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Searching for the best ski goggles? Our experts have tested 40+ pairs on snow over the last 9 years. For this update, we bought and assessed 16 top models side by side. Our team spent countless hours skiing at resorts and the backcountry of the Lake Tahoe area to put each contender through its paces. The variable Sierra Nevada weather allows us to test these goggles in a full range of conditions, from blinding bluebird days to whiteout snowstorms and even rain. Our experts evaluated the ventilation systems, optical quality, and comfort while taking laps at the resort and in the wild. Whether you seek exceptional value, all-around performance, or just the trendiest style, our comparative review can help you find the perfect goggles.
Few activities rely on gear as heavily as snow sports, and we are here to help you make the right decision every step of the way. Our in-depth reviews offer recommendations based on real-life testing to help you find the best products. From the best ski helmets and best ski gloves to building out your backcountry kit, we're here to help — no matter if you prefer skiing, snowboarding, or like to dabble in both.
Editor's Note: On November 9, 2023, we added new award suggestions and updated our selection.
The Smith 4D Mag is an innovative pair of goggles that excels in every way. Smith has been producing eyewear for over 50 years, and their experience is apparent in these goggles. The 4D Mag continues Smith's reputation of innovation with a rounded bottom edge of the lens that increases the user's field of vision, a design feature unique to this model. In addition to the highest quality optics, the 4D Mag has a flexible frame and medium fit that is sure to please most skiers and riders. As if that wasn't enough, it's stylish and durable, too.
While the 4D Mag fits a wide variety of face sizes, folks with larger faces might find some other options more suitable. The weight and bulk of these goggles may also make many backcountry skiers and splitboarders want to look elsewhere for their next pair. The curve in the lens distorts the visuals in the lower field of view, and this may bother some others — though we were fine with it. Lastly, but most noticeably, these goggles are quite expensive. That said, when it comes to performance at the ski resort, our testers generally agree that you can't do better than this unique and chart-topping model. If you want more ventilation and modern styling, consider the Julbo Cyrius that scored just behind the 4D.
The Glade Adapt 2 represents an incredible value in the goggle market based on its photochromatic technology, overall optical quality, and robust ventilation system. This model offers six photochromatic lens options; each can adapt to sunny and stormy powder day conditions — we found this lens was appropriate for all conditions. These goggles cost about what lenses alone do for other photochromatic options, yet their build and optical quality rival the market's top brands. The lens adapts quickly to changing conditions and provides optical enhancements like color vibrancy, increasing the contrast and definition of the snow surface. On top of all that, the Adapt 2 is highly resistant to fogging even when we were working hard going uphill; they produced very little condensation, and we had no fogging problems where we did with others. Glade put a vent in every possible place and uses a strong anti-fog coating to improve its resistance.
This goggle has incredible value and performs well under almost every lighting condition. That said, its ability to enhance and convey micro details of the snow surface during really flat light conditions is slightly less than that of a high-quality low-light lens. Overall, this product is highly recommended for people looking to use photochromatic technology without breaking the bank. If you are on a tight budget, consider the Giro Roam for about half the price. It didn't score nearly as high but may meet your needs for much less cash.
The Smith Squad ChromaPop delivers performance-oriented features at an affordable price. The Squad remains a favorite because it comes with two high-quality lenses for bright and low light conditions and outperforms several higher-priced models in this review. Smith's cylindrical lenses, a ChromaPop version for bright light conditions, and a basic yellow lens for low light days provide a crisp and clear view of the mountains around you. The Squad is well-ventilated and suitable for use everywhere, from the resort to the backcountry. We like touring with these goggles, as they are lighter and more packable than most of the high-end and heavier models we tested. They have a crowd-pleasing medium to large fit that is comfortable on a vast range of face sizes and shapes, plus they fit great with or without a helmet.
The Squad isn't the flashiest goggle out there, sporting a more classic shape and style with less modern flair than other models. The ChromaPop lens enhances colors while remaining accurate but has limited versatility to be used in lower light conditions. Changing lenses with this model is best done at the house as it's more arduous than the magnetic systems. This is the standard for this price point of goggles, and saving money can help most folks overcome these drawbacks. If the best value is what you seek, then look no further than the Smith Squad.
The Anon M4 Toric goggle is outstanding, and the performance scores reflect that. This model is best suited for individuals with a larger facial structure. We recommend considering this model if you have a rather large mug or find goggles to fit a little small on you. The M4 has the most effortless lens-swapping capabilities, featuring secure magnetic attachments that allow the lenses to be interchanged in seconds. Along with the extra lens, Anon ships these goggles with a face covering with magnets inside, allowing it to snap into and stay in place quickly. The lenses are built to last, and their quality leaves nothing to be desired.
