Snowsports can be a ton of fun, but they can also be extremely dangerous. Whether you’re a beginner snowboarder or an experienced athlete, safety should be your top priority. In this guide, we discuss the best snowboarding helmets to keep you safe, stylish, and comfortable on the mountain.
Snowboarders are arguably the most at-risk athletes on the mountain. Beginners often fall backward, which can be especially dangerous since the back of one’s head is most prone to concussions. Even skilled snowboarders risk injury, especially the ones who test their limits.
Considering a helmet upgrade?
If you’ve been wearing the same snowboard helmet for a few years now, it’s time for an upgrade. Even helmets from just a few years ago weren’t designed to last that long, and they’ve lost a lot of their protection.
The foam inside a helmet degrades and hardens over time, leaving you vulnerable to concussions and brain injury. However, the new helmets we see in 2022 are designed to last longer. If you follow our recommendations below, your new helmet will last you for many years of snowboarding.
1. POC Obex BC Spin Snowboard Helmet
4.7 Stars | 242 Reviews
Our favorite snowboard helmet is the POC Obex Spin Snowboard Helmet. This is a well-rounded product that’s won multiple awards for its protection and build quality. It offers excellent support for both long and short days on the mountain.
This is an excellent choice for multi-sport enthusiasts. Whether you’re shredding it up in the park, off-piste boarding, or backcountry skiing, the Obex Spin has you covered. It will keep you protected from hard falls, but it’s also light enough to please technical riders.
Overall the POC Obex Spin is super comfortable and fits snugly. The fine-tune fit system ensures it won’t move around while you’re riding. We also like the sliding vents, which help snowboarders control temperature and reduce goggle fog.
2. Anon Men’s Invert Vented Snowboard Helmet
4.2 Stars | 32 Reviews
The Anon Men’s Invert Vented Snowboard Helmet has comfort-focused features. This helmet is best for snowboarders that want the perfect fit but are willing to sacrifice some protection. An in-mold shell construction gives this Anon helmet a sleek, low-profile look.
On the inside, Anon uses Expedition Fleece on the liner and ear pads. This material makes the helmet very warm and also offers moisture-wicking benefits.
There’s no adjustment wheel on the back because the Invert Vented helmet uses different technology. An auto-adjusting fit system is built into the shell. Flexible rubber connectors gently mold to the shape of your head for hassle-free sizing.
3. PHZ Snowboard Helmet
4.7 Stars | 731 Reviews
The PHZ Snowboard Helmet has a wide variety of uses. It’s a great beginner’s helmet that can be used for multiple snow sports.
One drawback is that the PHZ Helmet doesn’t have the low-profile design that more expensive models have. While it’s slightly bulkier-looking, it has outstanding protection for the price.
You can get this helmet in four different colors: black, white, gray, and blue. A few unexpected premium features are 16 adjustable vents, composite foam technology, and an enclosed design.
When we say an enclosed design, we mean there’s no “gaper gap.” This term refers to the space some helmets leave between your goggles and the helmet’s shell. Most riders don’t like the “gaper gap” design because it looks silly and makes your forehead cold.
4. Demon United Phantom & Supra Goggles
4.6 Stars | 558 Reviews
For even better protection at a reasonable price, the Demon United Phantom & Supra Goggles Combo is a great option. This bundle looks wicked cool and comes with a snowboarding helmet and snowboarding goggles.
Not only is this a great bang for your buck, but it offers performance benefits. Demon designed the helmet and goggles to fit together seamlessly. Beginners are likely to get better visibility, looks, and matches from a combo package.
This helmet has integrated speakers. You can connect your phone and shred while listening to music. Since it’s under $100, don’t expect Bose sound quality. However, for this low price, you really can’t complain. The sound isolation is excellent, and the earpads comfortably cup your ears.
5. Wildhorn Drift Snowboard Helmet
4.8 Stars | 2,638 Reviews
One of the best-rated snowboard helmets is the Wildhord Drift Snowboard Helmet. This helmet brand is an official supplier of the US Ski Team. They offer professional-level designs for the cost of a beginner helmet.
Since the Drift Helmet is only 18 ounces, it’s on average 25% lighter than other products in this price range. Advanced foam technology makes this helmet one of the most lightweight, moderately high-performance helmets available.
You won’t have to worry about getting too hot wearing the Drift. Both indirect and direct airflow gives you a ton of control over internal temperatures. All you have to do is slide the vents open when you’re too hot, and close them if you get cold.
6. Smith Optics Snowboarding Helmet
4.7 Stars | 1,251 Reviews
A simple helmet that’s gained popularity is the Smith Optics Snowboarding Helmet. This product has excellent for all-season use and has a smooth low-profile look. Smith recently redesigned the Holt to give snowboarders more versatility between backcountry and terrain park riding.
