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Best Laser Tag Set | BestReviews

Updated January 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Squad Hero Rechargeable Laser Tag Set
Squad Hero
Rechargeable Laser Tag Set
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Best Rechargeable Set
Bottom Line

We love this rechargeable laser tag set for its accuracy and multiple sensors.

Pros

You get a pack of 4 infrared guns and vests with front and rear sensors. It has a charging station for the rechargeable gear and guns. Team data automatically links with vests and guns. The weapons have 4 different modes along with stealth mode and a nighttime flashlight.

Cons

The gun doesn't vibrate when you get hit.

Best Bang for the Buck
Nerf AlphaPoint Laser Ops Pro Toy Blasters
Nerf
AlphaPoint Laser Ops Pro Toy Blasters
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Best Long-range Set
Bottom Line

This two-player set gives you everything needed for the ultimate one-on-one showdown.

Pros

We like that it comes from a trusted brand so you can be sure of the quality. It includes 2 blasters and 2 armbands. Blasters feature lights and sound effects, keep track of health and “ammo” and can organize team play. The armbands can hold smartphones to support the Nerf Laser Ops Pro app.

Cons

You don't get a chest sensor; the only sensor is on the body of the gun.

ArmoGear Laser Tag Guns with Vests Set of 4
ArmoGear
Laser Tag Guns with Vests Set of 4
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Best At-home Set
Bottom Line

An expandable, feature-packed laser tag set that includes guns and vest targets for up to 4 players.

Pros

This set comes with 4 shooting modes, 4 team colors, invisible mode, and a built-in flashlight, making it highly adaptable to a wide variety of games. The voice prompt, 150-foot shooting range, and LED life indicator are all highly desirable features.

Cons

Each of the 8 devices requires 3 AAA batteries, so rechargeable batteries are highly recommended.

Kidzlane Extreme-Action Laser Tag Set
Kidzlane
Extreme-Action Laser Tag Set
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Best Set Without Chest Sensors
Bottom Line

We find this a great set for groups of kids, but serious players may find the inaccuracies annoying.

Pros

We're fans of the fact that you get 4 guns, and each gun is versatile with 4 settings. You can choose between battery-powered and rechargeable versions. We find the guns easy to use with a quick learning curve.

Cons

Some sets arrived with guns that malfunctioned with basic use. Not always accurate at pinpointing and hitting targets.

Vatos Laser Tag Gun Multiplayer Game Set
Vatos
Laser Tag Gun Multiplayer Game Set
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Best Set for Kids
Bottom Line

A fun laser tag gun set with equipment for 4 teams and several game modes. It's simple and great for kids.

Pros

It has 4 colored guns and vests and offers multiple game modes, including single shot, machine gun, laser gun and plasma mode. Each weapon has a shooting range of up to 196 feet. Boasts simulated sounds, vibrations and flickering lights for an immersive and responsive experience.

Cons

The vests could be more sensitive.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
155
Consumers
Consulted
22
Hours
Researched
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best laser tag set

Whether you're 5, 15 or 35, playing laser tag is great fun. If you're looking to have this kind of fun at home, you might be searching for the best laser tag set. You can find plenty of cool laser tag toys out there, but some are better than others. 

First, consider who will be playing. The best laser tag set for kids probably isn't the same as the best set for adults. Basic sets can be fun for children or adults who just want to mess around occasionally, but serious laser tag players may be frustrated by their reduced range or subpar accuracy. 

Then, think about what features you might want from a laser tag set. Is a long range important to you? Would you like a number of sensors to register hits? 

We considered over 20 laser tag sets before deciding on the best. The Squad Hero Battle Action Laser Tag 2.0 Set is our overall favorite because of its trio of sensors, rechargeable guns and 150-foot range. 

Which laser tag set is best?

Squad Hero Battle Action Laser Tag 2.0 Set


Best laser tag set

Product Specifications

Number of Guns: 4 | Battery Type: Rechargeable | Range: 150 feet  | Number of Target Sensors: 3

If you're looking for a feature-rich laser tag set, this is an excellent choice. It contains four guns and four front-and-back vests. We love that the guns and vests are rechargeable, so there's no need for disposable batteries. 

The guns have an LCD display screen that registers data such as hits, lives and battery life. There are four weapon modes — laser, rocket, pistol and automatic — as well as a stealth mode, team mode and individual mode. 

We like the versatility of this set, and its impressive 150-foot range works indoors and outdoors. It's recommended for ages eight and up, but it has enough to keep teenagers and adults interested, too. 

NERF AlphaPoint Laser Ops Pro Toy Blasters

Best long-range laser tag set

Product Specifications

Number of Guns: 2 | Battery Type: AA  | Range: 225 feet  | Number of Target Sensors: 1

Anyone can play laser tag with this simple set. The sensors are in the guns, which means you don't need to worry about running around wearing a vest — although this does limit your target area. You can use the Nerf Laser Ops Pro app to customize your game, and the set comes with arm holsters to hold your phone. 

