SMG Airsoft Guns

What is an Airsoft SMG?

SMGs, or Submachine Guns, are fully automatic, compact airsoft guns that can fire pistol-caliber rounds at high speed. These guns fire 6mm plastic BBs instead of bullets and are powered by either spring, electric (AEG), gas, or CO₂. Some models also feature rails for attaching scopes, flashlights, and grips.

You get the portability of a pistol and the rate of fire of a rifle. Plus, their design features lightweight, easy maneuverability, and rapid fire capabilities. That said, you can easily carry them during fast-paced matches. That’s why they are used by military and law enforcement for close-quarters combat (CQB). 

Why choose an Airsoft SMG?

There are five solid reasons why you might go with an Airsoft SMG for your next CQB. 

Compact and lightweight 

You will find airsoft SMGs smaller than rifles. The length varies between 20 and 28 inches, with a weight of around 4 to 6 lbs. 

High rate of fire

Most airsoft SMGs offer rapid shooting. For instance, electric models can fire at 900 rounds per minute (RPM). High RPM means good dominance in fast-paced skirmishes. 

Beginner-friendly option

Electric SMGs cost between $70–$150, and require minimal upkeep. Such an airsoft submachine gun for beginners is a good deal, considering they fire 0.20g BBs at 280–350 FPS in semi and full-auto modes.

Realism for advanced players 

If you need blowback recoil for added immersion, Gas and CO₂ SMGs are your ideal bet. Plus, you get 350–400 FPS and get a real firearm feeling to meet your expectations as advanced players. 

Customization potential 

You can customize SMGs with Picatinny/Weaver rails, mount scopes, flashlights, or grips. For example, a G&G ARP9 (22 inches) can be customized to feature a full rail system to attach optics and foregrips for either speed or accuracy.

Types of Airsoft SMGs

Let’s take a brief look at each type of SMG to get an overall idea of their usage, pros, and cons. 

CO₂ SMGs

• Powered by disposable CO₂ cartridges 
• Strong, consistent power
• Offers realistic recoil without batteries 
• Expensive cartridges 
• Limited shots per cartridge 

Gas SMG

• Powered by green gas or propane 
• Smooth firing and blowback action 
• Reusable gas cans
• Good for close-quarter play 
• Temperature sensitive
• Requires high maintenance 
• Limited shots per gas fill

Electric SMGs

• Runs on rechargeable batteries
• Reliable and beginner-friendly 
• Consistent rate of fire
• Requires charging
• Less recoil realism compared to gas/CO₂

Air Gun SMG: 

• Shoot metal BBs instead of plastic BBs
• Good for target practice 
• High power and durable builds 
• Can not be used for skirmishing!

PTW SMG:

• PTW stands for the Professional Training Weapon
• Used for military and police training 
• Professional-grade realism and precision performance 
• Extremely expensive 

Spring Powered SMG: 

• Manually clocked for each shot 
• Slow rate of fire
• No batteries or gas required
• Simple, cheap, but less practical for fast-paced games

Best SMG Airsoft Guns 

At Airsoft Station, you will find a wide range of SMGs to choose from. Let’s take a look at some of the best airsoft SMGs of 2025. 

#1 G&G ARP9 Carbine Airsoft AEG Rifle, Black ($260)

Features: 

• 330-350 FPS (0.20g BB)
• Magazine: 300 rounds
• 5” Milspec MLOK rail Section 
• Ergonomic motor grip with enhanced trigger 
• Adjustable PDW style collapsible stock

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#2 KRYTAC KRISS Licensed VECTOR V2 ($449)

Features: 

• Integrated enhanced FET system
• KRYTAC NEO hi-torque motor
• Microswitch E-Trigger
• Ambidextrous safety & fire selector

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#3 H&K UMP AEG Airsoft SMG ($189.95)

Features: 

• Reinforced ABS body
• Officially licensed replica
• 8.4V NiMH rechargeable battery 
• Adjustable rear sight
• Folding stock
• Two mount sling connection

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#4 Sig Sauer ProForce MPX Airsoft SMG, Black

Features: 

• Reinforced CNC steel 18:1 gear set and steel tooth piston
• Officially licensed SIG Sauer MPX-K replica
• Lightweight polymer construction 
• Full metal gearbox (7mm bearings)
• Adjustable hop-up
• Full-length Picatinny top rail
• M-LOK handguard
• 100-round mid-cap magazine

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How to Choose the Right SMG?

To help you make a quick decision, here is a comparison table of SMG types, along with their price and ideal application. 

Type of SMG	Price Range	Best for
CO₂ SMG	$120 - $250+	Strong recoil Realism Consistent FPS
Gas SMG	$100 - $220	Close-quarter battles Smooth blowback Casual play
Electric SMG	$80 - $160	Reliable full auto-run Easy to maintain Beginner players
Air Gun SMG	$90 - $200	Target shooting Not for airsoft fields
PTW SMG	$300 - $600	Military/police training Professional shooters
Spring Powered SMG	$30 - $60	Beginners on a low budget Backyard shooting Simple practical use

How to choose the right SMG as per your purpose, budget, and play style?

• Beginners should start with an Electric SMG for reliability and low upkeep. 
• For casual players on a budget, a lower priced AEG is the best option. 
• Switch to CO₂ or Gas SMGs for quality realism and recoil. 
• Nothing beats a PTW SMG for professional training. 
• Avoid Air Gun SMGs unless you’re specifically looking for target practice. 

Still looking for the best airsoft SMG of 2025? 

Explore all SMGs