In this article, we will show you the best Glock 19 Gen 5 compensators we’ve come across in 2023 and give you our honest take on each and every unique design and tell you what their best use cases are.
Some of these compensators are designed to screw onto the end of a threaded barrel while others don’t require a threaded barrel at all, which means you to can continue using the perfectly-serviceable Gen 5 barrel that you already have.
No matter which mounting system to plan to use, you will gain a considerable reduction in recoil and muzzle rise which will allow you to achieve tighter groups and faster follow-up shots.
Some of the compensators on our list are lower profile for easy concealment while others are better for home defense or competition shooting. Keep reading to the end of this article to find all that and more!
Key Takeaways
This article will show you our top recommendations for the best compensators to use with your Glock 19 Gen 5 in the following categories:
Best Threaded Compensators: We show you our top picks for threaded aftermarket barrels and give you our professional opinion on each one and their best use case.
Best Non-Threaded Compensators: These are our top picks for those who don’t own or want to purchase an aftermarket barrel in their Glock 19 Gen 5. We lend you our expertise on each option and give you their best use case.
Best Concealment Compensator: This is our top pick for those looking to conceal carry their Glock 19 and want the smallest footprint possible.
Best Home Defense Compensator: This is our top recommendation for the best home defense compensator has a special feature that most other compensators don’t have which is a solid option with minimal muzzle rise and decent recoil control.
Best Competition Compensator: This is a well-engineered compensator that adds more front-end weight along with an integral counter-recoil mass driver to mitigate recoil and muzzle rise and is ideal for competitions where accuracy and speed are a must.
Best Glock 19 Threaded Compensators
This is our top 4 list for best threaded compensators designed to work seamlessly with the Gen 5 Glock 19 model. Any of these compensators will be up to the task of reducing recoil and taming muzzle rise. The order on this list is based on the best overall performance and are all good value-for-money recommendations.
#1 Killer Innovations Velocity Glock 19 Gen5 Compensator
- The Velocity Compensator is a highly-effective compensator that will help you achieve accuracy with your 9mm handgun.
- Killer Innovations carefully crafted these compensators from 7075 T6 aluminum for durability that won't weigh you down at the range.
- This Velocity Compensator for 9mm Barrel for 9mm Glock Generation 5 significantly reduces recoil & muzzle climb for a smoother, more accurate draw.
- You can install these compensators without tools, but only with a few simple twists.
- Using a 13lb spring, this compensator will give you reliable cyclability with a 13lb comp.
- Enjoy smoother shooting on the range or in the field.
- 7075 T6 Aluminum | 2.1 oz | 1/2-28 Threads
This compensator is the perfect match for the Killer Innovations Velocity threaded barrel featured in our best Glock 19 Gen 5 Upgrades article. It can, however, be used with the more affordable Faxon barrels or any threaded barrel with standard 1/2-28 threads.
Made out of a lightweight yet strong aluminum construction ensures hours of fun at the range without the added fatigue of heavier steel compensators. Recoil is significantly reduced thanks to the clever port design that performs better than most offerings at this price.
#2 Agency Arms 417 Gen 5 Barrel Compensator
- The 417 Gen 5 Single Port compensator is a thread-on compensator designed for select Glock Gen 5 models.
- It features a 1 chamber design (1 vertical venting port).
- It is designed to work with threaded barrels with a 1/2x28 thread pitch (Overall barrel protrusion should be 0.715in +/- 0.005in for optimal fitment).
- It features a front sight hole allowing you to transfer your existing front sight from your slide to the compensator.
- It is compatible with the G17, G19, G19X, G34, & G45.
- Please note compensator may require tuning of the recoil system.
- It is designed to work with most factory-loaded ammunition but will yield the best results with heavier-charged ammunition.
The Agency Arms 417 compensator is a simple yet effective single-port design that works best with high-powered ammo. If you want to shoot standard-velocity rounds reliably, you may have to change out your recoil spring.
This compensator is striking in its simplicity and has rather pleasing angles that are bound to look great on the end of your Gen 5 Glock 19!
#3 Faxon Firearms EXOS-553 Gen 5 Barrel Compensator
- Improve your shot with Faxon Firearms' EXOS Pistol Compensators.
- Faxon Firearms EXOS-553 compensators are designed for Glock Gen 5 9mm pistols. Fitment with other pistols or generations cannot be guaranteed.
- Testing for fit & function was performed on these models specifically: Glock 19 Gen 5, Glock 17 Gen 5, and Glock 34 Gen 5. Constructed of 6061 Aluminum with a black anodized finish
- Faxon Pistol Compensators feature a uniquely angled front port single chamber design enabling the compensator to improve consistency while reducing muzzle climb and recoil.
- The angled ports allow gas to deflect upwards as opposed to only deflecting sideways, reducing up & down muzzle movement & improving reliability.
