Best Ski Goggles of 2023

From new top technology high end models to budget classics, we break down the top snow goggles on the market

Whether you're a newbie on the slopes or an experienced mountaineer, there is just the right pair of ski goggles waiting to be discovered. Performance advancements in interchangeable lenses have made swapping out tints quick and easy; meanwhile curved lens technology from Smith has revolutionized field-of-view capabilities. Plus, more economical options are still available for those working with tighter budgets - many great snow specs can be obtained for under $125! Check out our picks below for what we consider some of the best skiing eyewear this 2022/2023 season, plus head further to get detailed comparison table data & buying advice - how to choose a ski goggles as well.

Our Team's Ski Goggle Picks

1. Best Ski Goggles in Overall: Oakley Flight Deck (186$)
2. Best Budget Ski Goggle: Smith Squad Goggles (110$)
3. Best Cheap Ski Goggles from Amazon: OutdoorMaster Ski Goggles PRO - (50$)
4. Best Interchangeable Lenses System Goggles: Anon M4 Toric MFI (320$)
5. Best Ventilated Ski Goggles: Julbo Aerospace Goggles (280$)
6. Best OTG (over the glasses) Goggles: Oakley Flight Deck (186$)
7. Best Ski Goggles For Small Kids: Smith Gambler Goggles - Small Kids (40$)
8. Best Ski Goggles For Big Kids: Smith Daredevil Goggles - Big Kids (35-50$)

Ski Goggles Comparison Chart

Name	Price	technology	Type	Changing	Face Foam	OTG	Frame size	lenses	Colors
Oakley Flight Deck L	186$	Prizm	Spherical	Quick	Triple	yes	M/L	2	20+
Anon M4 Toric MFI	320$	ICT	Toric	Magna Tech	Triple	yes	S/M/L	2	8
Smith I​/O MAG	270$	ChromaPop	Spherical	Quick	Triple	no	S/M/L	2	16
Smith Squad Goggles	110$	ChromaPop	Cylindrical	no	double	no	M	2	14
Oakley Line Miner	104$	Prizm	Cylindrical	no	Triple	yes	S/M/L	1	20+
Dragon DX3 OTG	70$	LUMALENS	Cylindrical	no	Double	yes	M	1	12
Smith Range	60$		Cylindrical	no	Double	no	L	1	9
OutdoorMaster Ski Goggles PRO	50$		Spherical	Magnetic	Triple	yes	L	1	20+
Julbo Aerospace Goggles	280$	REACTIV Photochromic	Spherical	no	Double	yes	L	1	3
Smith Gambler Goggles Little Kids	40$		Cylindrical	no	Single	yes	S	1	4
Smith Daredevil Goggles Big Kids	35$		Cylindrical	no	Double	no	S/M	1	4

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Best Ski Goggles in Overall

1. Oakley Flight Deck (186$)

The Oakley Flight Deck offers exceptional visibility, long-wearing comfort, and superior craftsmanship while coming with a single lens. Those wanting to customize the pair with additional lenses may find swapping out takes more effort than modern alternatives. Compared to other Smith IO MAG and Anon M4 it is cheaper, but it comes with only 1 lens, an additional lens will cost you another 50$.

I ranked Oakley Flight Deck L as the number one goggle on my list because of the largest and widest view they offer. It's almost like not wearing anything. Trusted ski-goggle among tens of thousands for its oversized, rimless shape and spherical lens. Its low profile ensures an incredibly large field of view compared to similar products on the market. On top of this impressive design feature, Oakley included Prizm technology that rivals Smith's ChromaPop in enhancing color vibrancy and contrast—making your outdoor experience comparable with amazing Instagram pictures you see and can't belive its true.

2. Anon M4 Toric MFI (320$)

The M4 has proven to be a timeless design that delivers an array of unrivaled features. Investing in this pair means experiencing two high-quality lenses, sophisticated styling, rapid lens changing with its Magna-Tech system, and efficient protection via included hard/soft cases plus a face mask – all at once!