The M4 was a contender for the top spot due to its well-rounded performance, but its larger frame will fit fewer individuals than most medium-sized goggles. However, the large frame size is an advantage for those who struggle to find a larger frame that fits them. Ultimately, the Anon M4 is exceptional and our top recommendation for folks looking for a genuinely largegoggle. Another great option is the Giro Contour, which scored just behind it and had more breathability.
The Julbo Cyrius is a true one-lens wonder. This model is offered in seven different photochromatic lenses. The largest split is category 0 to category 4, which is approximately 8% to 83% VLT. We used these goggles in every condition, from bluebird to snowglobe-like blizzards, and we always had the right lens. Julbo offers the widest photochromatic range with fast transition times not influenced by temperature. The lens also effectively enhances the snow surface's color, contrast, and definition. Because of their nearly frameless design, these medium-frame goggles offer a larger field of view. It is also a high performer in ventilation — Julbo packed the frame tight with vents, which performed well in our uphill tests and never fogged in the field.
We found very few drawbacks associated with these goggles in our field use. The main hurdle to overcome is the relatively high price point. One goggle that can do it all and do it well does not come cheap. This product is for those looking for superior photochromatic performance in any condition. This goggle scored just behind our top-scoring model, the Smith 4D Mag, which we found a bit more comfy.
We are in love with the wide transitional range of the Cyrius. It is a goggle that we could forget we were wearing.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
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A goggle lineup waiting for action at Carson Pass, CA.
Credit: Jason Cronk
Why Trust GearLab
Our team scours the internet throughout the year to stay current on the latest products and technological advances. When autumn rolls around, they spend hours researching the best new models to add to this review to provide the most well-rounded and up-to-date reviews. Our testers took to the snow after selecting and buying the best new competitors. We extensively tested each model and frequently swapped between different pairs for genuine back-to-back comparisons. We also called upon our friends of all genders to check each model's fit and comfort on faces of different shapes and sizes. From the expansive Sierra Nevada and Teton backcountry to the resorts above and around Lake Tahoe, we strived to identify each model's optical accuracy, comfort, and ventilation capacity. This quest has led out into the blaring sun, pouring rain, and dumping snow. Our expert review team got to know each product before providing you with our specific use-based recommendations.
Our ski goggle testing is divided into six rating metrics:
Lens Quality (20% of overall score weighting)
Comfort (20% weighting)
Ventilation and Breathability (20% weighting)
Ease of Changing Lenses (15% weighting)
Durability (15% weighting)
Style (10% weighting)
This review is brought to you by a team of gear-hungry testers with several decades of experience researching and testing. Review author Jeremy Benson is a former sponsored big mountain and backcountry ski athlete. He has lived in the Lake Tahoe area for more than 20 winters, where he's skied between 100-150 days each season. Whether riding lifts at the resorts or hiking for turns in the backcountry, Benson spends more time on snow in a season than most people do in a decade, making him acutely aware of the importance of quality eye protection. He has a long history of product testing, including nine years as a ski tester and consulting on design and product development with various sponsors. Jeremy is also the author of Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Routes: California, published by Mountaineers Books.
Another veteran ski reviewer, Jason Cronk, is an experienced and active athlete. He has been skiing for over 25 years, with experience worldwide. Jason is also a seasoned medevac flight RN/EMT with experience as a National Ski Patroller and continues to provide emergency medical education to ski patrols in the Lake Tahoe area. Even with the full-time air medical career, he racks up nearly 100 ski days, mostly backcountry, every season and is looking forward to hundreds of more days at his new home right at the base of the Tetons and Grand Targhee in Wyoming.
The third member of our expert team is Isaac Laredo, a mountain athlete and guide based in the Sierra Nevada. He received his bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and Outdoor Adventure leadership in Lake Tahoe and has been snowboarding for the past ten years across the United States, Canada, and Japan. During the winter, he averages over 100 days a year in his snowboard boots and capitalizes on every possible moment to go riding. Isaac is pursuing his mountain guide certification through the American Mountain Guide Association. His background as a guide, scientist, and avid snowsports athlete brings proficiency in experimental design, a critical eye for detail, and a solid understanding of user needs and product functions to this review.
Taking the lens quality assessment seriously with some back-to-back comparisons while riding the chairlift on a cloudy, flat light day.
A tough day for any eyewear to perform, and yet this model kept us seeing the undulations in the snow.
Goggle testing is serious business, fortunately it involves significant amounts of time in the field.
