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The Best Ski Goggles of 2024

Searching for the best ski goggles or a pair of snow goggles for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or exploring winter storms? We've got you covered with our vetted list.

Peripheral vision in snow goggles is key; (photo/Jason Hummel)
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Modern ski goggles are wonders of technology. Unlike years past, there’s no reason to suffer through fogged optics or obscured vision. And with advanced features like photochromic lenses, contrast-enhancing light filtration, and easy lens interchange, you no longer have to squint or strain to see. Nor do you need to head to the lodge for a lens swap.

Our team has tested dozens of pairs of goggles over the past several winters to bring you our favorites. We break these down into multiple categories to help you choose the best snow goggles for your needs and budget.

Even the best goggles will suck if they don’t fit your face. Be sure to check out our tips on how to buy goggles in our comprehensive buyers guide, or compare models in our comparison chart. And if you have some questions, take a look at our list of frequently asked questions.

Otherwise, read our full gear guide and check out our awarded picks below for the best ski goggles of 2024.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Ski Goggles guide on October 10, 2023, to include nine newly heavily tested, freshly launched products from the 100% Norg to the Bollé Torus Neo, as well as several educational sections including a product breakdown, Parts of Ski Goggles.

The Best Ski Goggles of 2024

Best Overall Ski Goggles

Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop

Specs

  • Best for Excellent clarity, especially in variable and low light conditions
  • Lenses 2
  • Frame size Medium, Small, Low Bridge
  • Lens shape Spherical
Product Badge The Best Ski Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Easy to quickly change out lenses
  • Anti-fog interior lens design

Cons

  • Lenses are easily smudged while swapping due to the frameless design
Best Budget Ski Goggles

Giro Revolt

Specs

  • Best for Variable light conditions at the resort
  • Lenses 2
  • Frame size Medium
  • Lens shape Cylindrical
The Best Ski Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • The included low-light lens works well in challenging conditions

Cons

  • The lens is not the quickest to swap out
Runner-Up Best Ski Goggles

Bollé Torus Neo

Specs

  • Best for Premier all-around goggles for any conditions
  • Lenses 2
  • Frame size Large
  • Lens shape Spherical
The Best Ski Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Highly effective anti-fog
  • Extra-wide field of view
  • Easy, secure lens interchange
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Too large for smaller faces
Most Durable Ski Goggles

Sweet Protection Durden RIG Reflect Goggles

Specs

  • Best for All-around resort and backcountry use
  • Lenses 1
  • Frame size Medium to large
  • Lens shape Cylindrical
The Best Ski Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Strap placement enhances comfort and fit
  • Seemingly fogproof
  • Good contrast in flat light

Cons

  • May be too large for smaller faces
  • Well ventilated, may be chilly on very cold days
Best Women’s-Specific Ski Goggles

Anon WM3 Goggles

Specs

  • Best for All light conditions and easy face mask integration
  • Lenses 2
  • Frame size Small to medium
  • Lens shape Cylindrical
The Best Ski Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Comes with a bonus lens
  • Face mask integration
  • Good venting

Cons

  • On the expensive side
Most Sustainable Ski Goggles

Bollé Eco Blanca

Specs

  • Best for Women
  • Lenses 1
  • Frame size Small
  • Lens shape Cylindrical
The Best Ski Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Smaller frame designed for female face shapes
  • Good contrast in low light
  • Lightweight and low-profile

Cons

  • Only one non-swappable lens
  • Small frame restricts field of view
Best Magnetic Interchange and Clarity

100% Norg Goggle

Specs

  • Best for Resort days
  • Lenses 2
  • Frame size Medium to large
  • Lens shape 3DPlane Molded Lens
The Best Ski Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Super scratch and smudge resistant
  • Powerful, easy to change magnetic lenses
  • Excellent contract and clarity

Cons

  • Lens is a tad on the larger size and might swallow a small face
  • Loud style might not be everyone’s preference
Best of the Rest

Smith 4D MAG ChromaPop

Specs

  • Best for Skiers seeking the largest field of view on the market
  • Lenses 2
  • Frame size Medium, Low bridge
  • Lens shape Spherical
The Best Ski Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Excellent peripheral vision
  • Easy lens-changing system

Cons

  • Expensive

Julbo Cyrius

Specs

  • Best for Skiers looking for high-end photochromatic lenses that perform in all weather conditions
  • Lenses 1
  • Frame size Large
  • Lens shape Cylindrical
The Best Ski Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Great in low-visibility conditions
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Not ideal for those with smaller faces

100% Snowcraft Goggle

Specs

  • Best for Resort days, backcountry
  • Lenses 2
  • Frame size Medium
  • Lens shape 3DPlane molded lens
The Best Ski Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Fairly easy to swap traditional lens design
  • Excellent clarity

