The 9 Best Ski Helmet Headphones
Photo by Anastasiia Pro
Tl,dr: Listen to your favorite playlists while skiing or snowboarding this season. In this list, I’ll be covering the best in-helmet headphones to get you groovin' on them groomers. If in-helmet headphones are not your style, I’ve included a few ski-friendly earbuds you can wear while you shred.
Carving the slopes and bumping tunes might be the best way to spend your winter weekends this season. Skiing and snowboarding are fun, but doing so while listening to your favorite artists is even better.
On top of being a Curated Winter Sports Expert, I love listening to music. Back in the day, listening to music while skiing or snowboarding was virtually impossible. Now, you can master any terrain while listening to your favorite playlist or even podcast! If you still need help finding new ski helmet headphones, please contact a Curated Winter Sports Expert for free, personalized advice.
Helmet / Headphone Compatibility
Getting a pair of in-helmet headphones starts with owning a helmet that is compatible with said technology. Most of the headphones on this list are compatible with helmets in the sense that they fit into the ear pads/ear muffs of the helmet. These are often referred to as “drop-in” headphones. Not all helmets can accommodate in-helmet headphones, so you must make sure yours do. If you need a helmet that is compatible with in-helmet headphones, here are some top helmets I’d recommend:
Top Ski Helmet Headphones
Now, onto my list of headphones that will enhance your skiing experience. The headphones on this list vary in price, quality, and design. So be sure to find the pair that best fits your needs. As always, make sure to check customer reviews before purchasing any of these products!
1. Outdoor Technology Universal Wired Chips Helmet Audio System
Listen to your favorite songs with the Wired Chips audio system. Supreme quality is paired with universal helmet compatibility so you can cruise the blues while listening to the blues. What!? Drop them into your helmet and turn the slopes into your personal dance floor.
Giro, the well-known helmet manufacturer, teamed up with Outdoor Technology to create the awesome Giro X Outdoor Tech Wired Audio Chips Helmet, which is a very similar product. These headphones would have made it onto this list on their own; however, they are virtually indistinguishable from the featured pair. If you have a Giro helmet and want to pair it with Giro X Outdoor Tech, then these headphones might be for you.
The only downside to these headphones is that they have to be wired to your phone constantly. Outdoor Technology makes things a little easier by including Lightning and USB-C adapters.
2. Outdoor Technology Chips Ultra 2.0 True Wireless Snow Helmet Audio
Now, if you are looking for the absolute best of the best when it comes to drop-in headphones, then you are going to want to go with the Chips Ultra 2.0.
These headphones are similar to the ones above it, but this pair of Outdoor technology headphones has no wires or cables whatsoever. With convenient charging and a nifty charging case, listening to music on the slopes has never been easier. You can expect quality music, lots of playtime, and easy controllability. However, these are by far the most expensive headphones on this list.
3. Wildhorn Alta Bluetooth Ski Helmet Headphones
The Alta Bluetooth Ski Helmet Headphones deliver substantial sounds and impeccable bass so skiers and snowboarders can hype themselves up when they need to. They might feel a little thick inside the helmet pad, but users can take phone calls and send texts without looking at their phones.
These headphones are compatible with most helmet brands and boast a 10+ hour battery life. Convenient storage and charging make bringing these headphones to the mountain easy and stress free. The Alta headphones might be a little bit more expensive than some others, but buyers can count on the product’s undeniable high quality.
4. OutdoorMaster Wireless Helmet Drop-in Headphone
Outdoor Master is an up-and-coming outdoor brand. Their wireless drop-in headphones have a classic design and are compatible with nearly every helmet brand. Its sweat-resistant material works perfectly even in sub-zero conditions. To control the songs, the headphones have a button that can be pressed even with gloved hands.
Similar to the Alta headphones, these in-helmet headphones offer dynamic sound and lots of bass. With 15 hours of battery and a built-in microphone, you can talk to your friends, bump to music, or listen to that audiobook you’ve been putting off. These headphones come at a respectable price, and their minimalistic design and easy-to-use interface make them a strong competitor.
5. Smith x Aleck Nunchucks
The highly rated Smith x Aleck Nunchucks are arguably the best pair of drop-in headphones on the market. These wireless Bluetooth headphones offer impeccable sound, deep bass, and overall quality. Smith is a brand that makes helmets, goggles, sunglasses, and more, so you can rest assured that the headphones they make are just as good.
Simple yet effective, these in-helmet headphones are sure to get the aprés going. Just make sure to ride/ski responsibly.
6. Unigear Ski Bombing Helmet Speakers
The Ski Bombing helmet speakers are one of the most versatile items on this list. With no wires or cables whatsoever, these drop-in headphones make skiing and snowboarding feel like a music video. Simply place each audio chip in your earmuff inserts and connect them via Bluetooth to your phone/device. Its slim design makes inserting these headphones into the ear pads so much easier.
Stay connected with its decent battery life — up to 11 hours — and blast your favorite tunes while you (safely) send it off your resort's biggest jump.
Traditional Headphones / Earbuds That Will Fit Inside Your Helmet
Maybe you don’t own a helmet that is compatible with any of these headphones. Maybe you don’t wear a helmet at all! If that is the case, I’ve got you covered. Here are three headphones/earbuds that are ideal alternatives to drop-in headphones. These products feature in-ear design, water resistance, long battery life, and balanced sound quality. Plus, you can ask Siri or Google what the weather is without opening your phone.
1. JBL Tune Flex
These in-ear headphones feature noise-canceling technology, so you can tune out all the Jerrys whining at you while you bomb down the mountain.
With 32 hours of battery life, you might not need to charge these bad boys your entire ski trip. Built-in microphones ensure you can call your mom from the tip top of the slopes, and the earbuds’ incredible bass makes sure you can listen to all the heavy hip hop you want. These earbuds come with a convenient charging case, which makes storing and charging your earbuds twice as easy.
2. Skullcandy Indy Evo
I am kind of a Skull Candy fanatic, so I can personally recommend these earbuds. Small, durable, and lightweight, you can wear these with your helmet with no problem. These little earbuds come with a charging case, too, which you can store in your bag or jacket pocket.
These earbuds were designed for activities such as working out, running, skiing, and more. Its rapid-charge technology makes sure your buds are charged quickly enough for you to enjoy music while you ski or ride. Hands-free technology ensures users can pause and play without taking them out of their ears.
3. Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones
Lastly, the Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones. While they do, in fact, have a wire connecting the earbuds, you won’t have a pesky wire connecting to your phone while you listen to music. These earbuds fit nicely in your ears while wearing a helmet, and they won’t get damaged by sweat or water.
If you are looking for something a bit more traditional, I’d recommend these. Bose is known for making gear that produces impressive sound.
Join the Ski/Snowboard Spotify Playlist!
If you like to listen to music while skiing or snowboarding, then you need to join this playlist. I’ve gone and created a Spotify Playlist that is totally collaborative. Follow the link, become a part of the playlist, and start adding your favorite songs. Let’s start a community!
Find the Best Ski Helmet Headphones for You
Photo by Mountain Pix
Curated can help you find whatever it is you need. Like you, we are snowboarding and skiing enthusiasts. Get in touch with a Curated Winter Sports Expert today!
We’ll answer all of your questions and help you find exactly what you are looking for. Ski and snowboard gear ain’t cheap, so let us help you find the best gear for you for the price you can afford.
