The Best Rifle Suppressors for 2024: a Comparison Guide
January 18, 2024
If you've ever shot a rifle with a suppressor before, then you understand why it's so much fun and so much better than shooting unsuppressed. If you've never shot a suppressed rifle before, then you're really missing out. We're going to tell you why, and by the end, it's almost guaranteed you're going to want one of your own.
What to Know Before Choosing a Rifle Suppressor
Suppressors are a significant investment, so it's important to understand why you should spend your hard-earned money on one. We'll explain the benefits of shooting suppressed, which calibers are best-suited to suppression, and more.
The Benefits of Suppressing Your Rifle
Using a suppressor on your rifle will allow you to shoot more quietly. After all, that's the main purpose of a suppressor. Quieter shooting is more fun, both for you as the shooter and the other people around you - shooters and bystanders alike.
Beyond that, though, you'll also benefit from reduced recoil and even better accuracy. More on those later.
Are All Rifle Calibers Worth Suppressing?
Quite simply, yes, all rifle calibers are worth suppressing. Regardless of the caliber, all rifles benefit from a suppressor.
If you're just shooting at the range with an AR-15 in 5.56/.223, a suppressed rifle makes it more comfortable for you to shoot longer. Plus, if you're shooting at steel targets, you'll really be able to hear the bullet's impact and see just how quiet a suppressor makes your rifle when you realize that the impact is louder than the shot itself.
In a home defense scenario (a lot of people choose an AR-15 for home defense), then the reduced decibel level can help save your hearing in a life-or-death situation in an enclosed space that would otherwise almost certainly result in permanent hearing damage.
Hunters with suppressed bolt-action rifles in the popular .308 Winchester don't need to wear cumbersome additional hearing protection. A suppressor negates the need to fumble with ear pro right before taking the shot or having to wear it all day long and missing out on the natural sounds around you.
Considerations for Choosing the Best Suppressor
There are a lot of different metrics that can be used for deciding "the best" of any given product, and suppressors are no different. For our list of the best rifle suppressors, we took a look at caliber compatibility, decibel level reduction of common calibers, performance on common rifles, price, and more.
If the tests are done only with match-grade ammo used in high-end rifles with astronomically-priced suppressors, then there's little value to the results for the common shooter.
| Category | Name | Caliber | Weight | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | TBAC ULTRA 9 | .30 | 10 oz (MB) or 11.8 oz (DT) | 9 in | $1,290 |
| Best BANISH | BANISH 30 Gold | .30 | 13.2 oz | 8.2 in | $1,699 |
| Most Affordable | YHM Turbo T3 5.56 | 5.56 | 12.8 oz | 5.59 in | $599.95 |
| Most Versatile | SilencerCo Omega 36M | .360 | 9.8 oz or 12.5 oz | 4.9 in or 6.85 in | $1,169 |
| Best SBR | YHM Fat Cat | 5.56 | 10.6 oz | 4.25 in | $659.95 |
| Most Durable | Dead Air Sandman-S | .308 | 17.7 oz | 6.8 in | $999 |
Top Rifle Suppressor Models
You've seen the basic overview in the chart above, but now we'll break down the specifics of each suppressor chosen and why it made the list in its chosen category.
Best Overall: TBAC ULTRA 9 
There's a reason why TBAC suppressors top most lists. Durability, sound suppression, caliber compatibility - you name it, this suppressor has it. The ULTRA 9 is TBAC’s full-size suppressor in their ULTRA lineup, and the sound suppression it provides is remarkable. Tests show that full-power hot M118LR ammo meters just 123 decibels at the shooter’s ear and 135 decibels at the muzzle. This makes shooting hearing safe at all positions around the rifle.
The ULTRA 9 is a full-size suppressor (they offer shorter 7" and 5" models, too), but its titanium construction ensures that it doesn’t handle like a full-size suppressor. Weighing just 11.8 ounces, it won’t feel like you've got a 9" can on the end of your barrel, and you can rest assured that it's built like a tank and will stand up to years of use.
All of TBAC’s ULTRA series suppressors, including the ULTRA 9, have the flexibility to change from direct thread to QD muzzle brake mount and vice versa with a simple factory service operation in case your needs change.
Advantages:
- Excellent sound reduction - the levels don't lie
- Available in QD or direct thread models to fit your needs
- Small suppressor feel with big suppressor performance
Drawbacks:
- Swapping between QD and direct thread requires sending back to factory
TBAC Ultra 9 Specs:
- Caliber: .30
- Weight: 10 oz (MB) or 11.8 oz (DT)
- Diameter: 1.5"
- Length: 9"
- Mount Type: Muzzle Brake or Direct Thread
- Material: Titanium
- User-Serviceable: No
- Full-Auto Rated: Limited
- Price: $1,290
Best BANISH Suppressor: BANISH 30 Gold 
Simply put, if you want the absolute best suppressor in the BANISH product line, this is it! The BANISH 30 Gold brings a user-serviceable, quick-detach suppressor design that is lighter weight, shorter, and quieter than anything we have ever tested.