Cons

  • Missing the 100% magnetic attachment

Atomic Four Pro HD

Specs

  • Best for Variable days, larger faces
  • Lenses 2
  • Frame size Large
  • Lens shape Cylindrical
The Best Ski Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Photochromic lens adjusts with shifting light conditions
  • Included clear lens for dark days and night skiing
  • Good value

Cons

  • Limited “past the nose” visibility

Zeal Lookout

Specs

  • Style Cylindrical
  • Fit Medium frame size
  • Technology Observation Deck Technology, RailLock System, automatic light-adjusting lenses
  • Lenses Standard mirror lens, polarized lens, or polarized and photochromic (Automatic+)
  • Lens system Frame lock
  • Included Spare lens, over-the-glasses compatible
  • Verified weight 5.1 oz.
The Best Ski Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • 30+ frame and lens color combinations
  • Great clarity, super versatile
  • Comfortable all day
  • Photochromic primary lens covers almost any conditions
  • Never fogged up!

Cons

  • Smaller field of view for a high-end goggle
  • Expensive
  • "Medium" fit fits smaller faces very well, larger faces just OK

Marker Smooth Operator Goggles

Specs

  • Best for Backcountry, budget shoppers, backup goggle
  • Lenses 1
  • Frame size Large, medium
  • Lens shape Cylindrical
The Best Ski Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • Lightweight, flexible frame molds to face
  • Pocket-packable for fast backcountry missions
  • Great value

Cons

  • Slim profile doesn’t align with helmets well

Anon M4 Toric Goggles

Specs

  • Best for Quick lens changes and fog prevention
  • Lenses 2
  • Frame size Large
  • Lens shape Toric
The Best Ski Goggles of 2024

Pros

  • User-friendly lens-change system
  • Good airflow and fog prevention

Cons

  • Not ideal for small faces
A low light and fog-free lens is helpful during a powder storm; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Ski Goggles Comparison Chart

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Lenses, Frame Size, Lens Shape.

Ski GogglesPriceLensesFrame SizeLens Shape
Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop$2702MediumSpherical
Giro Revolt$1302MediumCylindrical
Bollé Torus Neo$3002LargeSpherical
Sweet Protection Durden RIG Reflect Goggles$1501Medium/LargeCylindrical
Anon WM3 Goggles$2802Small/MediumCylindrical
Bollé Eco Blanca$1601SmallCylindrical
100% Norg Goggle$2502Medium/Large3DPlane Molded Lens
Smith 4D MAG ChromaPop $3202MediumSpherical
Julbo Cyrius $2801LargeCylindrical
100% Snowcraft Goggle$1801Medium3DPlane Molded Lens
Atomic Four Pro HD$1602LargeCylindrical
Zeal Lookout$2692MediumCylindrical
Marker Smooth Operator Goggles$901Large/MediumCylindrical
Anon M4 Toric Goggles$3202LargeToric
Consider bringing a second lens or pair of goggles on a snowy day in case the lens gets jammed with snow and can dry fast enough; (photo/Jason Hummel)

How We Tested Ski Goggles

Our team of ski gear testers has more than 60 years of combined experience on the slopes. We remember the days of garbage goggles that would fog in the slightest snowstorm (aka the 1980s) and really appreciate the incredible capability of modern goggles.

For this review, we’ve tested dozens of pairs of goggles over more than 10 years. Our latest team outing included a full week at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, where we skied for a full week and tested goggles back-to-back. And as snow goggle technology advances, so does this article. We update this article multiple times each year. Thus, you will find the latest information when it’s time to invest in a new pair of snow shades.

GearJunkie Senior Editor Morgan Tilton specializes in the snowsports category and has lived in the high-altitude Rockies of Colorado for more than 3 decades, where she grew up, learned to ski, snowboard, snowmobile, shovel unbelievable amounts, and still lives today. While she works with countless gear testers, Tilton also field tests between time at the desk. To date in 2023, she has tested ski goggles for 175 hours of recreation from the ski area to the backcountry and from blizzards to bluebird days.

When we test goggles, we consider the overall fit, field of vision, comfort, shape, lens quality and clarity, light transmission, and size as well as the adjustability of the lens and strap.

We also examine the technology of the lens including ventilation, scratch and impact resistance, hydrophobic and antifog treatments, light adaptivity (also known as photochromic lenses), and polarized glare protection.

In addition to our field tests, we consider the most sustainable, innovative, legacy, popular, and award-winning products on the shelf today. This collection of ski goggles includes a broad range of options to fit a variety of budgets, skiers, and needs.

Dark lenses are most suitable for super sunny days with close to a 25% VLT; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Buyers Guide: How to Choose Ski Goggles

The lens is the most critical piece of your goggles. Lenses protect your eyes from the harsh sun, stinging wind, and flying objects.