The display on the guns provides your health status and ammo capacity. We appreciate the fact that hits are registered with lights and sounds, so you know when you're down a life. A quick-reload button keeps the battle raging at a decent pace. 

We’re fans of this durable laser tag toy from a reputable brand. While some owners miss the chest sensors, it has plenty to offer even without them. 

ArmoGear Laser Tag Set

Best at-home laser tag set

Product Specifications

Number of Guns: 4 | Battery Type: AAA | Range: 150 feet  | Number of Target Sensors: 2

Want the best laser tag set with a blend of affordability and features that make gameplay even more exciting? With four guns in a set, you can choose to play individually or in team mode. The voice-guided directions ease new players into the game. 

The included vests have a sensor, as do the guns themselves, so there are two targets to hit. When you're hit, your gun vibrates — a good thing in our book, so you don't miss the memo. 

This is a solid laser tag set for up to four players. The version we're discussing runs on AAA batteries, but you also have the option of buying rechargeables for the set. 

Kidzlane Laser Tag Guns

Best laser tag set without chest sensors

Product Specifications

Number of Guns: 2 or 4 | Battery Type: AA or rechargeable  | Range: 130 feet  | Number of Target Sensors: 1

If you're looking for laser tag guns for kids, these are excellent. The included chest sensors make it easy for kids to just pick up the guns and play, and there are fewer parts to potentially get lost. 

You have plenty of options, too. Pick a set of two or four guns that use either AA batteries or rechargeable batteries. Whichever you pick, the 130-foot range gives kids plenty of room to play indoors or outdoors. We like that they light up and vibrate while shooting, giving players an immersive experience. 

These laser tag guns are a top choice for anyone who wants affordable guns that are easy to use. They're great for little ones, but adults can also play with team or individual modes. The flashlight setting makes nighttime games possible. 

Vatos Laser Tag Gun Set

Best laser tag set for kids

Product Specifications

Number of Guns: 4 | Battery Type: AAA or rechargeable  | Range: 196 feet  | Number of Target Sensors: 1

Some laser tag toys are particularly well-suited to kids, and this lightweight yet durable set fits the bill. It comes with four sensor vests, but there's no sensor in the gun itself, so there's a chance that players could cover their vests to keep from getting hit. 

While some guns stop working once you've run out of lives, these can be reset. This is great for kids who just want to run around shooting each other and aren't too worried about keeping score. 

We find this to be the best laser tag set for kids because it's so easy to use, and players can keep going even when they run out of lives. We like that you can choose between buying a rechargeable set and one that runs on AAA batteries. 

Sharper Image Laser Tag Set

Best laser tag set with visible beams

Product Specifications

Number of Guns: 2 or 4 | Battery Type: AA  | Range: Not specified | Number of Target Sensors: 1

Anyone who wants the fun of dodging and diving away from their opponents' shots will love the visible beams on these laser tag guns. The visible laser beams and shooting sound effects create a cool futuristic vibe. 

You can choose a set with two guns or four. With each gun, you get a vest that acts as a sensor target for other players to hit. The vest keeps track of your remaining lives, and the gun displays how much ammo you have left before you need to reload. 

While this is a fun laser tag set overall, we wish the manufacturer specified the shooting range. If you want a set with an extra-long range, we don’t recommend this one, just in case it doesn't deliver. But if you're happy playing at a closer range, this one is worth it for the awesome visible beams.

Kidpal Laser Tag Set

Best two-player laser tag set

Product Specifications

Number of Guns: 2 | Battery Type: AA  | Range: 32 feet  | Number of Target Sensors: 2

Whether you have a couple of kids who want to play laser tag together or you want to battle your significant other, this is a decent set for two players. That said, multiple sets work together, so if you wanted to expand your game down the line, you could buy another set or two of the same kind, and they'd be compatible. 

Four weapon modes make the game more versatile, and there's a flashlight for playing in the dark. It comes with two sensor vests, and there's also a sensor on the gun, so players have multiple potential targets. 

The range on these guns might not be as large as some, but it’s more than big enough to play in the average home or even in a small backyard. Fun features include the ability to revive other players. 

Squad Hero Light Force Edition Laser Tag Set

Best laser tag set with dual target zones

Product Specifications

Number of Guns: 4 | Battery Type: Rechargeable | Range: 150 feet  | Number of Target Sensors: 2

We're fans of this set due to its rechargeable batteries, dual-target zones and 150-foot range.  The dual sensors in this set — one on the chest harness and one on the tip of the gun — give you more spots to aim for, and players can't just cover their chest sensor to avoid getting hit. 

