Coming in at #1 is the SureFire SOCOM556-RC2: made of Inconel and stainless steel, this durable suppressor is designed for hard use. Silencer Shop, the #1 NFA distributor in the US, compiled the definitive list of the best 5.56 silencers and these five entries are all awesome suppressors with distinct characteristics. Levels of sound suppression, weight/length, and engineering/construction vary with each model; let’s cover the strengths and differences of these standout silencers.

1.  SureFire SOCOM556-RC2
2. YHM Turbo T2
3. Rugged Razor 556
4. HUXWRX HX-QD 556 Ti Kit
5. CGS Helios QD Ti

1. SureFire SOCOM556-RC2

Credit: @SureFire_LLC

One of the quietest 5.56 suppressors is the SureFire SOCOM556-RC2: designed for combat use by the US military, the RC2 is outstanding at reducing muzzle flash and sound signature. This suppressor has the US military’s stamp of approval for M4 and Mk18 carbines including full-auto use. An incredibly compact silencer, the RC2 is only 6.2”, which keeps your host easily maneuverable. It’s simple to install and remove the SOCOM556-RC2’s with its quick detach locking mechanism, this system also provides you with a repeatable point of impact shift.

The SOCOM556-RC2 is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on our site, with owners saying “Surefire’s Fast-Attach mounting method is phenomenal; easy on, easy off. It’s an absolute tank of a suppressor.” The RC 2 could be perfect if you’re building military clone rifles, or just want a suppressor that is battle tested. With hundreds of enthusiastic reviews from customers, the SureFire SOCOM556-RC2 earns the top spot on Silencer Shop’s 2022 Best 5.56 Suppressor list.

2. YHM Turbo T2

Credit: @YHMachineCo

The Turbo T2 returns to our Best 5.56 silencers list as the lowest priced silencer and this YHM can provides incredible sound suppression. With a unique tubeless design, and heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel and Inconel, the Turbo T2 is manufactured from high-strength materials while weighing just 13.5oz. At just 6.5” the T2 keeps your carbine nimble while subduing decibels and muzzle blast. Featuring the industry standard 1.375x24 mount threads, your mounting options for the Turbo T2 are nearly infinite (though we love the included QD muzzle brake system).

Hailing from Easthampton, Massachusetts, the Yankee Hill Machine Turbo T2 minimizes sound and muzzle flash with an integral flash hider endcap and innovative Inconel blast baffle construction. Silencer Shop customers rated the Turbo T2 4.9 out 5, saying “Can't say enough about this suppressor. Absolutely love it” and “The fact that this comes with a muzzle device is really a great way to get shooters into the suppressor game. Definitely a good buy.” This full-auto-rated silencer will provide you with value and performance that make it a great, budget-friendly option for a dedicated 5.56 can.

3. Rugged Razor 556

Credit: @RuggedSuppresors

Just released in 2022 and making its first appearance on the Best 5.56 Silencers list, is the Rugged Razor556. Designed specifically for the AR-15/M-16 platform, the Rugged Razor556 is just 6.5”. When shooting with the Rugged Razor, you’ll reduce back pressure and gas blowback, while also cutting down on recoil and muzzle flash. The Razor556 is belt-fed, full-auto rated: you’ll have no rate of fire or barrel length restrictions with this awesome can. Stainless steel construction makes this suppressor tough, and light at 13.4oz. Its dual taper locking system ensures repeatable point of impact (POI)  shift and a secure mount that prevents carbon build-up on the mounting threads. 

You’ll have peace of mind with Rugged Suppressors’ Unconditional Lifetime Warranty. No matter the issue or how it happened, Rugged will fix it. Maximizing sound suppression and weight savings the Rugged has definitely earned its place on this exclusive list. For a hard-use, maneuverable suppressor, the Razor556 is a stand-out choice for a rugged suppressor.

4. HUXWRX HX-QD 556 Ti Kit

Credit: @HUXWRX

Made from Grade 5 titanium and 17-4 stainless steel, the HUXWRX HX-QD 556 Ti is a lightweight 5.56 rifle suppressor, at just 13.1 oz and 6.67”. The HX-QD 556 Ti features patented OSS Flow-Through technology to reduce back pressure and toxic gas blowback into your face. This groundbreaking engineering has led some customers to ask: what is Flow-Through technology? This system utilizes cones and coils to redirect gas, instead of traditional baffles. The result is incredibly low back pressure and significant decibel reduction. The OSS tech is game-changing, securing its place on our top 5 list for the second year in a row. The incredible reduction of back pressure puts this suppressor as one of the best 5.56 suppressors for your short-barreled rifle (SBR). The HX-QD 556 Ti’s unique internal geometry also reduces recoil and muzzle flash and provides excellent sound suppression, especially at the shooter’s ear on an AR-15 or a similar modern sporting rifle (MSR).

