The AR-15 is a revered platform, with hundreds of variants and thousands of available attachments. Want a home-defense shotgun? It’s got you covered. Want a match-grade target rifle? There are builds for that. Looking for a modular pistol build? The AR-15 does that, too.
With all of these options available, there’s no excuse for settling for a sub-par build, so we’ve been looking for the best AR-15 compensator we could find.
So what makes an AR compensator worth your while?
Simply put, it should attach firmly, and not cause any trouble for your gun. After all, the whole purpose of this accessory is to make your AR easier to shoot. All of our choices will mount easily on any threaded AR barrel. We’ve also chosen based on the size of the air holes, the quality of the engineering, and overall value.
So, are you ready to check out some top-notch compensators? Let’s get started!
Best AR-15 Compensators Available Online
The Apex Tactical Square Shooter has an easy-to-attach, square frame.
Key features:
- .725-inch outside diameter
- 2.6 inches long
- .223 caliber design
- ½”-28 thread
- Includes crush washer
- Also functions as a flash suppressor
The Apex Tactical Square Shooter is an AR compensator and flash suppressor combined in a single unit. It features six wide exit holes, which get larger as you move further down the device. This compensator has a ½-”-28 thread, so it’s compatible with most threaded AR barrels. It’s designed to accommodate .223 caliber rounds, which makes it compatible with the vast majority of AR-style rifles.
This compensator is exceptionally easy to attach to your rifle barrel. It’s square rather than round, so it’s easy to grip with a wide variety of wrenches and pliers. It comes with a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty, which covers any defects in workmanship.
The Square Shooter’s exit holes are significantly larger than a .223 round. This is intentional, since it allows enough space for residual powder to burn off. On the plus side, you get a flash suppressor with your compensator. On the downside, flash suppressors are illegal in some states, so check your local regulations before you buy.
Pros:
- Easy to attach
- Also reduces muzzle flash
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- Illegal in some states
This is a solid, well-engineered AR 15 compensator.
2. DPMS AR-15 Compensator
The DPMS AR-15 Compensator ships with a lock nut for easy installation.
Key features:
- .925-inch outside diameter
- 2 inches long
- .223 caliber design
- ½”-28 thread
- Includes lock nut
- Six side baffles
The DPMS AR-15 Compensator features three vertical baffles, with openings on both sides of the barrel. These openings are the same diameter as the .223 round, which means they won’t function as a flash suppressor, so you’ll be compliant with most state laws regarding muzzle attachments.
This compensator uses a standard ½”-28 thread, so you can mount it on most AR barrels. It ships with a lock nut for easy installation. It also features a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship.
By directing air to the sides, instead of up or down, the DPMS AR-15 Compensator reduces felt recoil without kicking up a cloud of dust. Because it features .223-inch baffles instead of a larger basket like you’d see on a flash suppressor, this beast is loud, both for you and for anyone standing next to you at the range.
Pros:
- Significant recoil reduction
- Legal in most states
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- Loud
This AR compensator significantly reduces felt recoil.
3. Shrewd #1 Muzzle Brake
The Shrewd #1 Muzzle Brake provides exceptional recoil reduction at the expense of noise.
Key features:
- .625-inch outside diameter
- 2.625 inches long
- .22-.44 caliber design
- ½”-28 thread
- 42 exit ports
The Shrewd #1 Muzzle Brake utilizes 42 circular exit ports, which are positioned in rows that run the full circumference of the unit. The openings are smaller than the .223 caliber bullet, which makes this compensator ineffective as a flash suppressor. As a result, it’s legal in most US states.
The threading on this compensator is a standard, ½”-28 thread, compatible with most AR barrels. It comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. However, you’ll need to take it to a gunsmith to have the bore opened up before you shoot with it. The stock bore is a .220 (nominal), and needs to be widened 0.02-inches wider than whatever round you’re going to shoot through it. It can support up to a .44 caliber.
