Are you trying to find your next marker and unsure which one is the best deal and can provide you the best overall experience for your money? Well, we cover this topic in detail today to help you choose the best match for your play style and overall enjoyment!
Since markers can run from a hundred to thousands doing proper research and finding the right fit for your budget and time is well worth the investment. There are quite a few very nice options in the $300 range that will fill the needs for 90% of paintball players without impacting your wallet.
- Packed with features normally only found on high-end markers, the DYE Rize CZR delivers premium features without the pro price tag. The CZR gives you the ability to compete with any marker on the field through a proven, reliable platform that delivers.
- Featured loaded with the precision True Core two-piece 14 barrel, proven Hyper3 regulator, DYE Ultralite on/off Airport, and DYE Lever Lock adjustable clamping feed neck the CZR is packed with features that make playing paintball easier and more fun by adding more firepower to your game.
- Innovations like the internal Anti-Chop eyes, screw together bolt design, DYEs patented self-cleaning 4th generation Eye Pipe, and Color Coded O-Rings keep maintenance to a minimum and easy when required. Built to last and withstand even the toughest of games, the CZR performs in all conditions with minimal maintenance.
- New nylon reinforced feed neck, elongated body for improved ergonomics, and RAMP solenoid boast improvements made to the CZR over its predecessor, the Rize & Rize MaXXed.
- Parts kit, DYE Slick Lube 2.0, OG DYE Barrel Sock, tool kit, and 9-volt battery included. All DYE products are backed with a 1-year warranty against manufacturer defect.
Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Best Paintball Markers Under $300
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Tippmann TMC Paintball Magfed Marker W/Air Thru - Black | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top | Dye Rize CZR Paintball Marker (Black/Lime) | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | Tippmann A-5 .68 Caliber Paintball Marker with E-Grip | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | Dangerous Power G5 Paintball Marker (Red) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Azodin Zenith II Electronic Paintball Marker Gun - Iron Man | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | Azodin KP3.5 KAOS Pump Paintball Marker (Blue/Gold) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Planet Eclipse EMEK 100 Mechanical Paintball Marker - Black | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
What to Look For When Buying a Paintball Marker Under $300
There are many possible options for the best paintball marker under $300. What you need to do though is to take your time and avoid rushing to a decision without weighing the choices. Make sure you think about your decision and be as well informed as possible by reading through this article before making your purchase.
We provide the following details to help you be well informed as a purchaser of the best paintball marker in your price range with the help of the following factors:
Quality Of Materials
A large factor which determines your quality on a mid range budget paintball marker is the type of material used in the overall construction. Beneficially most markers within this price range are built from composites or plastics which will lead to a more durable marker which can take some punishment without it being too detrimental to the performance.
The second portion in the material side of construction is that it is lightweight and not too bulky or heavy as this can and will slow you down on the field and get you eliminated and frustrated. You want the materials used to feel solid and high in quality without causing the price to grow.
Style Or Type
It is important that you learn to familiarize yourself with the typical common styles or types of paintball markers that are available below $300.
Mil-Sim or Woodsball
One very common available style is mil-sim style markers which are used for woodsball and military stylized games. This type of marker will typically come with a more simplistic design or it will aim to duplicate military styling with rails and details arranged to look intimidating.
These markers can be used in any game mode and aren’t really limited to the style portrayed. If you chose you could play a speedball match with this type as much as on an organized field or in the woods.
A cool thing on mil-sim and woodsball styled markers is that they are typically very accurate and efficient in paintball use and gas use meaning you can have longer days of play for less expense.
Speedball Or (Pro) Markers
These markers are typically very colorful and are designed for close proximity play. This means they will normally have smaller bodies and less exposed to random shots. Speedball and professional play are on fields which typically sport inflatable bunkers instead of woods or buildings. These markers are paint-flingers and can typically fire upwards of 30 balls per second.
Shooting Power
One measure of usefulness on the field is if your paintball marker can shoot often and with power and accuracy, no matter how affordable or budget-friendly. This is one of the large quantifiers you should use when looking to purchase a marker for yourself.
You want to find a paintball marker or marker which shoots long distances accurately. You want to preferably take out the opposing team from a distance that they can’t shoot you back or with enough firepower to overwhelm them into being taken out.
Weight
You want to evaluate each marker for its overall size and heft, it is vitally important that what you choose to be light and easy to move. This total heft value will be a large portion of your game and will show in your overall performance in most games.