Analysis and Test Results
Goggles are a cornerstone piece of gear in any skier and snowboarder's kit. The best goggles help you see clearly, fit comfortably, look good, and will last you for several seasons if cared for properly. With a dizzying array of new goggles to choose from, we've narrowed it down to the essential characteristics that you should take into account when making your eyewear choice. These include lens quality, ventilation, breathability, comfort, ease of changing lenses, durability, and style. How important each metric is to you depends on your preferences and the intended use. To utilize our in-depth assessments to the fullest, focus on the products that score the best in the performance metrics you care about most.
Value
Everyone comes to the ski goggle market with different needs, and fortunately, this product category can accommodate most budgets. Some, like the Smith Squad ChromaPop, Glade Adapt 2, or the Giro Roam, are low-cost options that meet or exceed the basic needs of a goggle. At the same time, models like the top choice Smith 4D Mag, feature toric lenses and high-quality optics in all conditions and come at a premium price. Less expensive models are adequate for most skiers, although they lack newer, high-tech features. More expensive ski goggles are best suited for committed skiers and riders who don't mind spending the extra money for an enhanced visual experience. Striking a middle ground, the Zeal Portal RLS has better photochromic optics and a hybrid magnetic locking system, which are features on models that typically cost much more.
Our eyewear is a foundational component to allow us to perform our best in all kinds of lighting conditions.
Credit: Ryland West
Lens Quality
Lens quality and optical accuracy are the most important metric for most skiers and riders. The quality of your goggle lens directly impacts your safety and ability to enjoy marginal lighting conditions. Companies have recognized this as one of the most important aspects of a goggle and now offer high-quality lenses across many price points.
From the most expensive models like the Smith 4D Mag and Anon M4 to the more budget-friendly options like the Anon Helix 2.0 or Smith Squad ChromaPop, today's lenses provide a crisp, clear view with little to no distortion while also protecting the eyes from bright sunlight and UV rays. Beyond that, today's goggles enhance the contrast in low light conditions, which increases skiers' and riders' safety because of added definition on the snow surface.
Lenses come in various shapes, like cylindrical, spherical, and toric. As a general rule, spherical and toric lenses provide a more optically correct view, while cylindrical lenses may have the slightest distortion (especially at lower price points).
Premium goggles will feature a property optical enhancement technology to improve the visual experience. These lens technologies are all intended to do roughly the same thing: increase contrast, enhance definition, and generally make you see the world around you more clearly, especially in challenging light conditions. The Giro Contour and Shred Simplify+ provide excellent visual enhancements that boost the contrast and give you a better view of changes in the terrain and snow quality. We feel these models, along with the Smith 4D Mag, Anon M4 Toric, Smith I/O Mag, Julbo Cyrius, and Oakley Flight Deck M, are optically the best goggles in this review.
When it comes to lenses, you generally get what you pay for. The higher-performance lenses are all slightly different, but each provides a clear, distortion-free view, enhances contrast, and resists fogging and scratching better than the more budget-friendly competition. There's a noticeable difference in the lens and visual quality between these two tiers, and you'll have to decide which features you're looking for.
Some lenses even adapt to your current light conditions by changing tint for varying environments, whether you're skiing in the midday sun or pre-sunset dusk. These photochromic lenses are convenient, as you have to change the lens less frequently. The Julbo Cyrius and Glade Adapt 2 have wide photochromatic ranges and are offered in many lens types. Both models can be one lens for any condition with the right preliminary lens selection. If the photochromatic VLT band is too narrow, you may use a low light-specific lens like with the Zeal Beacon.
Many high-quality lenses exist in this review; The Smith 4D mag (Left) and Oakley Flight Deck (right) are two top performers.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Comfort
Comfort is one of the test criteria that proves more difficult due to its subjective nature. Several factors come into play here: goggle shape and size in relation to the wearer's facial size, structure, and nose shape. A goggle's frame material and flexibility, padding material, quantity, and strap comfort are also important considerations when making your goggle selection. Additionally, keep in mind whether you will primarily use your ski goggles while wearing a helmet or simply while wearing a beanie.
The overall dimensions of a snow goggle are the foundation of fit and comfort. Some goggles, like the Smith 4D Mag, have a medium fit that can provide a comfortable fit for a wider variety of skiers and boarders. These goggles also have a flexible, responsive frame that molds well to the skier's face.
The 4D Mag was a favorite when it came to fit and comfort no matter the size or shape of the tester's facial anatomy.