The M4 and it's even more compact counterpart, the M4S, offer a range of toric lens options and cylindrical ones. As if that weren't enough - you can mix and match them right on the frame! Equipped with 14 magnets and two thumb grips so lenses are easily interchanged- even while wearing gloves- this goggle set has been tried by many who have never had any trouble keeping their lenses securely in place during falls.

Integrated with Clarity Technology (ICT) for anti-fog treatment and Carl Zeiss sonar lens for superior vision and terrace recognition

An innovative magnetic face mask attaches to the underside of your new goggles to keep cold air at bay without obscuring visibility due to fogging for ultimate winter protection. It's simply brilliant...you could almost say this should be mandatory gear!

3. Smith I​/O MAG - (270$)

Smith goggles offer unparalleled performance with their superb optics, expansive field of view and two ChromaPop lenses. Offering a secure fit for comfort on the slopes, it also boasts one of the best air ventilation systems available - even though its interchange system may not be as quick to use as Anon M4's magnetic technology. All in all: The Smith I/O Mag is undoubtedly an outstanding choice worthy of consideration by any ski enthusiast!

Smith's Goggles feature ChromaPop lenses for enhanced visibility, with incredible 4k-like color quality that makes details stand out clearly in various conditions. For the bold skiers who don't let the weather hold them back, these goggles offer an advantage - they adapt to different lighting situations making every experience more enjoyable. It comes with two different lenses, and no matter your facial size, these goggles have all the different sizes.

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Best Budget Ski Goggle Below 125$ from a good brand

1. Smith Squad Goggles (110$)

These affordable goggles feature ChromaPop lens technology - Smit's best lens technology. They also come with two lenses, one for sunny days and one for dark days. The biggest problem with those goggles is the change system. It is not very friendly, so I suggest doing it at the hotel. You should skip those goggles if you plan to change your lens on the mountain.

Fog-X Anti-Fog Inner Lens is carved into the lens of Smith Squad Goggles and cannot be wiped off.

TLT (Tapered Lens Technology) is used to correct visual distortion by progressively tapering the lens from the optical center to its outer edges in this very solid cylindrical lens.

This is a very solid choice with top Smith's technology at a very affordable price. With this package, you're getting the best-in-class lenses, the best-in-class fogging system, a double layer of face foam, and two lenses in.

2. Oakley Line Miner (124$)

Oakley Line Miner Goggles sit closer to the face than anything Oakley's ever developed for unparalleled peripheral vision, while the revolutionary Prizm™ lenses provide groms with unmatched contrast and definition across a wide range of light conditions. Designed to work in harmony with a wide range of helmet styles, with outrigger mounts that distribute pressure evenly across the goggle chassis and silicone beaded inner straps that stay securely in place. 360˚ frame venting assures optimum airflow when worn with a helmet.

The Prizm lenses correct visual distortion of the cylindrical lens type, and the low profile frame design provides an optimized field of view in all directions, with seamless helmet integration.

As with Smith Squad Goggles, Oakley Line Miner features the best Oakley technology at a very affordable price. The cons - lens change system is not friendly as in its more expensive flight deck brother.

3. Dragon DX3 OTG (59-69$)

Dragon gives you incredible value and unbeatable performance! Their signature LUMALENS technology provides maximum color contrast and visual clarity, giving your field of vision an impressive boost. The lenses are extra durable thanks to a hard-coating finish that prevents scratches plus repels water, dust, dirt, or oil for all-weather protection. Add in their dual-layered face foam construction, which helps prevent fogging up and wick away sweat - it's clear Dragon is ready to give you superior lens quality for a crazy price!

The Dragon DX3 is the perfect goggle for skiers and snowboarders who are tired of dealing with foggy lenses. Featuring Super Anti Fog coating, this classic-style design offers unbeatable value without sacrificing performance or coverage. If you're searching for a reliable but affordable option to keep your vision clear on the slopes - look no further than these top-notch goggles from Dragon!

