If you’re the owner of an AR-15 rifle, we’re willing to bet that accuracy and stabilities are your main priorities when it comes to shooting - as well they should be! But did you know that the purchase of one deceptively simple firearm accessory could significantly improve the way you fire your gun?
A compensator is a device that attaches to the barrel or muzzle of your gun and redirects the gas emissions that accompany a shot. This gas redirection helps to prevent the gun muzzle from rising as it typically would after a shot, enabling a flatter shot trajectory and improved accuracy.
AR-15 rifles, which are already designed for superior stability and accuracy due to the multiple contact points and extended barrel length, can especially benefit from the use of a compensator. The combination of accuracy-oriented construction and a compensator all but guarantees a perfect shot!
However, because of the size of the gun industry and the widespread confusion between compensators and other firearm accessories (see FAQ section below), finding the best compensator for your AR-15 can be a challenge.
We’ve scoured the firearm accessory market and compiled a list of the 5 best AR-15 compensators to enhance your shooting performance. We’ve also put together a buyer’s guide if you need any additional guidance.
In a hurry? Check out our recommended choice:
AR-15 Miculek 22 Caliber Compensator
- Designed by Jerry Miculek
- Made of strong 4140 steel
- Wear-resistant coating
- Features 6 ports and 3 baffles
- Solid bottom
- Lightweight
- Includes lock nut for installation
OUR TOP PICK
The AR-15 22 Caliber Compensator from Miculek is one of the most popular compensators on the market for semi-automatic rifles.
This compensator was designed by Jerry Miculek, one of America’s most renowned record-breaking competition shooters.
Miculek’s reputation for incredible accuracy is beautifully reflected in the construction of this popular firearm accessory.
The AR-15 Miculek’s construction has been precisely machine-cut from 4140 steel. This is a low-alloy steel material that contains manganese, chromium, and molybdenum.
It has a very high strength rating as well as impressive impact and abrasion-resistance.
The manganese phosphate coating, meanwhile, adds another layer of impact-resistance and also provides protection against corrosion.
3 baffles and 6 ports are featured on this compensator for maximum muzzle gas redirection.
However, the bottom of the compensator is solid, which means that you won’t need to worry about getting a cloud of dust in the face when shooting in the prone position.
The Miculek AR-15 compensator measures 2 inches in length and ⅞ of an inch in diameter, so it’s conveniently small and easily pocketable.
It’s also very lightweight at just 3.6 ounces with the provided installation lock nut included.
Pros
- Designed by a professional competition shooter
- Strong 4140 steel construction
- Wear-resistant manganese phosphate coating
- 6 ports and 3 baffles
- Solid bottom
- Lightweight
- Installation lock nut included
Cons
- Installation may require a wrench
EDITORS CHOICE
Odin Works’ AR-15 Atlas 5 Compensator is another compensator model that has received rave reviews from AR-15 rifle owners.
For durability and damage-protection, you’ll struggle to do much better than the Atlas 5 compensator.
Its primary 416R stainless steel construction provides both corrosion and heat-resistance along with strength and impact-resistance.
The black nitride finish is a lovely touch, both in terms of aesthetics and durability since it provides additional corrosion proofing and rigidity.
The titanium sleeve adds a phenomenal amount of extra strength to the construction of the Atlas 5 compensator, so you can be absolutely sure that this firearm accessory will be a long-lasting purchase.
This is a 3-piece compensator design that can easily be installed and adjusted as needed by loosening or tightening the cap and screws and rotating the sleeve.
This adjustability will enable precision shooting no matter what conditions you’re working in.
However, the one downside to the heavy-duty metal construction of the Atlas 5 compensator is that it is consequently more expensive.
Therefore, it is the least affordable compensator option on our list. It’s also slightly heavier than some of the other compensator models we’ve reviewed, although the difference is only about half an ounce.
While you may feel the weight slightly more, it’s unlikely to be very noticeable.
Pros
- 416R stainless steel construction
- Durable black nitride finish
- Strong titanium sleeve
- Adjustable 3-piece design
Cons
- Quite expensive
BEST VALUE
Primary Weapons’ AR-15 FSC556 Mod 2 Compensator is a multifunctional compensator designed specifically for competition and tactical use, meaning that it’s both high-quality and extremely practical.
Constricted from 4140 steel and treated with an FSC Life HD finish, this compensator is strong, impact-resistant, and resistant to corrosion.