By normal design, the lighter the marker is typically the more expensive it will become as more customized tooling and work has gone into making it perform well while maintaining that ultra-light weight. I would personally suggest looking for a marker that comes in at 2.5 to 3 pounds and the lighter the better as you will be lugging it around on game days for upwards of 8 hours.
Customization Options
Many markers will come with additional items which can be purchased which can provide better results to your game. Take the time to read up on these items and after a few days of games if you find performance lacking in a specific way look and find if there are parts which can improve the markers ability within that deficiency.
Aesthetics
This is a largely personal decision, there are some, like myself, who love the ultra colorful designs and will take the chance at being spotted for that coolness factor. If you intend to play mostly mil-sim or woodsball it would be in your best interest to find a less colorful model marker so that you will blend into your environment. In a tournament or in speedball the games run so fast no one is worried about color or hiding as you will just end up being bunkered.
Rate Of Fire
This is measured in BPS or Balls Per Second. Typically the faster this is the less accurate you will be on any single shot as you plan to make up in volume what you lose. The range in this set of markers, short of the lone pump, are approximately 12+ bps in most cases and ranging to 20-30+ with auto fire modes
Empire Paintball Mini GS
The Empire Mini GS is the next generation of a paintball marker legend. The team at Empire has taken the proven Mini marker platform and designed and developed it to be even better.
In addition to the battle proven Mini engine the GS includes a full wrap-around rubber fore grip that creates a secure grip and protection from paint and the elements. The Mini GS also adds an On/Off ASA that eliminates any thread issues and makes for smooth removal of your tank.
For an added bonus, the new design allows for a simple drop-in of the Redline OLED board in without switching the fore grip. The ASA and Fore grip attachment points have been beefed up for extra strength and superior performance.
Of course you have all the regular goodies you have come to expect and depend on from the Empire Mini: Hose-less design, Eyes, Clamping Feed neck and proven Mini performance. It takes a truly amazing product to follow a legend and Empire hits the mark with the Mini GS.
- Pressure controlled poppet engine for outstanding performance
- Integrated break-beam anti-chop eyes
- Wrap-around fore grip for protection from elements and increased grip
- Venting ASA regulator with ON/OFF lever
- Only two hex wrenches needed for all screws
Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Features
- New Rubber Grips
- New Regulator/ ASA
- Weatherized Board and Housing
- Microswitch Trigger Activation
Empire Paintball Mini GS User Reviews
At a 4.75 star consistent rating across multiple sites the Mini GS as I expected is definitely a well loved marker in the community. It is a smaller frame then most the others on this list and hence if you have larger hands it may not be the best choice for you.
You can read reviews on Amazon by clicking here, it will open in a new window so you can continue to browse.
Dangerous Power G5
DP Engineering continues to strive for the exceptional design, combined with the standards of today’s players. DP’s years of experience in craftsmanship & intricate design brings forth a high quality marker, loaded with features such as the Stinger Frame, Wave Trigger, Subsonic Bolt Engine, & Riptide Regulator. DP is proud to proclaim the intricacy in design, simplified by Engineering, the all new G5.
The G5’s Unibody Frame, Milled from high-grade Aluminum, houses the Inline reinforced Stinger Frame Low-Pressure system. High speed precision milling is used through the Stinger Frame to contain the Low-Pressure Inline system.
The Stinger Frame includes a heavy-duty bracing structure for increased durability and is complimented with a high-performing lightweight design. Cutting edge technology, stamped with ingenuity.
The Engineer’s of DP invigorates the Riptide Regulator. A superior design, the Riptide Regulator’s operation simulates the art of nature by directing the flow of pressure & combining as one controlled force.
The High Pressure Regulator receives direct pressure from the Stinger Frame low-pressure system, allowing a fluid path with an extremely durable design. The components of the Riptide Regulator are very light, compact, & comprised of only a 7 stationary O-ring build.
The G5’s Subsonic Bolt Engine high performance is combined with a high efficiency. A lower pressure operation achieves accurate & high-powered performance. The Ported vents on the G5 Bolt generates fluid motion during bolt-actuation, while creating a subsonic flow from the pressure chamber and through the vented ports to cushion paint while delivering a powerful trajectory. ‘
Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Features
- Four Firing Modes: Semi, PSP3, NXL & Millennium
- RAPS On/Off ASA
- No Macroline
- Re-Designed Bolt
Dangerous Power G5 User Reviews
The average review is around 3.5 stars when I read online that while most say they experience no issues and the marker was a pleasure there is an equal amount that experienced non-stop leaks even after replacing the o-rings multiple times within the same play session.
