Staying active is essential, even for children, but it’s often easier said than done in our world full of smartphones and tablets (1). It’s time for some creative ideas to make exercise a priority, and one of these is laser tag. Yes, that game you’ve probably played when visiting the arcade can also be played at home.
Whether you want to get your child off the couch, or they specifically asked for a set, laser tag is fantastic. It’s suitable for most ages, and even adults can join in on the fun. However, finding the best laser tag guns requires some research and we were happy to take one for the team and do it.
- Team play
- Four gun settings
- Built-in receiver
- Authentic set
- Various gun modes
- Stealth mode
- Long range
- Voice coach
- Great bonding activity
- Great for advanced players & newbies
- Play indoors and outdoors
- Fantastic effects
- 8 games per charge
- LCD screens
- Customizable
The Best Laser Tag Guns of 2023
Here are our favorite laser tag toys on the market.
Kidzlane Infrared Laser Tag Guns
Best Laser Tag Guns Overall
To start our list, we have this great set of laser guns from Kidzlane. It’s a pack of four different colored guns with a lot to offer.
The pack promotes team play, while also inhibiting players from shooting their team members. Each player has various modes and colors to choose from. While playing, the guns create sound and light effects.
We love this set mostly because it allows anyone of any size to join in on the fun. It’s suitable for any laser tag fanatic above the age of 8, and with a large range, you can play both inside and out.
What We Like
Team Play
Playing laser tag becomes more fun when several people can join in. One of the reasons we chose this as the best is because it’s a pack of four different colored guns.
Your youngster can play with friends where they can choose which team they want to be on. Each gun has a ‘selector’ button to pick which color to play for. The colors include green, blue, white, and red.
Four Gun Settings
Once everyone has selected their team, it’s time to pick a type of gun. Near the selector sits a gun settings button, allowing players to switch between gun modes.
They can choose between four variations — these are:
- Shotgun.
- Pistol.
- Rocket.
- Submarine gun.
Each has a different amount of available shots, as well as lives taken per shot. What’s more, cool sound and light effects also change between the four settings.
Built-In Receiver
Normally, laser tag guns require the players to wear a vest with a receiver, which acts as a target. However, Kidzlane included built-in receivers inside the guns, eliminating the need for vests. This also allows anyone to play, regardless of their size.
Each gun has nine lives. You can keep track of your lives on the lives bar on the gun.
Large Range
You can use these laser tag guns both indoors and outdoors; however, they’re perfect for large areas. They have a range of up to 130 feet, so you have a lot of room to play with.
As a side note, avoid playing in direct sunlight. The guns utilize infrared light, which can be impaired by the sun.
What We Don't Like
Restart to Reload
Once you’ve used up all your lives, the guns require you to restart them before you can reload. Some users said this was a bit time-consuming.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 8+ |
| Number of guns | 4 |
| Vest required | No |
| Gun range | 130 feet |
| Gun modes available | Yes |
Our Ratings
ArmoGear Infrared Laser Tag Blasters and Vests
Most Authentic Laser Tag Guns
If you’re looking for a set identical to what you’re used to at the arcade, then this is it. The set includes four blasters and four vests that each player must wear.
These blasters have a lot of features. For starters, the player can switch between gun modes. There’s also a sneak-attack feature, which is great fun for carrying out a stealthy ambush.
What’s more, playing in the dark or dimly lit areas is no problem — each blaster has a built-in flashlight. The lasers have a large range, making them perfect for outdoors, and they’re suitable for anyone aged 8 and up.
The blasters are ergonomically designed, making them comfortable to hold with a solid grip. And they’re safe, even for young children. The infrared signal emission is at 0.9 mW.
What We Like
Authentic Set
The set from ArmoGear is close to the authentic arcade laser tag games. Each player will have to wear a vest that works as a target for their opponents.
Up to four teams can play with an unlimited number of members. As long as there’s a gun for each person, you’re good to go. Plus, you’ll have a range of 150 feet.
Various Gun Modes
Once you get the game started, you can switch between four gun modes. These are:
- Machine gun.
- Rocket.
- Shotgun.
- Pistol.
Each set has different amounts of preloaded ammo and points taken per shot.
Stealth Mode
The set has a lot going on — this includes a stealth mode. This is an invisibility mode, giving the player 15 seconds to make a secret ambush or to reload. During those 15 seconds, the vest can’t take any hits.
Night Vision Flashlight
You can also play in the dark, or at least a dimly-lit battleground. The guns have a night vision flashlight, which consists of a powerful LED light. It shoots out from the top of the gun, enabling you to navigate easier in the dark.
