Agents in CS2 are character skins for the Counter-Terrorist and Terrorist sides. They differ in two ways: by rarity (Distinguished, Exceptional, Superior and Master) and by the faction the character belongs to. Agents do not affect gameplay, and most of them currently cost about $5 to $20 on LIS-SKINS, with a few popular models priced higher. Below we cover both classifications and several agents worth buying right now.
There used to be a view that some skins helped a player blend into the map while others made them easier to spot. In CS2 that effect has become much smaller, and the choice of agent gives practically no competitive edge, so the main criteria are looks and personal preference.

CS2 Agents by Rarity
All agents fall into 4 rarity groups, and rarity affects the price:
Master, for example, Special Agent Ava | FBI (about $15).

Superior, for example, Chem-Haz Capitaine | Gendarmerie Nationale (about $20).

Exceptional, for example, Getaway Sally | The Professionals (about $65).

Distinguished, for example, Ground Rebel | Elite Crew (about $9).

Master agents are usually the most expensive, and their design is the most detailed. Distinguished agents, with rare exceptions, cost a few dollars. Rarity is not the only factor, though: models that are especially popular with players break the pattern. Getaway Sally is the clearest case: she costs about $65 while being only Exceptional, more than many Master agents. Unlike weapons, agents have no wear or float, so every copy of a given agent looks the same and the price moves less. For the most popular models, see our top 10 agent skins in CS2.
CS2 Agent Factions
The second classification that helps you navigate the agent lineup is the faction system. Terrorists have the following groups:
The Professionals.
Guerrilla Warfare.
Cavalry.
Elite Crew.
Phoenix.
Counter-Terrorists have these groups:
SEAL Frogman.
SAS.
SWAT.
TACP.
Gendarmerie Nationale.
FBI.
Brazilian 1st Battalion.
KSK.
An agent's name shows the faction and sometimes the role within it, for example Michael Syfers | FBI Sniper or Dragomir | Sabre Footsoldier. Each group's style shows not only in the names but also in small details of the outfits. Add patches on top, and you can put together an agent you genuinely enjoy playing with. To see which models players rate highest, check the CS2 agent tier list.
Where to Get Agent Skins
Historically, agents were released with operations: while an operation ran, they were available in its store for a limited time. Outside operations, the main ways to get an agent are trading with other players or buying one on a marketplace. LIS-SKINS has agents for both sides. Here are a few examples at current prices:

Lieutenant Rex Krikey | SEAL Frogman. A recognizable SEAL Frogman for the CT side, currently about $15.
B Squadron Officer | SAS. If you want an inexpensive CT agent, the SAS officer costs about $8.
'The Doctor' Romanov | Sabre. A popular skin most players recognize even from a distance. This Terrorist agent costs about $10.
Special Agent Ava | FBI. This FBI agent is Master rarity yet costs only about $15, one of the cheapest ways into the top tier.
Rezan the Ready | Sabre. For a truly budget Terrorist option, Rezan the Ready costs about $6.
All prices are approximate and change daily, so check the agent's page for the live price. Buy these and other skins on LIS-SKINS, add patches to your agents and build a standout inventory.
