Spring is upon us, and that means it's time to dust off the best Nerf blasters. These foam-firing toys are perfect for backyard battles or indoor play when seasonal showers open up.
The trouble is, there's a lot to choose from. To point you in the right direction, the GamesRadar+ experts and I have listed our favorite Nerf blasters here to get the party started. There's something for everyone here, regardless of whether you're shopping for young children or tournament-challenging pros. Vitally, the best Nerf guns don't have a shelf life; unlike the best water guns, they're good at any time of year because they don't have to be played with outside.
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.
June 26, 2025: This guide has been updated with a new entry and category, 'best premium Nerf blaster.' The N-Series Infinite has been chosen to fill this slot, and we've written about why it deserves a place in your collection below.
May 29, 2025: A new entry has been added to this page in an all-new category, 'best for siblings.' I chose the N-Series Duo Pack for this section, as it provides two blasters for the price of one.
April 25, 2025: This page's Nerf darts section has been completely revamped, with new and more in-detail information on each type of ammunition. That includes where to get them for less.
Quick list
If you want a fantastic all-rounder that's great for any age or situation, this is it. Building on the legacy of similar revolver-style blasters, this is more accurate and has a longer range than predecessors.
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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. It's very affordable, too.
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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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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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Buying toys for multiple kids can be an expensive headache, especially if they're prone to argue over the 'best' ones. This solves the problem with two identical but great blasters.
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This blaster doesn't believe in the saying 'less is more.' Because it's packing a massive clip that can carry 40 darts, stopping to reload is a thing of the past here.
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Best Nerf blaster overall
Shopping for the best Nerf blasters can feel like walking into a supermarket with no idea where things are, so I'd recommend cutting to the chase and getting this one. I've been messing about with the Agility for a few weeks now and continue to be impressed by both its versatility and accuracy. It's satisfying to use as well thanks to the pull-back primer.
Best of all, it's affordable. This N-Series mainstay sits reliably under $10 / £10, which makes it very tempting no matter who you're buying for.
✅ You want the perfect all-rounder: Want a blaster that can do it all? Here it is. The Agility isn't too big, nor is it too small. It has respectable reach and accuracy too.
✅ You want to keep costs down: This is one of the cheapest blasters in Nerf's arsenal, so you won't break the bank on it.
❌ You want something long-range: Even though the agility can fire darts a decent distance, there are better alternatives if that's important to you.
❌ You want somewhere to store spare darts: The Agility can only fit six darts in its revolving drum, and there's nowhere to put the other half-dozen included in the box.
Features & design: It may look unassuming, but the Agility honors an illustrious legacy. Most ranges have included a revolver-style blaster over the past few years (such as the Commander RD-6 or Disruptor), and this N-Series sequel builds on that foundation. Much like its predecessors, it features a rotating barrel and a pull-back priming system. However, this time it fires N1 darts that boast greater range and are more accurate on the whole. My only quibble is that it forgoes the slam-fire mechanism of older models.
So far as looks go, the Agility matches other blasters in the N-Series range. That means it's a blend of eye-catching white, orange, and blue.
Performance: Although it's aggressively affordable, the N-Series Agility is the kind of blaster that outperforms expectations. My first thought after firing it was "holy moly, this thing is powerful." Darts become a blur when they leave the barrel, and they are almost too fast to be tracked by the naked eye. They'll usually hit (or be within the ballpark of) your intended target as well.
I found the pull-back priming system to be gratifying as well. There's something very tactile about the process, and you can get into a rhythm with it quickly. The downside is that you'll need somewhere to store your extra darts, of course, but I guess that's what pockets – or accessories you can put on the tactical rail – are for.
Best Nerf blaster for younger kids
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.
✅ 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 it won't be needed if your kid is fine with normal Nerf blasters.
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
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.
✅ 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.
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
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.
✅ 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.
