Best Ski and Snowboard Goggles 2023
How we tested
When you’re looking for the right ski gear, nothing beats advice from a Real Expert. All the goggles on this list have been tested by someone who knows skiing and snowboarding inside and out. People who wake up at 4 am to go for a tour, who know the difference between powder, crust and cord — you know the type. Collectively, our Real Experts have tried hundreds of products from different brands, and they’re given no incentives to choose one over another.
If you’re looking for more personalized advice, you can chat with one of our Real Experts and get product picks!
What's Curated?
Curated is the home of Real Experts. We’re where you go when you’re buying something important (like new ski gear), and you need advice from someone who just gets it. Our product picks are always unbiased and personalized to your needs, plus we only stock trusted brands. Get a Real Expert to find the right product for you.
Questions You Should Ask About Buying Goggles
Do good ski goggles make a difference?
The simplest way to look at this question is to try and ski or ride squinting, or to an even bigger extreme, with your eyes closed. Seeing the terrain in front of us is how we react to it and ride effectively and injury free. In the best conditions a google that cuts enough light to reduce eye strain will help increase reaction times. A goggle that boosts contrast in low light conditions will do the same, making pow days that much more enjoyable. Anyone that has the unfortunate experience of riding with a constantly fogging goggle will also attest to the value of a premium goggle. Keeping your vision unobstructed, clear, and defined is one of the best ways to get the best experience out in the snow.
How much should I expect to spend on ski goggles?
Really it depends on what technology is offered with the goggle. Basic goggles can run anywhere from $20-$50 dollars, and more high-tech options may range from $50 all the way to $300 dollars. Higher-tech options may include features such as spherical or cylindrical lens shapes, different color and tint lenses for different lighting, interchangeable magnetic lenses, better anti-fog technology, carrying cases, magnetic face masks, and more.
Is it better to have polarized goggles?
Unlike sunglasses, polarization is not standard in premium ski goggles. Polarization is an option with certain brands as it can help cut down on harmful UV rays reflected from the snow. But, polarized goggles can also reduce glare from ice or other mixed surfaces and make it harder for skiers to perceive changes in the snow. For this reason, polarized lenses are considered a specialty option, not the norm for ski goggles.
Best Ski and Snowboard Goggles 2023 for Changing Lenses
These goggles are for the skiers or riders who only want one option that’ll cover them no matter the weather. They all feature two lenses and a magnetic attachment system that makes switching from one lens to the other quick and seamless. Perfect for those who don’t want to bring multiple goggles to the mountain!
Quick lens swaps
Compatible with both cylindrical or toric lens styles
Integrated facemask included
Medium and large faces
Tight Budgets
Small faces
The Anon M4 Toric MFI goggles are equipped with quick, magnetic lens change technology with incredible lens retention. The Toric lenses offer high-contrast visibility, peripheral vision, and clarity by following the shape of the eye. They are helmet and magnetic face mask compatible and offer anti-fog technology, moisture-wicking face foam, scratch resistance, and a silicone strap. The Anon M4 Toric MFI goggles come with a face mask, bonus lens, micro-fiber goggle bag, and lens compression case.
Quick lens change with one hand or gloves on
Medium to large faces
Small faces
The REACT is the first fully integrated magnetic goggle from Scott. Changing lenses is easy and intuitive thanks to the magnetic lens change system. An Automatic Lens Lock System ensures that lens swapping is simple—even with gloves. The patented Amplifier lens technology enhances contrast and clarity while the NoFog™ Anti-Fog lens treatment keeps fog out. The REACT is also glasses-compatible and offers an ultra-wide range of vision. Featuring an extra wide no-slip silicone strap, NoSweat 3-layer molded face foam, and a medium to large fit, this goggle is perfect for skiers looking for a hassle-free magnetic goggle option!