An exceptionally versatile suppressor, the BANISH 30 Gold is rated for calibers from rimfire up to 300 RUM. The average sound level heard by shooters across all compatible calibers from the BANISH 30 Gold is 132.9 decibels!
The BANISH 30 Gold is an 8.2-inch quick detach suppressor and comes with two 100% titanium muzzle brakes (1/2×28 and 5/8×24). Completely user-serviceable, you can disassemble the suppressor for cleaning. When you’re ready to put it back together, the baffles are keyed and indexed for a hassle-free reassembly.
Perfect for everything from a fun time at the range to big game hunting, the BANISH 30 Gold will significantly reduce the report and recoil of large-caliber rifles (up to 45% in testing), while still being effective on rifles down to rimfire calibers.
Advantages:
- Excellent decibel reduction ratings backed by testing
- Titanium construction allows it to be strong yet light
- Comes with an accessory package valued at $500
Drawbacks:
- Price may put it out of reach for some
BANISH 30 Gold Specs:
- Caliber: .30
- Weight: 13.2 oz
- Diameter: 1.593"
- Length: 8.2"
- Mount Type: Quick Detach
- Material: Titanium
- User-Serviceable: Yes
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
- Price: $1,699
Most Affordable: YHM Turbo T3 5.56 
When pricing out a new suppressor, it's imperative that you remember to include the $200 tax stamp when figuring out how much a suppressor truly costs in the end, and YHM's Turbo T3 costs less than many other suppressors of the same quality.
Affordable doesn't mean that you'll be sacrificing quality with this suppressor. Utilizing a tubeless design that helps keep weight to a minimum, the Turbo T3 features an Inconel blast baffle that reduces blowback compared to the previous generation YHM Turbo T2.
Accessory costs should also be factored into your final cost, and YHM is going to save you some cash here, too. 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 large 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.
Advantages:
- Great suppressor that won't break the bank
- Accessories are included and don't cost extra
- Rated for full-auto, so spend that saved money on ammo
Drawbacks:
- Limited on calibers you can use
YHM Turbo T3 5.56 Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56
- Weight: 12.80oz
- Diameter: 1.5625"
- Length: 5.59"
- Mount Type:
- Material: Stainless Steel and Inconel
- User-Serviceable: No
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
- Price: $649.95
Most Versatile: SilencerCo Omega 36M 
For the shooter who wants versatility but also doesn't need to accommodate big bore rifles, the modular capabilities and multi-caliber compatibility of the SilencerCo Omega 36M fits the bill perfectly.
This versatile suppressor allows you to switch up different configurations for optimum performance while managing length, weight, and mounting options. The Omega 36M can do this because it has a two-piece modular design that allows for the removal of the front section. This provides the shooter with a shorter and lighter suppressor that still offers impressive sound performance.
With the front section removed, the Omega 36M short configuration measures 4.90” and weighs just 9.8 ounces. The long configuration is 6.85” and weighs 12.5 ounces. Made of stainless steel, titanium, and Cobalt 6, both long and short configurations of the Omega 36M are full-auto rated.
Cross-platform compatibility means that the Omega 36M can be used with a variety of other SilencerCo pistons, Charlie, ASR, and 3-Lug accessories.
Advantages:
- Modular, multi-caliber design without having to be huge in size
- Rated for full-auto fire even in the short configuration
- Tons of accessory mounting options
Drawbacks:
- The sheer amount of mounting options could become confusing
SilencerCo Omega 36M Specs:
- Caliber: .360
- Weight: 9.8 oz or 12.5 oz
- Diameter: 1.57"
- Length: 4.9" or 6.85"
- Mount Type: ASR Mount
- Material: Cobalt, Titanium, and Stainless Steel
- User-Serviceable: No
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
- Price: $1,169
Best SBR: YHM Fat Cat 
The whole point of an SBR is to be short. I mean, it's the first word in the category classification: short barrel rifle. Therefore, it stands to reason that you want a short suppressor to go with it so that you don't negate the point of the SBR. Enter the YHM Fat Cat.
This suppressor is designed to deliver unparalleled performance and reliability and boasts advanced technology and rugged construction that guarantees exceptional noise reduction without compromising accuracy - and it's only 4.25" long!
Built from stainless steel and Inconel, the Fat Cat can easily withstand the rigors of regular use on an SBR, ensuring longevity and durability. It’s also full-auto rated, allowing you to enjoy its benefits in a variety of shooting scenarios. Backed by a lifetime warranty, the YHM Fat Cat Suppressor is a must-have addition to your firearm, promising superior performance and a quieter, more enjoyable shooting experience.