You can read reviews on Amazon by clicking here, it will open in a new window so you can continue to browse.
Azodin KP3.5 KAOS Pump
The 3rd generation of KP ushers in a new level of performance and refinement. The KP3 epitomizes what the KP lines represents; a Simple Pump Marker for players new to the pump experience with the precision and performance experienced pump players expect.
The KP3 features a multitude of design changes over its predecessor. It utilizes a new internal ZeRO Assembly and Acoustic Bolt that lowers the operating pressure to 230psi, making it quieter and more precise. It now includes an improved list of standard features: 14 inch Two-Piece Barrel, On/Off ASA, Clamping Feedneck, Delrin Pump Handle, and Single Trigger Frame.
The Azodin KP3 is the latest iteration of our KP line. It showcases our latest technologies and combines our best design with better ergonomics, increased accuracy, improved efficiency, and unique colors.
- 14” Two-Piece Barrel with Two Backs (.685 and .681)
- Half-Block Design
- Delrin Pump Handle
- Dual Pump Rods
- Clamping Feedneck
Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Features
- 14” Two-Piece Barrel with Two Backs (.685 and .681)
- Half-Block Design
- Delrin Pump Handle
- Dual Pump Rods
- Clamping Feedneck
- On/Off ASA
- Acoustic Bolt
- Integrated ZeRO Assembly
- Single Trigger Frame
- 230psi Operating Pressure
Azodin KP3.5 KAOS Pump User Reviews
All the reviews list this marker as accurate, reliable, and fun to shoot. Please note that this is a pump marker and as such it requires you to manually pump between shots. This is known to cause better more accurate fire but at the direct expense to the rate of fire you can output.
You can read reviews on Amazon by clicking here, it will open in a new window so you can continue to browse.
Dye Rize CZR Paintball Marker
When it comes to quality, the Dye Rize CZR paintball marker really goes beyond the standard $300 range marker competition. This marker was built on a solid foundation with close attention to detail.
The Dye Rize CZR was made to go the long haul and this marker will last years with little maintenance done. The Rize features an amazing assortment of upgrades that markers twice the price won’t always have.
- Packed with features normally only found on high-end markers, the DYE Rize CZR delivers premium features without the pro price tag. The CZR gives you the ability to compete with any marker on the field through a proven, reliable platform that delivers.
- Featured loaded with the precision True Core two-piece 14 barrel, proven Hyper3 regulator, DYE Ultralite on/off Airport, and DYE Lever Lock adjustable clamping feed neck the CZR is packed with features that make playing paintball easier and more fun by adding more firepower to your game.
- Innovations like the internal Anti-Chop eyes, screw together bolt design, DYEs patented self-cleaning 4th generation Eye Pipe, and Color Coded O-Rings keep maintenance to a minimum and easy when required. Built to last and withstand even the toughest of games, the CZR performs in all conditions with minimal maintenance.
- New nylon reinforced feed neck, elongated body for improved ergonomics, and RAMP solenoid boast improvements made to the CZR over its predecessor, the Rize & Rize MaXXed.
- Parts kit, DYE Slick Lube 2.0, OG DYE Barrel Sock, tool kit, and 9-volt battery included. All DYE products are backed with a 1-year warranty against manufacturer defect.
Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you are looking for a budget paintball marker that performs like a professional one then this is the marker for you. Great for both casual play and tournaments, the Dye Rize CZR, from Amazon, will offer you the best of both worlds!
Features
- Patented UL Hourglass Composite 45 frame
- Patented Fusion bolt spool valve technology
- Patented self-cleaning DYE M2 Eye Pipe
- DYE UL aluminum trigger
- Increased Airflow, Hyper 3 Inline Regulator
- Trademarked DYE Sticky Grips
- Quick Release Macroline Hose
- New and improved solenoid
- Low 140psi operating pressure
- DYE Matrix Wired Eye System
- Patented Hyper 3 Regulator
- DYE Sticky Regulator Grip
- Clamping Feedneck
- Color coded o-rings
- LED Circuit Board with 4 tournament firing modes
Dye Rize CZR Paintball Marker User Reviews
Overall very satisfied rating on Amazon with people praising the price to the performance they get from the marker. Very gas efficient even while firing volleys of paint downfield. Many rated it as an amazing overall intermediate marker and that most of the bad reviews we due to not doing proper maintenance and managing o-rings on the regulator, etc.
You can read reviews on Amazon by clicking here, it will open in a new window so you can continue to browse.
