Product Feature Articles
A Look at the Best AR-15 Suppressors in 2024
There is no denying the growing popularity of AR-15 platform rifles in America. These highly customizable rifles have a near-endless supply of accessories to both personalize the rifle and add performance to your shooting experience. There are a lot of choices for suppressors, and luckily you're already on the website for the nation's leader in suppressor development and sales. Want to know what are the best AR-15 suppressors? Read on!
With the release of the revamped ATF eForms and reduced wait times, 2024 may be the year to take a look at purchasing a quality suppressor for your rifle.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN AR-15 SUPPRESSOR
There are many factors that go into choosing an AR-15 suppressor. Although they would seem to be similar on the surface, the true answers are mostly user-driven. There is a difference between what a varmint hunter needs on an AR-15 for a prairie dog hunt and what a SWAT officer needs on a CQB rifle.
For most hunters, weight and length are critical factors, especially if they are covering long distances on foot. For a CQB type suppressor, length and durability are more critical. Someone who has an assortment of rifles that can share a suppressor may have to evaluate whether it is easier to go with a quick-detach or direct thread method for mounting. Some shooters want the quietest suppressor they can find while others just want enough of the edge taken off so that they can shoot without hearing protection or be able to communicate with their team members.
It is important to evaluate your needs and goals before you go into this and to even consider future needs and goals, as these do tend to change over time. You may have only one AR-15 in 5.56 for which you will need a suppressor at this time. That may change in six months or even 3 years from now should you add a .308 caliber rifle to your collection or maybe an SBR or braced AR-15 pistol.
The Best AR-15 Suppressors
| Category | Name | Caliber | Weight | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall AR-15 Suppressor | BANISH 223 | .223 | 9 oz | 7 in | $849 |
| Best Multi-Caliber Suppressor | BANISH 30 | .30 | 9 oz or 13 oz | 7 in or 9 in | $978 |
| Shortest AR-15 Suppressor | BANISH Speed K | 5.56 | 14.1 oz | 4 in | $1,199 |
| Best .223 Suppressor | 223 XDS Coastal Guns | .223 | 28 oz | 8.5 in | $550 |
| Best Value | Turbo T3 | .223 | 12.8 oz | 5.59 in | $649.95 |
| Best Premium Suppressor | BANISH 30 Gold | .30 | 13 oz | 8.2 in | $1,699 |
Best Overall - BANISH 223
There’s no denying that the AR-15 is one of the most popular rifle platforms on the market, and the BANISH 223 suppressor is optimized to run on that platform as well, not just traditional bolt-action hunting and target rifles. As an added perk, it’s even rated for limited full-auto fire if you’re one of the lucky people who possess a registered M16 or full-auto sear pack.
It may seem as if we are playing favorites because this is one of our own suppressors, but we really do think the BANISH 223 is the best overall suppressor for use on an AR-15. It uses a direct thread mounting system and will attach to any rifle with a ½ x28 thread pitch.
With a lightweight rifle like the AR-15, you want to keep length and weight down on the suppressor. The BANISH 223 accomplishes both of these with its 7” length and 9 ounce weight. This is a good one for shorter length AR-15 carbines and braced pistols.
Coming in with a sound reduction of 38 decibels, the reduced report provided by the BANISH 223’s expansion tube and seven baffles will not only protect your hearing but also the hearing of anyone shooting around you, and it will help keep the sound from spooking other animals if you’re one of the growing number of people who chooses to hunt with their AR-15.
Like all BANISH suppressors the BANISH 223 is completely user serviceable.
Advantages:
- The BANISH 223 is easily disassembled for cleaning and maintenance. The seven stifle baffles are designed to easily stack up in any order and make reassembly a breeze.
- This is a very lightweight suppressor, coming in at 9 ounces and only 7” in length.
- The ability to shoot everything from a .22 rimfire to 5.56 NATO makes the BANISH 223 an extremely versatile AR-15 suppressor.
Disadvantages:
- The Direct Thread mounting system can be inconvenient because the shooter may have to retime the AR-15’s muzzle device when the suppressor is not in use.
- Being a dedicated .223 diameter silencer, it does not have the versatility of a .30 caliber suppressor.
Specs:
- Caliber: .223
- Weight: 9 ounces
- Length: 7 inches
- Sound reduction: 38 dB
- Price: $849
BEST MULTI-CALIBER - BANISH 30
It’s not always just the $200 tax stamp that makes it tough to buy a suppressor for an AR-15. It is usually the excessive wait time and the tying up of discretionary funds for a long period of time that gives many of us pause. For that reason, many shooters want to make their investments go the extra mile and to be able to use their AR-15 suppressor on as many different hosts as they possibly can. Their goal is to find the ultimate multi-caliber suppressor, and that makes sense on so many levels, not the least of which is that the AR platform can play host to a variety of different calibers.
In most instances whenever one tool attempts to fill numerous roles, the end result is a tool that does a lot, but nothing really well. Fortunately this is not the case when it comes to a multi-caliber suppressor like the BANISH 30.
