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HomeHealth and MedicalThe 9 Best Ski Goggles, According to Gear Experts

The 9 Best Ski Goggles, According to Gear Experts

Best Overall

Smith Optics I/O MAG Chromapop

Now 10% Off

Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Amazing, next-level optics
  • Comfortable enough for all-day wear
  • Wide variety of lenses and tints to choose from
  • Integrates well with Smith helmets for maximum anti-fogging and airflow
  • Includes two interchangeable lenses
Cons
  • Premium price tag
  • Quick-chance system could be better

Smith is still our go-to brand when it comes to slope-side optics, and its I/O MAG is a solid example of why. This flagship goggle features crystal-clear optics with a wide field of view that bests any other on the market. The clarity is so sharp that upgrading from any ordinary pair will feel like suddenly jumping into “HD.” We found the fit comfortable enough for all-day wear in virtually any conditions, thanks to excellent ventilation and a soft, wide strap that cradles the back of the head perfectly.

We also appreciate the two included lenses for easy swapping depending on the day’s conditions. Plus, the selection of available add-on lenses (in varying colors, tints, and more) and flawlessly integrated helmets makes it easy to find the perfect setup for whatever conditions you typically carve through.

Our main gripe is the price. These are premium goggles with a premium price tag to match. We also wish the quick-change lens system was a little better. Those two quibbles aside, though, this is a near-perfect set of goggles and an easy pick for our “Best Overall” of 2024.

Lens Shape Spherical
Lens Type Various
Lens Color Varies
Interchangeable Lenses Yes
Frame Type Frameless
Frame Size Medium

Best Budget

Smith Optics Frontier Goggles with Carbonic-x Lens

Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Amazing bang-for-your-buck price
  • Crisp, clear optical quality with a built-in anti-fog coating
  • Comfortable fit with a silicone-backed strap and excellent ventilation
  • 100% protection against UVA/UVB
  • Available in more than a dozen colors/tints
Cons
  • Field of view not as great as frameless alternatives
  • Lenses are replaceable but not interchangeable

Smith’s Frontier are proof that you don’t have to spend a small fortune to land a decent pair of snow goggles. The design delivers a surprisingly wide field of view, especially for a cylindrical goggle. The optics are great, too, thanks to the brand’s industry-leading lens tech and a built-in Fog-X anti-fog lens coating. The ultra-wide, silicone-backed strap guarantees all-day comfort no matter your brand of skiing, and the helmet-compatible design integrates perfectly with Smith’s excellent line-up of snow helmets. We also dig the dozen or so available lens styles. But the real win here is a price tag that makes these more affordable than any other pair in this year’s roundup.

Lens Shape Cylindrical
Lens Type Mirrored available
Lens Color Varies
Interchangeable Lenses No
Frame Type Framed
Frame Size Medium

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Best for Freeriders

Uvex Evidnt Attract CV

Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Sharp, distortion-free optics are great for action sports
  • Fantastic contrast in all lighting conditions
  • Soft face foam for an ultra-comfy fit
  • Dead-simple magnetic lens swapping
  • Strong, break-resistant lens
Cons
  • Limited lens color/tint selection

Fast, winter-centric action sports demand tack-sharp optics. Uvex’s Evidnt Attract CV provides distortion-free clarity with stunning contrast in every lighting condition. So, no matter how fast you’re carving the slopes, you’ll always be able to see what’s directly in front of and to the side of you. The soft face foam and comfy silicone strap make for easy all-day wear for both freeriders and resort skiers. Uvex makes lens swapping a snap with a magnetic interchange system, so you can dial in the exact lens that works for you, even on the fly. Our only beef? We wish they were available in more than four colors.

Read more: Best Ski Pants

Lens Shape Toric or cylindrical
Lens Type Mirrored
Lens Color Varies
Interchangeable Lenses Yes (magnetic)
Frame Type Frameless
Frame Size Large

Best Interchangeable Lenses

Anon M4 MFI Toric Goggles

Pros
  • Quick-change lens system makes for lightning-fast swaps
  • Panoramic field of view with crisp, clear optics
  • Wide, comfortable head strap plus excellent ventilation
  • Seamless helmet integration
  • Unique magnetic face mask
Cons
  • Only a handful of lens colors/tints available

The Anon M4 MFI Toric Goggles are ideal if you’re looking for something that integrates seamlessly into your helmet—they’re specifically designed for that. The lens tech mimics the curvature of the eye for enhanced peripheral vision and better optics on the slopes, and the porous inner lens helps keep fog out. It comes with a suite of bonus features, too, including a spare lens for quick switches and a magnetic face mask that keeps your face warm. The face mask even perfectly connects to the ski goggles for easy comfort. On the downside, they’re among the priciest goggles we tested this year, and the limited lens color availability leaves us wanting more. (Skiers looking for a medium-sized alternative can opt for Anon’s smaller M4S.)