Basically, it is a premium pair of goggles at a very cheap price.

4. Smith Range (60-80$)

One minor sacrifice comes with the Range's wallet-friendly price tag: no lens-swapping capability to match changing conditions. Opting for this model also means you won't benefit from Smith's ChromaPop technology, which provides improved clarity and precision compared to other models in its class. However, suppose your skiing or snowboarding usually takes place on well-groomed trails under favorable weather conditions. In that case, these restrictions may not be a significant concern - otherwise, it is recommended to invest in higher-end designs for more consistent performance regardless of the environment.

Skiers and snowboarders know the struggles of finding gear that fits a budget. Smith Range offers a practical solution - quality eye protection with a classic look at an affordable price. This goggle features wide frame visibility to eliminate tunnel effect and comfort-oriented components such as multi-layer foam cushioning and their renowned anti-fog coating.

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Best Cheap Ski Goggles from Amazon

OutdoorMaster Ski Goggles PRO - (50$)

With various anti-fog features, including a dual-pane lens and special coating, these goggles have all that is needed to tackle those dreaded foggy days. Dual pane lens, anti-fog coating, and lots of ventilation.

Despite being a basic-level lens, the goggles offer an exceptionally clear and distortion-free view. We are delighted with their performance in any light condition – from bright surfaces to water - without compromising on glare, even though we didn't use the polarized lenses. The goggles lens type is spherical, so there is no problem with the peripheral view.

The fit was ok, not great, but I think they won't work well for someone with a large nose.

The lens change system is similar to the Anon M4 Magna-tech changing system. It's amazing !!

These goggles come equipped with a unique lens-swapping feature that works very well. The magnets hold the lenses securely in place. They can easily be accommodated by pushing on the outboard end of the frame, avoiding contact between fingertips and the inner side of the lens to prevent fogging from oil contamination from your skin. They are also easy enough to switch while wearing bulky ski gloves, as long as you grab them firmly at both the top and bottom.

They come with 20+ different lens colors.

Overall - it's an amazing budget solution for interchangeable lenses.

Best Interchangeable Lenses System Goggles

Anon M4 Toric MFI (320$)

Very easy choice; no other brand mastered lens change like Anon M4 Toric MFI.

It only takes a few seconds to replace the lens.

The full review can be found higher on this page.

Best Ventilated Ski Goggles

Julbo Aerospace Goggles (280$)

Julbo's Aerospace goggle is a must-have for backcountry skiers looking to tackle the most challenging ascents. Their SuperFlow System allows you to quickly deploy hinges on the lens, increasing airflow and eliminating fogging—even during fast activity. And don't worry about removing your gloves before pushing them back into place; it's designed for easy reattachment in seconds! With all these features tucked away in one sleek design, Julbo has created an invaluable piece of equipment that will open up new possibilities for adventurous ski mountaineers everywhere.

Julbo's ventilation-focused design offers a premium goggle experience - at the cost of $280-$290. While it comes with only one photochromic lens, users benefit from photochromic lenses that perform well in sunny locations such as Colorado. However, their tendency for darkness when transitioning between light conditions, like moving through trees or shade, may be an issue to consider before committing to purchase. However, Julbo provides excellent optics and superior ventilation, making them perfect for your backcountry adventures!

Best OTG (over the glasses) Goggles

Oakley Flight Deck (186$)

The Oakley Flight Deck Large is a superb choice for snow goggles, especially for those wanting to wear glasses on the slopes. The wide fit and modified eye openings make them compatible with all sizes of eyeglasses. In addition, Prizm lenses grant outstanding peripheral vision, while dual-vented lenses ensure fogless clarity even in extreme conditions.

Read the full review higher on this page

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Best Ski Goggles For Kids

Overall, Smith has the largest selection of goggles for kids of all ages.

