Airsoft vs. Paintball — What's the Difference?

Airsoft is a sport focused on military simulation.

Paintball ammunition is made of gelatin capsules filled with dye.

Airsoft uses replica firearms as equipment.

Paintball is a team sport involving shooting opponents with dye-filled capsules.

Airsoft relies on an honor system for hits.

Paintball is generally more expensive than Airsoft.

Airsoft pellets are usually made of plastic.

Paintball marks are visible, making hits easy to confirm.

Airsoft is generally less expensive than paintball.

Paintball is a competitive team shooting sport in which players eliminate opponents from play by hitting them with spherical dye-filled gelatin capsules called paintballs that break upon impact. Paintballs are usually shot using low-energy air weapons called paintball markers that are powered by compressed air (nitrogen) or carbon dioxide and were originally designed for remotely marking trees and cattle.The game was initially developed in May 1981 in New Hampshire by Hayes Noel, a Wall Street stock trader, and Charles Gaines, an outdoorsman and writer.

Airsoft is a competitive team shooting sport in which participants eliminate opposing players by tagging them out of play with spherical plastic projectiles launched via replica air weapons called airsoft guns. Although very similar to paintball in concept and gameplay, airsoft pellets do not leave visible markings on their target and hits are not always apparent.

A game in which players on one team seek to eliminate those on an opposing team by marking them with a water-soluble dye shot in capsules from air guns.

A modern combat sport in which participants eliminate their opponents by hitting them with spherical non-metallic pellets launched from a compressed-air gun

The dye-filled gelatinous capsule shot from guns in this game.

(uncountable) A sport where teams shoot each other with gelatin capsules filled with paint-like dye.

(countable) The dye-filled capsule fired in the sport of paintball.

To engage in the sport of paintball.

To shoot someone using a paintball gun.

A capsule filed with water-soluble dye used as a projectile in the game of paintball

A game that simulates military combat; players on one team try to eliminate players on the opposing team by shooting capsules of paint at them

Paintball uses specialized guns called markers.

Airsoft uses replica firearms that shoot plastic pellets.

Paintball guns are referred to as markers.

Airsoft focuses on military simulation and realism.

Paintball hits are confirmed by visible paint marks on the target.

Airsoft is generally less expensive in the long run.

Paintball focuses on fast-paced action and gameplay.

Airsoft pellets are generally made of plastic.

Paintballs are gelatin capsules filled with dye.

Airsoft guns generally have a longer and more accurate range.

Masks covering eyes, ears, and mouth are generally mandatory in Paintball.

Airsoft relies on an honor system for players to call themselves "out."

Yes, protective eyewear is mandatory, and additional gear is often recommended.

Yes, Airsoft can be played both indoors and outdoors.

Yes, there are specialized indoor arenas for Paintball.

Both sports can accommodate large groups, but Paintball is often easier for beginners to pick up.