If you are looking to upgrade your AR-15, replacing the pistol grip or adding a foregrip is one of the best ways to change the feel of the rifle and can have a serious impact on how the rifle handles. 

Comfort, control, and even accuracy are all affected by how you, the shooter, and the rifle interact. There are three major categories to consider when adding a grip to your AR: pistol grips, vertical foregrips, and angled foregrips. 

This pistol grip and angled foregrip

This pistol grip and angled foregrip made our list, so keep reading to find out which ones they are. Source

In this guide, we break down the top grips in each category and share our recommendations. Whether you shoot competitions, train for self-defense, or just want a better feel on the range, these are the grips that stand out in 2025.

What’s the Difference? Pistol vs. Vertical vs. Angled Grips

Pistol grips are located at the rear of the rifle. The pistol grip is your primary interface point with your rifle, and your firing hand grips the rifle here. The grip angle, texture, and fit can influence your trigger control and comfort. Your position, whether standing, sitting, kneeling, or lying prone, all change the feel of your grip.

 

AR-15 with slightly angled magazine

Some can also feature a slight angle but be considered vertical. Source

Vertical grips mount under your handguard and are ideal for pulling the rifle into your shoulder. They help with control during rapid fire and give your support hand a consistent indexing point.

Angled grips (or handstops) provide a lower profile alternative to vertical grips. They improve ergonomics by encouraging a natural wrist angle, especially when using a C-clamp support hand grip.

Picking the right combination for your setup depends on several factors, including your shooting style and accessory layout.

Top 5 AR-15 Pistol Grips

B5 Systems Type 23 P-Grip

B5 Systems Type 23 P-Grip

Fits like a glove.

The B5 Systems Type 23 is my current favorite grip. I have it on several of my firearms that include both AR-15s and Pistol Caliber Carbines. The Type 23 is also popular within the firearms community as a whole, and you can find many recommendations for them on online forums.

It has a more vertical angle, aggressive texturing, and a comfortable beavertail. It is a lightweight grip that is ideal for shooters who prefer a solid, no-slip grip without extra rubber and frills. 

B5 Systems Type 23 P-Grip in Black
B5 Systems Type 23 P-Grip
3 reviews
$19.00
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BCM Gunfighter Mod 3 Grip

BCM Gunfighter Mod 3 Grip

The internal storage is perfect for spare batteries.

BCM designed the Gunfighter Mod 3 with modern shooting stances in mind. The BCM Mod 3 features a more vertical 17° angle that reduces wrist strain during squared-off shooting. It also has a generous palm swell and a hinged cap for storage.

You’ll even notice it has an extended forward tang to close the gap between the trigger guard and grip. Add in the fact that it’s made right here in the USA, and you have an excellent option.

BCM Gunfighter Grip Mod 3 AR-15/M4 Pistol Grip
BCM Gunfighter Grip Mod 3 AR-15/M4 Pistol Grip
1 review
$17.99
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Magpul MOE+ Grip

Magpul MOE+ Grip

The MOE+ is an upgraded version of the MOE. Take everything you like about the MOE and make it better.

The MOE+ strikes a balance between comfort and function. Its rubberized texture is designed to stick to your hand even in the rain or with gloves, and the ergonomic A2-style angle works for a wide range of shooters. 

The internal storage core adds bonus utility without adding bulk. Among Magpul’s many grip offerings, this is considered, by many, to be the most versatile. I have an MOE on one of my ARs. I have zero complaints with the grip; it does its job, and it is better than the basic grips that come on many other ARs.

Magpul MOE plus grip
Magpul MOE Plus AR-15/M4 Pistol Grip
2 reviews
$17.99
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Ergo Original SureGrip

Ergo Original SureGrip

The ERGO SureGrip is one of the most comfortable I’ve ever used. Source

The Ergo SureGrip has been a mainstay for years, and for good reason. It features a soft rubber exterior, defined finger grooves, and a comfortable palm swell that feels great even during long-range days. While not ideal for precision, it’s unbeatable for comfort-focused users.

You can order it with texture varying from “original” as seen in the picture above, to “extreme”, which goes even a level above “aggressive”. Regardless of which you choose, you still wind up with a very ergonomic and comfortable grip.

Magpul MIAD Gen 1.1

Magpul MIAD Gen 1.1

For a truly customizable grip, the Magpul MIAD is your best option. Source

If you’re picky about grip fit or just want options, the MIAD is one of the most customizable grips available. It ships with multiple front and rear strap inserts, allowing you to tailor the grip to your exact hand size, and features a grip core that can hold items securely inside the grip, such as a lubrication bottle or spare batteries. 

Top 5 Vertical Foregrips

Magpul MVG (M-LOK Vertical Grip)

Magpul MVG (M-LOK Vertical Grip)

The Magpul MVG is a fantastic addition to my SBR.

At just over 3″ tall, the MVG offers enough vertical support for thumb-over or vertical holds without getting in the way. It’s a favorite for lightweight builds or budget-conscious buyers who still want top-tier durability.

I have this vertical grip on my SBR and feel like it significantly increases my control of the rifle. While the texturing can stand to be a bit more aggressive, Magpul did a great job overall with the foregrip.