Smith Gambler Goggles - Small Kids (40$)

They are not featuring any advanced smith lens technology, except the Fog-X Anti-Fog Inner Lens, which will keep the vision of your kid 100% clear. Additionally, they are very comfortable since they are equipped with a floating foam membrane that eliminates eyeglass temple pressure

Smith Daredevil Goggles - Big Kids (35-50$)

Upgrade your grom's skiing experience with the Smith Daredevil Goggles. With a futuristic anti-fog Carbonic-X lens that is engineered to be exceptionally impact resistant, these goggles provide an unparalleled level of protection and visibility during extreme conditions. An innovative Floating Foam Membrane also eliminates any eyeglass temple pressure for extra comfort during long days on the slopes. Invest in top performance this season – get your grom set up with Smith Daredevil Goggles!

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How to Choose Ski Goggles - All You Need To know

First Understand Your Needs

First timers:

Don't buy premium goggles. You will spend most of your time learning during your first few days. Many beginners learn their first few days without goggles if it isn't snowing. Buy cheap Amazon bestsellers(see here) from an unknown brand or budget goggles from a well-known brand (here). They will do the job for your first vacation.

Intermediate riders:

Once you become a solid rider, going on red slopes, enjoying the speed, and riding in any weather, then you should invest in good goggles. With proper care, good goggles will last for many seasons.

Advanced riders:

For different weather and terrains, you probably need at least a few goggles, or at least high end goggles with different lenses

OTG (Over The Glasses)

OTG ski goggles, also known as "Over the Glasses" ski goggles, are made for people who wear glasses. They are designed with a wider and deeper frame, allowing them to fit comfortably over glasses without squashing them or causing discomfort. The glasses' frame has been designed to provide an ergonomic experience, with notches on either side for comfortable glasses fit.

The ventilation in OTG goggles must be extra good because skiing with your regular prescription glasses beneath will reduce the airflow. In addition, your glasses lack an anti-fog coating, and the two pairs of lenses will reduce vision even further. So, overall it's a challenge, as the fog buildup from the weak airflow, lack of anti-fog coating on your glasses, and reduced vision will make it hard to see the slopes.

Wearing contact lenses is the easiest and best solution. Before having eye surgery, I used contacts for years. If you can't ski with glasses under your goggles and have trouble wearing contacts, there is another option: prescription inserts.

SportRx, the go-to source for eyewear solutions, offers a range of prescription inserts to make your goggles airtight and comfy. Their compact liners fit inside lenses like snug gloves so you can enjoy optimum airflow with crystal clarity in any adventure.

Visible Light Transmission (VLT)

An important factor to consider when choosing the proper ski goggles is VLT (visible light transmission). Generally speaking, the higher the VLT percentage, the more light can pass through your lens - contributing to better visibility on sunny days. You can take your pick from low or high-VLT options depending on conditions and preferences.

Low-VLT lenses are designed for bright days, whereas high-VLT lenses are best suited for low-light situations like nighttime or overcast weather. Some modern ski goggles models come with adjustable tint settings and lenses that adapt to different lighting scenarios. Understanding what VLT ratings mean helps narrow down the perfect pair much faster.

Most glasses on the market are between 10% and 50%, with 10% being for very sunny days and 50% for very cloudy days. There is also a higher percentage for night skiing. I like a higher VLT ratio because I prefer to see perfectly on cloudy days, while the sun is not an issue for me.

Each VLT comes with a color tint for the lens. In the low VLT spectrum, you will find dark lenses in the middle, purples, reds, and greens, and in the high blues and yellows.

As a final note, all the goggles come with a variety of lenses, colors, and VLTs.

Fit and Comfort

Fit: Making sure that the ski goggles fit your face properly is one of the most critical comfort factors when selecting ski goggles. The goggles should fit snugly but not too tightly and feel comfortable and secure on your face.

The best way to determine the fit and comfort of your goggles is to measure them while wearing your helmet. Most of the well-known brands today will fit well with each other; however, choosing a helmet and goggles from the same brand will make your day more comfortable.

