long Type |
Hop up | Yes, Adjustable |
Firing Mode | Semi/Full-Auto, Safety |
Manufacturer | Krytac |
Another Krytac on the list, and another M4 with high performance and great build. It’s the Krytac War Sport Licensed LVOA-C M4 Carbine.
This rifle comes great right out of the box, which makes it great for beginners. However, it allows for customization and upgrading, so it’s a great choice for more experienced players too. The rifle is very durable, accurate, and with great range.
The Krytac War Sport Licensed LVOA-C M4 Carbine shoots BBs at an FPS of around 390-410. It comes with a quick change spring, ambidextrous sling plate and selector switch, an adjustable hop up, a lightweight piston, and a custom licensed LVOA handguard, among a number of other features.
Features:
- Fully licensed receiver and design from War Sport Industries
- Custom licensed LVOA handguard
- 5 position collapsible stock
- Krytac low-profile motor grip
- Ambidextrous sling plate
- Ambidextrous selector switch
One of this M4’s main features is the reinforced 8mm ball bearing gearbox with integrated MOSFET. It regulates the electronic signals and protects the trigger contacts.
The Krytac War Sport Licensed LVOA-C M4 Carbine is among the very best M4 replicas out there. In fact, the only reason it’s ranked relatively lower is its higher price. Without taking the price into account, this rifle is very likely among the top 3 M4s on the market.
Best Airsoft M4 under $300
6. CYMA Platinum M4 QBS Airsoft AEG Rifle
FPS | 350-370 |
Length | 850mm-930mm, Adjustable |
Inner Barrel | ~400mm |
Battery | 7.4v Small LiPo Recommended |
Magazine | 150rd Mid-Cap |
Gearbox | Ver 2 Metal, Upgradeable |
Motor | Long Type |
Hop up | Yes, Adjustable |
Firing Mode | Semi/Full-Auto, Safety |
Manufacturer | CYMA |
Another solid M4 airsoft gun for a price of around $300 is the CYMA Platinum M4 QBS AEG. It’s manufactured by CYMA, one of the oldest airsoft manufacturers. CYMA is known for producing affordable, and yet durable airsoft guns with good performance.
One of the best features of the CYMA Platinum M4 QBS AEG is its Quick Buffer system (QBS) spring system. The QBS is one of the most convenient quick change spring systems overall, enabling easy spring changes without needing receiver disassembly. This is especially good for beginners, who would otherwise have to break open the rifle if they wanted to change a spring.
Features:
- High quality metal alloy receiver w/ weather resistant matte black finish
- Precision CNC machined 14.5″ free float slim M-LOK handguard
- TM compatible Ver. 2 metal gearbox
- QBS spring system allows for easy spring changes without needing receiver disassembly
- Full length Picatinny top rail for optics and accessories
- Adjustable CRANE style stock
- Flip up front and rear sights
- Billet style receiver
This full metal rifle proves the reputation of CYMA, being highly robust and reliable. The CYMA Platinum M4 QBS AEG has a relatively lower FPS (compared to the abovementioned airsoft guns) of around 350-370 and is also one of the longest rifles on this list. It features a mid-capacity magazine with 150 rounds and an adjustable hop up.
In a nutshell, the CYMA Platinum M4 QBS AEG is a solid M4 airsoft rifle, which is definitely among the best in its price bracket of around $300.
Best Airsoft M4 under $200
7. G&G Combat Machine 16 Raider Airsoft AEG Rifle
FPS | 370-400 |
Length | 785 / 885mm |
Inner Barrel | 363mm |
Battery | Butterfly Type |
Magazine | 450 rounds G&G Hi-cap magazine |
Gearbox | Version 2 |
Motor | Long Type |
Hop up | Yes, Adjustable |
Firing Mode | Semi/Full-Auto, Safety |
Manufacturer | G&G |
Moving on to the next bracket of M4 airsoft guns priced at under $200. Probably the best one in this category is the G&G Combat Machine 16 Raider AEG. A solid, affordable rifle that’s more than worth its price tag.
The G&G Combat Machine 16 Raider is a full metal AEG that features an integrated rail system, a lightweight heavy duty polymer receiver, adjustable front and rear sights, and an adjustable hop up. In addition, it has one of the largest magazine capacities among the airsoft guns on this list, with a 450-round hi-cap magazine. The rifle shoots BBs at an FPS of 370-400.
Features:
- G&G Zinc Full metal and fully upgradeable reinforced V2 gearbox
- Comes with G&G M4 450 round hi-cap magazine
- Adjustable Hopup
- 6 Position Retractable Crane stock
- Removable Rear sight with weaver rail base for scope mounting
- Adjustable front & rear sights
- 14mm negative threaded barrel
- Metal Barrel Assembly, gearbox, buffer tube, magazine, carrying handle, switch, pins
Given its price tag, it has surprisingly solid accuracy, rate of fire, and range. The rifle is also highly durable and easily customizable. It’s manufactured by G&G, a Taiwanese airsoft manufacturer with a solid reputation when it comes to quality products.