Lens Shape Toric (cylindrical available)
Lens Type Mirror and non-mirrored available
Lens Color Varies
Interchangeable Lenses Yes (magnetic)
Frame Type Frameless
Frame Size Large

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Best for Beginners

Method Goggles

Now 71% Off

Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Solid value goggles for beginners
  • Surprisingly clear Zeiss optics with limited distortion
  • More fog-free and breathable than most at this price point
  • Plush face foam and a lightweight frame for all-day comfort
Cons
  • Limited lens color options

With a groundbreaking frame design, Giro’s Method Goggles offer up unparalleled peripheral vision with a shaved-down frame and frameless zones. The lenses are injection molded cylindrical—helping refine what you see and minimize distortion—and the interchangeable lens system provides a more intuitive way of swapping out lenses as you need. There’s plenty of ventilation, too.

These goggles use a new foam made from a durable, non-absorbent material that minimizes fog and releases moisture. The face foam is plush, too, adding comfort throughout your ski trip. And for well under $100 on sale, the price for all these features isn’t too shabby, either.

Lens Shape Cylindrical
Lens Type Mirrored or non-mirrored available
Lens Color Varies
Interchangeable Lenses Yes
Frame Type Framed
Frame Size Large

Best Photochromic Lenses

Zeal Optics Portal XL RLs Snow Goggle

Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Photochromic lens adapts quickly to changing light conditions
  • Oversized XL design provides an ultra-wide field of view
  • Large strap and anti-fogging tech makes for comfortable wear
  • Bonus lens included
  • Lots of recycled materials used in manufacturing
Cons
  • Lack of color options

Zeal Portal Goggles are “smart” in a way—they come with automatic photochromic lens tech that adapts to changing light conditions, so you’re good to spend all day on the mountain. Plus, advanced hydrophobic anti-fogging tech keeps your vision clear. The triple-foam frame also provides comfort for your face, and the lenses protect you against UVA, UVB, and UVC solar rays—aka more than just the elements, but all the harmful solar rays, too.

Several colorways are priced right, making these a great value for novice skiers looking to upgrade from their original, budget-friendly goggles to a more premium pair.

Read more: Best Winter Boots

Lens Shape Spherical
Lens Type Polarized and mirrored
Lens Color Varies
Interchangeable Lenses Yes (rail-lock system)
Frame Type Frameless
Frame Size Large

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Best Anti-Fog Tech

Dragon PXV Snowgoggles

Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Next-level anti-fog coating
  • Toric lens shape provides a wide, clear field of view
  • Oversized design ensures maximum comfort
  • Great price
Cons
  • Only four available lens colors in lower price point

Ski right into the future with these cyberpunk-looking goggles that come with Lumalens tech—optimized for high-definition optics. The proprietary Swiftlock changing system lets you swap out lenses as you need with ease. Each lens is treated with a 200% anti-fog coating and UV protection, ensuring your field of view remains crystal clear and distortion-free. And the frameless design lends the PXV a more futuristic vibe than almost any other ski goggles you’re bound to see out there. We love the midrange price (on Amazon) that puts these right in the sweet spot for almost any skier looking to upgrade.

Lens Shape Toric
Lens Type Mirrored or non-mirrored
Lens Color Varies
Interchangeable Lenses No
Frame Type Frameless
Frame Size Medium

Best Large-Frame

Oakley Flight Deck L

Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Massive lens offers unparalleled field of vision
  • Industry-leading anti-fogging tech
  • Extremely crisp, distortion-free color rendering
  • Lots of lens color/tint options
  • Decent price point for premium goggles
Cons
  • Old-school lens-swap system
  • Only comes with one lens

“Go big or go home” seems to be Oakley’s mantra with its massive Flight Deck L. The lens on these jumbo-sized goggles is among the largest we’ve tested over the last year, resulting in a super wide field of view. Coupled with high-quality optics, this is the pair to buy if you’re looking for maximum field of view on the slopes. Add to that a higher-volume fit and Oakley’s next-level anti-fogging tech, and this is a serious contender for the year’s “best overall” ski goggles, falling just shy of our pick from Smith above.

Our only real gripes are the lack of a second lens and the fact that these still rely on an old-school lens-swap system that’s (ahem) less than intuitive.

Lens Shape Spherical
Lens Type Mirrored or non-mirrored
Lens Color Varies
Interchangeable Lenses Yes (magnetic)
Frame Type Frameless
Frame Size Large

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Slimmest Frame

Sweet Protection Connor RIG Reflect Goggles

Credit: Courtesy of Retailer
Pros
  • Razor-thin vented frame
  • Incredibly sharp contrast and optics
  • Oversized lens with anti-fog tech for excellent viewing
  • Sleek, minimalist design
  • Bonus, low-light lens included
Cons
  • A little pricey compared to our other recos
  • Limited colorways

Sweet Protection might fly under the radar compared to industry leaders like Smith and Oakley. But these mirrored goggles are among the best we’ve tested. The big get here is the razor-thin frame that guarantees a low-profile, minimalist aesthetic. Coupled with a biggie-sized toric frame and SP’s own RIG lens technology, they deliver maximum field of view with crisp, crystal-clear optics.

Add to that 100% UV protection, excellent breathability, and a bonus low-light lens, and these are a clear winner for skiers of any skill level. While they’re a little pricey, this is another option that’s right in the sweet spot for anyone looking to upgrade from their first sub-$100 pair of ski goggles.

Read more: Best Ski Helmets

Lens Shape Toric
Lens Type Mirrored
Lens Color Varies
Interchangeable Lenses Yes
Frame Type Frameless
Frame Size Medium

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