You should also ensure that the goggles form a good seal around your eyes to ensure that no wind or snow can get in.

Foam: Look for a pair of ski goggles with soft foam padding around the frame to provide additional cushioning and comfort. The foam helps to create an airtight seal between your face and the goggles while also providing insulation from cold temperatures. There is usually a big difference between high-quality and low-quality goggles here.

Fogging and Ventilation

Fogging is probably the biggest and the most critical issue of ski goggles.

Fogged-up goggles can ruin your skiing experience. To minimize this hassle, consider investing in a double lens frame and inspect its specific vent size to ensure they are not blocked by your helmet when worn. Additionally, avoiding overdressing and sweating your face will keep the temperature differences low.

Keeping your goggles on throughout the day without putting them on your helmet will also help reduce moisture build-up.

Get the most out of your goggles' anti-fogging treatment by avoiding regular wiping with a cloth. It's like scratching a mosquito bite; the more you scratch, the more it itches. Instead, let them air dry. Carrying another extra pair whenever you head off to hit the slopes is not an option, but having replacement lenses is a perfect idea (look for interchangeable lenses below).

Optics specialists Warby Parker and Zeiss both make spray-on treatments with a number of good reviews to their name, but they will never be like the original anti-fog coat, so treat your goggles with care and love. Here is an excellent article about How to Prevent Your Ski Goggles From Fogging.

Lens Shape: Cylindrical, Spherical or Toric

The three main lens shapes are cylindrical lenses, spherical lens, and toric lenses.

Cylindrical lenses are curved around the vertical axis, they are a popular choice for entry-level skiers due to their affordability(cheaper manufacturing cost) and less bulky look.

Despite the slight drawbacks compared to spherical lenses, namely reduced peripheral vision, minor distortion at top/bottom edges, and increased glare. They are becoming increasingly attractive options among all riders as improved lens technology optics reduce these negative effects, making cylindrical goggles models an excellent choice even among mid-range and premium selections.

Spherical lenses offer a unique profile and natural, superior field of view due to their ability to mimic the shape of one's eyeball (lenses are curved both vertically and horizontally). While many modern goggles are now cylindrical in design, spherical lenses remain popular amongst premium models for this very reason. And the bubble-like profile looks very attractive when paired with a ski helmet.

The newest trend in goggles is the toric-style lens, which bridges the gap between cylindrical lenses and spherical lens. It has a less pronounced lens shape that still mimics your eyes for an appealing look, while providing optical performance on par with spherical lens by minimizing distortion at the edges. As optics become increasingly sophisticated, distinguishing between models can be tricky. However, the toric lenses offers more than just a sleek look - it minimizes distortion around the edges while delivering premium performance.

While it's very easy to see the difference between cylindrical and spherical goggles, but you will have a hard time distinguish between cylindrical and toric lenses.

Optical Quality: ChromaPop, Vivid and Prizm

Like in a good DSLR camera, optic quality is everything. All the brands invest a lot of money in research and development of optic technologies, and you can see the difference thru the lens, especially in difficult lighting conditions.

Oakley with Prizm technology, Smith with ChromaPop lenses. Giro uses German Zeiss optics with Vivid technology. The Perceive lenses are used in Burton's Anon high-end goggles.

In good quality lenses, you will see 4k clear superb picture, and your eyes will be less tired. At the end of the day, it won't burn. Good lenses can make all the difference. I have a dry eye problem after my laser eye surgery, so good lenses make a big difference for me.

Interchangeable Lenses

Anon's, with their "M" collection, has the easiest changing system, offering a straightforward solution to swapping lenses on the go. Their magnetic lens system ensures a secure fit even during falls and off-piste.

Other brands feature similar systems that require pushing a button or lever - although they may be slightly less convenient than Anon's designs, it feels more secure. With this incredible option now available in ski gear technology, quickly adapting to changing lighting conditions is very easy.