What We Don't Like
Short Range Aims Aren’t Optimal
A few users complained that when firing close to the target, you get a hit no matter your aim. Some even stated that players could hit the target even while shooting standing back-to-back. However, the issue solves itself when playing in a larger area.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 8+ |
| Number of guns | 4 |
| Vest required | Yes |
| Gun range | 150 feet |
| Gun modes available | Yes |
Our Ratings
Laser X 88016 Two Player Laser Gaming Set
Best Laser Tag Set
This two player game is ideal for rainy days indoors or dry days outdoors. While you can definitely go rouge and make your own game, this set comes with instructions for a more logical game. This provides hours of competitive fun! Not just for kids, but for parents (and grandparents), too.
This game includes two laser guns and two receiver vests. The full color lighting effects help you keep track of shots and hits, so you always know who is in the lead! There is also an interactive voice coach that can help you out during the game. Just plug in your headphones and you can experience the soundtrack and sound effects.
This set is also compatible with all other Laser X sets. So while this set is good for two players, you can easily add on more!
What We Like
Long Range
Whether you want to play indoors, in close proximity, or outdoors in a park, this is the ideal game. The laser guns work from up to 200 feet apart, so you can make a big obstacle course in the back yard and have hours of fun.
Voice Coach
The added voice coach makes for a more dramatic experience. It plays atmospheric music and gives you coaching tips and tricks as you go. Plus, while wearing the headphones, you can’t hear your opponents which definitely increases the tension.
Bonding Activity
Parents, and grandparents, are so thankful they bought this toy for their kid. Not only do siblings get tons of use out of it, but it’s perfect for bonding with your kids. Grab a laser gun and join in on the fun!
What We Don't Like
Not Discreet
If you want a laser gun game where you can hide and jump out at your opponents, this isn’t the ideal one. First of all, the flashing lights are really bright, so if you’re hiding in a dark room, you’re going to get discovered pretty quick. But secondly, there is a pointless beep that occurs every couple of seconds. It can’t be switched off; it ruins your hiding places; and it has no purpose.
Headphones Required
While the headphones make the game a bit more exciting, not everybody enjoys wearing headphones as they run through the park. But unfortunately, you can’t experience the sound effects unless you’re wearing them.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 6+ |
| Number of guns | 2 |
| Vest required | Yes |
| Gun range | 200 feet |
| Gun modes available | Yes |
Our Ratings
Nerf Official: Lazer Tag Phoenix LTX Tagger
Best for Older Children
Hasbro has brought us an Amazon-exclusive Nerf laser tag gun. It’s excellent for beginner to advanced laser tag players above the age of 8.
This is a smaller set, consisting of two guns. However, more players can join in on the fun with compatible sets.
The guns are great fun — they react to hits and even have an automatic reload feature. You can play both indoors and outdoors. With sounds, lights, and vibrations, they get the players engaged in the game.
What We Like
Great for Advanced Players and Newbies
These guns provide an even playing field for newbies and advanced laser tag players. Different play settings are available that can make the game as fun or challenging as possible.
With each gun, the individual player can set either ten or 25 lives. For beginners, Nerf recommends 25 lives, and then the advanced players will only have ten. This way, all players will have an even chance.
Play Indoors and Outdoors
The guns work both indoors and out, so you can easily create the ultimate battlefield. Although the range isn’t stated, reviewers say it’s quite large. You can have as many players as you want, but remember to purchase compatible guns.
Fantastic Effects
The guns are super cool, filled with various effects. When you get hit, the gun will light up, create sounds, and vibrate. Every time you fire, the gun recoils and then creates more sounds and vibrations.
Another fantastic feature is the ammo reload. Your children can truly get into character without risking a failing gun.
What We Don't Like
The Sounds Are Loud
A few parents complained there wasn’t a stealth mode or volume control. The guns are loud, which can become annoying to listen to for hours.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 8+ |
| Number of guns | 2 |
| Vest required | No |
| Gun range | Not stated |
| Gun modes available | N/A |
Our Ratings
Squad Hero Rechargeable Laser Tag Set
Best Laser Tag Set for Group Fun
This is a fantastic laser tag set for group fun. Your kids can invite their friends over, or even get their parents involved, with an awesome game of laser tag. There is equipment for four players including four guns and four vests.
Thanks to the cool features, this can provide an intense but friendly game of laser tag. The guns have a team light, really cool sound effects, a flashlight, an infrared sensor and a lives indicator.
You can even choose between weapon modes to make each game that little bit unique. The options are pistol, laser, rocket and automatic.