Credit: Jason Cronk
Some of our test goggles had excellent crossover appeal, and skiers and boarders with medium face sizes were comfortable in models at both ends of the size spectrum. Not everyone falls into this medium-sized category, and other models have a broader construction that will allow skiers and snowboarders with larger faces to find a good fit. Conversely, goggles with a narrower construction provide a more comfortable fit for riders with smaller facial structures. We found that smaller models were prone to creating pressure points, primarily on the reviewer's cheekbones and bridges of their noses. Larger goggles caused issues with gapping around the frame on smaller users' faces. Testers with smaller faces preferred the Smith goggles in general, while larger testers enjoyed the fit and comfort of the Anon M4. The Giro Contour and Oakley Flight Deck are offered in smaller and larger frame sizes to fit the needs of different users.
The Zeal Beacon is a medium-frame goggle that provides a large field of view and an overall comfortable on-mountain experience.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Another factor influencing comfort is the style of padding and its materials. Except for the Smith Squad and Anon Helix 2.0, all of the models in our test lineup are constructed with three layers of moisture-wicking face foam. The outermost layer (closest to the frame) is the densest, providing a buffer between the relatively hard plastic of the eyewear's frame and the softer layers that contact the skier's or snowboarder's face. The middle layer in the foam sandwich is more porous than the outer portion, providing an intermediate connection point for the materials at either end of the spectrum. Finally, all our test ski goggles have an innermost layer with a thinner, softer, brushed feel that contacts the skin.
Strap comfort is also important, and thankfully, all of our test model's straps contained some form of integrated silicone, which means the strap stays where you put it. Without this technology, there is a tendency to over-tighten a goggles' strap to keep them in place. While this tightening may not sound like a significant issue, this part of overall comfort becomes more significant after a day on the slopes. A comfortable no-slip strap prevents those deep red grooves that become imprinted around your eyes. While trying on ski goggles, remember that a seemingly minor issue, like cheekbone pressure or pressure to the bridge of your nose, can quickly become increasingly annoying throughout a long day on the slopes.
The Smith Mag 4D has our favorite strap with a clip closure at the back that allows you to open up the strap and clip it into place. This was particularly nice during snowstorms.
An uncomfortable goggle can migrate around, or cause unnecessary pressure resulting in a headache. We're comfortable here in the Oakley Flight Deck.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Ventilation and Breathability
Ventilation systems are critical to combat and prevent goggle fogging. Fogging will generally occur due to poor ventilation or moisture in between the lenses. The moisture in the warm air we are creating within the goggles needs somewhere to go; it condensates on the next available cooler surface. This is similar to the condensation that builds up on glass doors or your car's windshield. Even the best anti-fog coating will fail if the ventilation system is marginal.
The Anon M4 and all the Smith models are the best-ventilated, although they don't feel drafty around the eyes. Other models tended to breathe less, which can keep more heat and moisture in, although we didn't experience any significant fogging issues during testing. The types of conditions you're likely to experience, and how aggressively you ski or board, will likely dictate the importance of ventilation. The Giro Contour uses a durable and weather-resistant combination of foam and mesh to prevent moisture from getting inside your goggle while maintaining good ventilation. This minimizes the chances of fogging.
Circumferential venting using open cell foam on the Smith Mag 4D (left), compared to the ventilation system on the Giro Contour (right) that uses a weather-resistant mesh and foam combination to help reduce the chances of fogging up.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Skiers who gravitate to the backcountry and tour in stormier or windier environments may end up hiking uphill in their ski goggles, which makes a more breathable option the right choice. Air exchange is massively amplified by extending the lens away from the frame (which you can do while wearing gloves). The spherical shape of the 4D Mag also encourages airflow through the actual rounded shape of the lens. The foam padding of both models breathes well, and these models are worth considering if you tend to get foggy on the ups or even on hard-charging downs.
On the other hand, skiers and boarders who stick to the resort or tour in drier environments may not care about the breathability to the degree that their wetter conditions compadres do. Keep in mind that some breathability is good, but breathability is different from being drafty or having a poor fit.
Working up a sweat to test the ventilation and breathability of the goggles in our test fleet. We don't always hike uphill in goggles, but it's an effective test technique.
Credit: Steven Tata
Ease of Changing Lenses
Matching a lens to your current light conditions is also crucial, and most goggles have interchangeable lenses just for this purpose. Most of the models in this test include two lenses for different light conditions, both bright and low light. It is often overlooked how easy it is to change the lenses on your goggles, but if you only own one pair or live where the weather and light conditions may change rapidly, it can make a world of difference. Goggle manufacturers have continuously been improving lens attachment systems, making it easier and more user-friendly than ever to swap out the lenses.