Best Ski and Snowboard Goggles 2023 for Low Bridge Fit
These goggles are for the skiers/riders with a smaller nose and want their goggles that fit them properly. They’re built with a shape that is specific for those with smaller facial features and they rest comfortably on the bridge of the nose and don’t sit too high up on the face.
Quick change lens
Low nose bridge
Wide or high cheekbones
Cylindrical lenses offer less field of view
The Smith Squad is an iconic semi-frameless design. This version has a medium/large Low Bridge Fit for faces with a lower nose bridge and/or a wide or high cheekbone shape. The Responsive Fit™ frame creates a precision seal by adjusting to the user's face. The Three-layer DriWix face foam is not only supremely comfortable, but it also wicks away moisture for a fog-free vision. Topped off with all of Smith’s iconic features and available in a MAG version as well, this goggle is ready to shred.
Low bridge fit
Wide and/or high cheekbones
Quick change lens
Spherical shape and large fit
Expensive
Smaller faces
The Smith I/O Mag goggles use a magnetic lens change system for quick and easy lens changes. This version has a Low Bridge Fit for faces with a lower nose bridge and/or a wide or high cheekbone shape. The Spherical Carbonic x-lens offers a wide, distortion-free field of view and incredible impact resistance. The 5X™ anti-fog inner lens provides advanced fog-free performance. Available with Smith’s signature ChromaPop™ lens, these goggles can also enhance contrast and natural color. Easy adjustments, a great fit, and ultimate integration with Smith helmets provide maximum fog prevention, comfort, and venting.
Best Ski and Snowboard Goggles 2023 for Wearing over Glasses
These goggles are for the skiers/riders who use glasses when out on the mountain. They feature specialized notches that give glasses temples extra clearance. This stops the glasses from pressing into the skier's head when wearing goggles.
Medium faces
Over-the-glasses fit
Great value
More difficult to change lenses
Glasses may fog
The Smith Sequence OTG goggles are made specifically to fit over the glasses and are compatible with an optical docking system prescription lens insert. The lens is anti-fog, impact resistant, and contrast and color enhancing. They are equipped with a quick fit strap, smith helmet compatibility, moisture-wicking face foam, and foam to reduce eyeglass temple pressure. They come with a micro-fiber goggle bag and are also available in low bridge fit.
Over-the-glasses fit
Temple cutouts for glasses arms
Medium or large fit
Increased internal volume to keep glasses fog-free
Only offered in cylindrical lens style
Quick lens changes
The Giro Index 2.0 is engineered specifically for bespectacled skiers and snowboarders and features sophisticated over-the-glasses technology for extra comfort. The finely crafted frame and interior have extra volume to accommodate glasses and keeps vision crisp, clear, and fog free. Temple cutouts accommodate eyeglass arms. Seamless compatibility with Giro Helmets allows for better venting and an exceptional fit. An Anti Fog Coating keeps vision on point for the best riding experience. Double layer face foam offers a plush contact layer and a durable backing layer. Finally, the incorporated VIVID Technology with Optics by ZEISS offers premium clarity.
Over-the-glasses compatibility
Quick lens swaps
Compatible with both cylindrical or toric lens styles
Facemask integration
Not specifically designed to be OTG
Expensive
The Anon M4 Toric MFI goggles have increased internal volume to wear over glasses. They are equipped with quick, magnetic lens change technology with incredible lens retention. The Toric lenses offer high-contrast visibility, peripheral vision, and clarity by following the shape of the eye. They are helmet and magnetic face mask compatible and offer anti-fog technology, moisture-wicking face foam, scratch resistance, and silicone strap. The Anon M4 Toric MFI goggles come with a face mask, bonus lens, micro-fiber goggle bag, and lens compression case.
Best Ski and Snowboard Goggles 2023 for Large Field of View
These goggles are for the skiers/riders who want the best vision possible when on the slopes. They’re built with a spherical lens and a reduced frame to limit vision obstruction. This provides a better peripheral view and enhanced safety as users can see their surroundings better.
