Best Affordable Suppressors: A Guide to Cheap Silencer Solutions
Suppressors offer benefits for all kinds of shooters, whether you’re at the range training or staying quiet while hunting. Silencers protect your hearing, reduce recoil, and make shooting even more fun; and you can get all of these benefits without breaking the bank.
We’ve run the numbers and found our most popular and well-reviewed suppressors that are still budget-friendly. These are some of the best options out there overall, but especially for those trying to keep costs down.
We’re going to cover options for a variety of chamberings including .30 cal, 5.56, 9mm, .22lr, and .45. And because everyone’s needs are different, we’re also going to give you all the information you need to choose the best suppressor to meet your specific needs.
Table of Contents
Best Budget Suppressors for 30 Caliber
Aero Precision Lahar 30
The Lahar 30 is a budget-friendly workhorse of a suppressor and is highly beloved by the community. This is a great suppressor from a company known for its high quality products.
The body of the suppressor is made of laser-welded 17-4 stainless and Inconel, it has no minimum barrel length restrictions and is rated for full-auto fire. It uses industry-standard HUB mounting threads, so you can use a direct thread mount or your chosen quick-detach system.
As with all Aero Precision products, machining is top-tier and the finish is robust and aesthetically pleasing. The Lahar can effectively suppress all of your 30 caliber and 5.56 rifles, with awesome sound performance and incredible durability.
Dead Air Nomad 30
The Dead Air Nomad 30 is another crowd favorite that tends to fly off the shelves and gets rave reviews. The whole unit weighs in at only 14.5 oz, is highly customizable with swappable end caps and HUB mouting threads, and is known for its performance.
The suppressor is designed to minimize the first round pop, making th eNomad an awesome hunting silencer and keeping your rifles quiet from the first shot. Dead Air bult the Nomad to work on a variety of calibers, so it had to be tough; this 30cal suppressor uses laser welded 17-4 stainless steel to ensure reliability.
The Nomad can be customized to fit almost any application, from a hard use AR15 in 5.56, to a 300BLK subsonic PDW, and even magnum hunting rifles and precision bolt actions. This is an incredibly high value suppressor that should earn a spot in your safe.
SilencerCo Omega 300 DTM
The SilencerCo Omega 300 DTM is an exceptional value for shooters looking to add a versatile and high-performing suppressor to their collection. Known for its durability and lightweight design, the Omega 300 DTM offers superior sound and recoil reduction across a wide range of calibers, from .223 to .300 Win Mag.
Its integrated anchor brake and Omega baffle design keep you on target and protect your hearing, making it an ideal choice for both tactical and hunting applications. The Direct Thread Mount (DTM) system ensures a secure attachment, but alos uses Bravo (HUB) mounting threads, so you can upgrade to any QD system you prefer. .
The Omega 300 has been a top-tier choice for years and continues to be recommended due to its high performance and incredible value. For a hunting or long range shooting suppressor, the Omega 300 s tough to beat.
Best Affordable 556 Suppressors
Otter Creek Labs Polonium
Kicking off our 5.56 picks is the Otter Creek Labs Polonium, a stellar can for those seeking an effective yet budget-friendly 5.56 suppressor.
Its design focuses on maximizing sound suppression while maintaining a compact profile, but it’s no slouch when it comes to durability either. Thanks to high-quality stainless steel and a clever baffle design engineered to take a beating, the Polonium offers excellent durability and resilience under sustained use, even on short barreled rifles.
The Polonium's HUB mount design makes it easy to attach and detach, simplifying the process for users who need to quickly adapt their setups. And, if you want to go even more compact, the Polonium K gives you all of the same benefits in a shorter overall length and a little less weight.
Rugged Razor 556
The Rugged Razor 556 is another excellent option for budget-conscious shooters looking for a reliable 5.56 suppressor. This lightweight suppressor is constructed from high-grade stainless steel and Stellite for durability without too much heft.
The Razor 556 delivers impressive performance, effectively reducing the noise of 5.56 rounds to more manageable levels. Rugged’s Dual Taper Locking System allows for fast, easy mounting and dismounting while also preventing carbon buildup on the mounting system.
The suppressor's design also helps to minimize blowback, enhancing the overall shooting experience. The Razor 556 comes in both black and FDE finishes to match your favorite ARs.
Yankee Hill Machine Turbo T3
The YHM Turbo T3 is that latest iteration in YHM’s lineup, known for high performance without costing a fortune.
The Turbo T3 sounds great, significantly reducing the noise of 5.56 rounds to safer and more comfortable levels. Its baffle design not only enhances sound reduction but also helps minimize backpressure. This feature makes the Turbo T3 more comfortable to shoot with, as it reduces the amount of gas and debris blown back towards the shooter and keeps your rifles running cleaner.
The Turbo T3 uses a quick-detach mount, which allows shooters to easily switch the suppressor between different firearms or remove it for transport and storage.
Crafted from a combination of stainless steel and Inconel, the Turbo T3 is built to withstand the rigors of extensive use, as well as the high pressures and temperatures associated with 5.56 cartridges, providing consistent performance even during extended shooting sessions.