These features ensure that you won’t have any issues related to the FSC556’s durability.
The FSC556 compensator also functions as a flash suppressor. The ports of the compressor have been shaped and designed to keep any resultant flash out of the shooter’s line of sight.
Combined with the FSC construction which is designed for superior stability, you’ll be able to enjoy optimal accuracy with the help of this compensator.
This is an incredibly lightweight model that weighs just 2.5 ounces, so you won’t feel at all weighed down or encumbered by the addition of this compensator to your firearm.
It should be noted, however, that the additional flash suppression function of this compensator will impact the legality of its use in certain states (see FAQ section).
Pros
- Durable 4140 steel construction
- Superior stability
- Includes flash suppression function
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Flash suppression function may impact the legality of this compensator in some states
RUNNER UP
Precision Armament’s AR-15 M4-72 Severe Duty Compensator does exactly what it says on the tin - or, in this case, the high-strength stainless steel.
Using the M4-72 compensator with your AR-15 rifle is all but guaranteed to improve your shooting precision and will withstand intensive use.
The stainless steel construction of this compensator ensures impressive strength and durability as well as corrosion-resistance, so exposure to rain and moisture, in general, shouldn’t negatively impact the structural integrity or function of this gun accessory.
The M4-72 compensator has a very clever internal construction featuring a proportionally large initial expansion chamber.
This chamber allows for muzzle gas to be dissipated at a reduced pressure, which allows it to then be easily expelled through the side and rear vents.
This brings us onto the rear venting system employed by Precision Armament. Not only does this system effectively redirect muzzle gas and reduce muzzle rise, but it also reduces blowback and recoil, ensuring the most comfortable shooting experience.
Even when shooting prone, this compensator won’t kick up dust and debris due to its solid bottom.
Unfortunately, the one inconvenient drawback to this compensator is the fact that accu-washers are required for assembly.
These are not included with the purchase of the compensator and will, therefore, need to be bought separately.
Pros
- Strong, corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction
- Large expansion chamber
- Reverse venting for reduced blowback
- Solid bottom
Cons
- Accu-washers are required for installation
RUNNER UP
The AR-15 A2 Compensator is the final product on our list of best AR-15 compensators, and it’s a good one to finish with (if you’ll pardon the pun) a bang.
CMMG is one of the leading manufacturers of gun accessories and components in the U.S., specializing in semi-automatic rifles such as the AR-15.
This company’s reputation and specialization should reassure you that this is a quality compensator for use with AR-15 rifles. But don’t just take our word for it - let’s take a look at some of the features.
The durable steel construction lends a good level of durability to this CMMG compensator while the matte black finish enhances scratch and corrosion resistance.
Because of its A2 construction, this compensator also doubles as a flash suppressor, helping to minimize distracting optical glare during shooting.
Even more impressive considering the durability and multiple functionalities of CMMG’s A2 Compensator is the extremely affordable price!
By far the most budget-friendly option on our list, this compensator is perfect for anyone hoping to improve their consistency and accuracy while shooting without spending too much.
Pros
- Trusted manufacturer
- Durable steel construction
- Highly affordable
- Doubles as a flash suppressor
Cons
- Flash suppression may impact legality of use in some states
Best AR-15 Compensators Buying Guide
Still unsure as to which compensator will best complement your AR-15? Don’t worry - that’s what our buyer’s guide is here for!
Read on to find out which compensator features and functions are most important to consider before finalizing your purchase.
Metal
All compensators are (or should be!) made entirely of metal, with the possible exception of the finish. However, the metals used in compensator construction can vary quite significantly between manufacturers, with different end results for the product as a whole.
That’s why it’s important to carefully consider the metals that make up a compensator before purchase so you can be sure it meets your standards and will function as advertised.
As with all standard gun components and accessories, the standard material used to make up the construction of a compensator is steel or steel alloys such as 4140 steel.
Stainless steel in particular is a popular choice because of its anti-corrosive properties. Both steel and stainless steel are highly durable and impact-resistant. They’re also heat-resistant which is ideal for something that is designed for use on the barrel of a gun.
If you really want to prioritize durability, you could opt for a compensator with a titanium sleeve. This will cost you more than virtually any other kind of compensator, but you can be certain it won’t be breaking on you any time soon.
The types of finish used to treat compensators are more variable than metal types. For maximum durability and wear resistance, we recommend the finish incorporated in our top choice, which is a combination of manganese and phosphate.
