Best Snowboard Helmets of 2025

It’s that time of year! Time to find the perfect present for our adventurous loved ones. For that person in your life who loves all things cold weather, check out our gift guide for skiers and snowboarders. For ideas tailored to other pursuits, we also have more editor-recommended gift guides to explore. Happy gift giving!

Whether you’re a park rat, resort ripper, or like to earn your turns in the backcountry, a quality helmet is a key addition to any snowboarder’s arsenal. We put these lids to the test, from hitting jibs at Stevens Pass to riding powder in the narrow high alpine hallways of the Eastern Sierra backcountry to thigh-deep tram laps at Snowbird. The helmets on our list range from entry-level models to high-end designs such as the Anon Prime Mips, which offers the style and features we love without compromising protection or costing as much as an airplane ticket. You also get your pick of looks: While many designs are popular among both snowboarders and skiers, devoted riders will find a number of more specialized, freestyle-inspired helmets and models that pay homage to snowboarding’s skateboard roots. For more information, see our comparison table and buying advice.

Editor's note: This guide was updated on November 25, 2025, to update our pick for the best freestyle helmet, add updates for 2026 models, and provide more info on our team and testing process. We also introduced a section called tested and dismissed, where we describe our experience with helmets that don't quite make the cut for models we would recommend to our friends. 
 

Our Team's Snowboard Helmet Picks

• Best Overall Snowboard Helmet: Anon Prime Mips
• Best Budget Snowboard Helmet: Smith Scout Mips
• A Premium Helmet at a Premium Price: Smith Vantage 2 Mips
• Best Helmet for the Park and Pipe: Giro Taggert Mips
• Best Backcountry Snowboarding Helmet: Smith Summit Mips
• Our Other Favorite Snowboard Helmets

Best Overall Snowboard Helmet

1. Anon Prime Mips ($245)

Construction: Hybrid in-mold
Weight: 1 lb. 2.8 oz.
Ventilation: Adjustable (23 vents)
What we like: Snowboard-specific style and high-end features at a reasonable price.
What we don’t: The Smith Vantage 2 feels more premium.

A sub-brand of Burton, Anon offers a variety of high-quality lids with a healthy dose of style—or, as you may like to call it, "steeze" (style with ease). Their top-of-the-line Prime Mips is our favorite all-rounder, with all the safety and performance features we look for in a premium snow helmet at a competitive price. The hybrid in-mold design offers a great balance of weight savings and durability, and ventilation is excellent with 23 adjustable vents that slide open or shut depending on conditions or your activity level. And while all helmets are designed to protect your head in the event of a fall, the Prime kicks it up a notch with Mips technology, giving you additional assurance against angled impacts.

There’s no shortage of options when shopping for a snowboard helmet, but we think the Prime puts it all together better than most. Spending up will get you even more premium construction and durable materials—in general, we think Smith makes slightly higher-quality lids. On the flip side, you can save some cash with a heavier and more generic option or by forgoing Mips technology. But the Prime hits a real sweet spot for many snowboarders, and the good news is that comfort and usability are up to snuff, thanks to an in-shell, 360-degree Boa fit system, a Fidlock magnetic chin buckle, and removable fleece ear pads. Finally, like most designs here, it’s also compatible with audio accessories. All in all, for a top-end helmet from one of the best in the business, look no further than the Anon Prime Mips.
See the Anon Prime Mips
 

Best Budget Helmet

2. Smith Scout Mips ($120)

Construction: ABS
Weight: 1 lb. 2 oz.
Ventilation: Fixed (8 vents)
What we like: A tough, Mips-equipped helmet for a great price.
What we don’t: No Mips liner available; liner and foam are cheaper than pricier helmets.

Smith was one of the early adopters of Mips technology, and their current snow helmet lineup is chock-full of Mips designs. The Scout is a standout and is the most affordable helmet on our list that’s equipped with the angled impact safety tech. Other than that, you don’t get a lot of bells and whistles, but there’s enough here to make most riders happy: a removable goggle retainer hook around back, ear pads (also removable), and a finicky but still entirely serviceable fit adjustment system. Anyone from casual riders to season-long rippers on a budget should give the Scout Mips serious consideration.