One of our testers once planted a pole into a tree and then skied into the other end of their pole right between the eyes. Their Julbo Aerospace Snow Goggles protected their head and eyes. It hurt, and nearly knocked them out, but it would have been a lot worse without them.

With so many goggles on the market, how’s a skier, rider, or sledder to choose? Hold on tight as we run through a few key elements of snow goggle selection.

Parts of Ski Goggles

Ski goggles are basic yet complex. You’ll find a lens, frame, strap, and foam all sandwiched together for these empowering spectacles.

The interior of a ski goggle frame is lined with thick foam; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Lens

Protecting your eyes is the lens, which is made from a shatter-resistant and transparent polycarbonate material. The lens can be coated with scratch-resistant, anti-fog or hydrophilic, and oleophobic or smudge-resistant treatments on the exterior and interior. Nearly all snow goggles are double-layered with a seal, so the internal gap maintains a temperature that prevents getting fogged up, like double-pane windows.

Frame

A durable, pliable plastic makes up the frame around the lens. Silhouettes come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes including small, women’s specific (which are scaled-down and smaller), and lower bridge styles, which fit faces with lower nose bridges or a wide or high cheekbone shape. Low bridge fits can also be referred to by the snow goggles industry as Alternative or “Alt” fit, Asian fit, or Universal fit.

Ski goggle straps typically have two dual slider buckles to adjust the circumference; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Strap

Holding the goggles around your helmet or head is a wide elastic band. Some designs have silicone strips or dots that help the strap stay put.

The band is typically fixed to either side of the goggle though can be removed and exchanged.

With typically two plastic slider buckles, the band can be extended or tightened to your preferred circumference — this is a really quick, easy process.

Certain strap designs are continuous and completely enclosed while others have a releasable plastic clip halfway through the circumference.

Padding

Inside the frame is a layer of foam padding that provides comfort, seals out wind, allows airflow to help prevent fogging, and even absorbs sweat or moisture from snowfall — or a tomahawk.

The best way to test compatibility is to try on your helmet and goggles at the same time to see how their shapes and sizes match up; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Fit

This should be a top consideration for ski goggles. If you wear a helmet, definitely try on the goggles with your helmet on. You don’t want a significant gap between the helmet and goggles, or you’ll get cold air blasting your forehead. The helmet should form a close fit with the goggles all the way across the face with no gaps.

Also, make sure the goggles fit your face well and aren’t too big or small for comfort. It’s really best to try on a few models to make sure you’re happy with the fit, both to your face and your helmet.

Finally, ensure the strap is long enough to fit around your helmet and face without too much pressure.

A mirror coating on a lens helps deflect light to reduce glare; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Lens and Light Transmission

What does “VLT” mean? Goggles use the measure, called “visible light transmission,” to identify and categorize lenses. VLT is the percentage of visible light the lenses allow to pass through based on the lens color or tint, thickness, coatings, and material of the construction. The higher the number, the more light gets through the lens.

The best lenses for sunny days have a VLT between about 5% and 20%. For low-light conditions, look for lenses with a VLT between 60% and 90%.

Goggle categories are labeled by each brand for various weather conditions to help skiers choose the best one as their daily driver.

Many lenses are available across the categories 1-4, with 1 being nearly clear for very low light and 4 being super dark for very bright sunshine.

  • Category 1: Nearly clear for very low light
  • Category 2: Approximately 43% to 18% of light passes through the lens
  • Category 3: Close to 8% to 18% of light passes through the lens, making it suitable for use in sunny conditions
  • Category 4: Super dark for very bright sunshine

Most goggles fall in the 2-3 category, with many photochromatic models offering a range from 1 to 3. Few models come in 4, which is intended for only the brightest snow conditions.

testing the Smith I/O MAG ChromaPop Snow Goggles
Editorial Director Sean McCoy testing the Smith I/O MAG ChromaPop Snow Goggles; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Tint and Color

While color may seem like a stylistic choice, the tint or color of a lens influences the VLT. Each tone filters the incoming color and light in a different way.

You’ll often see that lighter-toned and more transparent lenses, which allow in more environmental lights, are colored yellow or rose. Darker lenses angle toward brown, gray, or copper. Try a few on and see what you like, and try to look into daylight when evaluating the color.

  • Bright, sunny: Black, dark gray, dark red, brown, platinum and mirrored lenses
  • Partly cloudy: Blue, green, medium red, violet, medium gray
  • Overcast, low-light: Yellow, gold, copper, amber, orange, rose, light red
  • Night: Transparent/clear

Often, the frame and the band are available in various colors, too.