Other durable finishes include black nitride and Primary Weapons’ FSC Life HD finish. As a budget option, however, a simple matte finish will go a long way towards protecting the primary construction of your compensator from impact-related damage.
Caliber
If you’re an experienced gun owner, you probably know this already. However, for anyone just starting out, the caliber of a gun is an indication of the firearm’s bore diameter.
The bore is essentially the inside of the gun barrel, so references to ‘caliber’ can also be related to bullet size.
Because all of the compensators featured on our list are designed for AR-15 rifles, they are of a compatible 22 caliber rating, otherwise expressed as .22 caliber or 5.6 mm.
Construction
We’ve already talked specifically about the material side of compensator construction, but we also need to touch on the rest of the construction work that goes into designing one of these accessories.
The ports and baffles on a compensator are what allow muzzle gases to escape the firearm from the sides rather than the barrel. This is how compensators achieve recoil and muzzle rise reduction.
A baffle narrows the passage the muzzle gases would usually take down the barrel. Meanwhile, the ports (otherwise called slots or holes) are the openings through which the gas is allowed to escape instead.
The more baffles and ports are incorporated into a compensator build, the more effective gas redirection is likely to be because the gas has less room to travel down the barrel and more ventilation through which to exit the gun through the sides and rear.
A large expansion chamber inside the compensator is also an advantage because it ensures that any muzzle gases resulting from the shot are dissipated at a lower pressure than normal. This makes it easier for the gas to be redirected away from the barrel of the gun and through the side and rear ventilation systems.
Installation
Installation for AR-15 compensators isn’t typically too complicated, but it can vary depending on the manufacturer, and tools are often required.
If you’re someone who doesn’t have a lot of experience with gun accessory installation, or if you just prefer a simple, no-fuss installation process (who doesn’t?), we recommend a compensator model similar to our top choice that can be installed using a single lock nut.
More complex installation processes may require accu-washers or wrenches, and some compensators may have a 3-part construction which will take a little longer to set up.
However, the advantage of 3-part compensator construction is that it also allows for adjustability which means you can tailor your compensator to perform well under almost any circumstances.
Additional Functions
Most of the compensators we’ve reviewed in this article exclusively serve their primary function, which is, of course, to reduce recoil and muzzle rise in AR-15 rifles.
However, you may have noticed that one of the reviewed compensators also serves an additional function as a flash suppressor.
Now, there are a couple of things you should know about flash suppressors. First, their purpose, as you might expect, is to eliminate or reduce the visible flash produced on firing a gun.
This is especially useful in tactical or competition shooting because it eliminates glare which might otherwise obscure your line of vision, negatively impacting the accuracy of your shots.
However, flash suppressors are illegal in some states, including California, New Jersey, and New York (for more information, see FAQ).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a compensator for my AR-15?
Compensators certainly aren’t an absolute requirement for shooting and it’s absolutely possible to shoot accurately and consistently without one. This is especially true of AR-15 rifles which, as we mentioned previously, are already built for stability and accuracy.
However, there are many benefits to using a gun compensator on your AR-15. First of all, using a compensator is likely to take your already accurate shots to the next level, opening up potential you probably didn’t even know was there in terms of consistency and steady shooting.
If you do a lot of tactical shooting, for example in the prone position, using a compensator with a solid bottom can help to reduce the amount of dust kicked up with each shot.
Are compensators legal?
For the most part, compensators themselves are completely legal in all 50 U.S. states. The only potential exception to this are compensators that also function as flash suppressors.
Flash suppressors are illegal in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and California, so if you live in any of these states, you will need to make sure that the compensator you buy does not have a flash suppressing function.
Please do your due diligence regarding the gun laws in your state of residence to ensure that your use of a compensator is compliant with your state’s legislation.
What’s the difference between a compensator and a muzzle brake?
The terms ‘compensator’ and ‘muzzle brake’ are sometimes used interchangeably when discussing firearm accessories.
In some cases, both compensators and muzzle brakes can be somewhat multifunctional, serving the intended purpose of both accessories. However, as a rule, there is a crucial distinction between compensators and muzzle brakes.
The confusion between compensators and muzzle brakes is understandable considering that both accessories work by redirecting the gases produced after a shot.
However, where a compensator’s purpose is mainly centered around reducing muzzle rise, a muzzle brake is more effective at preventing recoil.