- Barrel protrusion is designed to fit flush with the slide and has been optimized for Faxon-branded barrels.
- For all other barrels, the barrel should protrude .600in or less for a flush fit.
Faxon Arms comes to the forefront once again for those on a budget wanting to take advantage of a compensated G19 firearm without breaking the bank.
With its simple yet rugged aluminum design, it features simple vent cuts that do a decent job cutting down on recoil and adding some speed to those follow-up shots.
Whether for home defense or concealed carry, the EXOS 553 will serve you well when mated to the equally-affordable Faxon Arms threaded barrel or any standard thread-size barrel you choose to mount it on.
#4 Trybe Defense Univeral Single Port 9mm Compensator
- Designed to fit any 1/2-28 threaded 9mm barrel, the TRYBE Defense Universal Single Port 9mm Compensator is your barrel's other half. Its soulmate. The beauty to its beast. No matter what brand of firearm you own!
- This compensator dramatically reduces muzzle rise & sensed recoil, allowing for lightning-fast target re-acquisition.
- Requiring zero modification to your 9mm firearm and compatible with almost any grain of ammunition, the TRYBE Universal Compensator maintains a minimal profile to aid against printing for concealed carriers while also greatly improving your accuracy in the field.
- Compact and full-sized models weighing in between 0.70oz. - 1.00oz., boasting an ultra-sleek profile, and built from durable and long-lasting 7075 aluminum fit beautifully on any brand of 9mm firearm that you choose to optimize.
For those on a tighter budget, Trybe has you covered with its cost-effective universal compensators designed to work with any threaded barrel with standard threads.
The compact version shown above works perfectly on Gen 5 Glock 19s, as well as other 9mm handguns you may own, and comes in 4 classic colors to match the look you’re going for.
These perform much better than the price would suggest and sport an aesthetically pleasing yet functional design and solid aluminum build that is guaranteed to give you years of service no matter the task at hand!
These may not be the best on this list but they’re still going to provide you with a noticeable improvement in recoil control as well as help mitigate muzzle flip.
Best Non-Threaded Glock 19 Compensators
Below, we feature our 2 most recommended compensators that work with non-threaded barrels. These awesome compensators allow you to keep the already excellent Glock 19 Gen 5 barrel intact by mounting it over the accessory rail.
They also provide a rail of their own so you don’t lose the ability to mount a weapon light or laser/light combo. These are great since they reduce the cost of adding a threaded barrel while still providing a functional means of mitigating recoil and reducing muzzle flip.
#1 Wasatch Arms Glock 19 Compensator
- Avoid the hassle & cost of adding a threaded barrel by using our rail-mounted compensator.
- The unique design and weight of the comp will naturally reduce the muzzle rise between shots in succession and improve the overall feel of your Glock.
- Upgrade your gun today without having to make any permanent modifications.
- Decrease recoil between 60-80 percent, instantly
- Significantly reduce muzzle rise
- Enhance the look & feel of your firearm
- Quick and easy installation rail mounted with Allen wrench
- No threaded barrel needed
The coolest thing about the Wasatch compensator (besides the looks) is the fact that you can mount it without a threaded barrel!
This is ideal if you want to continue using the excellent Gen 5 Glock barrel and saves you the added cost of buying a threaded barrel.
This makes it a bit more expensive than a thread-on compensator but it’s still cheaper than buying a separate threaded barrel and compensator. It’s also quick and easy to remove since it secures over the rail.
#2 Dark Hour Defense Compensated Stand-Off Device For Glock
- Does not work with extended/threaded barrels or Polymer 80 frames
- Works with Gen 3 - 5
- This model features an integrated muzzle brake/compensator & accessory rail to mount a flashlight
- The compensator top ports keep the pistol flip to a minimum & reduce recoil while the added side ports reduce the felt recoil even further
- Designed to keep the slide in battery to allow proper discharge if pressed against a solid object/target
- Made from 7075 T6 aluminum Mil-Spec Type 3 hard coat anodize
- Install the device with blue thread locker on mounting screws.
- All screws should be tightened to NO MORE than 15-20 inch pounds!
- The device is not rated for continuous +P/Hot ammo use.
Dark Hour Defense has an interesting and somewhat unique offering with its new compensated stand-off device that mounts over the accessory rail, much like the Wasatch Arms Comp on our list.
The biggest difference being the Dark Hour has a slight gap between the barrel allowing it to function as a stand-off device as well as a compensator. The design of the compensator is more of a secondary function and the added weight will also help mitigate some recoil, just not as much as the more classic compensators on this list.
It also adds a rail if you needed to add a small weapon light or laser sight. It’s a good choice if you’re concerned about close-quarters situations and will bring you some peace of mind during a struggle knowing your Glock will stay in battery and ready to go!