A number of Smith and Giro models go head-to-head, and the Scout is a direct competitor with the Giro Ledge Mips. On paper, the lids are almost identical: Both feature tough, hard shells that can take a good knock, eight fixed vents, and a nice range of colors. That said, the Smith gets the edge in comfort for us with its slightly more intuitive fit system, and the styling is a little better tuned for snowboarding. Last but not least, the Scout boasts an all-season certification, which means it can pull double duty as a skate or bike helmet (the Ledge is only certified for snow sports). All told, if you're looking to maximize protection and versatility on a budget, the Scout Mips is hard to beat. For those with rounder heads, it's also available in a Round Contour Fit version, which is a little wider at the back, for the same price.
See the Smith Scout Mips

A Premium Helmet At A Premium Price

3. Smith Vantage 2 Mips ($295)

Construction: Hybrid in-mold
Weight: 1 lb. 2 oz.
Ventilation: Adjustable (21 vents)
What we like: Premium in every way.
What we don’t: $45 more expensive than the Anon Prime.

A runaway favorite for skiers and snowboarders alike, the Smith Vantage 2 Mips gives the Anon Prime a run for its money in all-around performance. Just about everything about this helmet exudes quality, including a soft but supportive liner, an easy-to-adjust Boa dial for fine-tuning fit, and superior ventilation with 40 vents controlled by two separate sliders. The Vantage also comes with all the safety bells and whistles in the Smith arsenal: The Aerocore construction with the distinctive honeycomb-like Koroyd material maximizes energy absorption in a crash, and the Mips liner protects against angled impacts. All in all, it's hard to beat the Vantage 2's premium comfort and versatility for both frontside and backcountry use.

Why does the Anon Prime earn our top billing for this season? In short, it came down to price and overall value: the Prime checks all the boxes for most resort riders for $45 less than the Vantage. Perhaps even more importantly, it’s accompanied by the brand cachet of Burton’s Anon, to which many snowboarders are loyal. But for a bump in protection and ventilation, it’s hard to deny the all-around appeal of the Vantage (there's a reason it's ranked #1 in our ski helmet round-up). Of note: we've found the Mips model runs small, so those at the high end of the fit range may want to size up.
See the Men's Smith Vantage 2 Mips
 

Best Helmet for Park and Pipe

4. Giro Taggert Mips ($200)

Construction: In-mold
Weight: 14.5 oz.
Ventilation: Fixed (4 vents)
What we like: Freestyle aesthetic, comfort, hardshell durability, and light weight.
What we don’t: Minimal ventilation. 

There is no special designation for freestyle helmets, but those who like to send it in the park, the pipe, or on backcountry kickers tend to gravitate toward classic-looking skate-style helmets. We get it–they’re simple, they’re durable, and in the case of the Giro Taggert Mips, they’re comfortable. The removable earflaps are cozy, and they have slots for your Bluetooth audio system of choice. The chin strap features a fleece cover to minimize chafing while you spot your landings, and it’s available in a dozen colors to match your kit. 

The first thing we noticed while unboxing the Taggert is the lack of vents. It has two in the front and two in the rear of the helmet, but those who like to fine-tune their head heat throughout the day will want to go with a helmet that has adjustable vents and more of them. That said, with the removable ear flaps and the wide variety of balaclavas, hoods, and beanies available to wear underneath your helmet, we didn’t find this to be a huge issue. If you like the idea of adjustable vents, the Glade Optics Boundary Mips has 16 of them and costs the same as the Taggert, but doesn’t nail the style. 
See the Giro Taggert Mips
 

Best Backcountry Snowboard Helmet

 5. Smith Summit Mips ($260)

Construction: Hybrid in-mold and ABS shell
Weight: 15.8 oz.
Ventilation: Fixed (33 vents)
What we like: Triple-certified, cord closure is tailored and hard to break. 
What we don’t: Bulkier and heavier than other similar options.

With an incredibly tailored fit and do-it-all capabilities, the Smith Summit Mips is one of the top-performing helmets for backcountry pursuits. The flexible cord Boa system allows a great fit for all head shapes and headwear options while still being triple-certified. This cord system also greatly increases the durability of the closure system, without worrying about breaking the plastic piece at the back of most helmet closures. A built-in helmet carry clipping point ups the ante again, earning the Summit an easy access spot on the back of the backcountry aficionado's pack. The Koroyd material, combined with the helmet's in-mold construction, provides lightweight protection while allowing ample ventilation through the 33 vents. 