Tippmann TMC Magfed Marker
Introducing the latest MagFed Extremely Authentic ARStyled Tactical Carbine Marker! Go MagFed or traditional loader and get the best of both worlds in one awesome package.
- Full Pneumatic marker
- Proven high performing in-line bolt system
- Dual Feed option: can be hopper or magazine Fed
Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The TMC can be fully accessorized giving the player more unique options for Tactical Games, combining functionality with the World renowned Tippmann reliability for the next standard in MagFed Products
Features
- Includes two 20 round spring driven magazines
- Full pneumatic marker
- Proven high performing in-line bolt system
- Dual feed option: can be hopper or magazine fed
- Extremely authentic ar look and feel
- Fully functional charging handle
- Easy-pull trigger
- Over molded rubber grip
- 12″ high performance barrel with muzzle break
- Bottom mounted asa
- Internal stainless steel gas line
- 2 position external selector
- 5 position colapsable stock
- Durable aluminum receiver
- Front and rear adjustable sights
- Integrated sling mounts
- AR-15 style shroud with built-in 4 sided picatinny rails
Tippmann TMC Magfed User Reviews
The reviewers love this marker and are very happy with the appearance and durability that it shows on the field. The rails hold up well to attachments and the 2 clips and a dummy clip allow for consistent use, dummy clip noted as being required if you wanted to use a hopper instead of the individual clips.
You can read reviews on Amazon by clicking here, it will open in a new window so you can continue to browse.
GOG Enmey Pro Mechanical
The eNMEy is designed around performance, safety and value. The integrated regulator insures safe velocity control regardless of propellant source. The pneumatic spool valve design offers low maintenance and absolutely no metallic wear.
High performance design and top grade materials means the GOG eNMEy delivers huge value and incredible performance.
Reduced Wear No batteries, no hammer, no sear, and no metal-on-metal wear points. The eNMEy valve is not powered by springs, instead it is operated by precisely balanced gas pressures. This tournament proven system delivers both speed and accuracy. With only one moving part serving as both the main valve and bolt.
Safely handles both An integrated relief valve completely protects the valve components in the eNMEy from the pressure spikes often associated with liquid CO2, while the vertical regulator compensates for pressure fluctuations allowing for stabile velocity with compressed air or CO2.
For the player, this means consistent shot to shot performance enhancing accuracy. For safety the relief valve and regulator combine to assure safe operation and controlled velocities, far greater than a marker without these systems.
Features
- Pro Version Includes On/Off Asa
- Pro Version Includes Trinity Clamping Feedneck
- Pro Version Includes Freak Inline W/.689 Insert
GOG Enmey Pro Mechanical User Reviews
There are’t many reviews online on Amazon in regards to the GOG but that review was a perfect one as the marker hit on all cylinders with no issues.
You can read reviews on Amazon by clicking here, it will open in a new window so you can continue to browse.
Tippmann A-5 Sniper
The black Tippmann A-5 sniper paintball marker is all about speed, making it a great choice for your paintball activities. The A-5 is outfitted with a patented Cyclone Feed System that links the feeder sprocket to the air mechanism.
This gives the marker the power to unleash a fury of balls as fast as you can fire them, with a maximum feed rate of 17 balls per second. Users will also like the markers versatility, with a frame that can be completely stripped and reassembled in the field in 60 seconds without tools.
- An affordable, upgradable and customizable marker, suitable for woodsball or scenario play
- Cyclone Feed System can fire 15 balls per second without batteries
- The A-5 can be field stripped in less than 60 seconds without tools
- Two position external selector switch allows players to easily change from safe to firing mode
- Enhanced ergonomics with a longer front grip, lighter weight body and easier to remove push pins
Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Due to the markers all-aluminum die-cast receiver and extra-sturdy black finish, the A-5 is one of the toughest markers available. Combining technology, accuracy, and durability, this high-end marker has everything you need for a day at the course, letting you concentrate entirely on eliminating your opponent.
The A-5 also offers such features as a shock-absorbing end cap for reduced wear and recoil, a front-cocking knob that allows for a fully enclosed receiver, and a 200-round stock hopper. The marker is compatible with CO2, compressed air, and nitrogen, and is completely customizable for enhanced performance. (.68 caliber)
Check The Current Price On Amazon
Features
- An affordable, upgradable and customizable marker, suitable for woodsball or scenario play
- Cyclone Feed System can fire 15 balls per second without batteries
- The A-5 can be field stripped in less than 60 seconds without tools
- Two position external selector switch allows players to easily change from safe to firing mode
- Enhanced ergonomics with a longer front grip, lighter weight body and easier to remove push pins
- Quick-firing black A-5 pre built for sniper rifle use
- Red Dot Site
Tippmann A-5 Sniper User Reviews
All reviews state that this lives up to the Tippmann standard of durable and reliable. The reviewers said it is an easy to clean marker for when it gets hit by paint and that you may need the manual the first few times when attempting to take it apart.