Wide field of view
Quick lens change
Large faces
Smaller faces
Expensive
The Smith I/O Mag XL is like switching from regular to extra-wide screen. Made for users with larger faces or those looking for the widest field of view. These goggles use a magnetic lens change system for quick and easy lens changes. The Spherical Carbonic x-lens offers a wide, distortion-free field of view and incredible impact resistance. The 5X™ anti-fog inner lens provides advanced fog-free performance. Available with Smith’s signature ChromaPop™ lens, these goggles can also enhance contrast and natural color. These goggles will provide maximum performance in any weather condition.
Wide field of view
Over-the-glasses compatibility
Interchangeable lenses
Large fit
Small faces
When Oakley made the Flight Deck L, they were inspired by the helmet visors used by pilots. And with these goggles, it certainly shows! The large fit of these goggles maximizes the field of view for increased visibility. Unlike helmet visors, these goggles are seamlessly compatible with most helmets! Oakley’s Ridgelock Technology makes lens changes quick and easy while still allowing for a complete lens seal. Prizm™ Lens Technology enhances color and contrast so more detail is visible. With 100% protection against UVA, UVB, and UVC light up to 400nm and an optically correct dual lens with F3 Anti-fog coating.
Wide field of view
Compatible with Giro Helmets
Quick lens changes
Frameless design
Small faces
Not over-the-glasses compatible
The Giro Contact features a magnetic interchange lens system for quick and easy lens swaps. Optics by ZEISS® ensure total clarity. The Expansion View Technology utilizes a sleek semi-frameless design to offer an outstanding field of view with maximum peripheral vision. These goggles include two premium VIVID lenses. Anti Fog coating and Evak Vent Technology use an ultra-durable and non-absorbent face material that minimizes the chances of fogging. The Snapshot Magnetic Lens Interchange System makes for fast, accurate, and secure lens swaps by utilizing a shutter button-release, magnetic guides, and locking mechanism.
Best Ski and Snowboard Goggles 2023 for Value
These goggles are for the skiers/riders who don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on goggles but still want to get a high-quality product that will be functional out on the mountain (won’t fog up or break easily). These are great budget options from reputable professional goggle brands.
Premium goggles for a low price
Interchangeable lenses (both non-MAG and MAG version available)
Cylindrical design
Medium fit
Lenses are sometimes stiff to change
Not as wide of a field of view as spherical lenses
The Smith Squad has an iconic semi-rimless design with an oversize cylindrical lens for a wide field of view backed by sharp optics and the best anti-fog tech. The Responsive Fit™ frame creates a precision seal by adjusting to the wearer’s face. The Cylindrical Carbonic-x lens provides clarity and impact resistance with built-in Airflow technology for active ventilation. The two-layer DriWix face foam is supremely comfortable and wicks away moisture for fog-free vision. Topped off with all of Smith’s iconic features and available with ChromaPop lenses or in a MAG frame version for even faster lens changes.
Frameless design
Medium fit
Bang for the buck
Magnetic interchangeable lenses
Lens change takes some effort
The Giro Axis has a clean and bold frameless design and uses an elegant quick-change lens system. Magnets assist in lightning-fast lens replacement while snap pins keep the lens securely locked in place. The medium fit accommodates a wide range of face shapes while boasting an impressively wide field of view thanks to Giro’s Expansion View Technology. Evak Vent Technology releases moisture to minimize fogging while also creating a barrier against the elements. These goggles also include two premium VIVID lenses with Optics by ZEISS®.
Budget-friendly price
Cylindrical design
Changing light conditions
The Smith Range goggles are a great bang for the buck. They are equipped with an impact resistant lens, ultra-wide silicone strap, anti-fog technology, and moisture-wicking face foam. They are helmet compatible and come with a micro-fiber goggle bag with replacement lens sleeve. Also available in low bridge fit.
