15 Best Skins Under $500 in CS2

If you’re ready to step up your CS2 loadout with high-end looks but still want to keep things budget-friendly, this list of the 15 best cheap skins under $500 is for you. These picks include some of the most iconic, flashy, and premium skins in the game—without crossing that $500 mark. From legendary rifles to jaw-dropping knives and stunning AWP finishes, every skin here brings serious style and in-game presence. Whether you’re going for a flex or just want something that turns heads in every match, these skins offer top-tier quality without the ultra-premium price tag.

#15: Five-SeveN | Hyper Beast

The Five-SeveN | Hyper Beast (Field-Tested) is a vibrant and aggressive skin that brings the iconic Hyper Beast design to your sidearm. Covered in a detailed, beastly illustration bursting with neon colors—blues, pinks, and greens—it looks like something ripped from a sci-fi horror comic. Even in Field-Tested condition, the art holds up well, giving the pistol a bold, chaotic energy that’s hard to ignore. Priced around $20.00 to $30.00, it’s a solid choice for players who want a pistol that matches the intensity of their playstyle.

#14: Tec-9 | Nuclear Threat

The Tec-9 | Nuclear Threat (Field-Tested) delivers a radioactive vibe with its bright green base and hazard-themed design. It stands out instantly with biohazard symbols and a toxic color palette that gives it an apocalyptic edge. Even in Field-Tested condition, the skin keeps its bold look with just enough wear to add character. Priced between $100.00 and $150.00, it’s a standout option for Tec-9 users who want a rare, eye-catching skin that brings danger and style to every round.

#13: FAMAS | Commemoration

The FAMAS | Commemoration (Field-Tested) is a classy and underrated rifle skin that brings a touch of gold to your loadout. Its polished look features elegant engravings and a golden finish that celebrates Counter-Strike’s legacy, giving the FAMAS a premium feel without a premium price tag. In Field-Tested condition, the skin maintains its shine with only slight wear that adds to its aged, authentic vibe. At around $10.00 to $15.00, it’s a budget-friendly pick that still manages to look luxurious in-game.

#12: SSG 08 | Blood in the Water

The SSG 08 | Blood in the Water (Minimal Wear) is a sniper skin that stands out with a fierce design and unforgettable visuals. Featuring a bold shark graphic over a dark blue and red base, it gives off a deadly, underwater predator vibe that perfectly suits a quick-scoping scout player. In Minimal Wear condition, the details remain sharp and clean, keeping the skin’s aggressive look fully intact. Sitting around $70 to $90, it’s a perfect pick for players who want a visually intense SSG skin that hits hard in both style and presence.

#11: MP7 | Bloodsport

The MP7 | Bloodsport (Minimal Wear) brings high-energy design to a compact SMG, featuring a slick red, white, and black layout packed with sponsor-style decals and clean racing aesthetics. Even in Minimal Wear condition, the vibrant details remain crisp, making it feel like a high-performance weapon straight off a futuristic racetrack. Priced between $2.50 and $4.00, it’s one of the most affordable ways to get a flashy, aggressive skin that doesn’t sacrifice quality or style. Perfect for players who love to rush with flair.

#10: Galil AR | Firefight

The Galil AR | Firefight (Field-Tested) is a gritty, urban-style skin with a rugged design that feels battle-tested and intense. Its red and black color scheme, combined with distressed textures and graffiti-like markings, gives it a raw, street-fighter vibe perfect for aggressive players. In Field-Tested condition, the wear actually adds to its character, making it feel like a weapon that’s seen serious action. At just $1.00 to $2.00, it’s an insanely budget-friendly pick that still brings bold energy to your rifle collection.

#9: P250 | X-Ray

The P250 | X-Ray (Factory New) is a sleek and futuristic skin that gives your pistol a high-tech, sci-fi feel. Its transparent design reveals an “X-ray” style view of the inner mechanics, making it stand out from traditional finishes with a look that feels engineered for precision. In Factory New condition, the details are sharp and clean, giving the gun a polished, almost clinical look. Priced around $30 to $40, it’s a great option for players who want a unique, modern aesthetic on a low-cost sidearm.