Best Glock 19 Concealment Compensator
In order for a compensator to excel at being concealed, it has to be sleek and low profile enough to be comfortable and must fit well in your holster of choice.
Great news!
The Radian Weapons Afterburner Ramjet combo checks all of these boxes and combines it with a match-grade threaded barrel to form the perfect all-in-one solution.
It effectively adds the overall length of a Glock 17 to the Glock 19 platform, meaning it will now fit into any G17 holster you may already own.
#1 Radian Weapons Afterburner Gen5 Ramjet Combo
- The Radian® AFTERBURNER™ + RAMJET™ combo provides unprecedented recoil reduction & match grade accuracy in a concealed carry package. The threadless barrel design allows for effortless installation & removal for cleaning
- The AFTERBURNER™ compensator is machined from hardened 17- 4 SS and the RAMJET™barrel from hardened 416R SS; both are enhanced with a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating.
- This combination achieves low friction, high hardness, & high corrosion resistance, making overall durability & erosion from muzzle blast a non-issue.
- Installed onto a Glock™ G19™, the AFTERBURNER™ + RAMJET™ combo increases the overall length of the slide to a G17® allowing compatibility with all G17 holsters. Angled front faces on the AFTERBURNER aid in holstering.
The Radian Afterburner Ramjet combo is a really unique and complete solution that combines a high-quality Gen 5 barrel with a very low-profile threaded compensator giving you the sleekest system for recoil control out there.
With this upgrade installed, the overall length is equivalent to a Glock 17, which is pretty incredible for what it accomplishes. This added compactness doesn’t come cheap but it does offer the best solution for concealed carry since it’s compatible with any Glock 17 holster.
Best Glock 19 Home Defense Compensator
Our top honor for best home defense compensator is also in our best non-threaded compensator category: The Dark Hour Defense compensator doubles as a stand-off device which makes it ideal for home defense scenarios where you may find yourself up close and personal with an intruder during a home invasion or burglary.
We would all prefer to keep our distance in any potentially dangerous situation but you never know how things could go down in real life because anything is possible!
#1 Dark Hour Defense Compensated Stand-Off Device For Glock
- Does not work with extended/threaded barrels or Polymer 80 frames
- Works with Gen 3 - 5
- This model features an integrated muzzle brake/compensator & accessory rail to mount a flashlight
- The compensator top ports keep the pistol flip to a minimum & reduce recoil while the added side ports reduce the felt recoil even further
- Designed to keep the slide in battery to allow proper discharge if pressed against a solid object/target
- Made from 7075 T6 aluminum Mil-Spec Type 3 hard coat anodize
- Install the device with blue thread locker on mounting screws.
- All screws should be tightened to NO MORE than 15-20 inch pounds!
- The device is not rated for continuous +P/Hot ammo use.
As I stated earlier, Dark Hour Defense has an interesting and somewhat unique offering with its new compensated stand-off device that mounts over the accessory rail, much like the Wasatch Arms Comp on our list.
The biggest difference being the Dark Hour has a slight gap between the barrel allowing it to function as a stand-off device as well as a compensator. The design of the compensator is less of a primary function but is a secondary function, though the added weight will also serve to mitigate some recoil, just not as much as the more classic compensator designs on this list.
That said, it is ideal for home defense where a potential struggle up close is always a possibility and the ability to keep your Glock in battery could be the difference between life and death in such a situation.
It also provides a means to rail mount a small weapon light or laser sight, which is imperative in a home defense role. It’s the best choice if you’re concerned about close-quarters situations and will bring you some peace of mind during a struggle knowing your Glock will always stay in battery and go bang when you need it too!
Best Glock 19 Competition Compensator
If you like shooting in competitions and want to see what your Gen 5 Glock 19 is capable of, then controlling recoil and muzzle flip is your ticket to smoking the competition!
The compensator we hand-picked for this honor is brought to you by the awesome team over at Strike Industries and is a marvel of engineering and truly a work of art to behold.
#1 Strike Industries G5 Mass Driver Compensator
- With the Strike Industries G5 Mass Driver Compensator, a reciprocating mass and increased inertial mass are counteracted by the expanding gasses from your round after it is discharged, greatly diminishing your felt recoil.
- However, it is wise to remember that recoil is still a reality, and adding a compensator barrel can decrease reliable cycling on a regular handgun.
- No threaded barrel is needed (but can be used)
- Eliminates the need for threaded barrels. 50 State Legal
- Widened bore to reduce baffle strikes and keyholing rounds
- 2.5mm relief cut at the top rear of the comp to reduce "lipping" and damage to the face of the slide
- No permanent modification of the weapon required
- Blended, no snag profile
- Matches the width of the slide, it can be used with open holsters, no special holster is needed
- Counter recoil design, as the slide moves back the comp moves forward to reduce felt recoil
- Contours with slide dimensions to be compatible with most open-bottom holsters
- Precision CNC machined
Strike Industries has really hit a home run with this truly unique compensator design. It takes so much bite out of 9mm recoil that it feels like shooting a much lower caliber.