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 Nerf blaster for siblings
It can be a bit of a minefield if you've got more than one Nerf-obsessed kid at home, or you're hoping to buy your children their first blasters; arguments will inevitably spring up over who gets what. That's why the Duo Pack is punching so far above its weight. Despite being one of the cheapest options on this list, it provides two identical toys for the price of one. This nips any squabbling in the bud. Now there's bang for buck.
✅ You're shopping for multiple people: You're getting two blasters for the price of one here, so the Duo Pack is great value for money.
✅ Your kids argue a lot: If your children tend to have bust-ups over who gets what, this solves the problem by offering two identical blasters.
❌ You're buying for one person: Seeing as there are two identical blasters in this pack, it feels a little redundant if you're buying for just one person.
❌ You're shopping for younger kids: I wouldn't say the ring-pull mechanism on this blaster is hard to use, but young children may find it tricky.
Features & design: The Duo Pack is a nice, simple combo of blasters that carry two N1 darts each (though you get 12 darts total in the box). After they're primed with a pull ring, using them is as easy as squeezing the trigger.
I'd argue that they're some of the best-looking Nerf blasters out there too. The sleek, subtle design is a refreshing departure from their more outlandish siblings, and I appreciate the splash of red or blue paint to differentiate the two toys from one another.
Performance: Just like all other N-Series blasters, the Duo Pack is surprisingly punchy – ammo flies from the barrel like a bat out of hell, but the soft-tip darts mean no-one's going to get hurt. They're accurate too, for the most part; although I struggled to hit my mark when firing at something further away, these toys excel at short to mid-range.
In other words, they're perfect for smaller backyards, indoor battles, or as a secondary blaster that you pull out of your pocket in a pinch. Plus, they're a great choice if you're just testing the water. Not sure if your kids are going to like or get much use out of Nerf? These aren't too expensive, but still give a good indication of what it's all about.
Just be aware that younger children may struggle to handle the ring pull. It's not tricky, per se, but it is a little stiff.
Best premium Nerf blaster
Sometimes, you need to go big or go home – and I'll let you guess which school of thought the Nerf N-Series Infinite subscribes to.
As the biggest entry in the range so far, this weapon of foam dart destruction is an intimidating sight on the backyard battlefield. Armed with more ammo than any other N-Series toy but still capable of the same accuracy, this is one of the best Nerf blasters if your budget can stretch that far.
✅ You want the biggest blaster: You won't find an N-Series Nerf blaster that's bigger than the Infinite. Not yet, at least.
✅ You hate reloading mid-game: Thanks to an ammo belt that can carry 40 darts (and space to store more), you're unlikely to reload much in Nerf games.
❌ You want something for younger kids: The sheer size of this blaster means young or particularly small children will struggle to carry it.
❌ You want to keep costs down: Although it's not necessarily bank-busting in cost, the Infinite is still pricier than most Nerf blasters.
Features & design: The Infinite is what would happen if an '80s action hero designed a Nerf gun. This thing is big, with space for enough ammo that you can spray and pray all day. Actually, its clip holds up to 40 darts at once… and can fit more in the belt's storage area. That means firing off endless volleys is as simple as pulling the primer and squeezing that trigger.
The Infinite doesn't look as overbearing as this makes it sound, of course. As with all N-Series toys, it's colored orange, white, and blue in a friendly array. It's also surprisingly comfortable to use considering its size (so long as you aren't a younger or smaller child, anyway – then it'll be much too unweildy).
Performance: Seeing as it's an N-Series blaster and is packing N1 darts, the Infinite is noticeably more accurate than the likes of a Nerf Elite toy. It boasts a better range as well, allowing you to hit your mark much more easily in the heat of Nerf battle.
That's not the blaster's headline feature, though – it's the ammo capacity. With dozens of darts in the clip that are pushed into place on a rotating belt every time you prime the mechanism, you won't have to worry about reloading like everyone else. Yes, picking up after yourself once the game is over will be more of a pain. But while playing, you'll feel unstoppable. It was all I could do not to laugh maniacally while yelling "say hello to my little friend!" as I tested this thing out.
