5 Best Electric Airsoft Pistols for 2024 (Ranked and Reviewed)

Although gas airsoft pistols are the most popular, electric airsoft pistols have some advantages over them. If you decide to opt for an electric pistol (AEP), you’ll have to choose the best among dozens of AEPs. To help you make that choice, we ranked and reviewed 5 of the best electric airsoft pistols on the market in 2023.

If you’re in a hurry:

When it comes to airsoft pistols, those powered by gases such as CO2 or green gas are the most popular and the most realistic. Still, there are some solid options for an electric airsoft pistol too.

Even though less popular, electric airsoft pistols have many advantages over their gas counterparts. First, they are more cost-effective, since they use rechargeable batteries. With gas pistols, you have to buy gas cartridges or bottles. Apart from being more cost-effective, AEPs are also easier to maintain. This makes them a good choice for beginners.

If you decide to get an electric airsoft pistol, you’d have to choose with which AEP to go. Although the choice of electric airsoft pistols is not as large as with gas pistols, there are still dozens, or even hundreds of options. And to make matters worse, a large percentage of these electric airsoft pistols available are low-quality and should be avoided. That’s why having a reliable guide in choosing an airsoft pistol is crucial. That’s where this list comes in.

There are many factors to consider when choosing an airsoft pistol. 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 pistols on the list if they’re definitely worth their respective price), adjustable hop up, the reputation of the manufacturer, as well as others.

If you’re not really sure what airsoft pistols are, how they are used, what to look for in them, and what types of airsoft pistols are there, you can check out our buyer’s guide below.

And now, here are the best electric airsoft pistols on the market heading into 2023.

Best Electric Airsoft Pistols for 2023

Best Electric Airsoft Pistol

1. H&K Licensed USP AEP by Elite Force

HK USP AEP
FPS190-210
Battery7.2v 500mAh NiMH Micro AEP Type
Magazine29 rounds
Hop upYes, adjustable
SystemElectric
Firing ModeSemi-Auto, Full-Auto
ManufacturerElite Force

Among a couple of great options, we chose the H&K Licensed USP AEP by Elite Force as the best one on the market. Manufactured by the highly reliable Elite Force, this is the pistol to choose if you’re looking for an electric airsoft pistol.

The H&K Licensed USP AEP by Elite Force has all the advantages that come with electric airsoft guns. First of all, it’s cost-effective, because the battery is rechargeable and you won’t have to keep buying gas. It’s also much easier to maintain than gas guns, so it might be a good choice for a beginner.

The H&K Licensed USP AEP is a great and underrated airsoft pistol. Based on the Tokyo Marui AEP system, It features a full metal slide and polymer frame. This AEP shoots at an FPS of around 200, is very accurate, and has a surprisingly solid range. The H&K Licensed USP AEP comes with a magazine capacity of 29 rounds, an adjustable hop up, as well as both semi and full-auto firing modes.

Features:

  • Fully licensed by H&K
  • Based on the Tokyo Marui AEP system
  • Full metal slide and polymer frame, is easily upgradeable with Tokyo Marui spec gearbox internal components
  • Heavy weight robust construction with full metal slide, magazine, selectors, inner barrel
  • Adjustable Hop-up and Precision bore inner barrel and high-performance motor
  • Detachable magazine and on-frame ambidextrous magazine release
  • Utilizes the traditional 7.2v AEP battery (sold separately)

It also comes with a great battery life, and is very consistent even in conditions such as cold weather. The AEP is also a good choice if you’re playing indoors, where limits may prevent you from using more powerful pistols.

In a nutshell, if you decide to go with an electric airsoft pistol, you should definitely consider The H&K Licensed USP AEP by Elite Force.

Best Electric Airsoft Pistol Under $100

2. CYMA New Gen. Tokyo Marui AEP Clone Heavy Weight 1911

CYMA Tokyo Marui AEP
FPS190-210
Battery7.2v 450mAh NiMH Micro AEP Type
Magazine29 rounds
Hop upYes, adjustable
SystemElectric
Firing ModeSemi-Auto, Full-auto
ManufacturerCYMA

Another great electric airsoft pistol is the CYMA New Gen. Tokyo Marui AEP Clone Heavy Weight 1911. Although in many aspects similar to the H&K Licensed USP AEP by Elite Force, this one is even more affordable. While the H&K Licensed USP AEP by Elite Force has a price of around $100, the CYMA pistol is priced well below it, making it the best electric airsoft pistol under $100.

The CYMA New Gen. Tokyo Marui AEP Clone 1911 features a metal construction and a metal gearbox, and is a pretty heavy weight pistol, if that’s what you prefer. It comes with a detachable magazine with a high capacity of 29 rounds.

