Best AR

Ready to upgrade your AR-15 with a new handguard? Or choosing the perfect one for a new build?

We’ll help with decisions such as going drop-in vs free-float or KeyMod vs M-LOK. 

By the end, you’ll know the best handguard to get for your specific purpose and budget.

Be it a first build or something purpose-built for lightweight run-and-gun…or even night vision.

STNGR M-Lok VYPR Handguards

Good value, standard install, nice finish

Aero Precision ATLAS S-ONE M-LOK Handguard

Another value pick that balances budget and features, weight saving but does not have full Pic rail on top

Midwest Industries Combat Handguard

Full Picatinny rail, seven sides of M-Lok, great for competition

Yankee Hill Machine Quad Rail

Quad rail design, a little heavier than M-LOK options

Brigand Arms Carbon Fiber Handguard

One of the lighted handguards on the market, can't add accessories

Magpul MOE Handguards

Budget friendly drop in, M-LOK slots, mid-length

Midwest Industries Two-Piece Drop-In Handguard

M-LOK compatible, available in a few lengths

Troy Industries Drop-In Quad Rail

Best if you need a lot of space for accessories

Table of Contents

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One of the first decisions you’ll make is which attachment system…M-LOK or KeyMod. It used to be a personal preference, but recently USSOCOM (US Special Operations Command) released the results of their testing.

And M-LOK is the clear winner due to much better impact test results.

Free-floating handguards are your best bet if you are building your own AR-15 upper.

These give you an accuracy advantage since it doesn’t contact the barrel…so your hand position and extra gadgets, such as bipods, don’t affect barrel harmonics.

Plus, you can choose any handguard length if you have the right low-profile gas block for it to go over. I personally like ~12-inch handguards with 16-inch barrels since I use the c-clamp grip.

To get a better grasp on the best length for you, check out our guide to choosing the proper handguard length.

The STNGR VYPR is the handguard that recently bumped Aero off my Best Bang-For-The-Buck handguard list.

You get a really nice 13.5-inch M-LOK handguard. The VYPR is the most “standard” looking one and what I’d recommend.

Install was standard, and there are some strong-feeling anti-rotation tabs built into the handguard.

Fit/finish/color was top-notch, and my only initial worry was that the top cuts were too aggressive/large, so a finger could slip through.

However, after a bunch of mags, I found that it was fine (unless you have really thin fingers). And no problem if you C-Clamp grip it.

Check out the video:

The logo isn’t too pronounced either, which I like.

Plus, there are sometimes some blemished versions, so you can save even more if you don’t care to have a “perfect” rail.

STNGR M-Lok VYPR Handguards

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

What’s your take on the VYPR? Rate it below.

*Update* The lesser-railed VLCN has become the basis of our night vision build (after a little paint job).

And we love it…the slick upper side makes it easy to mount buttons.

Check out how modular it can be in our Cable Management video:

Want a little more style?

There’s the HWK handguard which gives a more aggressive “prong-ed” look and the ability to add a light/laser to the bottom with the included rail.

I think it could look really cool with a 14.5-inch pinned barrel so it sits flush with the cutout.

Plus, it’s only a few bucks more than the VYPR for the 13.5-inch and 15-inch variants.

STNGR M-Lok HWK Handguards

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

I also tried out their rail covers which are definitely more affordable than other name brands — comfy and cool looking too.

I personally like the look of the Cyclops more, but the Gecko is probably the more useful one to maintain a good grip.

Check out all their stuff at STNGR.

Aero Precision ATLAS S-ONE M-LOK Handguard

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

One of my current favorite best-bang-for-the-buck free-floating handguards (but now my 2nd pick).

Here it is on their new upper that I’m testing (full review).

I love how it saves weight by not having a full Picatinny rail on top.

Plus, the taper at the front perfectly fits my thumbs.

Note that the top where the rail would have been is rounded, so if you’re thinking of putting a pressure pad for lights…you’re out of luck.

Otherwise, the price vs fit/feel is perfect.

And now Aero has the full-rail version if you have more gizmos that need attaching.

Only negative about the Aero handguards is that sometimes (especially after a seasonal sale), they are out of stock for a while.

Aero Precision ATLAS R-ONE M-LOK Handguard

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Midwest Industries Combat Handguard

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

This latest generation lightweight handguard includes a full Picatinny rail on top. If you need to attach more things…this is our favorite pick.

Comes with seven sides of M-LOK attachment capability.

I’ve been using the older version of this (non-M-LOK) for years as my primary competition rifle handguard. Check out the left two uppers.

UTG Pro M-LOK Handguard

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

My previous favorite for best Bang-for-the-Buck handguard until the Aero came along. But still, a great handguard if you’re looking to save a little and still keep the full top rail.

