Call of Duty Vanguard SMG Tier List (March 2024): Submachine Guns Ranked Best To Worst

Image showing to Vanguard players holding an SMG
Credit: Activision

Image showing to Vanguard players holding an SMG
Credit: Activision

For those that like a faster and more aggressive style of play in Call of Duty: Vanguard, a submachine gun (SMG) is the ideal weapon of choice thanks to its high levels of mobility and limitless customisation options thanks to the Gunsmith. During a multiplayer match, players are often seen hurtling around the map at breakneck speed in an attempt to score a high Killstreak by catching more passive players off-guard.

With a number of viable SMGs to select and with Season 3 on the horizon, it's tricky to determine which is the very best but based on player feedback and their in-game performance, we've ranked the best and worst SMGs to use in Vanguard multiplayer to try and help you improve your KD ratio. It's worth noting though, these are not necessarily the Best Weapons in Call of Duty Vanguard, but rather, a ranking of the SMG category.

Call of Duty Vanguard is out now. Follow the link to read our Vanguard review.

Read More: Call of Duty Vanguard AR Tier List: Assault Rifles Ranked Best To Worst

Call of Duty Vanguard SMG Tier List

Before we reveal which is the best SMG in Vanguard, it's worth noting that there are only six SMGs to choose from, with each of them possessing a range of unique qualities that work well in close-range and mid-range engagements.

Call of Duty Vanguard SMG Tier List

S

Armaguerra 43
ZRG 20mm
AMP63
Volkssturmgewehr
Nikita AVT
MP-40
XM4
Welgun
Whitley
Milano 821
BAR
H4 Blixen
Sten
Automaton
NZ-41
Type 100
HDR
MAC-10
STG44
KG M40
Vargo 52
AS44
Cooper Carbine

A

C58
Krig 6
Grau 5.56
PP19 Bizon
Itra Burst
Fennec
UGM-8
Sykov
Grav
LAPA
MP5 (BOCW)
EM2
Owen Gun
Kar98k (MW)
Streetsweeper
M1912
PPSh-41 (VG)
AK-47 (BOCW)
RAM-7
DP27
UGR
3-Line Rifle
RPD
Bullfrog
AX-50
AUG (MW)
M13
FFAR 1
Diamatti
Type 11
Marco 5
Renetti
MP5 (MW)
OTs 9
Top Break
1911 (VG)
Type 99
Groza
MG 82
Bruen Mk9
LW3 – Tundra
M82
FARA 83
Kar98k (VG)
QBZ-83
JAK-12
CX-9
MG42
M4A1
PPSh-41 (BOCW)
Kilo 141

B

Oden
Uzi
AN-94
Pelington 703
Bren
Machine Pistol
CR-56 AMAX
Gallo SA12
AK-74u
Combat Shotgun
M16
Rytec AMR
.50 GS
LC10
PKM
MP7
FiNN LMG
Swiss K31
Magnum
Stoner 83
SA87
AS VAL
X16
FAL
TEC-9
Dragunov
Double Barrel

C

1911 (MW)
FN Scar 17
Mk2 Carbine
EBR-14
AUG (BOCW)
Hauer 77
MG34
Model 680
FR 5.56
Holger-26
P90
CARV.2
R9-0 Shotgun
KSP 45
725
ISO
1911 (BOCW)
M1916
M19
AK-47 (MW)
M60
M91
DMR 14
Origin 12 Shotgun

D

Klauser
Nail Gun
SVT-40
M1 Garand
Crossbow (BOCW)
Crossbow (MW)
G-43
RAAL MG
Gracey Auto
Einhorn Revolving
SKS
Gorenko Anti-Tank Rifle
Striker 45
RATT
.410 Ironhide
VLK Rogue
Marshal
Type 63
.357
SP-R 208

The MP-40 is a staple of any Call of Duty title set in and around World War 2 and throughout the beta, it was the best-performing SMG thanks to its incredible levels of versatility. Whether it's at close range or at longer distances, the MP-40 is more than capable of scoring kills quickly.

Call of Duty Vanguard SMG Tier List
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More commonly known as the Thompson, the M1928 features an insane rate of fire that can shred through an opponent in the blink of an eye. While the fast fire rate is a bonus, the recoil can be difficult to control at further distances, meaning it's not as versatile as the MP-40.

Joining it in A-Tier is the Type 100, a hugely underrated SMG thanks to its non-existent recoil and incredible stability in mid-range engagements. It may not have a fast rate of fire, but the stability shines in several situations where other SMGs would struggle.

Compared to the other two SMGs, the STEN fell short in almost every category due to its slower fire rate and low damage output. Considering its lack of performance, there's every chance it could be in line for a buff further down the line.

The PPSh may be an icon of World War 2 Call of Duty titles but its lack of versatility means it's nowhere near what it once was. It does dominate in close quarters but in any gunfights from a distance, the recoil is uncontrollable.

Call of Duty Vanguard STEN SMG Tier List
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The unique design of the Owen Gun might be the only thing it has going for it. The lack of damage range renders the SMG useless in most scenarios, meaning it's best to look higher up the list if you're after a strong SMG.

Joining it in C Tier is the Welgun. While it may achieve success in Warzone, it's unable to compete against other SMGs in the category due to its inferior mobility levels.

There you have it, these are all of Vanguard's SMGs ranked from the best to the worst. For more Vanguard tier lists, check out the best and worst Assault Rifles to use.