While the Summit wins our backcountry pick for the year, the Movement 3Tech Alpi is in close competition for the uphill traveler. At a higher price, the Summit is also about 3 ounces heavier than both the Movement and the Salomon MTN Lab. The construction is still lightweight, but it has a bulkier profile than that of the other options. That said, the Summit holds its own for us, and the helmet carry points offer easier, more packable options to complement various splitboard backpack carries while out in the backcountry.
See the Smith Summit Mips
 

Our Other Favorite Snowboard Helmets

A Low-Profile and Light Resort Helmet

6. Giro Jackson Mips ($220)

Construction: In-mold
Weight: 14.1 oz.
Ventilation: Fixed (8 vents)
What we like: Minimalist looks, lightweight.
What we don’t: Non-adjustable venting means you can’t fully seal out the cold.

Giro kept things simple on the Jackson Mips and women's Terra Mips with a clean and minimalist exterior, low-profile in-mold construction, and lightly cushioned ear pads. But the details are nicely sorted, including a highly adjustable fit system that can be shifted up and down to avoid a gaper gap with your goggles and the option to remove the aforementioned ear pads on warm days. What’s more, the Jackson arguably has more snowboarder-friendly styling, and at just over 14 ounces, it is a solid choice for riders who split their time between the resort and backcountry.

Most fixed-vent designs do a poor job at regulating temperature, but the passive system on the Jackson is quite effective at drawing air from the front and out the back—even when standing still or working hard on a sidecountry hike. One limitation of the design, however, is that you can’t seal it closed. As such, in frigid temperatures or when strong, chilly gusts hit you hard, the helmet runs cooler than a model with an adjustable venting system (like the aforementioned Mission). In other words, the Jackson isn’t a great match for those who run cold, but for active resort snowboarders or those looking for an affordable backcountry lid, it’s certainly got a lot of appeal. 
See the Men's Giro Jackson Mips  See the Women’s Giro Terra Mips
 

A Quality Helmet Without the Price Hike

7. Glade Optics Boundary Mips ($199) 

Construction: In-mold
Weight: 1 lb. 
Ventilation: Adjustable (16 vents)
What we like: Great feature set and style; reasonably lightweight. 
What we don’t: Pricier than some of the in-mold competition.

Breckenridge, Colo.-based Glade Optics is a classic story of “by the people, for the people.” With the goal of keeping things passionate yet professional, the small company started with eyewear (sunglasses and goggles) but has now dipped into the helmet world with their Boundary Mips. For being new to the game, it’s clear they did their homework. The Boundary is lightweight (15.8-oz. for our men’s medium), has soft cushioning that completely isolates you from the fit/adjustment system, and features a Fidlock buckle, Mips liner, adjustable front vents, and a small visor. What’s more, we found it fits seamlessly with Glade’s goggles (and decently well with offerings from Smith, too). Check, check, and check.

In years past, our main gripe with the Glade Boundary was that its price seemed a little steep given the helmet's overall performance. Now, however, many of the helmets that we once recommended over this model have significantly jumped in price, but Glade has stayed true to their primary objective–providing top-tier products at an affordable cost to you. While $199 might not feel budget-friendly, we’ve seen many manufacturers hike prices by 10, 15, or even 20% for the 2026 season. All of that said, there are still basic, in-mold snowboard helmets that cost significantly less than the Boundary, such as the Smith Scout Mips. 
See the Glade Optics Boundary Mips
 

Tested & Dismissed Snowboard Helmets

We’ve seen some standout models from Oakley over the years, but we still haven’t come across one that strikes the right balance of price vs. performance. The Mod1 Mips sits in an in-between zone, with the look and feel of an ABS model but falling short in durability and ventilation. We’ve also tested the Mod5 Mips–it’s a comfortable and great-looking helmet, but it’s hard to recommend a helmet at that price when there are others that offer similar features, weigh half a pound less, and will leave you with enough extra funds in your wallet to cover the Après.  