All in all, the G&G Combat Machine 16 Raider AEG offers relatively high quality at a cheap price. If you’re a beginner looking to get into airsoft without spending more than $200, this M4 may be your best choice.
Comparison Table of Best Airsoft AEGs
VFC Avalon Gen2 VR16 Saber Carbine M4 | Krytac Trident MKII CRB AEG | Krytac Trident MKII SPR AEG | KWA VM4A1 2.5 / M4 Carbine AEG | Krytac War Sport Licensed LVOA-C M4 Carbine | CYMA Platinum M4 QBS AEG | G&G Combat Machine 16 Raider | |
FPS | 370-380 | 380-400 | 400 | 390-440 | 390-410 | 350-370 | 370-400 |
Length | 800mm-890mm, Adjustable | 675mm – 787mm, Adjustable | 840mm – 920mm, Adjustable | 825.5mm – 908.1mm | 825mm (32.5″) – 915mm (36″) (Adjustable) | 850mm-930mm, Adjustable | 785 / 885mm |
Inner Barrel | ~363mm | 280mm | 416mm | 396.9mm | 387.5mm | ~400mm | 363mm |
Battery | 9.6v Small Butterfly Type recommended | 9.6v 1600mAh Butterfly Type | 9.6v 1600mAh Butterfly Type | 7.4v Small Type LiPo recommended | Wired to the stock with Deans connector | 7.4v Small LiPo Recommended | Butterfly Type |
Magazine | 120rd Mid-Capacity | 300rd Hi-Cap M4 magazine | 300rd Hi-Cap M4 magazine | 30/120rd Mid Capacity | 150rd Mid-Cap | 450 rounds G&G Hi-cap magazine | |
Gearbox | Ver 2 Full Metal, Fully Upgradeable | Ver 2 Full Metal, Fully Upgradeable | Ver 2 Full Metal, Fully Upgradeable | Ver 2.5 Full Metal | Ver 2 Full Metal, Fully Upgradeable | Ver 2 Metal, Upgradeable | Version 2 |
Motor | Long Type | Long Type | Long Type | Long Type | Long Type | Long Type | Long Type |
Hop up | Yes, Adjustable | Yes, Adjustable | Yes, Adjustable | Yes, Adjustable | Yes, Adjustable | Yes, Adjustable | Yes, Adjustable |
Firing Mode | Semi/Full-Auto, Safety | Semi/Full-Auto, Safety | Semi/Full-Auto, Safety | Semi/Full-Auto, Safety | Semi/Full-Auto, Safety | Semi/Full-Auto, Safety | Semi/Full-Auto, Safety |
Manufacturer | Elite Force / VFC | Krytac | Krytac | KWA | Krytac | CYMA | G&G |
How We Made This List
In order to make the reviews as reliable as possible, I’m continuously testing the products we recommend.
Out of the 7 M4s reviewed in this list, I’ve personally tried and tested 5 of them. Also, I consulted many other airsofters and looked at other blogs and the products they recommend, so that I don’t miss a good product.
All of this is done to give you the best possible recommendations for your next (or first) airsoft M4.
Conclusion
With thousands of M4 replicas out there, it’s difficult to distinguish the quality from the junk. So, we took into account the shooting performance, accuracy, reliability, build quality, value for money, and the manufacturer of the numerous guns on the market to create a list of the best M4 airsoft guns for 2023.
In this article, we presented the 7 best airsoft M4 replicas currently on the market. Some of the best of the best are the:
- VFC Avalon Gen2 VR16 Saber Carbine M4 – best airsoft M4 overall
- Krytac Trident MKII CRB AEG – best airsoft M4 for beginners
- Krytac War Sport Licensed LVOA-C M4 Carbine – another great choice
- KWA VM4A1 2.5 / M4 Carbine AEG – best budget airsoft M4
- G&G Combat Machine 16 Raider – best airsoft M4 under $200
Although there are many options on this list, you really can’t go wrong with any of these picks.
FAQ
What Is the Most Realistic Airsoft M4?
Among many realistic airsoft M4 replcas, the most realistic is the VFC Avalon Gen2 VR16 Saber Carbine M4. It’s an accurate, powerful, full metal (aluminum) airsoft gun, with an FPS of around 370-380. This M4 features an adjustable stock, a quick spring change system, an ambidextrous selector switch, and a dual MOSFET.
What Is the Best Beginner Airsoft M4?
Among many great options, the best beginner airsoft M4 is the Krytac Trident MKII CRB AEG, which comes with an FPS of around 380-400. The Krytac features a high-capacity magazine of 300 rounds, an adjustable rotary hop up, and an ambidextrous selector switch and fire selector.
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The founder of Airsoft Freaks and a passionate airsofter for more than 15 years. Get to know me better on my about page