We took the time to look into compiling a list of the best snow goggles under $200 to give us not only some superb quality protection and tech when shredding the mountain, but also a little leeway when it comes to saving some damage to the wallet. This is probably the highest price-range we’ll get to considering only a few outliers will top this amount, however in our opinion this is the best budget to have if you’re looking for a high-end goggle that’s worth it in the long run without a ‘fancy’ or ‘groundbreaking technology’ terms are thrown around. Before we get into our picks however, let’s look into how to pick the best snowboard and ski goggles under $200 dollars for you.
Selecting the Best Snow Goggles Under $200
As our best snow goggles article showed, there are some amazing solutions out there in a wide variety of price-points. Today we’ve been able to constrain that to a relatively safe yet still quite broad range of $200 or less. However, your budget will still determine which direction you’ll be headed. Are you good for a just under $200 model? Or perhaps even lower for goggles under $50 or under $100 or less? We recommend saving if you do find a model worth breaking just the $200 barrier; however, we’ll leave it up to you.
Technology nowadays is what drives these snow goggles price-tag up. There’s also a lot of hype when a goggle first comes out (considering each brand brings out at least 2-3 new models a year — it gets hard to keep track). That’s why we have a mixture of both ‘new’ as well as ‘standing the test of time’ snow goggles below. We want you to pay attention to what technology you think is worth spending money on, and not just grabbing whatever is hot at the moment. Technology we feel you should keep in mind is included in the following list:
- Interchangeable lenses are always a plus. This tech allows you to switch out replacement lenses depending on your mood for style as well as what the sun’s giving you that day.
- Anti-fog technology is always a plus. You can never have too much protection from this.
- Look into ‘face foams’ and specially designed material for the layer that actually sits on your face — nothing is worse than discomfort after a longer period of riding (or having it itch in the middle of a run).
- There are other ‘optics’ technology out there that will be implemented into the lenses depending on which model you look into. These aren’t musts, but always a plus — you can never have too much clarity. Some tech in this area even adapts to the current lighting your goggles come in contact with.
- Helmet compatibility is big. If you haven’t purchased your snow helmet yet, make sure your helmet and goggles line up. In all honesty, you shouldn’t have too big of a problem with this, since most are fine with their straps that can adjust around the helmet you end up grabbing.
Lastly, there are some specific snow goggles for women out there, however keep in mind all of these are unisex (in our opinion). The only way some goggles are termed ‘for women’ is because of their color styles, but in our opinion that’s just too subjective and will depend on your taste! We have a mixture of both ‘genders’ out there, but most of these all come with nearly 10+ color options so it doesn’t matter what gender they coin it as.
The best snowboard ski goggles under $200
Oakley Airbreak
Next we have the Oakley Airbreak, and this pair of goggles come with many integrated technologies that make it another one of the best snowboard ski goggles under $200. First and foremost, the Airbreak is going to optimize your vision with its Switch-Lock Lens Technology for a quicker and more accessible lens change (just about as quick as the IO7), as well as containing optically corrected Dual-Vented Lens with F3 anti-fog coating for your next winter adventure. Fear no more about vision malfunctions on the mountain as these goggles contain high-definition optics (HDO) which is a collection of various patented technologies that enable Oakley to exceed all testing standards that are distributed by the American National Standards Institute for Optical Clarity.
In addition, these goggles fit most helmets, and contain a tech called Rigid O Matter strap helps with the fit of your helmet and goggles. Lastly, an injection molded polycarbonate aids in a contour to give us a slight curve in the lens for better field of vision. The Oakley Airbrake goggles are certainly considered one of the best snow goggles under $200 for many reasons, as they contain many advanced features for its relatively low price, not to mention that signature ‘O’ on your strap to rock on the mountain. Read our Oakley Airbrake review for even more details if it catches your eye.
Anon WM1
Here we have the WM1 for ladies brought to you by Anon. These goggles are going to feature a Magna Tech Quick Lens Change Technology, which is a technology that literally will pull rare earth magnets to make your lens change faster than ever (the fastest we’ve seen). Impressively engineered with wall-to-wall vision, a triple layer face foam, as well as its light weighted thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) frame make this highly equipped to battle the roughest of winter conditions and one of the best under $200 goggles out there.
The MFI technology that Anon offers for magnetic face mask integration is ideal for freezing conditions, and will provide you the opportunity to stay warm without needing to carry additional facemasks. The goggle’s O2 vents also keep you fully covered and will remove the most instances of fogging up. The Anon WM1 are going to enhance the clarity in your vision for the ladies out there (although all goggles in here in our opinion are unisex, these are built a bit smaller and have colors ‘commonly’ found for women’s goggles).
Dragon X2
The Dragon X2 is the new and improved version of their arguably famous APX goggles, which offer a more accessible and vigorous goggle locking mechanism. As we’ve seen thus far, a lot of newer goggles are starting to try to topple the already-existing interchangeable lens switching mechanism, and this one is also up there in terms of the best. This is also a spherical lens type made as ‘large’ and remains compatible for all helmets. In terms of aesthetics, these goggles offer a clean look, and a design that appears essentially frameless with a high-quality polycarbonate set of lenses for enhanced vision quality and superior peripheral vision.
The goggles lens comes with an optically correct lens system for both clarity and performance, while its super anti-fog coating will be sure to clarify anything in your line of sight. This is a versatile set of goggles that come with durable frames and a length to fit proportionally with various helmets. The list goes on and on as to why the Dragon X2 are a great choice as yet another one of the best under $200 goggles being sold today. We’re big fans of Dragon snow gear.