The POC Obex Mips is another helmet that checks all the boxes–it’s solid, it looks good, and it has well-integrated safety features, but at $240, it doesn’t stand out in any one particular way. It’s advertised as a lightweight, low-profile model, but our team found it bulkier than the Prime or the Vantage 2, and it also sacrifices plushness. 

There is a lot to be said for triple-certified helmets such as the Salomon MTN Lab that can be used for climbing, biking, and other action sports in addition to snowboarding, but let’s be honest–winter is the true limiting factor. Our team found that this model falls short as an everyday helmet and feels more geared toward climbing than anything else. If you’re heading out on a splitboarding/mountaineering combination mission, the Smith Summit Mips offers superior performance in the snow. 
 

Snowboard Helmet Comparison Table

About Our Testing Process

While some of our editors prefer sliding on two sticks, there are some holdouts that you may be surprised to know have snowboarded and splitboarded longer than they have skied. Snowsports editor Ross Patton started skiing as soon as he could stand, but switched to snowboarding at 15 and never looked back. By the time he was 21 years old, he was sponsored from head to toe and has been involved in the snowboard industry in one way or another ever since, whether it's been in front of the camera, behind the lens, R&D, or, infamously, destroying gear. Contributing editor Brooke Maushund is also a lifelong lover of all things snow. Brooke has served as a ski patroller, guide, avalanche educator, observer, and avalanche forecaster in the snowpacks of Idaho, Patagonia, Washington, and the Eastern Sierra.

Our current lineup of seven recommended snowboard helmets is the result of ongoing testing, feedback from our contributors, and extensive research. Given the rapidly growing amount of offerings for both in-bounds and backcountry helmets, we’ve included a relatively wide variety of options that vary in use, technology, and price points. To make our list, each helmet had to stand out in one or more areas, with many striking an effective balance between performance, use, and price. If you're looking to complete your setup for the season, know that we took a similar approach with our lineup of all-mountain snowboards, bindings, and splitboards. 
 

Snowboard Helmet Buying Advice

• Helmet Construction Types
• Helmet Safety: Mips and More
• Helmet Certifications
• Ventilation: Adjustable or Fixed
• Liners: Comfort and Warmth
• Weight and Bulk
• Snowboard Helmet Features
• Sizing and Fit
• Goggle Compatibility
• Women’s-Specific Helmets

Helmet Construction Types

Construction styles for snowboard helmets can be broken into three general categories: ABS for the best durability, in-mold for the lightest weight, and hybrid in-mold for a nice compromise between the two. Below, we break down the pros and cons of each type and who they're best for.

ABS
Diving a little deeper, ABS helmets like the Smith Scout are made in the traditional style with a hard plastic shell and a foam liner glued to the inside. The combination is simple but tough—ABS will scratch, but it's far less likely to show cosmetic damage like dings and dents than other materials. It’s also the most affordable helmet construction, and many ABS helmets are certified for all-season use while biking, skateboarding, or roller skating. The tank-like design does come at the expense of weight, bulk, and ventilation: Put on an ABS helmet back-to-back with an in-mold or hybrid design, and the ABS model will look and feel more cumbersome. But given their strengths, ABS helmets are a great choice for everyone, from beginner snowboarders and penny pinchers to those who are especially hard on their gear.
 

In-Mold and Hybrid
In-mold and hybrid in-mold technology is found on many mid-range and high-end helmets. In-mold construction combines a thin shell (often polycarbonate) with an EPS foam liner right from the start, and they’re molded together. What you get is an integrated piece, which cuts weight, adds a premium finish, and lets the helmet work as a single unit to absorb impacts. Ventilation also improves with these designs, though the degree of improvement will vary by model and price.

Durability is the primary downside of an in-mold helmet, particularly in terms of protection against cosmetic damage like dings and dents. For this reason, hybrid helmets have become increasingly popular. Hybrid in-mold designs add a hardshell layer (often along the top) for improved aesthetic durability. Because of the added material, they’re generally a few ounces heavier than standard in-mold designs but are a better choice for riders who get after it in the park or on big-mountain terrain (or simply for those who want a quality build that should last a long time). However, their price, often $200 or more, puts hybrid designs out of reach for many occasional riders. A number of our top picks use this type of construction, including the Anon Prime and Smith Vantage 2.
 