Because the Shrewd #1 vents gas 360 degrees, it provides exceptional recoil reduction. That said, it’s also loud, so don’t forget your hearing protection.
Pros:
- Excellent recoil reduction
- Legal in most states
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- Gunsmithing required
- Loud
This is a powerful, no-nonsense AR compensator.
4. Bravo Company Gunfighter Compensator
The Bravo Company Gunfighter Compensator is a flash suppressor and compensator in one unit.
Key features:
- .830-inch outside diameter
- 1.7 inches long
- .223 caliber design
- ½”-28 thread
- Includes crush washer
- Also functions as a flash suppressor
The Bravo Company Gunfighter Compensator utilizes large internal baffles which bleed through a set of six long external exit ports. This reduces side blast as much as possible, which your range buddies will appreciate. It also means that the Gunfighter doubles as a flash suppressor, so make sure those are legal in your state before you buy.
This compensator comes with a crush washer, ready to install on a standard, ½”-28 threaded barrel. It’s designed to accept a flash hider mounted suppressor, which is a nice extra feature if you’re allowed to own one.
The Gunfighter comes with a lifetime guarantee. It’s sized for a standard .223/5.56mm AR round. It’s also on the pricey side, but the high quality and versatility are well worth the investment.
Pros:
- Also reduces muzzle flash
- Sized for flash hider mounted suppressors
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- Illegal in some states
- Pricey
This is a good choice compensator for law enforcement or private security.
5. Advanced Armament AR-15 Brakeout
The Advanced Armament AR-15 Brakeout allows for easy, shim-free installation.
Key features:
- .830-inch outside diameter
- 2.675 inches long
- .223 caliber design
- ½”-28 thread
- 3 large exit ports
- No shims required for installation
- Also functions as a flash suppressor
The Advanced Armament AR-15 Brakeout features three large, oblong exit ports that are significantly wider than the .223 round. As a result, it also doubles as a flash suppressor. This is a nice extra feature, but it makes the Brakeout illegal in several US states.
Provided it’s legal where you live, this is one high quality compensator. It noticeably reduces recoil, and has less side blast than a lot of compensators on the market. It comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty that covers material and workmanship.
One thing we really liked about the Brakeout is its symmetrical design. It doesn’t need to be timed with shims or a crush washer, which makes installation quick and easy. We were less thrilled about the relatively steep price tag, but you get what you pay for.
Pros:
- Also reduces muzzle flash
- Easy to install
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- Illegal in some states
- Pricey
This compensator is designed for serious tactical use.
6. Odin Works Atlas 5 Compensator
The Odin Works Atlas 5 Compensator combines a compensator and flash suppressor in one unit.
Key features:
- 1-inch outside diameter
- 2.56 inches long
- .223 caliber design
- ½”-28 thread
- 6 large exit ports
- No shims required
- Also functions as a flash suppressor
The Odin Works Atlas 5 Compensator has a unique, 3-part design, with a steel inner core and cap and a titanium outer sleeve. The inner core features fifteen round baffles, while the outer sleeve has six large exit ports. This allows it to function as a flash suppressor as well as a compensator, so check your local laws to make sure it’s legal in your state.
Installation requires no shims or crush washer for timing. Instead, all timing and tuning is done by adjusting the outer sleeve. In theory, this makes the Atlas 5 much easier to install than a standard compensator. However, Odin Works decided to use a 7/8-inch cap, so you can’t use a standard ¾-inch AR wrench to adjust it.
Pros:
- Also reduces muzzle flash
- No crush washer or shims
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- Illegal in some states
- Weird sizing
This is an effective compensator that requires no extra parts for timing.
7. Triangle Shooting Sports Rolling Thunder Compensator
The Triangle Shooting Sports Rolling Thunder Compensator cuts muzzle rise almost to zero.
