In 2025, the debate between the M4A4 vs M4A1-S in CS2 is closer than ever. Valve’s balance updates equalized their cost at $2,900 each, removing economy from the equation. Today, the decision comes down to playstyle and strategy: the M4A1-S offers stealth and precision, while the M4A4 brings fire rate and magazine size for aggressive fights.
This guide breaks down the stats, strengths, weaknesses, and pro usage trends of both rifles so you can decide which weapon fits best in the current CS2 meta.
For a broader look at CT-side finances, make sure to check our full CS2 Economy Guide.
Contents
- 1 M4A4 vs M4A1-S: Full Stat Comparison (2025)
- 2 M4A1-S in CS2 – The Stealth Specialist
- 3 M4A4 in CS2 – The Reliable All-Rounder
- 4 Pro Scene & Usage Trends in 2025
- 5 Which M4 Should You Pick in CS2 Ranked Play?
- 6 Playstyle Recommendations
- 7 When to Choose the M4A1-S
- 8 When to Choose the M4A4
- 9 Tactical Insights & Advanced Tips
- 10 Utility and Positioning with the M4A1-S
- 11 FAQ – M4A4 vs M4A1-S in CS2 (2025 Edition)
- 12 Did the price change?
- 13 Which rifle do pros use more?
- 14 Which rifle is better for new players?
- 15 Conclusion: Best CT Rifle in CS2 for 2025
M4A4 vs M4A1-S: Full Stat Comparison (2025)
If you compare the two rifles for a CS2 rifle tier list, the stats below highlight exactly how each weapon performs in the current meta.
| Attribute | M4A4 | M4A1-S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,900 | $2,900 |
| Fire Rate | 666 RPM | 600 RPM |
| Magazine Size | 30 rounds | 20 rounds |
| Total Ammo | 120 | 100 |
| Armor Penetration | 70% | 70% |
| Reload Time | ~3.1 seconds | ~3.1 seconds |
| Kill Reward | $300 | $300 |
| Silenced? | No | Yes |
M4A1-S in CS2 – The Stealth Specialist
The M4A1-S remains a pro favorite for tactical setups, even after losing its price advantage.
Strengths
- Silencer mechanics: quieter shots, no tracers, and harder to spot through smokes.
- Easier spray control, rewarding precision players.
- Faster close-range time-to-kill with chest shots.
Weaknesses
- 20-round magazine (80 reserve) limits spray potential.
If you’re interested in customizing this rifle, we’ve ranked the Best M4A1-S Skins in CS2 for collectors and players.
M4A4 in CS2 – The Reliable All-Rounder
The M4A4 has gained new popularity in 2025 thanks to its equalized price and forgiving design.
Strengths
- A 30-round magazine (90 reserve) gives more room for error and better multi-kill potential.
- Higher fire rate (666 RPM) than the M4A1-S, making it stronger in prolonged fights.
- Better at long range, with less damage drop-off compared to the M4A1-S.
Weaknesses
- Harder recoil makes it less beginner-friendly.
Pro Scene & Usage Trends in 2025
Most professional players continue to prefer the M4A1-S due to its advantages in stealth and tactical versatility, emphasizing the value of its suppressor and ease of control in high-level gameplay. This preference highlights the M4A1-S as the go-to choice for pros who rely on precise execution and utility-heavy strategies.
Curious how ranks affect weapon choice? Our CS2 Ranks Explained guide breaks down progression and which rifles dominate at different levels of play.
Which M4 Should You Pick in CS2 Ranked Play?
With both rifles priced at $2,900 in 2025, the choice comes down to playstyle and role rather than economy.
- Pick the M4A1-S if you value stealth, precision, and utility play. Its silencer makes it deadly through smokes, easier to control, and ideal for anchors or players holding angles.
- Pick the M4A4 if you want raw firepower and flexibility. Its higher fire rate and 30-round magazine excel in aggressive pushes, retakes, and multi-frag fights.
In short: M4A1-S = control and stealth; M4A4 = spray and versatility. The best CT rifle for you in 2025 is definitely M4A1-S.
Playstyle Recommendations
When to Choose the M4A1-S
- Easier recoil pattern makes it beginner-friendly compared to the M4A4.
- Deals slightly higher damage, rewarding precision and controlled bursts.
- Great for stealthy plays, ambushes, and firing through smokes without giving away your position.
- Ideal as a secondary rifle for AWPers thanks to its accuracy and low noise profile.
- Perfect if you value accuracy over spray potential — though the M4A4 is slightly better for quick double headshots.
When to Choose the M4A4
- Holding B site is often easier thanks to the 30-round magazine, giving you more bullets to stop rushes.
- You can spray through smokes without instantly running out of ammo.
- The rifle’s shorter barrel improves visibility, while the M4A1-S suppressor can sometimes stick out and give away your position.
- More forgiving in prolonged fights, making it reliable for anchors and multi-kill situations.
Tactical Insights & Advanced Tips
Utility and Positioning with the M4A1-S
The M4A1-S excels in scenarios where utility plays a significant role:
- Boost Plays: Stay hidden while firing from boosted positions, as the suppressor conceals your shots.
- Beginner-Friendly Accuracy: Despite its smaller magazine, the M4A1-S is easier to control and more forgiving for newer players than the M4A4.
To improve your setups, read our guide on How to Practice Smokes in CS2 and combine stealth with perfect utility usage.
FAQ – M4A4 vs M4A1-S in CS2 (2025 Edition)
Did the price change?
Yes. In 2025, both the M4A4 and M4A1-S cost $2,900, removing the old economy difference.
Which rifle do pros use more?
The M4A1-S still dominates professional play, though the M4A4 is more viable than before thanks to its price cut.
Which rifle is better for new players?
The M4A4 is more beginner-friendly because of its larger magazine and faster fire rate.
Looking ahead, you can also follow Upcoming CS2 Tournaments to see which rifle the pros lean on most in 2025.
Conclusion: Best CT Rifle in CS2 for 2025
In 2025, the M4A4 vs M4A1-S debate is closer than ever. With equal pricing, the decision comes down to whether you value stealth and precision (M4A1-S) or spray potential and versatility (M4A4).
- M4A1-S → Still the pro’s choice for tactical play.
- M4A4 → A rising favorite in ranked for its forgiving spray and larger magazine.