We found the most natural lenses to change in the test are the quick-swapping lenses of the Anon M4. Their “Magna-Tech” lenses are attached to the frame with several small but powerful magnets, and removing the lens is as simple as pulling it straight off. It takes only seconds to do and is the most simple lens change we've ever experienced. You can even change lenses while wearing the goggles and with gloves on.
With the Anon M4, changing lenses has never been easier.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
The Smith 4D Mag and Smith I/O Mag are the other easiest changing models of this new breed of magnetic lens goggles, with lenses that are nearly as easy to change as the M4. The difference is quite small. Zeal's Portal RLS is a hybrid lens system that uses mechanical grooves in conjunction with a magnetic lock. This type of system is not the smoothest, but it's far easier than traditionally designed goggles. The Giro Contour uses a magnetic-assisted system to provide incredibly easy lens changes with great lens security. It uses strong magnets positioned in the middle of the frame and works great to position the lens before pressing the pegs at each corner into the frame.
If you want to continue skiing no matter the weather and light conditions, getting a pair of goggles with two lenses that are easy to swap in and out will add a lot of convenience.
After removing the lens, just reverse the process: move the lens to the frame, let the magnets do their magic, and pivot the small levers on either side back forward...and done!
The Shred Simplify+ is an intermediate option between magnetics and the traditional style. It uses straight-line attachments at the top and nose of the goggle and can then be pressed into the remaining contours. It requires more effort and time than magnetic-based models but less than the traditional notched lens style.
For skiers and riders who aren't interested in dropping a wad of cash on goggles, the remaining models in our test have a more traditional lens attachment style with notched cut-outs on the edge of the lens that snaps into place within the lip of the frame. These lens styles still allow for changing of lenses; it's just not quite as quick or straightforward as those mentioned above. Goggles like the Smith Squad, Giro Roam, Giro Blok, and Anon Helix 2.0 all share this style of lens attachment and are notably more challenging to switch out. After swapping lenses on these more traditional systems, we invariably had to clean the fingerprints from the lenses too. Depending on your preferences, this may or may not be a big deal.
The classic notched lens attachment of the Giro Blok; not super difficult to change lenses, just not nearly as easy as magnetic models.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Durability
A high-functioning contender also needs to have a decent level of durability. After spending your hard-earned money on fancy new ski goggles, imagine them falling apart. Long-term durability is challenging to evaluate, but we can look for distinct weak spots, like scratched lenses or strap elasticity loss. A reliable pair of ski goggles must endure repeated use and abuse in all weather conditions and environments.
A potential frustration, expense, and hazard is lens scratching. Like the anti-fog treatments available from each manufacturer, modern goggle lenses utilize a proprietary anti-scratch coating to keep the lenses as scratch-free as possible. Lens scratches can grow increasingly frustrating and potentially dangerous, especially as conditions become more monochromatic, like when an afternoon storm rolls in to wash out the light but deposit new snow. Smith uses a carbonic coating on the lenses, providing some of the industry's best scratch resistance.
Another factor that some of you globe-trotting skiers may want to consider is travel. Repeatedly packing and unpacking your ski luggage isn't as glamorous as ripping powder turns on a bluebird powder morning, but it's still an important consideration. How well these models can withstand the bumps and bruises of travel will impact their long-term wear and durability.
After months of extensive and sometimes abusive testing, we inspected all of our test subjects, checking the lenses, straps, and padding for signs of wear or damage that may have happened on the way. A durability standout is the Smith 4D Mag with its stout construction, although all our test goggles fared surprisingly well and showed almost no wear even at the end of our testing.
Most goggles from reputable manufacturers should last for multiple seasons with good care which takes consistent discipline.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Style
Goggle style is a subjective criterion and a matter of personal taste. It's also constantly changing. We get a good chuckle looking at photos of goggles we tested only five years ago — most of them already look outdated. Some of our test goggles have a more classic look, like the Smith Squad and the Giro Blok, while others have a more modern or futuristic appearance, like the Zeal Portal RLS.
Among our testers and friends, our style opinions gravitated toward the Smith 4D Mag, Smith I/O Mag, Anon M4, Giro Contour, Shred Simplify+, Zeal Beacon and the Oakley Flight Deck. Their high level of design is apparent, which positively affects their looks. In the end, style points are best awarded by you (and maybe your partner).
Choose a pair of goggles that makes you feel good out on the slopes.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Conclusion
In snow sports, equipment costs can quickly add up to a small fortune. But a good ski goggle can dramatically improve a skier's or rider's experience, performance, fun factor, and even safety for a relatively low cost. A performance snow goggle with excellent fit, comfort, breathability, optical quality, and durability can increase your enjoyment, whether you play or work in the snow.