Key features:
- .830-inch outside diameter
- 3.5 inches long
- .223 caliber design
- ½”-28 thread
- 6 large exit ports
- Small top pinhole vent
The Triangle Shooting Sports Rolling Thunder Compensator was designed specifically for 3 Gun competitors. As a result, it’s designed to maximize stability, even at the expense of a deafening bang and a big fireball. Bring some serious hearing protection with you, or you’ll wish you had.
This compensator features a tiny pinhole vent at the top of the muzzle. This vent counteracts muzzle rise by exerting gentle downward pressure with each shot. Of course, the bulk of your performance comes from the six large exit ports, three on each side.
This is a professional quality part, and the price reflects that. It’s sized for a standard ½”-28 threaded barrel, and is bored for a .223/5.56mm. It comes with a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty that covers any defects in material or workmanship.
Pros:
- Virtually eliminates muzzle rise
- Extremely stable
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- Loud
- Pricey
This compensator was built specifically for 3 Gun shooters.
8. Cross Machine Tool AR-15 Combat Flash Compensator
The Cross Machine Tool AR-15 Combat Flash Compensator is symmetrical, so it does not push your muzzle in any direction.
Key features:
- .632-inch outside diameter
- 2.8 inches long
- .223 caliber design
- ½”-28 thread
- Pre-drilled for pinning
- Also functions as a flash suppressor
The Cross Machine Tool AR-15 Combat Flash Compensator is a combination of a compensator and a flash suppressor, with all the potential legal issues that entails. It threads onto a standard ½”-28 barrel, and has a .223 caliber bore.
This compensator is a good choice if you’re looking for a compensator with a “neutral” feel. It bleeds air from an array of small holes, with larger baffles inside to reduce flash. This reduces felt recoil, while not pushing your muzzle in any direction. Because the design is symmetrical, it doesn’t require any tuning. Just screw it onto your barrel and you’re good to go.
This compensator has a pre-drilled hole for pinning, and includes a pin in the package. This makes it a great choice for turning a 14 ½-inch barrel into a legal gun.
Pros:
- Neutral compensator
- No tuning required
- Also reduces muzzle flash
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- Not as effective as some other models
- Illegal in some states
This compensator arrives pre-drilled for pinning to a 14 ½-inch barrel.
9. JP Enterprises 3-Port Compensator
The JP Enterprises 3-Port Compensator offers unparalleled stability and recoil reduction.
Key features:
- 1-inch outside diameter
- 3 inches long
- .223 caliber design
- ½”-28 thread
- Includes crush washer
The JP Enterprises 3-Port Compensator features three large ports on each side of the barrel. At three inches long and one inch in diameter, it’s the maximum size allowed by the USPSA and most other shooting associations.
This compensator is designed to maximize stability for fast, accurate follow-up shots. It does a brilliant job keeping your muzzle pointed where you want it, but it’s also loud, with powerful side blast. You’ll want some powerful hearing protection while you’re using it.
This compensator is on the pricier side, but the quality of the engineering makes it worth the cost. It has a .223/5.56mm bore, and standard ½”-28 threading. It comes with a lifetime warranty, and even includes a crush washer for tuning.
Pros:
- Extremely stable
- Maximum size allowed by USPSA
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- Loud
- Pricey
This powerful compensator is the largest size that’s legal for most shooting sports.
10. VG6 Precision AR-15 Gamma
The VG6 Precision AR-15 Gamma significantly reduces felt recoil.
Key features:
- .632-inch outside diameter
- 1 ¾ inches long
- .223 caliber design
- ½”-28 thread
- Includes crush washer
- Also functions as a muzzle brake and flash suppressor
The VG6 Precision AR-15 Gamma is a combination of three attachments: it’s a compensator, a muzzle brake, and a flash suppressor all in one unit. It features two large port holes on each side, with smaller slots on the top to push back against muzzle rise. It has a .223/5.56mm bore, and threads onto a standard ½”-28 AR-15 barrel.
