Best Body Armor Sets Under $500: Our Top Expert Picks

Body armor is a critical investment for personal safety and protection. While high-quality armor can often be expensive, there are still several excellent hard and soft armor options available for under $500. And when we say $500, we mean $500 for everything, not just one plate. Top Armor has you covered with a few of our best body armor picks that perfectly balance affordability and proven reliability.

The 4s17m is HighCom's flagship Level IV plate and is designed for maximum protection in high-risk scenarios. Tested to 15 different threats, 4s17m has one of the most expansive testing profiles on the market. Users commend its balance of weight, protection, and price and often laud it as some of the best body armor you can get for its cost.

• Threat Level: Level IV
• Weight: 7.2 lbs. (10x12), 8.2 lbs. (M SAPI)
• Thinness: 0.95"
• Certifications: NIJ 0101.06 Certified, DEA Compliant

HighCom's sa3100 Concealable Level IIIA Soft Armor Panels are perfect for those needing high quality and discreet handgun protection that won't break the bank. It’s designed to be worn under clothing, providing effective defense without drawing attention. SA3100 is perfect for those needing lightweight and top-of-line protection without the price tag of a model such as SA3920.

• Threat Level: Level IIIA
• Aerial Density: 1.32 psf.
• Thinness: 0.29"
• Certifications: NIJ 0101.06 Certified, DEA Compliant, FBI Compliant

Related: Understanding the DEA & FBI Protocols for Body Armor

The HighCom 4sas7 is the predecessor to the 4s17m and is Certified to the former NIJ 0101.04 Standard. Since the former standard was not as focused on drop testing, the 4sas7 is slightly thinner than the 4s17m. Although 4sas7 isn't as extensively tested as 4s17m when it comes to ballistics, it still provides protection from a majority of rifle rounds one may encounter today such as the Level IV standard .30-06 M2 AP and more common rounds like M855, 7.62x39mm, and even M855A1. 4sas7 has become a popular choice for those willing to forgive a bit of extra protection found in 4s17m for a thinner plate.

• Threat Level: Level IV
• Weight: 7.2 lbs. (10x12), 8.1 lbs. (M SAPI)
• Thinness: 0.75"
• Certifications: NIJ 0101.04 Certified, DEA Compliant

HighCom's 4s17 side plates are our go-to side armor solution. All of the same protection found in 4s17m, but now in a side plate. Side plates are often overlooked and even seen as unnecessary, but that couldn't be more wrong. Even when donning a plate carrier, vital organs are still exposed from the sides and even more so when actively shooting. It's crucial to protect yourself from all angles, but that doesn't mean you need to break the bank.

• Threat Level: Level IV
• Weight: 2.5 lbs. (6x6)
• Thinness: 0.95"
• Certifications: NIJ 0101.06 Certified

Related: How to Choose the Right Hard Armor Side Plates

Our last pick just cracks our $500 budget and is the only Level III model to make the list. Ceramic and PE Level IIIs can be some of the most expensive plates and this largely has to do with their weight savings. The 3S11 side plates are one of the few models of non steel Level III armor to be had for under $500. It's also the lightest side plate we have. Made from 100% UHMWPE to still provide protection from common rifle rounds like M80, M193, and 7.62x39mm. These are made for users looking to keep their total load to an absolute minimum.  

• Threat Level: Level III
• Weight: 1.0 lb. (6x6)
• Thinness: 1.25"
• Certifications: NIJ 0101.06 Certified

Our mission is to be your trusted, go-to source for the best body armor at the best prices. Great armor can often be expensive and newcomers may not want to go all in on their first set, it's understandable. That's why we carefully select the armor we offer to our customers to ensure options for all sorts of wants, needs, and budgets are available. 

At Top Armor, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned user, our team is just one message away to help guide you through your first or next armor purchase. Get in touch today and discover the best body armor for you.