For example, a number of .30 caliber or 5.56 suppressors and even pistol silencers can effectively suppress the sound of rimfire rounds. The trouble is that rimfire rounds are notoriously dirty and will quickly foul these suppressors. The only recourse is to hopefully burn the carbon and lead by firing higher pressure rifle rounds in an attempt to burn them clean. The BANISH 30 makes this process easier as it is one of the few rifle suppressors that is completely user serviceable and it can be easily taken apart for service and cleaning and goes back together with no difficulty.
You can remove the individual baffles, clean them and the tube, and then put it all back together quickly so that you spend less time cleaning and more time shooting.
The modularity factor also allows the shooter to run the BANISH 30 in a short 7” length for ease of portability and maneuverability if you’ll be using it on your AR-15 for home defense or in closer quarters or the 9” length for a much quieter level in sound reduction for extended range sessions or in hunting situations.
Advantages:
- The BANISH 30 is a modular suppressor, meaning that the shooter can run it in 2 lengths.
- Most rifle suppressors are not user-serviceable, but the BANISH-30 can be completely disassembled.
- The ability to shoot everything from a .22 rimfire to 300 Weatherby Magnum makes the BANISH 30 extremely versatile.
Disadvantages:
- The Direct Thread mounting system can be inconvenient because the shooter may have to retime the AR-15’s muzzle device when the suppressor is not in use.
- Different thread pitches on rifles may be an issue. The BANISH 30 ships in 5/8 x 24” and has a ½ x 28” thread adapter as an insert. Although these are the two most common thread patterns with regard to rifles, there are a few oddballs out there like the AK-47, IMI Galil and Steyr AUG that will need an inventive mounting solution.
- The ½ x 28” thread adapter is an insert that can be easily lost, be sure to keep track of it when you change it out between hosts.
Specs:
- Caliber: .30
- Weight: 9 oz (7”) or 13 oz (9”)
- Length: 7” or 9” (depending on whether the tube extension is on or not)
- Sound reduction: 34 dB
- Price: $979
Shortest: BANISH Speed K
At just 4" in length, the Speed K is the perfect choice when maneuverability and speed are vital to success in whatever you're doing. The compact design allows for quick and precise movements in tight spaces. Creating a suppressor short in length was a primary focus when designing and building the Speed K, along with minimal blowback and extreme durability.
With clipped-wall baffles and a finned blast chamber, the Speed K ensures maximum sound reduction while maintaining optimal performance. Featuring controlled flow technology and a vented 4th baffle, this duty suppressor minimizes blowback for a better shooting experience.
The silencer is constructed with 100% Inconel for durability and lower heat retention. Passing seven rounds of SOCOM testing, the Speed K is extremely durable and won’t fail when it matters most. One round of SOCOM testing puts 1,440 rounds through the suppressor in a short period. Many suppressors don’t pass one round of SOCOM testing, let alone seven rounds!
Advantages:
- At just 4" long, it's the shortest suppressor on the list
- Inconel construction is durable and offers less heat retention
- Uses the industry standard HUB mount
Drawbacks:
- At 2" in diameter, it's the biggest in circumference on the list
BANISH Speed K Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56
- Weight: 14.1 oz
- Diameter: 2"
- Length: 4"
- Mount Type: Various
- Material: Inconel
- User-Serviceable: No
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
- Price: $1,199
BEST .223 - 223 XDS COastal
When it comes to a suppressor made for the .223 Remington cartridge as opposed to the 5.56 NATO cartridge, we think mostly of the sporting rifles chambered specifically in that caliber, and it just so happens that they tend to be bolt-action hunting rifles. For those reasons, a direct-thread suppressor is one of the better options. A bolt-action will always be quieter by nature than any semi-automatic rifle due to the completely closed action. There is no gas vented through the ejection port and absolutely no noise created by the cycling of the bolt. For shooters who hang on decibel numbers, those variables will generate false readings when a suppressor is metered for sound.
Why, then, are we talking about bolt-action rifles in an article about suppressors for AR-15s? The answer is simple: Most AR-15s can fire both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington with ease. That’s why we took a look at the 223 XDS Coastal Guns suppressor and chose it for this category. It’s right at home on an AR or a bolt gun.
This is a heavy duty suppressor with regard to performance and physical size. It tips the scales at 28 ounces and, while that may not be what you want on a lightweight short barreled entry carbine, it is perfect for a hunter or shooter who primarily shoots from a supported position at long range using an AR-15 or bolt action rifle. Plenty of precision shots can be taken at long distances with an AR, and this suppressor would fit the bill perfectly for those situations.
Advantages:
- The 223 XDS Coastal Gun suppressor can be completely disassembled for cleaning and maintenance.
- Due to its construction it is one of the quietest cans on the market and can be used without the shooter having to rely on an extra layer of hearing protection.
- The heavier weight (28 ounces) and the V-Tech baffle design allow an improvement in barrel harmonics for the long range shooter.
Disadvantages:
- The biggest drawback to the 223 XDS Coastal Gun suppressor is the weight. Its 28 ounces translates to 1 ¾ pounds of suppressor at the end of the rifle’s barrel.