The set has rechargeable batteries that sail through approximately eight 30-minute games before needing more juice. You can choose to play individually or in teams. Either way, the lights on the side of the gun track how many lives you have left. Choose from two weapon modes: pistol and automatic. 

Laser X Real-Life Laser Gaming Experience

Best laser tag set with voice coach

Product Specifications

Number of Guns: 2 | Battery Type: AA  | Range: 200 feet  | Number of Target Sensors: 1

With guns that look like space blasters, this set is sure to please sci-fi fans. Each set contains two guns and two sensor vests. There's no sensor in the gun, so hits to the torso are the only hits that are registered. 

If you choose, you can plug in headphones to listen to the game's soundtrack and sound effects. There's also a voice coach to give players instructions, which can be especially helpful for younger kids. 

Although it isn't the most feature-rich laser tag toy, it's a decent choice for indoor or outdoor play with an impressive 200-foot range. 

IJO Laser Tag Gun Set

Best indoor laser tag set

Product Specifications

 Number of Guns: 2 | Battery Type: AAA | Range: 32 feet  | Number of Target Sensors: 2

While you can use this set outdoors, we think it’s a great indoor laser tag set due to its 32-foot range, which is significantly shorter than some. Still, it's a solid laser tag toy with dual sensors: one on the chest piece and one on the gun. 

A speaker broadcasts shooting sounds, and the vibrations during play create an immersive experience. The lights on the gun track the number of lives you have left. 

We like this set for two-player games, especially indoors and in other small areas. Four weapon modes give you more options while you play, which keeps the fun going longer. 

How laser tag equipment works

If the first thing that pops into your head when you hear the term “laser tag” is a laser cannon that melts objects à la “Star Wars,” think again. Commercial-grade laser tag sets are safe to use. The beam won’t harm players or other people or objects in the area.

Guns

The laser gun is usually a piece of plastic that houses a beam generator. The plastic is molded into the shape of a gun with a trigger mechanism that activates the laser.

Most laser tag guns are easily carried in one hand, like a pistol. Sometimes the electronics and computer chips needed to keep score or record data are included in the gun, too. There are often lights or LCD displays on the body of laser tag guns to keep track of how many lives players have left. 

The gun's range varies depending on the chosen model. Some basic sets have fairly short ranges. For instance, the IJO Laser Tag Set has a maximum range of 32 feet. Still, this is enough for indoor battles and small yards. Others have ranges of over 200 feet, such as the NERF AlphaPoint Laser Ops Pro Toy Blasters, which can shoot up to 225 feet. 

Finally, many laser guns have sound, tactile and light effects. These features are not only cool, but they also give you feedback when you make or receive a hit.

Sensor

A sensor unit measures when a laser light strikes it. Some sets come with guns only, and the guns are where the sensor is located. An example of this is a Kidzlane Laser Tag Gun. But you'll often get a wearable chest sensor with your set, as is the case with the Vatos Laser Tag Gun Set. There are also more advanced sets that contain chest, back and gun sensors, such as the Squad Hero Battle Action Laser Tag 2.0 Set. 

Infrared

Most at-home laser tag guns use infrared lasers. You won’t be able to see this type of laser light. Therefore, you’ll want to select a laser tag gun that has a sight on it for accurate aiming.

Back when infrared laser tag sets initially appeared on the market, consumers complained of inaccurate readings and a beam that was too wide. The technology has improved a lot in the past decade. Infrared laser guns now work extremely well. The guns in the Squad Hero Battle Action Laser Tag 2.0 Set, for instance, use ultra-focused infrared beams for increased accuracy. 

Battery

Because the guns and sensors are portable, they run on battery power. Most at-home laser tag sets require AA or AAA batteries, often four per gun. You can also find some rechargeable sets, such as the Squad Hero Light Force Edition Laser Tag Set. The guns in this set have enough battery life to propel you through eight games of about 30 minutes each. 

When small children use laser tag guns, they almost certainly burn through the batteries quickly. That’s because little ones are likely to press the trigger over and over, not caring what they hit. Older players are likely to aim more and press the trigger less, consuming less battery power.

Durability

Durability is often a shortcoming of at-home laser tag sets. Many of the guns made for home use are constructed of cheap plastic with little weight to them. If a player bangs a gun into objects or drops it continually, which can happen in this type of game, the gun could malfunction.

Young children aren’t exactly known for their care with toys, so don’t be surprised if your guns break occasionally. You could spend a bit extra on a gun made from stronger plastic, but even strong plastic won’t protect a gun that flies out of a running child’s hand and crashes into a tree.

Laser tag gaming

If you’re new to laser tag gaming, here’s a quick primer on how to play:

Playing at an arena

For a long time, the most common way to play laser tag was at a business that provided all of the equipment and the game area.

