These are the Nerf blasters ruling gardens this summer

Nerf N-Series Duo Pack blasters on a wooden table — (Image credit: Benjamin Abbott)

Are you a parent trying to hunt down Nerf blasters for your kids? It's not an easy job; there are countless options to choose from, and all these toys seem to do the same thing. Where should you start?

I've been reviewing and writing about toys for many years now, so I know exactly where you should start regardless of whether you're buying Nerf blasters for siblings, younger kids, or older children. (I'm also a parent myself, so finding the best Nerf blasters is a subject I've given a lot of thought to.) That's why you'll find my top three recommendations below.

Are there other, flashier options available? Of course. But if you're a parent just looking for good Nerf guns their children will enjoy, this is what I'd suggest.

Nerf N Series Ward Blaster, 2 N1 Darts Compatible Only N Series Blasters, Kids Outdoor Games, Ages 8+ Cheapest

1. Nerf N-Series Ward

✅ Very affordable
✅ Good accuracy
✅ Lightweight

❌ Only 2 darts
❌ Pull to prime

Nerf N-Series Agility Best overall

2. Nerf N-Series Agility

✅ Easy to use
✅ Small & light
✅ Very accurate

❌ Only 8 darts
❌ Harder to prime

Nerf N-Series Duo Pack For siblings

3. Nerf N-Series Duo Pack

✅ 2 identical blasters
✅ Pretty accurate
✅ Punchy

❌ Only 2 darts
❌ Short range

Nerf Elite Jr. Rookie Pack For younger kids

4. Nerf Elite Jr. Rookie Pack

✅ Easy to prime
✅ Lightweight
✅ Includes targets

❌ Carries 8 darts
❌ Lacks accuracy

Nerf N-Series Infinite For older kids

5. Nerf N-Series Infinite

✅ Holds 40 darts
✅ Very accurate
✅ Cool design

❌ Heavier
❌ Unwieldy

Nerf Loadout Galactic Commander Motorized Blaster, 3 Firing Modes, 3 Attachment Accessories, 48 Nerf N1 Darts, Kids Toys & Gifts, Ages 8+ Coolest

6. Nerf Loadout Galactic Commander

✅ Motorized
✅ High-speed
✅ Loads of ammo

❌ Uses batteries
❌ Quite large

Naturally, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless Nerf blasters out there to choose from, each with a different use-case (I'm personally quite fond of the Nerf N-Series Pinpoint due to its sniper-like accuracy, for example). However, these are the ones I default to when recommending Nerf toys for parents; they're a great starting point.

See all Nerf deals at Amazon

Want to make the most of the warmer weather? Don't miss the best water guns. As for more general suggestions, why not drop in on our guide to the best toys?

I've been writing about games in one form or another since 2012, but these days you'll find me managing GamesRadar+'s tabletop gaming and toy coverage (I spend my time here handling everything from board game reviews to the latest Lego news). I've also been obsessed with Warhammer since the 1990s, and love nothing more than running tabletop RPGs like D&D as a Dungeon Master.