There’s a lot of factors when it comes to purchasing an affordable plate carrier. Things like low-profile design, side protection, the price, the shoulder straps, MOLLE attachments, etc. Below is a list of what I believe is the best affordable plate carriers you can buy in order to protect yourself and protect others.
Just as a disclosure, some of the links below earn me a small commission if you choose to buy one of these plate carriers, but you don’t pay anything extra.
1. Condor Cyclone Plate Carrier
Price
The price of the Condor Cyclone Plate Carrier depends on the color pattern you want. The MultiCam pattern is priced at around $210 while the other colour patterns are priced around $185.
Check out the latest prices here!
Specs
Colour: Black, Coyote Brown, or MultiCam
Material: Mil-Spec 500 Denier Cordura Fabric
Size: Adjustable 30″ to 45″ around navel
Features: Heavyweight Webbing (MOLLE)
Quick Release: Buckles on Shoulder Pads
Body Armour: 10.25″ x 13.25″ Hard Armour & 6″ x 10″ Soft Armour
Pros
Affordable
Lightweight
Side Armor Slot
MOLLE system
Made in USA
Cons
Hydration Loops are just velcro tabs
Overview
The Condor Cyclone Plate Carrier is a very affordable plate carrier with excellent quality. It’s side plate compatible and has an emergency drag handle on the back so someone can drag you to safety.
People who have purchased the Condor Cyclone Plate Carrier have given it very positive reviews. It’s constructed from Mil-Spec 500D Cordura fabric, which is an excellent combination of flexibility and durability.
Constructed using high quality materials, fits 10″x13″ plates, a MOLLE system for your plate carrier accessories, and an affordable price at around $200, the Condor Cyclone Plate Carrier has all the top-of-the-line features and Made-In-USA quality you want without breaking the bank.
2. AR500 Testudo Gen 3 Plate Carrier
Price
The AR500 Testudo Gen 3 Plate Carrier is the more affordable plate carrier that Armored Republic has to offer, with the same exceptional quality.
Check the latest prices for the Testudo here!
Specs
Material: 500D Nylon
Supported Plate Size: 10″x12″ & 11″x14″
Sizes: M to 3XL
Weight: 3.6 lbs
Features: Side Plate pouches, kangaroo pouch, admin pouch
Manufactured: Vietnam
Pros
Affordable
Lightweight
Durable
Lots of coverage
Quick-Release
Side protection
Cons
Not made in USA
Overview
The AR500 Testudo Gen 3 is a great option for anyone looking to buy a plate carrier, especially for the price. It has full coverage, it’s lightweight at 3.6 pounds when empty, you can fit armor on the sides for added protection, adjustable shoulder straps, the list goes on.
Armored Republic makes arguably the best plate carriers and body armor available to the public, so if dropping $500 isn’t an option for you, the Testudo is still an excellent plate carrier at a fraction of the cost of the higher end carriers.
3. 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier
Price
The 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier is your middle ground as far as pricing. And MultiCam isn’t substantially higher in cost either.
Check 5.11 Tactical for the latest pricing.
5.11 Tactical also offers free US Ground Shipping on orders $99+ which is nice to have.
Pros
Excellent Quality
Affordable
Lightweight
Low Profile
MOLLE system
Cons
No side protection
Overview
5.11 Tactical is well-known around the world for it’s exceptional tactical gear. The TacTec Plate Carrier has an impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on the 5.11 Tactical website with over 120 reviews. If you’re looking for the best plate carrier for a good price, you’ll be happy with the 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier.
The TacTec Plate Carrier is lightweight, comfortable, has a low-profile, and is very easy to setup. The webbing that wraps around the sides is able to be quickly adjusted by lifting the front flap and moving the webbing accordingly.
The shoulder straps have a lot of cushion and sit high up on the trap muscles, which takes strain off the shoulders. There’s also an emergency drag handle on the back. The material used is 500D Cordura, which has excellent durability and flexibility.
4. Crye Precision Jumpable Plate Carrier (JPC) 2.0
Price
The price of the JPC 2.0 is going to be in the mid to higher price point, but for good reason. It’s incredible versatile and one of the most popular selections for operators. There’s no extra charge for MultiCam either.
Check CRYE PRECISION for the latest pricing!
Pros
Top-of-the-line
Afforable
Lightweight
Low-profile
Made in USA
Cons
No side protection
Overview
The Crye Precision JPC 2.0 is used everyday by Special Forces Operators, making it possibly the best plate carrier you can buy. It has a low-profile design which allows the user to move with ease and not be restricted by a bunch of kit. Keep in mind that means no side protection, so keep your chest to the target!
Like most plate carriers, there is an emergency handle that can support up to 400 lbs! There is a ton of possibilities with accessory attachments, mag pouches, etc. The JPC 2.0 also features a high performance stretch material that allows plates of varying thickness.
As far as cost, as mentioned before, it’s not super cheap but also not the most expensive carrier on the list. But the Crye Precision is a tested carrier that is used by Special Forces Operators.
5. Milburn Mountain Defense Altitude
Price
The Milburn Mountain Defense Altitude plate carrier is a very solid carrier system. I’ve used this carrier myself and I’m really happy with it. You can read my full review here.
Check MMD for the latest pricing.
Specs
Material: 1050D Nylon
Supported Plate Size: 10×12″
Side Plate Size: 6×6″ or 8×8″
Features: Zipper admin pouch, Velcro ID panels
Manufactured: Canada
Pros
Durable materials
Rugged
Padded shoulders
Quick Release
Made in USA
Cons
No Coyote Brown
Overview
This MMD Altitude Plate Carrier is one of the best plate carriers that I’ve used. The materials are very durable, quick-release can attach/detach from the top or bottom, and the zippered admin pouch is very useful.
Another key feature of the MMD Altitude Plate Carrier is the shoulder straps are fully padded which would keep you performing comfortably for as long as you got your plate carrier on.
Conclusion
This is the list of the best plate carriers that I could come up with. I hope it has at least helped you at researching options out there as well as giving you the ability to make an informed purchase.
I tried to offer plate carriers from a range of prices, without sacrificing reliability. All these companies have been around for years, and all these plate carriers have been tested by hundreds or thousands of people with great results.
Remember, having a firearm to fight and protect is essential, but having a plate carrier to protect yourself and keep you in the fight as long as possible is critical. I’ve heard many stories of men taking a round to the plate, and staying in the fight. A plate carrier will help you to live, fight, and move.