Find out what sub-machine guns dominate the META right now!
SMGs in Tarkov have come a long way. What used to feel like backup guns or early-wipe fillers are now some of the most efficient killers in the game. Having the best SMGs in Tarkov isn’t just about spraying and praying anymore.
In 2025, SMGs are more than just starter weapons. They’ve carved out a strong niche in the meta for close-quarters combat, especially when built smart and paired with the right ammo.
This article breaks down my top five best SMGs in Tarkov, ranked from solid picks to absolute close-range kings.
Also Read: Best Weapons in Tarkov: Top 5 Guns in 2025
Best SMGs in Tarkov
When people ask me what the best SMGs in Tarkov are right now, I always tell them that it depends on how you build them and how you play. Do you want raw damage? Pure recoil control? High-capacity mags?
But some SMGs rise above the rest thanks to a mix of fire rate, modding potential, and ammo compatibility. After months of factory runs, lab pushes, and late-night scav ambushes, here are my top five SMGs that continue to shine in 2025.
#5: P90
The P90 is a gun I pick when I want sheer volume over precision. There’s no denying that the 50-round default mag is a major advantage in drawn-out fights, especially if you’re ambushing squads in tight areas like Dorms or the Labs basement. With a blazing 900 RPM, this thing spits bullets like a lawn sprinkler.
- Ammo: SS190 isn’t bad, but it’s not great either. It chews through Class 3 and 4 armor but struggles hard against Class 5+ unless you hit the head.
- Recoil: Vertical recoil is rough if you’re spraying carelessly. You need to compensate or build muscle memory fast.
- Modding: Limited. You can choose between a suppressed short barrel or a loud long barrel, but there’s no real middle ground.
- Range: Falls off hard past 50 meters, don’t even think about fighting on Woods or Streets with this.
Despite its flaws, I keep coming back to it when I want to clear rooms or get aggressive in places like Reserve bunkers or Labs’ server room. It feels brutal in those tight quarters.
#4: MP5
The MP5 is a classic. I still remember my early wipe days where this was my go-to for Factory runs, and honestly, it still holds up. Its controllability is unmatched, and with low recoil and cheap ammo, it’s one of the most forgiving SMGs for newer players.
- Ammo: 9x19mm may not penetrate high-tier armor, but PST GZH and AP 6.3 still do solid damage to lightly geared targets.
- Modding: Pretty good. You can slap on suppressors, sights, foregrips, making it the full package.
- Ergonomics: High by default, meaning fast ADS and snappy corner peeks.
- Recoil: Very manageable, even when firing in full auto.
However, its low penetration makes it fall behind in high-level PvP. You need to pick your fights carefully and go for legs or heads. Great for scav-hunting or early wipe duels though.
Also Read: Best Snipers in Tarkov – Top Marksman Rifles in 2025
#3: MPX
The MPX is one of the most versatile SMGs in Tarkov. After countless raids where I’ve modded it into a laser beam, it has earned a permanent place in my stash. It’s not the fastest shooter, but its balance is what makes it shine.
- Fire Rate: 850 RPM – not blistering, but it keeps you in control.
- Ammo: 9x19mm, same as MP5, but AP 6.3 and Pst gzh are cheap and easy to stack.
- Modding: Extremely modular. I love how you can build it for CQB or even extend it for mid-range support.
- Mags: 30, 41, or 50-round options give you flexibility based on your playstyle.
What seals the deal for me is how smooth it handles. Whether I’m in a firefight at Goshan or fighting through Streets’ Pinewood Hotel, I always feel in control. It’s a sleeper weapon that thrives with the right build.
#2: PP-19-01 Vityaz
If I had a ruble every time I killed a PMC with a PP-19 on Interchange, I’d be drowning in Roubles. The Vityaz is criminally underrated in 2025. It’s the weapon I give to my buddies who are broke, but still want to fight like lions.
- Ammo: It uses 9x19mm, but what matters is how you use it. Aim for the legs or face and you’re golden.
- Recoil: Basically nonexistent. You can dump an entire mag and keep the reticle on target.
- Mags: 30-rounds by default, but extended drums are available.
- Modding: Surprisingly versatile, as you can add a suppressor, red dot, foregrip, and even rails for flashlights or lasers.
It’s my go-to gun for budget runs or when I’m rushing scav bosses like Reshala or Glukhar. For under 60k rubles, you can have a full build that deletes targets at close range. Just don’t expect it to work wonders past 30 meters.
Also Read: Top 5 Best Assault Rifles in Tarkov 2025
#1: Vector .45 ACP
If I could name one SMG that made me feel borderline broken by this wipe, it’s the .45 ACP KRISS Vector. Run this gun with AP rounds like AP .45 and you’re shredding even class 5 armor. It’s easy to mod, and suppressing it doesn’t hurt its ergonomics much. Between the smooth recoil and solid ammo, the Vector is a nightmare to go up against in close-range fights.
- Ammo: The real selling point of the Vector .45 is its .45 ACP AP ammo. With a damage of 66 and 38 penetration, it can tear through class 4 helmets 50% of the time.
- Recoil: The low recoil makes it easy to maintain accuracy at a high 1,100 RPM.
- Mags: Comes with 30-round magazines, which is its most noticeable downside, as it has fewer rounds than other SMGs.
- Modding: Vector .45 can be modded just like its 9mm variant, though it shines with a few specific tweaks.
Why It’s the Best SMG in Tarkov: It does everything. It can remove scavs and tear through PMCs, and it wins 1vX fights consistently. Also, it thrives through Factory, Labs, or Urban Streets!
Conclusion
Again, the best SMGs in Tarkov don’t just depend on stats, it’s about how you use them. Some excel early wipe, others late. But all of them share one trait: when used right, they make you a monster in close quarters.
For me, the KRISS Vector .45 ACP is still the undisputed king. But I’ll always have a soft spot for my MPX, the gun that carried me through countless clutches, brutal firefights, and stairwell standoffs. Whichever you choose, just make sure you try to hit those headshots!