Just like the H&K pistol, this one too shoots at 190-210 FPS, features an adjustable hop up, has a good battery life, and can shoot both semi and fully automatically. It is manufactured by CYMA, which is a very reliable name in the airsoft gun industry.

Features:

  • Heavy weight, metal construction (Hefty, larger than 1:1 scale design)
  • Electric power requires no gas and no need to rack the slide
  • Easy operation and great fun
  • Detachable magazine
  • On-frame safety
  • Operates on a rechargeable micro battery (Battery & Charger included)
  • Adjustable hop up
  • On-frame railed frame for light / laser attachments

By getting the CYMA New Gen. Tokyo Marui AEP Clone 1911 over the H&K AEP you can save some money while not sacrificing much quality, since it’s almost just as good.

Apart from saving money, another reason you might have to go for the CYMA is that it’s a 1911 replica. If you’re a fan of one of the most legendary pistols of all time, the Colt M1911, then using the CYMA New Gen. Tokyo Marui AEP Clone 1911 will be a very satisfactory experience.

A More Premium Option

3. Cybergun Magnum Research Officially Licensed Desert Eagle AEP

Cybergun Magnum Research Desert Eagle AEP
FPS190-210
Battery7.4v 500mAh NiMH Micro AEP Type
Magazine29 rounds
Hop upYes, adjustable
SystemElectric
Firing ModeSemi-Auto, Full-auto
ManufacturerCYMA (Licensed by Cybergun)

The Cybergun Magnum Research Officially Licensed Desert Eagle AEP is a similar option to the two pistols ranked first. However, this one is a more premium option. If you want a great electric airsoft pistol and don’t mind paying a few bucks more, then this pistol is probably your best choice.

It’s another AEP manufactured by the always reliable CYMA, and licensed by Cybergun. This pistol is also heavy weight, and features a full metal slide, magazine, selectors, as well as a very durable polymer frame.

The performance is in many aspects similar to the two pistols above it on the list. It shoots at 190-210 FPS, has a 29 round magazine, good battery life, an adjustable hop up, and can shoot both semi and full auto. It’s based on the Tokyo Marui AEP system.

Features:

  • Based off of the Tokyo Marui AEP system
  • Features an internal MOSFET system to protect your internals and extend the lifespan of your pistol
  • Full metal slide and polymer frame, is easily upgradeable with Tokyo Marui spec gearbox internal components
  • Heavy weight robust construction with full metal slide, magazine, selectors, mag well, inner barrel
  • Precision bore inner barrel and high performance motor
  • Semi-automatic and fully automatic dual firing model with on frame selector / safety
  • Detachable magazine and on-frame magazine release
  • Utilizes the traditional 7.2v AEP battery

However, the Cybergun Magnum Research Officially Licensed Desert Eagle AEP features an internal MOSFET system, which will protect the internals of the pistol. This will significantly expand its lifespan. So, although you pay more for this pistol than for others, you can expect it to last much longer than other, more affordable pistols.

All in all, the first three pistols on the list are quite similar. Their differences are fairly reflected in the price, so it’s fair to say that their value for the money is similar. It’s up to you and your budget to decide which one you’ll get.

Best Budget Electric Airsoft Pistol

4. Tokyo Marui Full Size M92F Military Airsoft EBB AEP

Tokyo Marui M92F AEP
FPS190-220
Battery4x AAA’s
Magazine15 rounds
Hop upYes, non-adjustable
SystemElectric
Firing ModeSemi-Auto
ManufacturerTokyo Marui

If you’re looking for a more budget option, you can opt for the Tokyo Marui Full Size M92F Military Airsoft EBB AEP. Although not as good as the first three, this pistol is very solid and well worth the price tag. And it’s produced by none other, but one of the most legendary airsoft manufacturers of all time, Tokyo Marui. That alone speaks enough about its reliability.

Features:

  • Realistic blowback action
  • 1:1 true scale replica
  • Integrated grip safety switch
  • Textured grip panels
  • High strength ABS polymer construction
  • Uses 4x AAA batteries (sold separately)

Unlike the first three which are similar in many aspects, the Tokyo Marui M92F Military Airsoft EBB is quite different. It features a much smaller magazine, which still has a capacity of 15 rounds. Also, it doesn’t shoot full auto. And while it features a hop up, it’s not adjustable. But it does have similar, and even slightly higher FPS of between 190-220.

In a nutshell, this is a very solid electric airsoft pistol, but notably below those ranked above it. Still, at its price point, it’s without a doubt a bargain.