Low-Cost 9mm Suppressors
JK Armament CCX 9
First up in the realm of affordable 9mm suppressors is the JK Armament CCX 9.
This high-quality suppressor is also the first of a few different modular suppressors that we’ll talk about today, allowing users to configure the suppressor to different lengths by adding or removing baffle sections.
This flexibility means you can tailor the suppressor to your specific needs: more baffles means greater noise reduction, but a larger suppressor. On the other hand, fewer baffles allows for a lighter, more compact setup.
Even at full size, though the ccx stays compact, with an overall length of 4.6” and just 2.5 ounces in weight. And, you can take it down to its micro configuration, which shrinks the suppressor down to just 1.9” long and 1.2 oz.
The CCX was built to an everyday carry silencer, it is incredibly lightweight and comact and does not require a booster to cycle on handguns, meaning you could carry a supressed pistol on-body.
That modular design also makes cleaning a breeze, since the suppressor is made to be disassembled. The CCX 9 is built from 7075 aluminum and has a type 3 hard anodized coating, so it has no problem withstanding rigorous use while also maintaining its performance.
HUXWRX CA$H 9K
Despite its name, the HUXWRX CA$H 9K is a super affordable, compact, and effective suppressor for 9mm rounds. This suppressor is particularly good for pistols and submachine guns, where minimizing added weight and length is crucial.
A crowd-pleaser in part because of its impressive build quality, the CA$H 9K is constructed from durable materials that ensure long-lasting performance. In fact, it’s durable enough for use with pistol and rifle calibers up to .300BLK subsonic.
The CA$H 9K's ease of attachment and detachment also adds to its appeal, providing a hassle-free experience for users. Meanwhile, the swappable piston system adds to the versatility, providing you with plenty of mounting options for suppressed shooting with a wide range of firearms.
In terms of sound suppression, the CA$H 9K incorporates HUXWRX’s Flow-Baffle technology to mitigate blowback. This system effectively reduces both noise and muzzle blast for a more pleasant shooting experience.
CGS MOD-9
The CGS MOD-9 is another solid option for 9mm shooters, offering a blend of high performance and affordability.
Thanks to the lightweight but durable construction, the MOD-9 boasts excellent balance and handling. At the same time, it provides pretty sound suppression, especially for a suppressor at this size and price point.
The MOD 9 also underwent extensive testing. The silencer was developed for use by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and underwent stringent testing for durability, accuracy, and sound reduction.
The suppressor's user servicable baffle system is designed to protect the tube from fouling and debris, as well as facilitate easy cleaning and maintenance. This helps ensure that the silencer will work for years and years to come.
It’s versatile too: the Mod 9 is rated for up to 300 BLK subsonic, so the CGS MOD-9 is just as comfortable on a carbine as it is on your pistol. You can also check out the MOD-9SK for an even smaller setup.
Best Inexpensive 22LR Suppressors
Often called the gateway into the suppressor world, 22lr silencers have the highest performance and the lowest cost in most cases.
These affordable rimfire silencers are a great way to breathe new life into a dusty old .22lr that's been in the back of your safe or to enhance a new plinker like the Ruger MKIV SSH, and they won't cost you a fortune.
CGS Hydra-AL
A featherweight suppressor at just 3.07 ounces, the CGS Hydra-AL features a shielded baffle stack of hard anodized, 7075 aluminum baffles.
Its shielded baffled design means the Hydra can easily be cleaned and sounds fantastic.
CGS is a top-tier manufacturer, and the Hydra-AL is very affordably priced. It's a lot of silencer for the money and will perform incredibly well on your 22 LR pistols and rifles.
SilencerCo Sparrow
Taking the top spot on our top 5 .22lr suppressors list, the SilencerCo Sparrow is an excellent rimfire silencer, and it's easy on your wallet.
This perennial fan favorite uses a stainless steel monocore design that allows it to be full auto-rated and can even suppress 5.7x28mm. The Sparrow uses an innovative clamshell design, making it one of the easier suppressors to clean.
Lower your cost and the decibels with this top-rated 22 silencer.
Q Erector
The Erector by Q is a fully modular .22lr silencer that gives you complete customizability and superb performance.
The Erector uses a stainless steel blast baffle and nine aluminum expansion baffles, allowing you to add or remove any of these nine baffles to tune this silencer to your host. Even in its longest configuration the Erector stays maneuverable and lightweight.
Additional Suppressor Costs
Silencer Shop is the one-stop shop for all things NFA. We are the authority on how to buy a suppressor, and we make it simple!
In addition to selecting a suppressor, there is one required "accessory" and a few nice-to-haves when getting a new silencer:
- NFA Tax Stamp
- NFA Gun Trust
- Quick Detach Adapter
- Muzzle Devices
NFA Tax Stamp
The ATF requires an NFA Tax Stamp for every silencer purchase.
The tax stamp is a $200 tax paid to the government. Once your suppressor paperwork is approved, it will feature the paid stamp.