Helmet Safety: Mips and More

Mips
In an effort to increase safety, many snow helmets offer additional protective features beyond the standard shell-and-foam combos mentioned. Among these technologies, none has been adopted as widely as the Mips (short for "Multi-directional Impact Protection System") liner. Mips was designed to reduce brain damage in angled impacts (as might occur during a high-speed snowboarding fall or a botched landing) by using a liner that moves independently of the outer shell. We’ve taken the time to remove our Mips liners, and it’s impressively simple: A thin plastic layer connects to the helmet with a few small tabs and moves independently, keeping rotational impacts from passing onto the brain (note: Mips strongly advises against removing the liner—we did so only for educational purposes). Mips’ more premium Spherical technology uses two pieces of EPP foam in a ball-and-socket configuration to achieve the same level of impact reduction.
 

Beyond the formidable research that has gone into Mips and comparable technologies, the beauty of the designs is that they have essentially no impact on comfort or the profile of the helmet. As such, you see Mips being adopted on anything from Smith’s premium $295 Vantage 2 all the way down to their Scout. Some helmets we’ve tested do appear to fit slightly smaller as a result, but otherwise, the impact is negligible. How often Mips technology is a safety benefit is difficult to quantify, and we haven’t found any solid evidence-based research, but all indications point to it being a nice extra safety measure to protect your head (how much that’s worth is up to you). For more information on Mips, we’ve found the technology page of the Mips website to be a helpful resource.
 

Koroyd and WaveCel
In addition to Mips, some helmet manufacturers have begun to replace standard EPS foam with cellular or honeycomb-like materials like WaveCel and Koroyd. These materials can absorb more energy than EPS, while minimizing bulk and weight and maximizing ventilation. WaveCel, in particular, is so adept at absorbing angled impacts and reducing rotational forces that current WaveCel-equipped lids forgo a Mips liner. You’ll spend more for the extra tech, but many riders will appreciate the added assurance and improved breathability. 
 

EPS vs. EPP Foam
A final safety consideration is the choice between EPS and EPP foam. Most snow helmets feature EPS foam, which is more affordable than EPP foam but also more brittle. When subjected to enough impact, EPS will crack, meaning these helmets will need to be retired after a big fall. On the other hand, EPP foam springs back into shape after impact and can take multiple hits during its lifespan, making it a great choice for park rats and aggressive riders who subject their helmets to a lot of abuse. In addition, it doesn’t require an ABS or polypropylene shell to help distribute the force. We see EPP used extensively in climbing helmets due to its lightweight construction (i.e., no need for a shell), but it has yet to become widespread in snow helmets.
 

Helmet Certifications

Tasked with keeping you safe from hard impacts on the hill, the helmets on our list are certified to ASTM (U.S.) or EN (European) standards for non-motorized snow sports safety. Despite the differences in construction, these helmets all share a basic design: a shell exterior and an impact-absorbing interior. If you’re headed to the slopes, it’s important that you use a helmet designed for the job (i.e., don’t use a mountain bike helmet for snowboarding) and refrain from using it for tasks outside of its intended use (such as snowmobiling). And of course, the onus is still, as it should be, on the user to ride within their limits.
 

There are a few snow helmets that have multiple certifications for use outside of snowboarding or skiing. Helmets with an all-season certification (EN 1078) will be of particular interest to snowboarders who spend the warmer half of the year riding bikes, skateboarding, or roller skating. These designs, like the Smith Scout, are often built with a solid ABS shell that can take a beating on the pavement. Like most snow helmets, they also feature removable ear pads, which are essential for summer use. All-season-certified lids certainly aren’t among the lightest or most high-performance here, but their versatility and low price make them a popular choice for those looking for a quiver-of-one helmet. 

Finally, a few helmets, including the Smith Summit and Salomon MTN Lab, are also certified for climbing (EN 12492). These helmets offer increased protection against falling objects in addition to impact protection at the front, rear, and sides. If you’re a splitboarder who ventures into the backcountry or deep into the mountains, you’ll want to look for a helmet certified for both snow sports and climbing (the Mammut Haute Route is another option). And good news for uphill athletes: These lids all feature lightweight and breathable designs for great performance on the skin track or boot pack.
 

