Borla is the best exhaust company for most readers, because its S-Type cat-back system for the Ford F-150 Raptor costs $1,399.99, uses T-304 stainless steel and carries a Million-Mile Warranty. Gibson is the budget pick for trucks, with its Dual Extreme cat-back system at $935.95, while Corsa is the value pick for a modern SUV, with its Bronco cat-back system at $874.71 on its official site. MagnaFlow sells a muffler most roundups skip: the xMOD muffler 14006 costs $633 on the official MagnaFlow site and lets you switch between three setups in seconds, with a No Drone Technology module, a muffler module and an xTreme bypass module.
All prices below come from official brand pages or major retailer pages opened on 2026-11-12.
On this page
Best exhaust companies: comparison table
Swipe the table sideways on a phone to see every column.
| # | Name | Best for | Starting price | Free plan / trial | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Borla | Trucks and muscle cars | $1,399.99 | Not applicable | Visit |
| 2 | MagnaFlow | Modular mufflers and street systems | $633 | Not applicable | Visit |
| 3 | Flowmaster | American V8 sound on a budget | $849.95 | Not applicable | Visit |
| 4 | Akrapovic | Lightweight titanium bike systems | $1,027.95 | Not applicable | Visit |
| 5 | Remus | Valved European performance cars | GBP 3,169.28 | Not applicable | Visit |
| 6 | Corsa Performance | Trucks and SUVs | $874.71 | Not applicable | Visit |
| 7 | Gibson Performance | Trucks and towing | $935.95 | Not applicable | Visit |
| 8 | AWE Tuning | European cars with a no check engine light promise | $2,155.00 | Not applicable | Visit |
The 8 best best exhaust companies, in detail
Borla
Best for: Trucks and muscle cars
Borla builds performance exhaust systems in the United States, with S-Type, ATAK and Touring sound levels. The S-Type sits in the middle, with a clear and aggressive tone that stays quieter than ATAK. The priced system in this article is the Borla S-Type cat-back system, part 140383, for the 2010 to 2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and F-150 Harley Davidson, listed at $1,399.99 on Vivid Racing.
- It uses T-304 stainless steel, which resists corrosion and keeps a polished look over time.
- Borla backs its systems with a Million-Mile Warranty for the original purchaser, which covers defects in materials and workmanship.
- That warranty is a real point of difference, because most brands in this list offer a limited lifetime warranty with more limits on what it covers.
- The trade-off is price and fitment.
Pros
- T-304 stainless steel construction
- Million-Mile Warranty on the system
Cons
- Price is high for a single system
- the priced system fits only 2010 to 2014 Ford F-150 Raptor models
MagnaFlow
Best for: Modular mufflers and street systems
MagnaFlow builds mufflers, catalytic converters and full cat-back systems, with Street Series, xMOD Series and SPEQ Series lines. The priced item in this article is the MagnaFlow xMOD universal muffler 14006, listed at $633 on the official MagnaFlow site opened on 2026-11-12. It is a 5 by 8 by 18 inch oval straight-through muffler, with a 2.5 inch inlet, a dual outlet and a 3 inch tip.
- The xMOD design is the unique fact in this article.
- It lets you switch between three setups in seconds: a No Drone Technology module, a muffler module and an xTreme bypass module.
- The trade-off is that the priced item is a universal muffler, not a bolt-on kit for one car, and the official site showed it as out of stock when this
- Professional fitting is recommended, and a shop will need to place and weld it to suit your car.
Pros
- Official price of $633 for the xMOD muffler 14006
- No Drone Technology for a quiet cabin
Cons
- The priced muffler is out of stock on the official site
- it is a universal muffler, so fitting needs a shop
Flowmaster
Best for: American V8 sound on a budget
Flowmaster is known for the deep American V8 sound from its chambered mufflers, with American Thunder, FlowFX, Force II and Outlaw lines. The priced system in this article is the Flowmaster FlowFX cat-back system, part 717924, for 1999 to 2007 GM Silverado and Sierra 1500 trucks with 4.3L, 4.8L or 5.3L engines, listed at $849.95 on Vivid Racing. It uses 409 stainless steel and includes the pipework, muffler and tip for a full cat-back fit.
- The trade-off is material and sound.
