Played both. Paintball just gives more of a rush because there is more substance and power behind it. Airsoft I have to call myself out just because some bb barely grazed my head. It's hard to tell where the rounds are coming from also, because it bounces off the other side of cover with minimal sound. Kind of disappointing.
I like airsoft guns for backyard plinking. Cheap rounds, no mess, and little noise is nice. When it comes to shooting fools I can't see how paintball will ever get beat by airsoft.
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Depends. Airsoft is nice to try out gear for the field (real life army). Its not as dirty. But there are more cheaters and the "honor system" is trash.
Paintball IMO is better than the two. Better rush, better competition, better games, better guns/technology.
Played both, wife loves airsoft so I've picked it up. We now have 7 HPA guns with 4 being hicapa pistols. Airsoft is cheap and fun and there's no mess or greasy-ness at the end of the day.