Smith I/O
To fire off the list, we have one of our favorites ever in the IO7 by Smith, which is a high-end pair of interchangeable snow goggles for the serious snow sport enthusiasts. These are goggles that contain a ‘Spherical Carbonic X-lens’ which is going to maximize your field of view, and will also enable you to have enhanced vision combined with its 5X anti-fog technology. These goggles are equipped with bright light and low light performance mirror lenses for a superb time snow experience — just read into which lenses actually come with the style you’re looking at, otherwise you’ll have to buy some replacement lenses (which are pretty cheap).
The Smith goggles patented Porex filter will prevent any sort of optical distortion in the event that you are increasing in elevation. It comes in a medium-sized fit as well as containing a 3 layer DriWix face foam for some nice comfort and pain-free riding, and is relatively compatible with just about any helmet out there — the strap is adjustable. These are just some of the high-quality features that make the Smith IO one of the best goggles under $200 in the market right now. They also have a different type, which you can also read about in our Smith IO7 review for more information before you buy. We’d recommend their latest I/O MAG, but that’s well over $200.
Electric EG3
As another one of our favorite snow goggles for $200 or less, the Electric EG3 is a huge fan favorite and an innovative goggle that features their easy lens change (see a trend here?) ‘Press Seal Technology’, 100% UV protection, super anti-fog, as well as additional hard coating for optimal clarity during your ride. Whether you snowboard or ski, these goggles’ ergonomic frame design will not only allow you to feel the additional support but will also make you look pretty sick as well with the frameless and over-sized lens look.
This is a tech savvy goggle set that offers top-of-the-line optics for enhanced peripheral vision — just like most goggles on this list, the EG3 offers compatibility with most helmets, as well as having a 40m adjustable strap that contains silicone lining. Lastly, the goggles are built with a Press Seal System that ensures an airtight lens to frame the seal. The Electric EG3 goggles are crafted with its industry leading technologies, and is best suited for slightly more experienced riders who are also a bit more on the tech savvy side.
Dragon NFX2
The NFX2 presented to you by Dragon is engineered with high-tech features such as its swift lock lens change system, super anti fog for optimal clarity, as well as its silicone strap backing for additional support. If you want to make the most out of your winter sporting experience, the NFX2 offers state of the art clarity and an intuitive design that makes it easy to use for all users. There is not necessarily a skill level that is recommended for the user, but if you are attempting to hit advanced terrain, having optimal vision clarity is absolutely paramount.
The NFX2’s optically corrected 6 Base Injected Cylindrical Lens enables the user to have ultimate peripheral vision. You also do not need to worry about transitioning in your lens changing process, as the NFX2 offers one of the easiest and most efficient lens change systems in the market. These features make the Dragon NFX2 a great choice for those of you who are new to using goggles, and also being one of the best goggles under $200.
Oakley Flight Deck
The Flight Deck by Oakley is definitely a heavy hitter in the market, and probably will be for quite a few more seasons until they’re able to figure out how to top it. This one brings your equipment collection to a whole new level as you can now utilize optimally engineered high-tech features for a seamless riding experience. Other than the fact that the Flight Decks lens looks stylish in color, their High Definition Optics (HDO) enables the user to maximize clarity and impact resistance, while sustaining virtually impaired free peripheral vision. In addition, the goggles anti fog coating on the inner lens enables greater airflow to absorb any fog and clarify what is in front of you.
Outside of the brand name, these goggles truly offer optimal technological specs that allow it to be a great choice for a wide range of users, as well as being considered one of the best under $200 goggles on the market. The Oakley Flight Deck rimless lens, helmet compatibility, and the plutonite lens material are bonus features that take these goggles to the next level, not to mention the simple lens changing system. Our Oakley Flight Deck sheds some more light on these bad boys.
Smith Vice
Next up we have the Smith Vice. This is a broad helmet compatible, ultra-wide silicone backed strap pair of goggles that are great for intermediate riders looking to enhance their vision on the mountain. The Spherical Carbonic X-lens was also seen in the previously listed IO7, and although relatively standard in this list, is a key ingredient for even being considered a solid snowboard and ski goggle under $200. On top of this, the TLT lens technology ((Tapered Lens Technology — found in all Smith goggles) helps the distortion light sometimes causes in your vision — ever have some objects bend or distort its true position or size?
The Fog-X-anti-fog inner lens also adds to some additional protection from pesky weather conditions on top of it all. These goggles do come off a little bit on the expensive side, but they are certainly some of the best under $200 goggles around. The Smith Vice are incredibly versatile, and can be used in various different conditions, so don’t hesitate to take a chance on these goggles — the user reviews will back it up.
Anon Tempset
These are some specs most often used by women and are the last pair of the best snow goggles under $200 dollars we’ll list this season. The Anon Tempset is a pair that are going to provide crystal clear vision while allowing its light weighted thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) frame provide optimal security and comfort. These frames contain a 93mm height and have wall to wall vision to enhance your peripheral view.
Engineered with superior optics, while containing great compatibility with all helmets, you will be hard pressed to find a pair of goggles that comfort and vision features quite like this. The Anon Tempest goggles full perimeter channel venting enables increased airflow for a clear, fogless vision regardless of the conditions. In addition, the goggles include a micro fiber goggle bag for added storage space.