- This is a direct-thread ½ x 28” suppressor; its use on a rifle with a different thread pattern may be a difficult one to modify.
Specs:
- Caliber: .223
- Weight: 28 ounces
- Length: 8.5 inches
- Sound reduction: 34 dB
- Price: $550
Best Value: YHM Turbo T3
A full-feature suppressor built on a budget is what YHM had in mind with the Turbo T3, and that’s exactly what they delivered. In a world where most suppressor accessories cost extra, YHM ships the Turbo T3 with a QD flash hider and a Phantom QD adapter so that you can switch between suppressed and unsuppressed shooting right out of the box with no extra cost.
The generous internal volume of the Turbo T3 offers a size-to-suppression ratio that is hard to beat in 5.56 suppressors of similar size. As a result, you can shoot quieter, smoother, and cleaner than ever before. The inclusion of an Inconel blast baffle further reduces blowback compared to the previous Turbo T2, and it's even rated for full-auto fire.
Advantages:
- Tubeless design helps keep overall weight down
- Comes with a muzzle device and an adapter at no extra cost
- Stainless steel and Inconel construction are incredibly durable
Drawbacks:
- Not user-serviceable
YHM Turbo T3 Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56
- Weight: 12.8 oz
- Diameter: 1.5625"
- Length: 5.59"
- Mount Type: Quick Detach
- Material: Stainless Steel and Inconel
- User-Serviceable: No
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
- Price: $649.95
Best Premium Suppressor - BANISH 30 Gold
When looking at all the choices and scouting for suppressors that are worthy of being placed in the top tier, it comes down to versatility. That means versatility in terms of caliber, configuration, mounting options, and more.
We found one suppressor in the top tier, premium category that can handle everything from 22 rimfire up to 300 Remington Ultra Magnum (300 RUM) in the BANISH 30 Gold.
Like its other brothers in the BANISH family, the BANISH-30 Gold can be disassembled for service and cleaning and it goes back together with no difficulty. Unlike the BANISH 30 it uses a quick detach muzzle brake and ships with a premium accessories package including two muzzle brakes: one in ½ x 28 for use on your AR-15 and one in 5/8 x 24 to mount on your .30 caliber rifle of choice. As mentioned previously, this is a desirable feature because it puts the brunt of the muzzle blast on the brake as opposed to the baffles.
Advantages:
- The QD mounting system makes it a fast way to switch the silencer between hosts.
- A mount like the BANISH-30 Gold’s system takes most of the abuse off of the first baffle and the brunt is absorbed by the mount. This prolongs the life of the suppressor.
- The BANISH-30 Gold is the only user serviceable suppressor that we know of that is rated to 300 RUM.
Disadvantages:
- Many shooters will be turned off by the price, but that is simply reflecting the cost of materials, craftsmanship, premium accessories and research.
- Different thread pitches on non-mainstream rifles may be an issue. The BANISH 30 Gold and its QD mounting system ships with a 5/8 x 24” and a ½ x 28” mount, only.
Specs:
- Caliber: 30
- Weight: 13 ounces
- Length: 8.2 inches
- Sound reduction: 34 dB
- Price: $1699
HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT AR-15 SUPPRESSOR FOR YOU
As we stated earlier, the best AR-15 suppressor can mean a lot of different things based on the shooter’s needs and the rifle’s specifications. Always remember, it’s your rifle and your needs that will dictate which AR-15 suppressor is the best for you. A longer barreled AR-15 (20”-24”) will always be quieter than a shorter barreled rifle (10.5” to 16”). Every shooter needs to assess what is more important based on their own equipment.
If you own a lot of firearms besides an AR-15, you will want a suppressor that can not only be readily used on a full-sized AR-15 or braced pistol, but one that can handle different rounds from rimfire magnum cartridges possibly up to .300 Blackout or even .30 caliber Magnum rounds like .300 Winchester Magnum or .300 RUM. In those cases a dedicated .223 caliber suppressor will not be up to the task, nor will a unit that is completely sealed if you are a high volume rimfire shooter with that kind of suppressor.
Aside from your specific needs, versatility with regard to mounting and calibers is important in the suppressed realm of shooting. Tax stamp cost aside, who wants to wait for multiple suppressors when one can handle most of your needs? The double edged sword there can come down to proprietary mounting systems. One suppressor at $600 and a $200 tax stamp can seem cheap at first, but not if you need 11 different mounts at $150 apiece to make it truly versatile.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE?
Each of these AR-15 suppressors is the best in their own right. Some we prefer for our more accurate AR-15s and others we like to mount on our shorter barreled rifles and machine guns. If we had to choose one from this list, we would have to go with the BANISH 30 as the overall winner.
If you’re prairie dog or coyote hunting, you can run it in the long configuration. For a defensive rifle on the ranch we can shorten it. When it gets so dirty that it needs a thorough cleaning, it can be cleaned in the garage and has no need to be sent to the manufacturer for armory level maintenance. It is equally at home on a 308 Winchester as it is on a 5.56 AR-15. It literally checks off all the boxes on our list of what makes for the best AR-15 suppressor.