An Even More Affordable Option

5. Beretta 92 FS Airsoft Electric Pistol by Umarex

Beretta 92 FS AEP
FPS150
Battery4x AA’s
Magazine16 rounds
Hop upNo
SystemElectric
Firing ModeSemi-Auto
ManufacturerUmarex (Licensed by Beretta)

If you’re looking for a very affordable AEP, your best option is probably the Beretta 92 FS AEP by Umarex. It’s not as good as the other pistols on the list. However, for that price tag, the Beretta 92 FS AEP is definitely worth it.

With an FPS of 150, the Beretta 92 FS Airsoft Electric Pistol has the lowest FPS on this list. It has a magazine with a capacity of 16 rounds, and it doesn’t feature a hop up.

Features:

  • Officially Licensed by Beretta
  • Made from ABS Polymer
  • Metal Inner Barrel
  • 1:1 Replica

Still, this is a somewhat realistic replica licensed by Beretta, made from quality ABS polymer, with a metal inner barrel. It uses actual batteries, which depending on your preferences may be a good or bad thing. The pistol has surprisingly solid accuracy and range, and is more durable than you might think.

The Beretta 92 FS Airsoft Electric Pistol is basically an AEP at the price of a spring pistol. Although not as good as other AEPs, it absolutely lives up to its small price.

Comparison Table of Best Electric Airsoft Pistols

 H&K Licensed USP AEP by Elite ForceCYMA New Gen. Tokyo Marui AEP Clone 1911Cybergun Magnum Research Desert Eagle AEPTokyo Marui Full Size M92F Military Airsoft EBB AEPBeretta 92 FS Airsoft Electric Pistol by Umarex
FPS Range190-210190-210190-210190-220150
Battery7.2v 500mAh NiMH Micro AEP Type7.2v 450mAh NiMH Micro AEP Type7.4v 500mAh NiMH Micro AEP Type4x AAA’s4x AA’s
Magazine29 rounds29 rounds29 rounds15 rounds16 rounds
Hop upYes, adjustableYes, adjustableYes, adjustableYes, non-adjustableNo
Firing modeSemi-Auto, Full-AutoSemi-Auto, Full-autoSemi-Auto, Full-autoSemi-AutoSemi-Auto
ManufacturerElite ForceCYMACYMA (Licensed by Cybergun)Tokyo MaruiUmarex (Licensed by Beretta)

Buyer’s Guide

What Is an Airsoft Pistol?

An airsoft pistol is essentially a highly realistic replica of a real pistol. While they closely resemble the real pistol they replicate, airsoft pistols shoot small, round, plastic BBs.

In airsoft, pistols are mainly used as a sidearm, a secondary weapon. If you’re mostly playing close quarters, you may even opt for an airsoft pistol as your primary weapon. Pistols are also great for target shooting practice.

Airsoft pistols are highly popular, in part due to their affordability. Indeed, compared to airsoft rifles, pistols are usually much cheaper.

Types of Airsoft Pistols

Depending on what powers them, there are different types of airsoft pistols. Mainly, we divide them into 3 categories: spring, electric, and gas airsoft guns.

Spring Airsoft Pistols

The simplest and by far cheapest are the spring airsoft pistols. Although the first airsoft guns ever were spring guns, they aren’t practical for an airsoft battle. This is mainly because they require the player to manually cock the gun before each shot. Because of this, they have a much slower rate of shooting and are virtually unusable in an airsoft match.

They also require some hand strength in order to pull back the slide before every shot. Finally, their range and accuracy are inferior to other types of pistols. They can still be fun for target shooting in your backyard though.

If this works for you, the Colt M1911A1 may be your best option, which is also very affordable.

Electric Airsoft Pistols

Next up are the electric airsoft pistols (AEPs). They are definitely an upgrade over spring pistols, and these can even be used in an airsoft match. Electric airsoft guns are battery-powered and don’t require you to manually cock the gun.

While electric airsoft guns are generally the most popular, when it comes to pistols, they are clearly inferior to gas pistols.

Still, they do have some advantages over them. Mainly, AEPs are more cost-effective. This is because they are powered by batteries, which can easily be recharged when depleted. On the other hand, with gas pistols, you’ll need to keep buying gas whenever you’re out of it.

AEPs are also much easier to maintain, which makes them a good option for beginners. They’re also very consistent and are able to perform great in difficult conditions such as cold weather.

All in all, while not as good as gas pistols, AEPs are an option that you can consider when buying an airsoft pistol, depending on how much you rate cost-effectiveness and maintenance.

The choice of electric airsoft pistols isn’t as good as that of gas pistols. Still, there are a couple of great choices. If you decide to go this route, you won’t be disappointed with the H&K Licensed USP AEP by Elite Force, arguably the best electric airsoft pistol on the market.