Mirrored, Polarized, and Photochromic Lenses

Mirrored lenses reduce the amount of glare that reaches the eyes. This can be especially helpful in bright outdoor environments. Mirrored lenses reflect a significant portion of the light that hits them rather than letting it pass through the lens and reach the eye. This can help to reduce eye strain and improve visual acuity by reducing the amount of bright light that the eye has to process. In addition, mirrored lenses give goggles a sleek and stylish look.

Polarized lenses do the same but are more effective than mirrored lenses. It works by blocking out the vertical light from surfaces like snow or water. Usually, polarized lenses are more expensive.

Photochromic lenses are eyeglass lenses that change color when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. When the lenses are not exposed to UV light, they are typically clear or slightly tinted. However, the lenses will darken when exposed to UV light, becoming more tinted.

Photochromic lenses bring an unprecedented level of convenience. The VLT of the lenses will adjust automatically to different lighting conditions, which can save a skier or snowboarder from having to swap lenses in bright and shaded areas. I did not try budget options with photochromic lenses, but after reading reviews on amazon - they simply do not work as expected. That is why I think you should go with a well-known, solid brand if you want this feature.

Lens Tint and Colors

VLT levels determine the tint and color of lenses, with brighter colors having higher VLT levels and darker colors having lower VLT levels. As well as the lens type, whether the glasses are mirrored or photochromic, affects the look. In general, you shouldn't choose your goggles based on their appearance. I would say - of course choose the look, but know all the lens shapes and types features so you will know what lens you're buying and what are the pros and cons of every option for any weather.

FAQ

What is VLT in ski goggles?

VLT, or visible light transmission, is a measurement of the amount of light that is able to pass through a lens, with a lower VLT indicating that less light is able to pass through the lens and a higher VLT indicating that more light is able to pass through the lens.

Check the VLT section for more information.

How to keep ski goggles from fogging?

1. Don't wipe the inner lens.
2. Don't put your goggles on top of your helmet.
3. Avoid overdressing and excessive sweating.
4. Ensure that the goggles are well-ventilated.
5. Invest in easy-to-change lenses and keep another pair on hand.
6. Store your lenses at room temperature condition.
7. Don't put them on the heater in your room.
8. Put an anti-fog coating on old goggles

How to clean ski goggles?

To clean ski goggles, first wipe the outside of the lens with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dirt or debris.

Don't touch the inside. Just don't.

Well, if you absolutely have to clean it, use mild soap and water and clean microfiber, do it lightly and gently.

How should ski goggles fit?

Try on the goggles with a helmet: Ski goggles should fit comfortably over the top of a ski helmet. If the goggles are too small, they may not seal properly around the edges of the lens, which can allow cold air and moisture to enter the goggles. If the goggles are too large, they may be prone to slipping down the face or may feel too loose and uncomfortable.

Check the fit of the strap: The strap of the goggles should be adjustable and should fit snugly around the head. The strap should not be too tight, as this can cause discomfort, but it should not be too loose, as this can allow the goggles to slip down the face.

Look for a comfortable and secure seal: The goggles should fit snugly around the face and should seal securely around the eyes. The seal should be comfortable and should not cause any pressure points or discomfort especially around your nose and helmet.

Is there a difference between ski goggles and Snowboard goggles?

There is no difference between ski goggles and snowboard goggles.

For snowboarders, peripheral vision is more critical, due to the go-to head position of 90 degrees, so I recommend spherical lenses.

Is there a difference between men goggles and women goggles?

In general, ski and snowboard goggles are designed to be unisex and can be worn by both men and women. However, there are some goggles that are specifically designed and marketed as being for men or women. These goggles may have different goggle frame and lens shapes, sizes, and colors, and may be marketed as being more suitable for the specific face shape or style preferences of men or women.

It's important to note that the choice between men's and women's goggles should be based on personal preference and fit, rather than gender. The best goggles for any individual will depend on the fit and comfort of the goggles, as well as the specific needs of the activity and the individual's personal style.