For 2022, the top 5 best 22 suppressors are a mix of three returning favorites and two new additions. Retaining the #1 position from 2021, the Dead Air Mask once again claims the top spot., SilencerCo garners two positions with their Sparrow 22 and Switchback 22. Rounding out the best 22 suppressors are the Rugged Oculus and Q El Camino, and they're also returning to the top 5 for the second year in a row.

1. Dead Air Mask
2. SilencerCo Sparrow 22
3. Rugged Oculus
4. SilencerCo Switchback 22
5. Q El Camino

The Dead Air Mask is the quietest 22 suppressor: in Silencer Shop’s evaluation the Mask metered just above 113Db. Dead Air’s baffle technology eliminates the first-round pop, making the Mask ideal for your hunting trips or competition rifle match where first-round pop can be induced because of long gaps between shots.

1. Dead Air Mask

Defending its position at the top of the leaderboard from last year, the Dead Air Mask remains the best 22 suppressor. Engineered in Kamas, Utah, the Mask has received abundant accolades from Silencer Shop customers. With a 4.9 out of 5 star rating amassed with nearly 450 reviews, Mask owners applaud its performance: “Amazingly quiet on a bolt action rifle, very quiet on a 4" barreled pistol as well. No first-round pop on either host.” 

Utilizing a combination of titanium and 17-4 stainless steel construction, the Dead Air Mask strikes an ideal balance of durability and weight. Coming in at just 6.6 oz., this full-auto rated suppressor is capable of taming magnum rounds like the .17WSM and even 5.7x28mm. The titanium tube houses stainless steel baffles, The Mask is not only lightweight and durable; it's also incredibly maneuverable: this compact suppressor is 5.1” in length and only 1” in diameter.

You’ll also be able to easily maintain the Mask, due to its innovatively engineered baffle design. The Mask’s stainless steel baffles are very easily removed and can be cleaned in your ultrasonic tank or with scrub brushes, without fear of damage. The baffles snap together to help keep the inside of the titanium tube clean, further easing your cleaning. 

You can shoot suppressed confidently knowing Dead Air stands by its suppressors: the Mask features a lifetime warranty. If the suppressor is damaged during reasonable use, Dead Air will take care of you and get the suppressor quickly repaired.

2. SilencerCo Sparrow 22

SilencerCo’s Sparrow 22 climbed the ranks to #2 for best .22 suppressor on Silencer Shop’s 2022 list. You may have come across the Sparrow 22 on social media or in 2A publications, as it’s gained in popularity, attributed to its ease of use and incredible sound suppression. Customers say “[The Sparrow] makes shooting the 22lr just that much more fun!!" Hailing from West Valley City, Utah, SilencerCo's Sparrow has received a 4.8 out of 5-star rating with over 250 reviews from Silencer Shop customers. 

SilencerCo implemented a monocore design, machined from stainless steel for incredible durability. The Sparrow 22 is full auto rated, and you can use it on much more than just .22LR; 5.7x28mm and .22WMR are perfectly paired with this stellar silencer. Engineered with a monocore design, the Sparrow 22 is a scant, 6.5 oz. which is incredibly lightweight for a 5” all-steel suppressor. With stats like these, the Sparrow could be the best suppressor for a .22 rifle and is easily maneuverable during your next varmint hunting outing. 

Your silencer cleaning is easy with the with SilencerCo’s Multi-Part Containment Sleeve (MPC). With this innovate design, the monocore is wrapped, and these 2 sleeves keep the tube clean. The stainless steel construction also means the MPC and monocore can be used in an ultrasonic cleaners too. All of these factors make cleaning the Sparrow a breeze.

The Sparrow 22’s high customer rating, wide range of calibers, and budget-friendly price make it the best 22 suppressor for the money. SilencerCo stands by your new can and offers a lifetime warranty on all of their silencers.

3. Rugged Oculus

Another carryover from 2021 Best 22 Silencers is the Rugged Oculus: designed in Greenville County, South Carolina, the Ocolus was built for your hard use. With this suppressor, you’ll have a super tough rimfire can that is not only full-auto rated, it's also belt-fed rated. The Oculus maximizes the raw durability of 17-4 stainless steel, and couples that with specially designed baffles, allowing the suppressor to withstand even the most intense firing schedules, including 5.7x28mm. 

If you’re looking for modularity, the Oculus is one of only two suppressors in Silencer Shop’s Best 22 cal suppressors list. The benefits of modularity are that you'll be able to run the Oculus at two lengths: achieve maximum sound suppression in full length, which clocks in at 6.9 oz. and 5.25”. When maneuverability is key; you can easily adapt to short, which reduces the Oculus to a mere 4.3oz. and 3.25”. This modularity makes the Oculus ideal for both rimfire rifles and pistols.