Gas Airsoft Pistols

Without a doubt, gas airsoft pistols are the superior pistol type. They’re the most realistic, powerful, accurate, reliable, and durable airsoft pistols there are. If you’re really serious about airsoft, these are virtually the only type you should look at.

The only disadvantages they have is that they aren’t as cost-effective (you’ll need to buy gas bottles or cartridges), and require some maintenance, which shouldn’t be much of an issue. If you find these factors crucial, you may opt for an electric airsoft pistol instead. But, be aware that the performance and realism you get from them won’t be as good as with gas airsoft guns.

Gas airsoft pistols are powered by gas, such as green gas or CO2. Green gas is stored in bottles, and you fill it in by “pouring” it from the bottle into the magazine. Generally, you can shoot 2-3 full magazines before you need to refill gas. The best green gas airsoft pistol, as well as the best airsoft pistol overall in our rankings, is the Tokyo Marui Hi-Capa 5.1.

On the other hand, CO2 gas is usually found in small CO2 cartridges, which are inserted whole into the pistol. If this is what you’re looking for, your best option is to go with the Elite Force 1911 TAC CO2.

Blowback vs non-blowback gas airsoft pistols

Some of the terms that you might have heard are blowback vs non-blowback gas pistols. In essence, gas blowback airsoft pistols are those that have a recoil upon firing, similarly to real pistols. This hugely increases the realism of these type of pistols, so they’re far more popular than any other type of airsoft pistols. A large majority of the items on our list of best airsoft pistols are gas blowback guns.

Still, you should be aware that gas blowback airsoft pistols have a disadvantage too. Once again, that’s their cost-effectiveness. A blowback pistol will use gas both for shooting the BB and for the recoil. In comparison, a non-blowback pistol will only use gas for the shooting.

Despite this, if you’re looking for the best of the best airsoft pistols, it’s very likely you’ll end up with a gas blowback airsoft pistol.

Other terms that you should know are fully and semi-automating firing modes. In essence, fully automatic shooting means that the gun will shoot out pellets for as long as the trigger is pressed, up until you release it. Semi-automatic means that the gun shoots out one pellet for every pressing of the trigger, and you need to release the trigger and press it again for another firing.

What To Look Out for When Buying an Airsoft Pistol?

If you’re looking to buy an airsoft pistol, it’s crucial to know what to look out for. We considered a bunch of different factors when creating this list of best electric airsoft pistols for 2023. These factors are some of the most important things you should look for in an airsoft gun. Here are just some of the things to consider when buying an airsoft pistol:

  • Build quality – It’s no surprise that one of the key things to consider is the build quality, both internal and external. You want a gun with high-quality internal components (such as the barrel, trigger, and bucking), as well as high-quality external components (such as the grip, slide, and rail).
  • Shooting performance – You want an airsoft pistol with consistent FPS (meaning that the FPS doesn’t vary too much between different shots), high accuracy (so that you can hit opponents from a distance), and a hop up.
  • Reliability – When it comes to construction, metal build is usually considered more reliable than plastic. However, in some cases, the plastic can be of high quality and very durable (such as the Tokyo Marui models), so it’s not a problem.
  • Value for money – You’d be surprised how often price doesn’t correlate with quality when it comes to airsoft guns. Therefore, getting a more expensive airsoft pistol is justified only if it lives up to its price. When making the list of best airsoft pistols, we ensured that the price of each pistol on the list is justified.
  • The reputation of the manufacturer – Getting an airsoft pistol from a well-known brand means that you shouldn’t worry too much about its quality. If you’re buying an airsoft gun produced by a company such as Tokyo Marui or Elite Force, it’s very likely that you’re getting a high-quality piece.

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 5 pistols reviewed in this list, I’ve personally tried and tested 4 of them. I’ve also consulted countless experienced airsofters. In addition, before publishing, 2 different experienced airsofters have looked at and approved the list. Lastly, I’ve looked and analyzed many other blogs and the AEPs they recommend, so that I don’t miss a good electric pistol.

All of this is done to give you the best possible recommendations for your next airsoft pistol.

Conclusion

With dozens of electric airsoft pistols 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 pistols on the market to create a list of the best electric airsoft pistols for 2023.

In this article, we presented the 5 best electric airsoft pistols currently on the market. Some of the best of the best are the:

Although there are many options on this list, you really can’t go wrong with any of these picks.

FAQ

Are there electric airsoft pistols with 400 FPS?

Electric airsoft pistols usually shoot at much smaller FPS compared to gas pistols. Due to the fact that pistols are small, there simply isn’t enough room for a motor and gearbox that will enable a high FPS. Because of this, electric airsoft pistols can’t shoot with FPS as high as 400. Most of the solid electric airsoft pistols have a FPS of around 200.

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