- The 409 stainless steel on this system is a step below the T-304 steel used by Borla and AWE, and the FlowFX tone is loud, so it will not suit drivers
- Choose Flowmaster if you want a classic V8 tone for a truck at a mid range price.
- Skip it if you need T-304 steel or a quiet system for daily use.
Pros
- FlowFX cat-back system at $849.95
- founded in 1983 with a long range of truck and car systems
Cons
- 409 stainless steel on the priced system, not T-304
- sound is loud, so it will not suit every driver
Akrapovic
Best for: Lightweight titanium bike systems
Akrapovic is a Slovenian brand founded in 1991, known for titanium exhaust systems used in MotoGP and World Superbike racing, plus systems for performance cars. The priced system in this article is the Akrapovic GP Slip-On exhaust, part S-Y10SO18-HAPLT, for the Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M from 2015 to 2021, listed at $1,027.95 on Vivid Racing. It is a titanium slip-on, which replaces the stock muffler and keeps the rest of the stock system in place.
- The trade-off is scope and legality.
- A slip-on changes sound and weight, but it does not change the headers, and some Akrapovic systems are marked for track use only and do not meet emiss
- Check the part number and the compliance marking for your bike and your location before you buy.
- Choose Akrapovic if you want a light titanium bike system from a racing brand.
Pros
- Titanium construction for low weight
- GP slip-on design for the Yamaha R1
Cons
- Price is high for a slip-on that replaces only the rear section
- some systems are for track use only
Remus
Best for: Valved European performance cars
Remus is an Austrian brand founded in 1990, known for sport exhausts for BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Audi, and for factory systems supplied to selected car makers. The priced system in this article is the Remus BMW G42 M240i Racing cat-back system, listed at GBP 3,169.28 on R44 Performance. It is a stainless steel system with a resonated centre section, integrated valves and a choice of tips, built for the BMW M240i xDrive from 2021 onward.
- The trade-off is price and legality.
- At GBP 3,169.28, it costs more than twice the Borla system in this list, and you must check local rules before you use it on a road.
- Choose Remus if you want a valved European system and you have a track car or a car that will stay within local rules.
- Skip it if you need an EC approved system or a lower price.
Pros
- Racing cat-back system with integrated valves
- stainless steel construction
Cons
- Price is the highest in this list
- the priced system has no EC approval, so it is for track use only
Corsa Performance
Best for: Trucks and SUVs
Corsa Performance, also written as CORSA, builds stainless steel exhaust systems in the United States, with Sport and Xtreme sound levels. The priced system in this article is the Corsa Sport cat-back system, part 21205, for the 2021 to 2025 Ford Bronco 2.3L Turbo four door, listed at $874.71 on the official Corsa site, down from $1,082.99. It is a 2.75 inch cat-back system with a single exit turn down tip.
- Corsa is known for a design that cuts cabin drone while keeping an aggressive tone outside.
- The trade-off is fitment and choice.
- Part 21205 fits only one Bronco engine and body style, and the Sport line is quieter than the Xtreme line, so drivers who want the loudest Corsa sound
- Choose Corsa if you want a direct fit system for a Bronco or a truck with a quiet cabin.
Pros
- Official price of $874.71 for the Bronco cat-back system
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- The priced system fits only the 2021 to 2025 Ford Bronco 2.3L four door
- sound level is fixed by the Sport line
Gibson Performance
Best for: Trucks and towing
Gibson Performance builds exhaust systems for trucks, SUVs and cars, with a focus on towing, passing power and hill climbing. The priced system in this article is the Gibson Dual Extreme cat-back system, part 65676, listed at $935.95 on Vivid Racing. It is a stainless steel dual cat-back system with an angled exit behind the rear tires and a polished stainless tip.
- Gibson states average gains of 15 to 20 horsepower for this system.
- The trade-off is stock and the horsepower figure.
- The retailer page showed the system as back order when this article was checked, so delivery may take longer than a system that is in stock, and the h
- Choose Gibson if you want a truck system built for towing and daily use at a mid range price.