Magpul mvg
Magpul MOE M-LOK MVG Vertical Grip
20 reviews
$16.99
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BCM Gunfighter Vertical Grip Mod 3

It’s technically not 90 degrees, but be careful on your AR pistols. Source

The Mod 3 offers a subtle angle for a more natural wrist position, especially when used in a “thumb-over” or “C-clamp” stance. Its compact design, aggressive texturing, and reversible mounting options make it one of the most versatile vertical grips on the market.

It’s incredibly lightweight at only 1.9 ounces, and of course, is made in the USA. Not much more you can ask for in a foregrip!

BCM vertical grip
BCM Gunfighter M-LOK Mod 3 Vertical Grip
5 reviews
$18.95
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B5 Systems M-LOK Vertical Grip

B5 Systems M-LOK Vertical Grip

It’s hard to beat that level of control. Source

The B5 Systems M-LOK Vertical Grip features sharp texturing and a slim, ergonomic shape that feels locked-in without adding significant bulk. It pairs perfectly with the B5’s P-Grip.

Just like the BCM model above, you can mount this one either way to fit your preferences best.

B5 Systems M-LOK AR-15/M4 Vertical Grip
B5 Systems M-LOK AR-15/M4 Vertical Grip
1 review
$19.00
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Daniel Defense Vertical Grip

Daniel Defense Vertical Grip

You’ll have tons of internal storage room. Source

Daniel Defense’s vertical grip features a soft-touch rubber overmold for enhanced comfort during extended sessions. It mounts securely to Picatinny rails and includes internal storage for small parts or batteries. It’s bulkier than some options but ideal for full-length rifles or heavier setups.

Daniel Defense Picatinny Vertical Grip
Daniel Defense Picatinny Vertical Grip
4 reviews
$34.99
Out of stock
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KRISS Vertical Foregrip G3

KRISS Vertical Foregrip G3

The KRISS G3 is a common foregrip on PCCs, but I think it also fits on short-barreled AR-style firearms as well.

The KRISS G3 is a grip that may seem more at home on a pistol-caliber carbine than an AR. Aesthetically, that may be true. However, the KRISS G3 is a compact, no-nonsense grip that offers a strong ergonomic hold without the bulk. 

Its curved finger grooves provide excellent indexing, and the textured surface ensures a steady grip under pressure. The G3 installs easily and mounts securely to M-LOK handguards, making it a great choice for shooters who want simplicity, speed, and reliability in one package. I have one mounted on several of my SBRs and like the feel of the grip and the control it provides.

Top 4 Angled Foregrips and Handstops

Magpul M-LOK Angled Foregrip (AFG)

Magpul M-LOK Angled Foregrip (AFG)

Magpul’s Angled Foregrip is an excellent addition to ARs with a quad rail.

The very first AR-15 I purchased was a Smith & Wesson M&P-15. I replaced the forward handguard with a Daniel Defense quad rail and slapped the Picatinny rail-compatible AFG on the rifle. It has lived in this configuration for years. 

The AFG promotes a more natural support-hand angle, helping reduce wrist strain and encouraging a consistent grip. Its lightweight design keeps your rifle balanced, and its texture provides good indexing without being overly aggressive.

Magpul AFG2 grip picatinny
Magpul AFG-2 Picatinny Angled Foregrip
12 reviews
$26.99
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Strike Industries Enhanced Angled Foregrip

Strike Industries Enhanced Angled Foregrip

It may be short and compact, but it’s extremely functional. Source

Strike’s AFG offering is modern, minimalistic, and available for M-LOK or KeyMod. It’s ideal for fast-paced drills or run-and-gun matches, featuring a more aggressive grip surface than Magpul’s AFG. A huge bonus that it brings to the table is cable management, so if you run lights or lasers, you will find it especially useful.

BCM Gunfighter KAG (Kinesthetic Angled Grip)

BCM Gunfighter KAG (Kinesthetic Angled Grip)

A whole lot of BCM furniture. Source

The KAG is a compact, curved grip that excels for shooters using a thumb-forward C-clamp technique. Its minimalist profile keeps your rifle lean while still giving enough structure for consistent indexing and support. There is texturing on the front and rear to help maintain a secure hold, so don’t worry too much about it not providing enough control. 

BCM handstop
BCM Gunfighter M-LOK Kinesthetic Angled Grip
7 reviews
$18.95
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Arisaka M-LOK Hand Stop

Arisaka M-LOK Hand Stop

Small but gets the job done. Source

The Arisaka Hand Stop is a machined aluminum piece that provides just enough control without getting in the way. Its slim, low-profile design is ideal for those who want a minimalist setup with maximum durability. Perfect for anchoring a C-clamp grip or acting as a barrier stop on barricades, it’s a go-to for precision-focused shooters and streamlined builds.

Arisaka M-LOK Hand Stop
Arisaka M-LOK Hand Stop
1 review
$30.00
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Last Words

Regardless of your build or budget, upgrading your AR-15’s pistol grip or foregrip is a straightforward and effective way to enhance comfort and performance. Whether you select from this list or find one of the many other quality options to suit your build best, the real-world benefits can apply to any shooter. I highly suggest you give one or more of them a try!

Chris Fortenberry
Chris is a firearms enthusiast and collector located in Texas. Chris’ passion for firearms started at a young age and was fueled by his passion for history.
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