Ventilation: Adjustable or Fixed

Many riders will prioritize ventilation. Throughout the course of an average resort day, we open and close our vents on multiple occasions as we hunker down on a windy lift ride or heat up on a sidecountry hike. The technology behind keeping you at a comfortable temperature isn’t as simple as putting a bunch of holes in the helmet—that winter air is rather cold and can lead to the dreaded brain freeze when you are trying to let out some steam.

First, look at the number of total vents on the helmet (we’ve provided this information in the specs for each helmet and in the comparison table). Not all vents are created equal, but this number gives you a good starting point as to how much ventilation the helmet offers. To be sure, there is a correlation between the number of vents and the helmet's cost. One of the best ventilators, the high-end Smith Vantage 2, has an impressive 40 vents, while a budget model like the Smith Scout has only eight small, fixed openings.
 

Then you have both adjustability and design considerations. Many premium and mid-range helmets have glove-friendly, adjustable vents that can be opened or closed to let through the amount of air you prefer. Adjustability is highly preferred over static vents, particularly for active boarders that get out in a wide range of conditions. And effective designs direct air through intakes at the front and “exhaust” the heat out the top and back. Budget helmets often have fixed openings that cannot be shut, although a well-designed passive system can still do a decent job regulating your body heat. For long uphill slogs, you may need to ditch the helmet altogether, though we always recommend wearing one if there is a chance of rockfall.
 

Liners: Comfort and Warmth

Liner comfort is one of the most noticeable differences between budget models (typically under $100) and mid-range and high-end snowboard helmets. More expensive options like the Smith Vantage 2, Oakley Mod5, and POC Obex feature padding along the interior that balances softness with support, and if you get the right fit, you’ll hardly notice the helmet throughout the day. One medium-priced model that absolutely nails the liner is the Giro Taggert, which offers the comfort and warmth of a premium model at a fraction of the price. Cheaper designs often use squishy foam that packs out over time, feel uncomfortable when worn all day, and muffle sound (due to the foam in the ear pads). For these reasons, we recommend spending up if you plan to get out a lot in the winter. Like an uncomfortable pair of boots, you’ll notice it if you don’t.
 

In addition to comfort, your liner can be a great source of insulation. In our experience, a quality design like what’s included with Smith’s Vantage 2 offers about as much warmth as a midweight winter hat (we’ve been comfortable wearing the Vantage 2 down into the single digits). Spending up often gets you better insulation, while sticking with a cheap lid can lead to issues with warmth (especially around the ears). Finally, keep in mind that for particularly frigid days, or if you’re prone to running cold, you can slip on a beanie or a balaclava underneath (just make sure to choose a helmet with removable ear pads or adjustability to accommodate the extra thickness), or a powder hood over the entire helmet.
 

Weight and Bulk

Within their specific construction type—ABS, in-mold, or hybrid in-mold—most snowboard helmets weigh approximately the same. For the medium-sized helmets we tested, that’s 12 to 16 ounces for in-mold, 17 to 19 ounces for hybrid, and 19+ for ABS. And between categories, there are noticeable differences in how they feel—in-mold and hybrid helmets are less prone to feeling heavy during a long day on the hill. However, simply weighing a helmet won’t tell you the whole story of how it feels on your head. Good padding and a snug but comfortable fit can easily make up for a couple of ounces. It’s one of many reasons we love the Smith Vantage 2. It’s not the lightest, but you’ll quickly forget it's there.

The bulkiness of a helmet plays into this perception of weight. Cheap helmets made with a basic ABS construction are thick and can feel cumbersome. The Oakley Mod5 Mips was the worst offender from our list, weighing in at 1 lb. 8 oz. In contrast, our top picks all have a low-profile fit and don’t feel like you’re hauling around a heavy appendage.
 