Nerf darts info & deals
Finding the best Nerf blasters is just the beginning; unless you're happy running around picking up darts during every session, you'll need more to stay in the game for as long as possible. To help you prepare (and avoid the ignominy of pausing the game so you can gather ammo), I've broken down what Nerf darts there are here… including what they're compatible with. That's because it's crucial to buy the right darts for your blaster. Some won't work with certain Nerf toys, while others are a completely different shape or size.
You can find a brief overview below, with more information (along with deals) available further down the page.
Dart type | Description |
|---|---|
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 Elite | Bog-standard Nerf darts. They're compatible with almost everything that isn't an Ultra, Hyper, or Rival blaster. |
Nerf Gelfire | This entirely new invention differs from everything else here - the rounds are water-hydrated, so start out tiny and get bigger. Only compatible with Gelfire blasters. |
Nerf Ultra | Nerf darts that fly further than normal Elite ammo. 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 N1
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- Compatible with: Nerf N-Series blasters
These darts are the first new design in years, and they're specially made to fly further, faster, and more accurately than anything that's come before. I've been hands-on with a variety of the N-Series blasters they're built for, and these beauties really are better than anything else from Nerf.
However, bear in mind that they won't work with any other kind of Nerf blaster; they'll only fit the N-Series range. The same goes both ways, as Elite or Ultra darts aren't going to work in N-Series blasters either.
Nerf Elite
- Compatible with: Nerf Elite, Elite 2.0, Fortnite, Minecraft, DinoSquad, Zombie Strike, MicroShots, AlphaStrike, Halo, AccuStrike Elite, and Modulus blasters
Often seen as the 'classic' Nerf dart, this is the most common and readily available ammo by a long way. That means plenty of third-party equivalents are up for grabs if you want to save money.
Better yet, they can be used on a vast array of blasters (but not the new N-Series). Be sure to check first, but chances are, the blaster you have at home can fire Elite darts.
Nerf Gelfire
- Compatible with: Nerf Gelfire blasters
This is the most unique invention Nerf has under its belt, and it's totally different to anything else in the range. You see, these aren't darts; they're water-hydrated rounds that burst on impact. They biodegrade naturally too, so no clean-up is needed... though it should be noted that they need exposure to water for a prolonged period to be usable, so aren't an instant fix.
Just don't try to load them into anything else. They'll only work with Nerf Gelfire blasters.
Nerf Ultra
- Compatible with: Nerf Ultra blasters
Although they won't hold up to the newer N1 darts, Ultra ammo is designed to be more accurate and have a longer reach than Nerf Elite rounds. Indeed, they're supposed to be able to go 120 feet.
Sadly, that means they won't fit into any other blaster. Want to use them on your Nerf Elite toys? Sorry, no can do. They'll only work with Nerf Ultra.
Nerf Hyper
- Compatible with: Nerf Hyper blasters
You'll immediately notice what sets this ammo apart from other Nerf toys at a glance - they're balls, not darts. Used in the Hyper range for more competitive play, they're loaded via hopper rather than the usual clip or revolving barrel.
Despite looking very similar to Nerf Rival ammo, bear in mind that Hyper rounds are not compatible with any other kind of blaster.
Nerf Rival
- Compatible with: Nerf Rival blasters
Rival ammo is very similar to Hyper in that it's spherical rather than a dart. It's also designed for an older, more competitive scene and is fed via hopper.
Nevertheless, they can't be used in Hyper toys and are exclusive to Rival blasters. Be aware of that before hitting checkout to avoid disappointment.
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.
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 buy the new Nerf N-Series?
Thanks to the introduction of Nerf N-Series in 2024, things have really changed for the toy range. Besides replacing the current, venerable 'Elite' dart with an all-new N1 alternative, it's the first major overhaul in years that isn't just a spin-off brand.
That's because those darts are bigger than their predecessors, which means they won't work in older blasters - and vice versa. However, they're also a lot more accurate and can fly further. That means you'll want to upgrade your gear if you want the best Nerf guns.
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.
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.