#8: MAC-10 | Gold Brick

The MAC-10 | Gold Brick (Field-Tested) is a flashy SMG that lives up to its name, turning your weapon into a block of pure golden swagger. With its bright, metallic finish and clean blocky design, it feels like you’re rushing B with a gold bar in your hands. In Field-Tested condition, the shine is still strong, with just enough wear to give it a gritty edge. Priced between $50.00 and $70.00, it’s perfect for players who want a little luxury without going overboard on budget.

#7: M4A4 | Howl

The M4A4 | Howl (Battle-Scarred) is one of the most legendary and iconic skins in CS2, instantly recognizable for its fiery red wolf artwork and its infamous backstory. Even in Battle-Scarred condition, this skin carries a raw, rugged intensity that only adds to its mythos. The wear gives it a battle-hardened look without dulling the distinct howl graphic that made it so famous. Priced around $400 to $500, it’s a premium-tier skin and a major flex for any serious collector or player looking to stand out with a piece of CS2 history.

#6: Desert Eagle | Blaze

The Desert Eagle | Blaze (Factory New) is one of the most iconic pistol skins in all of CS2. Its fiery orange flame decal over a clean chrome body gives it a bold, explosive look that perfectly matches the Deagle’s raw power. In Factory New condition, the skin shines with pristine detail and brilliant color, making every shot feel even more impactful. Priced between $400 and $450, it’s a top-tier choice for players who want to flex serious heat with a skin that’s instantly recognizable and always respected.

#5: The USP-S | Whiteout

The USP-S | Whiteout (Field-Tested) is a minimalist’s dream, offering a clean, all-white finish that stands out through its simplicity. It doesn’t rely on flashy graphics or bright colors—just a pure, sleek design that feels sharp and tactical. In Field-Tested condition, the slight wear adds a subtle battle-worn texture without taking away from its smooth, snowy aesthetic. Priced around $50 to $70, it’s a great pick for players who prefer a clean, modern look with a touch of personality.

#4: Glock-18 | Fade

The Glock-18 | Fade (Factory New) is a top-tier skin that blends smooth gradients of purple, pink, and gold into one of the cleanest finishes in CS2. Its sleek fade pattern looks stunning on the compact frame of the Glock, giving it a premium, almost luxury-tier vibe. In Factory New condition, the color transition is flawless, making it a standout pistol for any Terrorist-side entry fragger. With a price tag around $300 to $400, it’s an investment skin that delivers both status and serious visual impact every time you spawn.

#3: AWP | Dragon Lore

The AWP | Dragon Lore (Battle-Scarred) is the crown jewel of CS2 skins, even in its most worn condition. With its legendary status and iconic dragon design, this skin turns heads in every match. While the Battle-Scarred version shows heavy wear, the detailed artwork and distinct medieval vibe still shine through, giving it a rugged, battle-worn charm that collectors and players alike appreciate. Priced between $400 and $500, it’s more than just a sniper skin—it’s a flex, a legacy, and a statement of status in the CS2 community.

#2: M4A1-S | Printstream

The M4A1-S | Printstream (Minimal Wear) is one of the cleanest and most futuristic skins you can get for the silenced rifle. Its sleek black-and-white finish is accented by pearlescent effects that shimmer in the light, giving it a premium, high-tech feel that changes slightly depending on how you view it. In Minimal Wear condition, the skin retains its sharpness and shine without looking overly worn, making it perfect for players who want a near-pristine look without paying Factory New prices. At around $200 to $250, it’s a stylish flex that’s worth every cent.

#1: AK-47 | The Empress

The AK-47 | The Empress (Field-Tested) is a bold and eye-catching skin inspired by tarot card art, showcasing vibrant reds, golds, and intricate royal imagery. Even in Field-Tested condition, the detail and color saturation hold strong, making it look like a piece of art in your hands every time you aim down sights. The skin’s aggressive, regal design pairs perfectly with the AK’s powerful feel, turning every round into a statement. At just $30 to $40, it’s an affordable way to add serious style and personality to your loadout.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned CS2 player or just starting to build your inventory, the skins on this list prove you don’t need to break the bank to own some of the most stunning and iconic cosmetics in the game. From fiery rifles like the M4A4 Howl to stylish pistols like the Glock-18 Fade, each pick under $500 offers a unique mix of personality, prestige, and playability. No matter your style—clean, flashy, or battle-worn—there’s a high-quality skin here that lets you flex hard without overspending.