As a muzzle brake, the Gamma doesn’t just help with stability. It slows down your bullet, reducing felt recoil more than a standard compensator. If that’s not enough, it also reduces flash slightly better than a standard basket. Make sure flash suppressors are legal in your state before you order.
The Gamma comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, and includes a crush washer for mounting and tuning.
Pros:
- Powerful recoil reduction
- Also reduces muzzle flash
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- Illegal in some states
This compensator packs a lot of functions into a single attachment.
11. JP Enterprises AR .308 Recoil Eliminator
The JP Enterprises AR .308 Recoil Eliminator is a solid choice for your AR hunting rifle.
Key features:
- .750-inch outside diameter
- 2.25 inches long
- .308 caliber design
- 5/8”-24 thread
- Also functions as a muzzle brake
- Includes crush washer
The JP Enterprises AR .308 Recoil Eliminator is one of two hunting caliber compensators we looked at. Since we’re guessing you don’t waste expensive .308 ammo on a sporting gun, we’ll be looking at these strictly from a hunting perspective.
This compensator vents gas through two large ports on each side. The ports are elongated, directing gasses ever so slightly upward to minimize barrel rise. It also functions as a brake, slowing your .308 down a hair to reduce felt recoil.
The .308 Recoil Eliminator is easy to install, thanks to the extended ports which make it easy to insert a tool through the inside to use as a lever. It can also be bored out as large as .416 caliber, so you can use it on even more powerful AR builds.
Pros:
- Can be bored out to .416
- Also works as a muzzle brake
- Easy to install
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- Loud
This compensator also functions as a muzzle brake, reducing recoil.
12. Primary Weapons FSC30 Compensator
The Primary Weapons FSC30 Compensator is designed for quick, accurate follow-up shots.
Key features:
- .875-inch outside diameter
- 2.75 inches long
- .308 caliber design
- 5/8”-24 thread
- Includes crush washer
- Also functions as a flash suppressor
The Primary Weapons FSC30 Compensator has a .308 caliber bore, and screws onto a 5/8”-24 muzzle thread. It ships with a crush washer, which you’ll need for tuning, and features two vertical ports on each side, with four horizontal ports at the business end. When properly tuned, the scalloped cuts should be oriented so that they angle upwards, which will subtly reduce muzzle rise.
This compensator does double duty as a flash suppressor, with all the potential regulatory issues that come with a flash suppressor. This keeps your line of sight clear for follow-up shots, which will be easier than ever with the stability that comes from a compensator.
Pros:
- Excellent stability
- Also reduces muzzle flash
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- Illegal in some states
This compensator will also reduce flash on your .308 AR-15.
Bottom Line
As you can see, there’s a wide variety of compensators available for your AR-15. We think we’ve reviewed enough of them that you’ll find the perfect choice for your needs. But before we finish, we should address the elephant in the room: regulations.
A compensator is designed to reduce recoil. However, it’s very similar in design to a flash suppressor, and flash suppressors are illegal in some states.
One surefire way to tell the difference is to look at the size of the exit holes. On a flash suppressor, the exit holes or slots will be fairly large, in order to give extra powder space to burn off. On a compensator, the holes will generally be the same size as your bullet.
As long as your compensator is legal, you’re good to go. Attach it, take your rifle to the range, and get used to the reduced recoil on your upgraded gun.
The Review
Best AR-15 Compensators
We've reviewed today's best AR-15 compensators on the market to help you find the best product for your needs.
Review Breakdown
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Apex Tactical Square Shooter
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DPMS AR-15 Compensator
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Shrewd #1 Muzzle Brake
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Bravo Company Gunfighter Compensator
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Advanced Armament AR-15 Brakeout
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Odin Works Atlas 5 Compensator
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Triangle Shooting Sports Rolling Thunder Compensator
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Cross Machine Tool AR-15 Combat Flash Compensator
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JP Enterprises 3-Port Compensator
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VG6 Precision AR-15 Gamma
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JP Enterprises AR .308 Recoil Eliminator
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Primary Weapons FSC30 Compensator