The UTG Pro is US-made and comes in 13/15/17 inch variants. So it’s great if you’re looking for slightly longer than 12-inch models or a  17-inch for longer barrels.

Here is the 13-inch on my 11.5-inch pistol upper.

Yankee Hill Machine Quad Rail

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

If you’re needing lots of Picatinny real estate…the perennial favorite YHM has got you covered. “Rifle” length is equal to 12.6 inches but will cost you a couple more ounces in weight compared to M-LOK varieties.

Brigand Arms Carbon Fiber Handguard

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

When you absolutely positively have got to have the lightest handguard. It was the best performing BY FAR in our Lightest Handguard roundup.

Combined with a pencil 14.5″ barrel…this AR was nearing 5 lb territory.

But keep in mind that you won’t be able to add anything to it…and since it is cylindrical all the way through…you’re going to have a harder time bracing against barriers.

This handguard from Tyrant CNC checks a lot of boxes for features and design. Made from 6000 series aluminum, the Nexgen 15″ Handguard comes with a custom barrel nut and wrench for installation.

M-LOK slots are located in the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions, and short Picatinny rail sections can be found near the receiver and muzzle. There are also QD slots on both sides, near the front and rear of the rail.

One of the coolest features is the rubber grip panels plugged into the bottom that provides exceptional grip. These are removable by sections in case the shooter wants to utilize the M-LOK slots instead.

Tyrant has abused these handguards to make sure they stand up, including drop tests, torsion, hot and cold cycles, and even 10,000 rounds of fire using semi and full auto.

Tyrant CNC Nexgen 15" AR Handguard

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Another great free float handguard is the Drive Lock from Icon Defense. Crafted from 6061 T6 Aluminum, these rails are also finished with Type 3 hard coat anodizing.

Featuring MLOK slots on the 3, 6 and 9’oclock positions, they also have additional slots at 1:00 and 11:00 near the muzzle. Picatinny rail runs the length of the top as well.

One of the best aspects of this handguard is the lockup. There is a titanium barrel nut and three independent wedges use to lock the rail to the nut.

The end result is a handguard that is extremely rigid without touching the barrel. The installation was a snap and the Drive Lock is proving to be very sturdy.

There are seven different lengths available though we are using the 15″ model for this build.

Yes…there’s going to be a lot of disagreement in the list. Here are some of the honorable mentions that are sure to pop up.

I’ve seen them around a lot in competitions but either didn’t like the look, feel, or price combination.

If you have a delta ring and a front sight base (FSB)…your best bet is to go with a drop-in unless you want to shave down the FSB and remove the delta ring.

You’re also limited in handguard length by the FSB. Here are a couple of the most popular lengths.

Many of them come in two pieces, which are placed on the gun and screwed together to prevent the need to take off the barrel.

The biggest advantage of going with a drop-in handguard is simplicity.

You shouldn’t need to make any modifications to your AR-15 when installing a new drop-in handguard, and since they’ve got a relatively simplistic design, they’re usually cheaper than their free-float counterparts.

First off, if you’re looking for a fancy handguard with extra frills, the Magpul MOE M-LOK isn’t for you.

As you can probably tell by its price, this handguard is pretty simplistic – and for good reason.

Magpul MOE Handguards

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

What you get with the M-LOK is a heat-resistant polymer handguard that’s hardy enough to handle your clanging and banging and comfortable enough to grip.

Despite its simplistic design, the M-LOK has slots on its 2, 6, and 10-o’clock positions where you can mount an optional Picatinny rail system. But what you’re really getting when you go for the M-LOK is a lightweight handguard that can withstand anything you throw at it.

At around $30 for a mid-length gas system…I think that’s a good deal.

Midwest Industries Two-Piece Drop-In Handguard

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Another winner from one of our favorite manufacturers. The drop-in version is M-LOK compatible and available in a couple of gas system lengths.

UTG PRO AR15 Super Slim M-LOK

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Looking for the easiest way to add a longer rail and still keep your FSB? The Model 4 is the perfect solution (albeit a heavier one).

Troy Industries Drop-In Quad Rail

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Want the additional rail space? Go with the Troy Industries Quad Rail.

Note…I don’t have any “cheap” rails on this list. I’ve tried out a bunch of great deals I’ve found at gun shows and especially on Amazon and Ebay. The rails look great when they come in…but something has always been off:

I have a box of holsters and cheapo rails now that sit in the back of my shed. Learn from my fails…you get what you pay for in rails.

There you have it. That’s my list of the best AR-15 handguards for your AR-15.

Any experience with the ones we listed? Let us know what you think in the comments below. And if you’re in the beginning stages of learning about the AR-15, you might want to check out our comprehensive AR-15 guide.