A cylindrical lens is more flat on the y-axis compared to a spherical lens; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Shape

When evaluating lenses, consider the shape. Most are cylindrical or spherical:

  • Cylindrical lenses curve in a flat plane across your face. This means the lens is flat in the vertical plane. These lenses work well but offer less field of view than most spherical lenses and tend to have slightly more glare. They’re usually the less expensive choice.
  • Spherical lenses have three dimensions of curve and look a bit like a cross-section of a sphere. They cost more to manufacture and therefore have a higher price on the shelves. But for the money, you get a better field of view, less glare, and less distortion.

Photochromatic

A photochromatic lens is super helpful for variable light conditions. The lens automatically adjusts its level of tint based on the amount and intensity of the current light exposure. If it’s cloudy, stormy, or you’re weaving in and out of the glades, photochromatic technology is an asset.

Polarized

Polarized lenses are treated to help reduce glare, which occurs from sunlight hitting either snow or water. The health benefit of a polarized lens is preventing eye strain and fatigue, which also helps to improve vision.

If a pair has the technology, that goggle is clearly labeled as polarized.

A category 2 lens, the 100% HiPER True Gold ML Mirror color offers 29% light transmission for cloudy conditions; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Mirrored

When a snow goggle has a reflective coating on the exterior surface of the outermost lens, the optical effect is called mirrored, which likewise prevents glare. Mirrored lenses also look pretty cool.

The coating can be partially or fully applied, preventing up to 50% less light compared to non-mirrored ski goggles.

Interchangeable Lenses

The majority of modern goggles have interchangeable lenses, which allow you to switch lenses depending on light conditions. Consider if a brand sells replacement lenses, which could be a cheap way to replace goggles that get scratched (which they all do eventually).

Also, consider if the goggles come with a second or third set of lenses for varying light conditions.

If you plan to regularly change lenses, we recommend paying a bit more for a pair with an easy, quick-change design. It makes mid-mountain changes doable and limits the possibility of damaging the goggles.

Darker tones and colors block more light from passing through the lens; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Traditional and Magnetic Lenses

Traditional interchangeable lenses have a handful of tiny teeth around the edge that pop into and out of divots in the plastic frame. You need to align the divots, which can be a tad time-consuming if you’re not familiar with the process, so be sure to practice at home before being on the ski lift swapping out a lens. You can also get fingerprints on the lens, so carry a goggle wipe to clean up.

Progressive lenses are developed with supplemental magnets that hold the lens to the frame in addition to the plastic connection points or clips that fold or slide across the lens face for security.

Other goggle designs are completely smooth around the edge of the lens and completely depend on magnets like the 100% Norg Goggle, and all of the goggles made by 100%, which feature the strongest magnets we’ve tested to date.

Female skier testing ski goggles
To keep the snow out, make sure your goggles and helmet are compatible with no gap; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Venting and Features

All ski goggles have some type of venting, and most work pretty well. Consider the foam over vents and if it will ice up or hold moisture on a powder day, as that’s a likely way to get fogged goggles. But be careful: We’ve damaged our foam while removing snow. That stuff isn’t bombproof.

Higher-priced goggles tend to have better foam around the face and over vents.

FAQ

What color lens is best for ski goggles?

There is no best color for ski goggles because different colors work better in different conditions. In low or flat light conditions (like cloudy days and snowstorms), goggles with rose or amber lenses will help increase contrast the best.

For bright, sunny days, most skiers choose a darker lens and may opt for a gray color, although many will still retain a rose or amber tint. Night skiing requires extreme light transmission, so most skiers will choose a nearly clear lens, possibly with a yellow or rose tint.

The interior lens of a goggle can also be coated with treatments to prevent fogging up; (photo/Jason Hummel)
What are the best ski goggles for low light?

Choose lenses with a high VLT for low light. For low-contrast situations, snow goggles with yellow, amber, or rose lenses will help enhance contrast.

Are photochromic ski goggles worth it?

For those who want a lens for varied conditions, photochromatic lenses are a great choice. They allow one pair of goggles to meet most needs without having to change lenses.

Goggle sizes and shapes range from small to large as well as alternative fits for low nose bridges; (photo/Jason Hummel)
What is the best lens shape for ski goggles?

Spherical and four-dimensional lenses give skiers the biggest field of view, which equates to better vision at the edges of the goggles. They also give the least distortion compared with cheaper cylindrical lenses. Look for goggles that give you the widest field of view while still fitting your helmet well.

How long do ski goggles last?

A good pair of ski goggles can last for several years with proper care. But as with most optics, the biggest risk is scratching the lens. To avoid scratching, only touch the lens with soft, clean microfiber or cotton material, and be careful when brushing off snow with rough gloves or jackets.

One benefit of interchangeable lenses is you can often buy lenses separately, so you can get replacements if you scratch your lens at a fraction of the cost of a new pair of goggles. Quality frames and foam should last for many days on the mountain!

Morgan Tilton testing the Smith Range
Senior Editor Morgan Tilton testing the Smith Range; (photo/Jason Hummel)

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