You can read reviews on Amazon by clicking here, it will open in a new window so you can continue to browse.
Azodin Zenith II
The ZII is the pinnacle of design and performance for the stack tube blow-back platform. When the ZII was being developed, the focus of effort was on improving its operation and performance. The result was the creation of the Zen OLED board and the ZeRO-D system.
The Zen OLED board is the conscious of the ZII and is the first user programmable board on an Azodin marker. The board features new logic which helps you to prolong battery life and decrease voltage requirements.
The ZeRO-D system is the soul of the ZII and threads directly onto the body. The new design improves the durability of the ZeRO Housing and it allows for quicker maintenance of the ZeRO-D System. When paired with the Mass Flow Valve, the ZerRO-D lowers the operating pressure of the ZII.
The ZII showcases Azodin’s next generation of markers and establishes new performance benchmarks for the STBB Platform.
Features
- ZEN OLED Board
- Zero-D System
- AZ Adjustable Clamping Feedneck
- AZ Sling Trigger w/ Roller Bearings
- 3D Milled Body
Azodin Zenith II User Reviews
Overall reviews tended to be positive and that the marker was working very well for the cost. A few people noted they had issues with leaks and they marked the marker down a lot for what is a common paintball marker issue. When you use cold CO2 you can bust o-rings leading to air leaks this isn’t a marker defect but a lack in proper support knowledge.
You can read reviews on Amazon by clicking here, it will open in a new window so you can continue to browse.
D3FY Sports D3S
The D3FY paintball marker has been designed to perform at a high-end level without a high-end price tag. The D3S is made of an aluminum construction with a polyvinyl chloride outer body shell (Rhyno Skin) body cover.
The Marker features our F2 Bolt engine, which incorporates the spool-bolt and regulator in one piece allowing for low operating pressures between 150 and 160 psi. The D3S marker was designed with two things in mind, optimum performance at affordable pricing.
The Tadao SQ Ronin Board caters to all levels of play, with features like; Eye status, Battery life, LED Menu system and Zero power drain while turned off. The board also offers the Industry’s first anti-breech bounce software which reduces chopping when the loader is running low on paint.
Features
- Autococker Threads
- F2 Bolt Engine
- Lower Pressure Operation
- Multiple (11) modes of fire to ensure compliance with all major tournament series: unlimited semi-automatic, adjustable semi-automatic, PSP ramping, PSP 3 round burst, NXL full-automatic, Millennium ramping, custom ramping, auto-response, 3 round burst and full-automatic.
- Anti-Chop Eye System
D3FY Sports D3S User Reviews
Most reports say that this burns through gas/air faster than other markers. The reviewers also came back with it is very accurate and reliable which easy to maintain without being overly complex.
You can read reviews on Amazon by clicking here, it will open in a new window so you can continue to browse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We will frequently update this section based around questions posed in the comments below to ensure any random questions are answered to provide you the information you need to make a good decision on a marker purchase!
What Do Markers Typically Come With?
While each marker and marker can include different extras or useful tools the issue with telling you about specifics are very dependent on what you decide to purchase as to whether it is a “package” or just the “marker”.
Packages will typically save you money if you are missing the typical extras that someone buying their second marker already has on hand, mask, compressed air or CO2 or hopper and paint. I would suggest going for a package if this is your first marker to ensure you have a complete gear setup which will ensure you can play once at the field while getting a quality deal.
Conclusion
In the end I was having a difficult time choosing a favorite between most of these markers as many cover specific use cases or niches within paintball. For overall use though the Dye Precision Proto Rize ended up being my favorite to use within any context.
If it is your first paintball marker overall then I would suggest visiting our other article as it will give you even more information on choosing the right marker and equipment to ensure the day goes awesome.
I would like to say though you can’t go wrong if you follow the use of markers on this article, I think my next purchase will be the Pump as I have been looking for a more entertaining marker where skill can show through instead of just the ability to sling paint.
Please comment if you found this helpful or if you have purchased on of the markers above and let me know how it has worked out for you!