You can easily adapt the Oculus with easy-to-remove modules and end caps. The baffle stack is precision machined, allowing the baffles to be removed with minimal effort, when it’s time for cleaning. The stainless steel is ultrasonic safe, making your cleaning super easy after a range day or hunting trip. Oculus owners say “It’s easy to clean, super quiet, and doesn’t add a bunch of weight to my guns. I would definitely buy it again. No regrets at all.” Customers have applauded the Rugged Oculus with a 4.8 out of 5 star rating on Silencer Shop. 

Rugged boasts one of the most robust warranties in the firearms industry. Rest assured that your silencer is protected by Rugged’s unconditional lifetime warranty, no legal fine print, no hassle; if your suppressor is damaged Rugged will make it right.

4. SilencerCo Switchback 22

Another entry from SilencerCo’s is the Switchback 22. You’ll be able to pair this modular suppressor with any .22LR firearm in your collection. Featuring 2 modules, the Switchback 22 can be configured in three different lengths and four different configurations. The shortest configuration weighs only 3.2 oz. and measures just 2.5”, the medium configuration is 4.3oz. and 3.59”, and at full size the Switchback is 6.50z. and 5.75”. The Switchback earned its name, attributed to its innovative ability to switch the baffle stack in the long module backward. This “switchback” creates the optimal configuration for your rifle’s suppression and this configuration makes it one of the best 22 rifle suppressors on the market. 

The Switchback features stainless steel and titanium construction, allowing you to shoot .22Mag and 5.7x28mm through any configuration. Is the Switchback 22 full auto rated? Yes, even in the shortest configuration, the SilencerCo Switchback 22 is full-auto rated. With multi-cartridge use and incredible adaptability, the Switchback has earned a 4.8 out of 5 star average. say “It exceeded my expectations! Really seems to be well made and I like the adaptability to different calibers. Extremely easy to disassemble and clean. Was actually quieter than I had anticipated, even with supersonic ammo.”

With the Switchback, you’ll have the ability to customize the weight and length of your suppressor, you’ll be running a versatile can on everything from, .22LR to 5.7x28mm, and equally important: the Switchback 22 is also protected by one of the best warranties in the business. SilencerCo stands by its quality, offering a lifetime warranty on each of its suppressors.

5. Q El Camino

What's the best 22 caliber suppressor is often asked and the Q El Camino is full auto rated for .22LR and awesomely engineered and tested in Dover, New Hampshire. Returning to the "best of" list for the second year in a row, the El Camino is designed to be lightweight and ultra-quiet. Manufactured with a titanium tube and a sealed baffle stack of stainless steel baffles, the El Camino strikes a perfect balance with impressive dimensions of 4.3 oz. and 5.9”.

You can easily service the El Camino; no special tools are required. Just grab a ½-inch socket or box wrench and remove the front cap. The baffle stack will slide right out from there and can be scrubbed or cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner. The El Camino has earned 4.7 out of 5 stars on over 100 reviews, owners say “Absolutely best buy for your money! The El Camino is amazingly quiet and very lightweight. I would highly recommend.”

Take your El Camino out on the range with confidence that your purchase is protected, Q offers a lifetime warranty against any manufacturer defect and will repair or replace the silencer if it experiences a failure.

CGS Hydra-AL

The CGS Hydra-AL is an all-aluminum suppressor, featuring a 6061 tube and 7075 baffle stack. The Hydra-AL weighs an airy 3.07oz. while measuring 5.6”, making this suppressor the lightest on the list. With aluminum construction, you’ll have an ultra-light silencer: one of the lightest weight 22 suppressor is the CGS Hydra-Al. 

You’re getting excellent sound suppression within a compact package with the Hydra-AL: The baffles are engineered to maximize sound reduction while still being incredibly lightweight. The CGS Hydra-AL is a fan favorite, “This suppressor is so light. Almost couldn’t feel the weight on the end of the rifle this suppressor is amazing.” a\And this CGS marvel has earned an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars. 

CGS is renowned for their excellent customer service and lifetime warranty, if the suppressor is damaged under normal use, CGS will fix or replace it, sometimes as quickly as the next day.

Shooting a suppressed rimfire is one of the best firearms experiences you can have. The best 22 suppressors from Silencer Shop are incredibly quiet, value-oriented, and incredibly fun. Each of these suppressors provides different benefits to you: the Dead Air Mask is the best overall performer, featuring the lowest Db rating and hundreds of positive customer reviews. While all of the suppressors in the list are fantastic, determining what your specific needs are will help to ensure you make the best choice for your unique situation. Comment below and tell us your favorite shooting experience when shooting with your suppressed rimfire host.