HUXWRX’s QD muzzle devices interface with the HX-QD’s Torque Lock mounting system providing two key benefits to the shooter: assurance that your silencer is firmly affixed to your host, while also preventing the muzzle device from getting carbon locked to the silencer.

If you're running drills, competing in matches, or part of a professional unit; the high-tech HX-QD 556 Ti is designed with you in mind. The revolutionary OSS Flow-Through design allows your gun to operate reliably without the need for in-depth tuning, keeping you on the range instead of trying to make repairs. It’s top-of-the-line and will serve you well on any AR-15/M-16, including full-auto use, or any other carbine or rifle in .223/5.56.

5. CGS Helios QD Ti

Credit: @CGSGroup

The CGS Helios QD Ti is quite possibly the best suppressor for 5.56 and 300 blk. With a perfect 5 out 5 star rating, customers have called it “Incredibly light and sounds great. 11/10 would buy again” and “The best. Period.” This compact suppressor is just 7.2” and is constructed with an advanced DMLS (direct metal laser sintering) manufacturing technique, the Helios QD Ti has internal structures that are an engineering marvel, far evolved beyond traditional manufacturing. The result is an efficient, quiet, durable, lightweight silencer that can be used on everything from .223/5.56 up to .300 Norma Magnum. Is titanium better than stainless steel for a suppressor? The QD Ti is constructed of sintered titanium and weighs 9.6 ounces (without a mount), and because titanium can achieve similar strength as steel (at only a fraction of the weight), the CGS QD silencer is durable and also the lightest weight suppressor in the Silencer Shop Top 5 (it even weighs less than some K sized cans).

With its generous bore diameter and solid construction, the Helios QD Ti is also rated for .30 caliber cartridges, while providing low back pressure on an AR-15/M-16 platform. The Helios is a standout choice for AR-style rifles as well as precision bolt guns; it provides outstanding suppression while preserving the maneuverability of the rifle.

CGS Suppressors ships the Helios QD Ti as a complete kit with multiple mounts and adapters in a hard-sided case. You’ll be ready to use the Helios QD Ti on both .223/5.56 and .30 caliber hosts right out of the box. The lightweight design coupled with the versatility of a larger bore makes the Helios QD Ti great at the flat range or hiking to your hunting site.

YHM Turbo K (V2)

Credit: @hoplopfheil

The YHM Turbo K V2 is a smaller version of the Turbo T2 (#2 on our list above). The Turbo K is shorter, lighter, and a bit more maneuverable; which is achieved by reducing a few baffles. Silencer shop customers tout the Turbo K as having “Excellent performance. Lightweight. Robust.” giving it 4.8 out of 5 stars. It shares all of the same features, construction, and caliber/barrel length ratings as its bigger sibling, in a shortened package. 

Like the Turbo T2, the Turbo K (V2) is a fantastic silencer choice for dedicated AR-15/M-16 use. At 4.9” it’s ideal on a patrol rifle, tactical rifle, or hunting rifle as it’s very compact and mobile weighing only 10.5oz. This suppressor will reduce harsh muzzle blast and concussion and bring down the Db’s to a more comfortable level. If a short size is the primary quality you’re looking for, the Turbo K has you covered.

Griffin Armament RECCE 5 MOD 4

Credit: @ Griffin_Armament

Griffin Armament’s Recce 5 is in its fourth generation and utilizes Griffin’s patented ECO-FLOW baffle technology to increase suppression performance. Impressive signature reduction meets stainless steel construction and a full-auto rating in this durable silencer. The taper mount on the included EZ-BRAKE muzzle device ensures precision alignment and a secure connection that you can count on, even under intense firing. 

 Silencer Shop customers are saying: “This dedicated 5.56 can exceeded my expectations by far. Excellent sound reduction, bombproof but not super heavy, and a good value for what you get.”  The Recce 5 Mod 4 is a solid, durable, straightforward 5.56 silencer that’s right at home on your AR-15 or M16 carbine or rifle.

Our Top 5 Best 5.56 Suppressors list highlights cans that provide excellent sound suppression, proven durability, and incredible maneuverability. Each of these cans have unique characteristics that make them outstanding. Prior to this blog, you may've wondered if you can put a silencer on 556 and yes, the SureFire SOCOM-RC2 is Silencer Shop's top pick. If versatility is key the Helios QD Ti has you covered. Identifying which criteria are most important for your unique situation will determine which suppressor is right for you. If you have further questions about what suppressor is best for your 5.56, Silencer Shop is here to help, just send us a DM.