When it comes to assault rifles, there’s one weapon that holds a special place in our hearts–the legendary AK-47. Renowned for its deadly precision, unrivaled power, and iconic design, the AK-47 stands tall as the go-to rifle for anyone wanting to dominate their lobbies.
Buying a skin for your AK can be a painful process, though, both for you and your wallet. That’s why we’ve collected the best cheap/budget AK-47 skins in the game right here. These budget-friendly options won’t break the bank while still offering a touch of personality and flair to your favorite rifle!
Nightwish (MW)
Release Date: January 20th, 2022
Price Range: $7.22 – $89.76
Case: Dreams & Nightmares Case
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Starting off our list of the best cheap AK-47 skins is the psychedelic masterpiece that is the Nightwish skin. Right at the center of the skin, you are greeted by the monster’s head with glowing eyes and menacing teeth. This central motif is surrounded by intricate ornaments featuring multicolored wavy lines and spirals in orange, teal, purple, and pink.
Emblazoned on the stock, the bold lettering “Nightwish” further enhances the skin’s identity. And while the Factory New condition may be on the pricier side, the Nightwish remains an affordable option in its Minimal Wear condition. It allows you to embrace the skin’s extraordinary visuals without straining your budget and is easily one of the best budget AK-47 skins out there.
The Empress (FT)
Release Date: September 14th, 2017
Price Range: $18.93 – $40.94
Case: Spectrum 2 Case
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Now, I know what you’re thinking: “The Empress is way too expensive to be on a budget skin list.” But luckily, the Empress ages well over time. Even in Field-Tested condition, the design remains visible, albeit a little less bright. And with its regal and iconic design that draws inspiration from the mystical Tarot card “The Empress,” it’s actually a steal.
At the heart of this design lies a captivating image of a blond girl wearing a crown, surrounded by an intricate pattern reminiscent of sun rays. The stock, handguard, and handle colored in various shades of blue harmonize with the red of the magazine and the symbols associated with the Empress, making this skin a sight to behold.
Frontside Misty (MW)
Release Date: September 17th, 2015
Price Range: $8.44 – $55.57
Case: Shadow Case
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Next up, we’ve got Frontside Misty. This skin boasts a sleek black finish, serving as the perfect canvas for the white and ice-blue pattern composed of elegant curls and wavy lines stretching all across the rifle. These intricate details create an ethereal mist-like effect, adding an air of mystery to your weapon.
To further enhance its aesthetics, the AK-47 Frontside Misty features carbon-fiber inserts to add a touch of modern sophistication to the skin. And again, while the Factory New may be a bit out of reach, Frontside Misty retains its charm at Minimal Wear condition. Even with slight signs of wear, the intricate design remains prominent and eye-catching.
Neon Revolution (MW)
Release Date: August 18th, 2016
Price Range: $13.36 – $63.99
Case: Gamma 2 Case
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Neon Revolution is both vibrant and rebellious, bringing a burst of color to your AK. The black body sets the stage for the eye-catching neon pink and green paint splattered unevenly across the skin, adding a sense of chaos and spontaneity. A graffiti-style green inscription of the word “Anarchy” further emphasizes the theme of rebellion and defiance.
And while the pristine Factory New condition may be a bit costly for some, it’s much more affordable (and true to the skin) to go for Minimal Wear condition, which retains its captivating charm and expressive design, albeit with a bit of wear and tear.
Rat Rod
Release Date: November 18th, 2019
Price Range: $2.78 – $27.51
Case: Shattered Web Case
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Rat Rod has a uniquely rugged and personalized design. The body of the rifle features an array of unevenly applied shades of blue, beige, and brown. The focal point is an intimidating open animal mouth with sharp teeth, but the skin also incorporates stickers and inscriptions like “Go back to hell” and “Nowhere to run” to add to its gritty aesthetic.
A white number 71 on the stock, a playing card on the magazine, and a handle partially wrapped in duct tape, further accentuate the theme of customization. And priced at under $10, this skin is easily one of the best cheap AK-47 skins money can buy!
Leet Museo
Release Date: September 21st, 2021
Price Range: $16.43 – $151.60
Case: Operation Riptide Case
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For any classical art fans looking to style their AK-47s on a budget, Leet Museo skin is a fun option. Drawing inspiration from the infamous works of Pablo Picasso, the central part of the skin showcases two members of a terrorist group against the backdrop of the iconic Dust II map.
The skin also incorporates playful elements from the map, such as images of chickens and various elements of the landscape. And despite its artistic design, this skin remains accessible and reasonably priced, especially at Minimal Wear conditions.
Ice Coaled
Release Date: July 1st, 2022
Price Range: $5.83 – $76.46
Case: Recoil Case
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Like its name, Ice Coaled is a cool skin with vibrant colors and abstract patterns. The receiver of the rifle is adorned with an eye-catching combination of green and blue, while the handguard features a light green tone with a dotted pattern. And with the remaining body coated in sleek black, this skin will definitely turn some heads.
The number 09 on the handguard and the small teal stripes on the magazine showcase the attention to detail on this skin. And with a low price-point (especially for Minimal Wear), Ice-coaled is one of the best skins for those looking to enhance their AK-47 for cheap.
Redline
Release Date: February 20th, 2014
Price Range: $10.98 – $72.21
Case: Operation Phoenix Weapon Case
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Redline offers a sleek and sophisticated skin for anyone looking for a minimal aesthetic. The metal parts of the rifle are covered with a carbon fiber pattern, while the stock and handguards are painted in solid black, providing a clean and refined look.
And we can’t forget about the bright red accents lines, accentuating the contours of the weapon, adding a pop of color to the skin. While StatTrak options are a bit pricier, the regular Redline skins (especially Field-Tested) remain accessible to players who want to elevate their AK’s style without breaking the bank.
Slate
Release Date: May 3rd, 2021
Price Range: $1.80 – $30.15
Case: Snakebite Case
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Not much to say about this skin other than the fact that it is the epitome of simplicity. The entire body of the rifle is coated in a smooth, solid black finish. The handguard, magazine, and handle are covered with black textured inserts.
This skin is incredibly clean, making it a perfect choice for players who appreciate understated aesthetics. And for under $12 at Minimum Wear conditions with StatTrak, Slate offers incredible value. Whether you’re a budget-conscious player or simply looking for a stylish yet affordable option, Slate is an excellent choice.
Cartel
Release Date: January 8th, 2015
Price Range: $6.10 – $58.43
Case: Chroma Case
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Finally, to end our list of the best cheap AK-47 skins, we’ve got Cartel. Taking inspiration from the Mexican Day of the Dead, its design features motifs of flowers, skulls, and intertwining snakes engraved on the receiver and magazine.
The patina finish on the metal of the gun adds an aged and weathered appearance, and the stock and handguards, being crafted from wood, provide a nice contrast to the skin. And with its low price point, especially at Minimal Wear conditions, Cartel is a straight-up upgrade from the standard AK-47 skin, creating a more unique look while still being budget-friendly!