Pros
- Dual Extreme cat-back system at $935.95
- bolt-on fit with no welding
Cons
- The priced system is listed as back order on the retailer page
- gains of 15 to 20 horsepower are an average, not a promise for every truck
AWE Tuning
Best for: European cars with a no check engine light promise
AWE Tuning builds exhaust systems, intakes and intercoolers in the United States, with Touring Edition, Track Edition and SwitchPath lines. The priced system in this article is the AWE Non-Resonated Touring Edition exhaust, part 3015-11058, for the BMW M340i and M440i from 2020 to 2025, listed at $2,155.00 on Vivid Racing. It is a 3 inch system made from T304L stainless steel, with a .065 inch wall thickness.
- AWE gives a No Check Engine Light promise for this system when it is fitted as directed.
- The trade-off is price.
- At $2,155.00, the Touring Edition costs more than the Borla, Corsa, Gibson and Flowmaster systems in this list.
- Choose AWE if you want a BMW system with a strong warranty and a no check engine light promise.
Pros
- Touring Edition system at $2,155.00
- lifetime warranty on exhaust systems and a No Check Engine Light promise
Cons
- Price is high for a single car system
- tips and electronic parts carry only a one year warranty
How we chose
We did not test any exhaust hands-on. We did not fit any system to a car or a bike, and we did not claim to. The MagnaFlow xMOD muffler is included because it is a real product with an official price, even though it is a universal muffler and not a bolt-on kit. Remus is included with a clear note that the priced Racing system has no EC approval and is for track use only.
Pick by vehicle and budget
| Vehicle or need | Lowest starting price in this list | Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Bronco or SUV | $874.71, Corsa Performance | Corsa for a direct fit system |
| Truck | $849.95, Flowmaster | Flowmaster for sound, Gibson for towing |
| Sports car | $1,399.99, Borla | Borla for steel and warranty |
| Bike | $1,027.95, Akrapovic | Akrapovic for titanium weight saving |
| European performance car | $2,155.00, AWE Tuning | AWE for warranty, Remus for valves |
Frequently asked questions
Which exhaust company is best for most drivers?
Borla is the best pick for most readers, because its S-Type cat-back system costs $1,399.99, uses T-304 stainless steel and carries a Million-Mile Warranty. It fits the listed Ford F-150 Raptor models, so drivers with other cars should check the Borla range for their exact model.
What is the cheapest exhaust company in this list?
MagnaFlow has the lowest headline price, at $633 for the xMOD muffler 14006 on its official site. Corsa has the lowest price for a full cat-back kit, at $874.71 for the Bronco system. The MagnaFlow item is a universal muffler, so fitting costs will add to the total.
Are Borla and MagnaFlow systems made from stainless steel?
Yes, both brands use stainless steel, but the grade differs by part. The Borla S-Type system in this article uses T-304 stainless steel, and the AWE system uses T304L stainless steel. The Flowmaster system in this article uses 409 stainless steel, which is a lower grade than T-304.
Which exhaust is best for a truck?
Gibson is the best pick for a truck used for towing, because its Dual Extreme system is built for towing and passing power and costs $935.95. Flowmaster is the best pick for a truck owner who wants a classic V8 sound at $849.95. Check the part number for your truck year and engine first.
Is the Remus system in this article legal for road use?
No, the priced Remus Racing cat-back system for the BMW M240i has no EC approval, and the retailer states that it is not legal for road use in Europe and is for track use only. Remus sells EC approved systems for many cars, so check the approval marking on the exact part you buy.
Do I need a tune after fitting a cat-back exhaust?
It depends on the car and the system. A cat-back system on most cars does not need a tune, while a full system that replaces the headers may need one. AWE gives a No Check Engine Light promise for its Touring Edition system when it is fitted as directed, which is a useful check before you buy.
Sources
- https://www.borla.com
- https://www.magnaflow.com
- https://www.magnaflow.com/products/14006-magnaflow-5-in-x-8-in-x-18-in-oval-straight-through-performance-exhaust-muffler-14006?variant=39563101372495
- https://www.flowmastermufflers.com
- https://www.akrapovic.com
- https://www.remus.eu
- https://www.corsaperformance.com
- https://www.corsaperformance.com/products/sport-2-75-in-cat-back-sse-turn-down-2021-23-ford-bronco-2-3l-turbo-4-door-21205
- https://www.gibsonperformance.com
- https://www.awetuning.com
Prices and features were read on each company’s own website in November 2026. They change often, so confirm the current offer on the official site before you sign up or buy.