Snowboard Helmet Features

Goggle Retainer Clips
Goggle retainers are a simple but appreciated feature. The built-in clip holds the straps in place and helps reduce the risk of losing your goggles in a crash or otherwise, such as when they slide up onto the brim of your helmet. Designs vary somewhat—many budget helmets use a simple plastic piece that flips open, while higher-end helmets use a more secure strap or cord. Most of the time, these retainer clips are removable—a nice feature to have if you’re one of the many snowboarders who like to run your goggle straps underneath your helmet rather than over the top.
 

Action Camera Mounts 
Along with skiing, snowboarding has driven the growth in popularity of action cameras. Snowboarders quickly jumped at the opportunity to record runs, tricks, and just general fun on the mountain. The nice thing is that most action cameras come with adhesive helmet mounts that can be directly attached to any helmet. Some models go a step further and come with a GoPro-compatible mount to make it easier to take the camera on and off.
 

Audio Compatibility
Most helmets are compatible with some sort of audio system. For example, Giro lids work well with Outdoor Tech's Chip systems, and many Smith designs pair with Aleck’s. In both cases, the ear cups have a built-in pocket that can accommodate speakers. “Audio” helmets, like POC's Communication line, will have integrated speakers and a cable for connecting to a phone or music player. If you like listening to music on the slopes, plan to spend a little extra for quality speakers and reliable electronics. Simply put, cheaper options don’t sound as good and are prone to failing. While snowboarding, it’s always a good idea to keep the volume down or use non-noise-canceling speakers for safety. While it may impact sound quality, the safety trade-off of being able to hear other skiers or snowboarders, or someone shouting at you, is a net win.
 

Sizing and Fit

Getting sized for safety gear isn’t a good time to guess, so if you don’t already know it, measure your head circumference before making an online purchase. All you’ll need is a soft-sided measuring tape or string: Wrap it around your head, about an inch above your ears and eyebrows, to get your measurement in centimeters. As long as the manufacturer is close in their listings—the only discrepancies we’ve seen recently are the smaller-fitting Mips helmets—this should get you a decent fit. Checking out a snowboard helmet sizing guide can help, too.
 

But to go from a decent fit to a great fit, we recommend popping into your local ski or snowboard shop to try on a variety of helmets. Helmet shape and fit can vary across the board—both between brands and between models—and it’s possible that any given design simply won't fit your head shape. To maximize compatibility, many of Smith’s helmets come in two fits: a standard fit and their “Round Contour Fit,” which accommodates rounder head shapes with more width at the rear and a shorter length. From our list, these include the Vantage 2 and Scout.

There are a few final factors to keep in mind when dialing in a proper fit. For one, we strongly recommend opting for a helmet with a Boa dial (or similar technology). Some designs use adjustable padding instead, but there’s simply no substitute for the wraparound cinch of a rear dial. Second, if you see a helmet that claims to be one-size-fits-most, we advise steering clear even if your head circumference falls within the listed parameters. Something so accommodating just won’t fit as well as a more fine-tuned size.
 

Goggle Compatibility

As with getting the perfect helmet fit, goggle compatibility is easiest if you can try them on. An ill-fitting helmet and goggle system can be either too tight, which pushes the helmet up and the goggles down your nose, or too loose, leaving some of your forehead vulnerable to the cold air. The easiest way to guarantee a good fit is to stick within the same brand—Smith helmets work great with Smith goggles, and the same goes for Anon, Giro, and POC—but we encourage you not to limit yourself if there’s a goggle or helmet that’s caught your eye.
 

In testing, we’ve found that some helmets are extremely accommodating of a wide range of goggle types. Giro’s helmets not only work well with all Giro-branded goggles, but we’ve also found that many provide an excellent fit for anything from the large Anon M6 MFI to the classic Smith I/O Mag Chromapop. Smith’s popular Vantage 2 helmet is also accommodating, fitting big sellers like the Oakley Flight Deck, but we had issues with tall-framed goggles.
 

Women’s-Specific Helmets

While many snowboard helmets are unisex and work perfectly fine for both men and women, some are also sold in women’s-specific variations. These models are similar to their unisex or men's counterparts, but often come in different colorways and have a slightly smaller shape and fit. They also sometimes have different names, but the technology and pricing are the same. Regardless of the labeling, our recommendation is to go with what feels and fits you best. When applicable, we've included a link to both the men's/unisex and women's versions of each helmet.
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