This much recoil reduction, however, may cause cycling issues with underpowered or lower-velocity loads. Another benefit of the G5 Mass Driver Compensator is the ability to work with or without threaded barrels.
This will save you some money if you don’t want to invest in a threaded barrel but will also work with whatever barrel you may have. Either way, if you want the most recoil mitigation for the best possible competitive edge, you won’t get any better than this!
Glock 19 Gen 5 Compensator FAQs
It’s important to know as much as possible about compensators in general and how they function on a gun like the Gen 5 Glock 19. In this section, we will be answering the most frequently asked questions about compensators to give our readers a better foundation so they can make the most informed decision possible before pulling the trigger on their next purchase.
What Is A Glock 19 Gen 5 Compensator?
A Glock 19 Gen 5 compensator is an aftermarket accessory that is designed to attach to the barrel of a Glock 19 pistol in order to reduce muzzle rise and recoil. The compensator works by redirecting gases that are expelled when the gun is fired, which helps to counteract the upward force that can cause the gun to rise during rapid fire.
The Gen 5 Glock 19 is a popular handgun model that is commonly used for personal defense, law enforcement, and military applications. The addition of a compensator can help to make the gun more controllable and accurate, especially during rapid or repeated firing.
There are many different types of Gen 5 Glock 19 compensators available on the market, each with its own design, features, and benefits. Some compensators are designed to be attached to the front of a threaded barrel, while others are integrated into the slide or frame of the gun.
It is important to choose a compensator that is compatible with your specific Glock 19 model and one that is designed to meet your particular needs and preferences.
What Does A Compensator Do For A Gen 5 Glock 19?
A Glock 19 Gen 5 compensator is an attachment that is designed to reduce recoil and muzzle rise when firing a Glock 19 handgun.
When a round is fired, the expanding gases push the slide and barrel back, and the recoil causes the muzzle to rise. This can make it harder to maintain accuracy and to shoot quickly and accurately.
A compensator helps to redirect some of the gases from the fired round, which in turn reduces recoil and muzzle rise. This allows the shooter to maintain better control of the handgun and to shoot more accurately and quickly.
Additionally, a compensator can make shooting more comfortable by reducing felt recoil, which can be especially beneficial for shooters with weaker wrists or those who shoot for extended periods.
It’s important to note that compensators can also have some drawbacks. They can add weight and bulk to a handgun, which can affect its balance and make it harder to carry.
Additionally, compensators can increase the noise and flash of firing, which may be a concern in some situations.
Most Common Myths & Fallacies About Compensators
There are several compensator myths and fallacies that are commonly told by people with no real expertise or experience. Here are some of them:
- Compensators make your gun shoot faster: This is a common misconception, but compensators do not actually make your gun shoot faster. They only help to reduce recoil and muzzle rise, which can make it easier to shoot more accurately and quickly.
- Compensators are only useful for competition shooting: While it’s true that compensators are often used in competition shooting, they can also be useful for self-defense and tactical shooting. They can help to improve accuracy and control, which can be beneficial in any situation.
- Compensators reduce accuracy: This is another common myth, but compensators do not actually reduce accuracy. In fact, they can improve accuracy by reducing recoil and muzzle rise, which can make it easier to maintain proper sight alignment and to shoot accurately.
- Compensators are illegal: This is not true in most cases. Compensators are legal in many states and countries, but it’s always important to check local laws and regulations before installing a compensator on your firearm.
- Compensators cause malfunctions: While compensators can potentially cause malfunctions if they are not installed properly or if they are not compatible with your gun, they do not inherently cause malfunctions. Proper installation and maintenance can help to prevent malfunctions and ensure that your compensator functions properly.
What Advantages Does A Compensator Give To A Glock 19?
A Gen 5 Glock 19 compensator can provide a few potential advantages for any shooter:
- Recoil Reduction: A compensator is designed to redirect some of the gases produced by firing a round upwards and/or to the sides, which can help counteract the recoil of the gun. This can make it easier to stay on target for follow-up shots, as well as reduce perceived recoil, making the gun more comfortable to shoot.
- Faster Follow-Up Shots: With less recoil, the gun can settle back on target more quickly, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
- Better Muzzle Control: The compensator helps to control muzzle rise and keeps the barrel flatter during recoil. This can lead to more accurate and consistent shooting.
It’s worth noting that the advantages of a compensator may vary depending on the specific design and how it’s installed on a Gen 5 or prior Glock 19. Additionally, while compensators do provide many benefits, they may also have some drawbacks, such as increased noise and muzzle blast, and potential reliability issues if not installed properly.