We're often asked how to get an NFA tax stamp? At Silencer Shop, we make it simple. You can add the stamp to your cart upon checkout, and we will apply an electronic tax stamp credit to your account. There is nothing easier!
NFA Gun Trust
While not required for suppressor ownership, filing your paperwork under a trust is highly recommended.
Trusts offer you additional freedoms and flexibility compared to filing as an individual, and Silencer Shop makes trusts easy to get.
You can get a Single Shot Trust for only $25; it is formed quickly and doesn't require any additional paperwork, processing time, or notarization.
We also offer a traditional NFA trust and the Single Shot Unlimited Trust if you plan to keep growing your suppressor collection -- once you start, you won't stop!
Quick Detach Adapter
Many suppressors on this list featured HUB or modular mounting threads, allowing you to use a QD system. These QD adapters attach to your silencer and give you some excellent benefits, like moving your silencer to different weapons quickly and easily.
Muzzle Devices
These pair with your selected QD mount to give the suppressor something to attach to. Modern muzzle devices like flash hiders and muzzle brakes are very effective at reducing flash, eliminating recoil, and protecting your rifle or pistol threads when your suppressor isn't in use.
If you have multiple guns, you can get matching muzzle devices for each of them and swap your silencer around to the different hosts without swapping out any mounts.
How Much Does the Average Suppressor Cost?
There are various types of suppressors, and each class has different price points. Let's break down the three primary types of silencers:
- Rimfire
- Pistol
- Rifle
Average Rimfire Silencer Cost
Rimfire silencers, or 22lr silencers, are generally the most inexpensive silencers. That is due to their smaller size requiring less materials to manufacture and the use of different materials compared to centerfire silencers.
Because 22 cans are so budget-friendly, they're a great way to get into suppressors to test out the waters of shooting suppressed before diving into the deep end of the NFA world.
You can get a great 22 suppressor starting around $250, with the average being $350-$400.
Average Pistol Silencer Cost\
Pistol suppressors are usually bored for either 9mm or 45 calibers and will work on handguns and pistol caliber carbines, and some can even run on centerfire rifles.
Pistol suppressors are more complex than rimfire cans. They have features such as modular mounting systems and piston booster assemblies and use various materials from aluminum to Inconel.
Pistol silencers start around $375, and the average cost is about $600.
Average Rifle Silencer Cost
Rifle suppressors are the most common silencers on the market and are split into various caliber options, including 5.56, .308, .338, .360, .45, and even 50 calibers.
Rifle silencers handle the most pressure and are usually rated for hard use, requiring their build material to be very durable, such as titanium, stainless steel, and Inconel.
You can get an excellent suppressor for less than $500; the average price is around $850.
Is It Worth it to Own a Suppressor?
Shooting with a suppressor is one of the best upgrades you can make to your guns. Getting a suppressor is absolutely worth it.
We have shot a lot of silencers with a lot of first-time suppressor users, and we always hear the same thing "I'm never going back to shooting without one of these again."
The benefits are immediately noticed. Once you attach a silencer and pull the trigger for the first time, your eyes will be opened to a whole new level of firearms enjoyment.
Other Important Features of Affordable Suppressors
While most suppressors might look similar on the outside, they have special features that set them apart from one another. Some features that might be important to you might include:
- Backpressure reduction
- Modularity
- Mounting system
Backpressure reduction:
There has been a recent trend in suppressor design to reduce the amount of gas that is added to the firearms system; this feature can be important on semi-auto, gas-dependent guns like the AR15. If you’re shooting a locked breach weapon, like a bolt action or lever action, this feature is much less important.
Modularity:
Some suppressors can be broken down into smaller units or have multiple configurations, allowing you to adjust size, weight, length, and sound suppression to match the task or firearm that you're using. For example, you could use a short configuration on a handgun to keep it maneuverable and compact and then add length if you're using the same silencer on a PCC to maximize sound suppression.
Mounting System:
How your silencer attaches to your firearm, or firearms, is essential. The universal HUB mount, or 1.375x24 mounting pattern, allows you to use nearly any quick detach (QD) mounting system you prefer. The direct thread mounting saves weight since no muzzle device or other accessories are needed. A few suppressor brands use their own proprietary mounting systems, and some are direct thread only.
Consider the firearms to which you're attaching your new silencer. If it is dedicated to one gun, the mounting system is less important than if you plan to move your can across multiple weapon systems.
Conclusion
Investing in a suppressor significantly enhances the shooting experience across a variety of firearms and activities, offering benefits like reduced recoil, improved accuracy, and noise reduction.
With a wide range of options available for different calibers and firearms —from rimfire to pistol to rifle suppressors — there are awesome silencers that accommodate shooters with diverse needs and budgets.
Affordable suppressors now offer high-quality features that were once considered premium, making suppressed shooting accessible to more enthusiasts. Whether for hunting, tactical training, or competitive shooting, there's a suppressor suited to every shooter's requirements, ensuring that the benefits of quieter, more enjoyable shooting sessions are within reach without breaking the bank.