What We Like
Eight Games Per Charge
With a long battery life, no game is interrupted. In fact, you can play eight games of laser tag per charge. The guns and vest themselves are rechargeable making it easy to charge everything at once.
LCD Screens on Guns and Vests
With the LCD screens on the equipment, it’s easier than ever to keep track of the score. The lives and team data automatically syncs between everyone’s guns and vests. You can check on this quickly, even during the most intense battle.
Customize Each Game
No two games of laser tag need to be the same. You can switch up any of the features. Firstly, choose your gun — there are four different options. You can also change how many lives each player gets per game. Choose from stealth mode, infrared emission, night light, 150-foot reach and you can even add more guns and vests when you buy another set. So if you’re having a big birthday party, just get a few more kits!
What We Don't Like
Single Sensor Problems
There is only one sensor on the vest at the front. So you can’t shoot somebody from behind or from the front. This makes for a less exciting game, and also some cheating. It would be better if there were extra sensors. There’s not even one on the gun, which means kids can cover the chest sensor with their gun and lose interest pretty quickly.
Product Specs
| Recommended age | 8+ |
| Number of guns | 4 |
| Vest required | Yes |
| Gun range | 150 feet |
| Gun modes available | Yes |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Recommended age | No. of guns | Vest required | Gun range | Gun modes available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kidzlane Infrared Laser Tag Guns | Overall | 8+ | 4 | No | 130 ft | Yes |
| ArmoGear Infrared Laser Tag Blasters | Authentic | 8+ | 4 | Yes | 150 ft | Yes |
| Laser X 88016 | Laser Tag Game | 6+ | 2 | Yes | 200 ft | Yes |
| Nerf Official: Phoenix LTX Tagger | Older Children | 8+ | 2 | No | N/A | N/A |
| Squad Hero Rechargeable | For Group Fun | 8+ | 4 | Yes | 150 ft | Yes |
How to Choose the Best Laser Tag Set
Through our research, we’ve found these features to be key when buying a laser tag toys.
Battery Life
Laser tag guns are portable, meaning that they run on batteries. Some consume a lot of power, which might not be a significant issue if it was adults who were playing.
For children, however, such guns can run through batteries fast — perhaps even needing a change mid-battle. Children often push the trigger repeatedly without aiming, burning up the batteries.
So, always check reviews — users often tell how long the batteries lasted. Some guns allow for rechargeable batteries; just verify that they last long enough.
Gun Settings
Some of the better laser tag guns include several modes the player can choose from. These allow the user to switch between weapons, impact levels, and the number of lives lost.
Shooting Range
Some guns are best for indoor use, while others can do both — it depends greatly on the shooting range. Looking for a long reach is best — it gives the players space to hide and arrange ambushes. A span of 120 feet is decent, but for outdoors, we recommend 130 feet.
Effects and Features
Sound and light effects make the game come alive, and most laser guns include both. Some take it further and vibrate when hit, or make individual sounds as it reloads.
Another fantastic feature is a life indicator — this will clearly show the user how many lives they have left.
Other fun features include flashlights and stealth modes, where the player can sneak up on the opponents. Some guns even include running targets, like small robots, to shoot after.
Vest
Normally, laser tag players must wear a vest, which registers every time they’re hit. However, for home use, many manufacturers have started to include a built-in receiver in the guns, eliminating the need for a vest.
Both have their pros and cons. Without a vest, you must hit the player from the direct side or front. But vests tend to be one-size-fits-all, which isn’t fun for smaller or larger players.
Durability
Laser guns are often constructed from plastic, which means limited durability, although some are sturdier than others. Look at user reviews to figure out how durable a gun is.
Appropriate Ages for Laser Tag
Friendly laser tag games at home don’t necessarily have an age range. The laser tag guns have a recommended age — the youngest that we came across was for 5-year-olds.
Think Twice
Is Laser Tag Safe for Children?
Laser tag toys are relatively safe for children to use. Most are regulated to ensure they aren’t harmful (2).
Laser tag guns utilize mild infrared lights. Always teach your children not to point it directly into the eyes of others.
Know The Risks
Beware of the Beam
Laser tag is a nostalgic pastime for many of us. Having memories of playing it every day after school, we know how fun it is. It’s a fantastic tool for getting your children some active play.
Finding the best laser tag guns for home use is essential. You want to look for something that’s durable, performs well, and includes fun features.
Once you’ve found the right one for your children, or even for you, make sure they understand the power of the beam. Although laser guns are relatively safe, there are dangers of using them, so always be cautious.