Advantages:
- Backed by YHM's lifetime warranty
- At just 4.25" in length, it keeps your SBR overall length to a minimum
- Stainless steel and Inconel make for a rugged design
Drawbacks:
- Not user-serviceable
YHM Fat Cat Specs:
- Caliber: 5.56
- Weight: 10.6 oz
- Diameter: 1.94"
- Length: 4.25”
- Mount Type: Quick Detach
- Material: Stainless Steel & Inconel
- User-Serviceable: No
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
- Price: $699.95
Most Durable: Dead Air Sandman-S 
The Sandman-S is the shorter version suppressor in Dead Air’s notorious Sandman 7.62mm silencer line, but just because it's smaller doesn't mean it's less durable. Made of stainless steel and stellite with a fully welded baffle stack and finished with Cerakote and a nitrided muzzle device, the Sandman-S can take a beating and keep on going.
This suppressor is 6.8 inches long and weighs 17.7 ounces, providing shooters a compact and maneuverable addition to their host firearm, with impressive performance on 300BLK, 5.56, and 7.62.
With its no barrel length restriction and full-auto rating up to 300 Win Mag, the Sandman-S is a perfect low-profile addition to fit your suppressor needs. Featuring a low blowback design, the Sandman-S is touted for not only its compact construction but also for its impressive noise reduction at the ear.
Dead Air designed the Sandman-S with a focus on an efficient baffle design that yields reduced recoil, blowback, and noise. With all of the elements involved in the Sandman-S’s construction, coupled with Dead Air’s lifetime warranty, this suppressor shows that good things can come in smaller packages.
Advantages:
- Materials used in manufacturing and finishing as well as overall design make it incredibly durable
- Baffle design was specifically created to minimize blowback
- All the benefits of the larger Sandman platform in a more manageable size for rifles of all different sizes
Drawbacks:
- It's the heaviest suppressor on the list
Dead Air Sandman-S Specs:
- Caliber: .308
- Weight: 17.7 oz
- Diameter: 1.5"
- Length: 6.8"
- Mount Type: Quick Detach
- Material: Stainless Steel and Stellite
- User-Serviceable: No
- Full-Auto Rated: Yes
- Price: $999
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Suppressor
In addition to the usual things people consider when choosing a suppressor (we'll cover those below), it's also important to consider the legal aspects of choosing a suppressor.
Currently, suppressor ownership is legal in 42 of the 50 states, and you can hunt with one in 41 of those states. Be sure you're in one of those 41 or 42 states before entertaining the idea of suppressor ownership - unless you want to move somewhere where the politicians don't hate you, freedom, or your hearing.
If you live in a state where suppressors are legal, then buying one is similar to buying a gun but with a few more steps thanks to the National Firearms Act of 1934. You can learn more about this in another one of our posts.
Sound Reduction
Decibel reduction is the thing that most people focus on when picking out a suppressor, and with good reason. A suppressor allows you to shoot more comfortably for longer periods of time. Whether it's at the range with a bunch of other people or you're on a private range by yourself, the reduced decibel levels make things more comfortable and safer in both the short and long-term for everyone.
Felt Recoil Reduction
An added benefit of a suppressor is the reduction in felt recoil. A well-designed suppressor's baffle stack will slow down the expanding gases from a gunshot in such a way that it also helps mitigate some of the gun's recoil. This can make shooting more comfortable for both seasoned shooters and newbies alike.
Improved Accuracy
Because a suppressor also reduced felt recoil, it also can help improve accuracy. Less recoil means less muzzle rise and faster target re-acquisition after each shot. Of course, that doesn't mean you can avoid training altogether and use a suppressor to be a better shot. You've got to put in the work on the fundamentals first.
Size, Weight, and Length
The size, weight, and length of a suppressor can have an impact on the balance, maneuverability, and overall usability of your rifle. Therefore, it's important to consider what kind of rifle you'll be mounting the suppressor on, the caliber you'll be shooting, and how you plan on using the firearm before picking a suppressor.
For example: A longer, heavier suppressor may work just fine for a benchrest competition shooter, but a shorter, lighter one would be better suited for a backcountry hunter.
Bring Your Rifle to Its Optimal Potential with Silencer Central
If you're ready to step up your game and shoot your rifle at its full potential by adding a suppressor, then you've come to the right place!
Silencer Central is the nation's largest suppressor dealer. We're licensed to sell in all 42 states where suppressors are legal to own, and our buying process is the simplest out there. We can help you pick out a suppressor, we'll handle all of the paperwork filing for you, we'll set you up with a free NFA gun trust, hook you up with an interest-free payment plan, and then ship your suppressor right to your front door once it's been approved. It really doesn't get any easier than that!