These arenas still exist. Perhaps your child has attended a birthday party at a laser tag arena. You pay to play there (meaning you rent the equipment), and the arena provides a scoring system and game rules. Arenas can have extensive setups, including multiple levels and realistic battlefield scenery.

Playing at home

When you play at home, you obviously provide your own equipment, such as the products on our list. You can play outdoors or indoors, but be advised that some laser guns work better than others in bright sunlight. Most offer a few different gaming options, but you do get less versatility with at-home equipment than at an arena.

The goal

No matter where you play laser tag or what game you pick, the goal is always the same. You want to strike the opponent’s sensors with your gun’s laser.

You could hide behind objects to prevent your sensor from getting struck. But in most games, the more aggressive player is rewarded. In other words, striking another player is worth more than what you lose when you are struck.

Keeping score

Most at-home laser tag gun sets keep score for you. That means there won’t be any arguments about whether a player was hit. Each time the gun’s sensor is hit by an opponent’s infrared laser beam, it records that fact. Lights or an LCD display on the gun alert you to how many times you’ve been hit. Some sets, such as the Sharper Image Laser Tag Set, also vibrate or make sounds when you've been hit. 

In many cases, once you’ve maxed out your number of allowed hits during a game, your laser gun will stop working. But some guns, including the Vatos Laser Tag Gun, let you reset the gun and start over so play isn't interrupted. This is great for kids who are in it for the fun of the battle rather than winning or losing. 

Single-person laser tag

In a single-player game, it’s every person for themselves. The laser tag system awards points when you hit another player’s sensors, and it deducts points when your sensor is struck. Whoever scores the most points before time’s up is the winner.

This is a common game option at pay-to-play laser tag arenas. In another game variation, each player has a specific number of “lives.” The player with the most lives when time expires is the winner. Or, alternatively, the last player with lives remaining wins. This elimination-type game is common for the at-home laser tag sets we’re discussing here.

Team laser tag

You can play laser tag on teams. With team play, only the shots that strike opposing team members count.

Team gaming variations include “Protect the VIP,” in which each team picks one VIP to protect from their opponents’ shots.

Other simple team games involve a scoring or elimination system, as described in the single-person laser tag section above. All team members’ scores are added together to determine a winner.

Laser tag vs. paintball

Laser tag and paintball are both first-person shooting games played in an arena or on a field. But being hit with a laser beam in a laser tag game doesn’t cause pain. Being struck with a paintball projectile can cause small welts.

Laser gun beams travel much farther than paintball pellets. Furthermore, laser tag isn’t messy, but paintball certainly can be.

Laser tag vs. airsoft

Both laser tag and airsoft are first-person shooting games. An airsoft gun fires round pellets made of plastic or a biodegradable material. An airsoft projectile doesn’t leave a mess on the skin or clothing after striking a target, so it’s similar to laser tag in that respect. (Some airsoft pellets are coated in a powder that leaves a residue when it strikes a target.)

But unlike the painless strike from a laser tag, an airsoft projectile can leave a welt on the skin. Furthermore, airsoft pellets aren’t biodegradable; they must be collected after the game.

How we analyzed

Lauren Corona has been reporting for BestReviews since 2017 and has experience ranking and reviewing a wide range of products, including toys and games. She looked at more than 20 laser tag sets when selecting her top picks. She compared them on important factors such as range, accuracy and battery life. 

FAQ

Q. How much can I expect to pay for a laser tag set?

A. For basic sets you’ll use at home — guns with no extra sensors — you can expect to pay $25 to $35 per gun. Sets with extra games and features can cost between $35 and $55 per gun.

If you’re also buying a set with a separate sensor, you can expect to spend another $15 to $40 per sensor. You’ll incur the ongoing cost of replacement batteries, too, which can add up fast.

Q. Over what distance will a laser gun work?

A. The accuracy and distance of at-home laser guns varies. Advanced laser guns may be able to record a hit across 100 feet or more. Cheap laser guns may only work accurately over 30 or 40 feet.

If you’re playing in nighttime conditions, you should enjoy more distance and accuracy than in daylight conditions.

Q. Are the lasers safe to use?

A. Laser tag guns use low-power lasers that do not harm people. Many laser guns made for at-home play use infrared lasers; the technology is similar to that of a TV remote control.

Q. What are the biggest dangers of at-home laser tag?

A. If injuries occur during laser tag, it’s usually because players trip while running. If you’re setting up a laser tag game at home, make sure the playing field has boundaries. Remove stray objects that could pose tripping hazards. And understand that children will naturally want to run when playing this game. As such, playing inside the house can be dangerous.

Q. What are some extra features found on laser guns?

A. The features of most at-home laser guns are pretty simple. However, you will notice that some guns offer tactile feedback, such as vibrations, along with lights and sounds. Kids love the lights and sounds that accompany these guns.

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