One feature we love is the hidden zipper on the backside. You can easily put your headphones in and keep them secure. We generally recommend riders get helmets that allow audio integration instead of helmets with built-in speakers.
The padding is comfortable, and the helmet feels super light on your head. A self-adjusting fit system is incorporated for hassle-free fitting.
7. Bern Macon 2.0 MIPS Multisport Helmet
4.6 Stars | 269 Reviews
The Bern Macon 2.0 MIPS Multisport Helmet is a simple helmet that’s not over-complicated. You won’t find any bells and whistles in the Macon 2.0. It’s a straightforward, protective, and good-looking piece of equipment.
With your purchase, you get two sets of pads. One is designed for warmer conditions, and one for chilly weather. This customization option allows riders to wear the Macon 2.0 on cold, snowy days and warm spring conditions.
We recommend the Macon 2.0 over the original Macon helmet. This second-generation unit is 15% lighter than the first model. Bern was able to reduce weight without sacrificing safety, style, or comfort.
If anything, the lightweight design of the Macon 2.0 makes it more comfortable than the original Macon. While 15% doesn’t seem significant at first, you’ll notice the difference after a full day on the mountain!
8. Anon Helo 2.0 Snowboard Helmet
4.3 Stars | 31 Reviews
Some snowboarders don’t wear helmets because they don’t like the way they look. A few years ago all helmets were bulky and gave riders a “dashboard bobblehead” look.
Times have changed, though, and the Anon Helo 2.0 Snowboard Helmet is a great example of helmet innovation. Snowboarders that are first-time buyers of a helmet will love the slim design of the Helo 2.0.
It’s designed to be extremely lightweight and only offer necessary features. Expedition fleece materials keep you comfortable, and built-in ventilation channels keep you cool. Fresh air continually circulates through the interior, which is vital for hardcore riders.
9. K2 Phase Pro Helmet
4.5 Stars | 119 Reviews
If you’re looking for an audio snowboard helmet, the K2 Phase Pro Helmet is the best there is for anywhere near its price. For only $100 you get the sound quality and lightweight design of helmets that cost over $250.
One common drawback to speaker helmets is they’re often heavy and too thick. K2 changed this trend because their Phase Pro Helmet looks cooler than the competition and is surprisingly light.
There’s no “gaper gap” between your goggles and the helmet. You can easily connect your cell phone or MP3 Helmet to the audio system. As a final note, we recommend the K2 goggles for the best fit. They look cool paired with the Phase Pro Helmet and offer additional performance features.
10. Smith Optics Vantage Snow Helmet
4.8 Stars | 49 Reviews
Competitive or passionate snowboarders will love the Smith Optics Vantage Snow Helmet. This product was built for the hardcore riders that “demand the ultimate in everything.” You can’t go wrong with a helmet from Smith.
Smith has been designing helmets for over 50 years. They’ve proven they're one of the top snow sports brands in the world. From dynamic technologies to clean styling, Smith has mastered the art of snowboard helmet production.
Helmet Qualities
The Vantage is sold in twenty color options to suit every rider’s preferences. It’s low-profile and lighter than almost every other helmet on the market. Twenty-one adjustable vents give the rider the ability to control their head’s temperature.
We love the Boa 360 fit system combined with a 360˚ halo design. Other helmets sometimes have excess space in the front and back but press on the sides of your head. However, you can tighten each side of the Vantage independently, so this won’t be a problem you face.
11. Asako Snowboard Helmet
4.7 Stars | 2,574 Reviews
For those on a tight budget, the Asako Snowboard Helmet is the best snowboard helmet under $50. It’s worth a lot more than what you pay and looks like it costs twice or three times as much.
Picking out a random, inexpensive helmet is a bad idea. You can almost always tell they’re cheaply made just by looking at them. Not only this, but many have gaps in their foam that leave you vulnerable to brain injuries.
The Asako Snowboard Helmet is a diamond in the rough. You can open and close the vents, and the internal padding is comfortable. Most cheap helmets use cheap materials that irritate your skin, but not the Asako.
It’s reasonably lightweight as well. This helmet doesn’t have the highest-quality protection, but this is expected for the price. It’s more than enough for beginners and intermediate riders, and the minimal design is what keeps the weight down.
12. Retrospec Traverse H1 Snowboard Helmet
4.6 Stars | 265 Reviews
The only other extreme budget helmet worth considering is the Retrospec Traverse H1 Snowboard Helmet. It costs the same amount as Asako’s snowboarding product but has different benefits and drawbacks.
Retrospec offers much better patterns and designs than Asako. Some of the color options include bamboo and marble. The pinewood pattern is featured in the image above. You’re sure to get a ton of compliments wearing this helmet.
The Traverse H1 isn’t as low-profile as the Asako. It’s a bit bulkier, but not by much. We think the epic designs make up for this design difference.
An ErgoKnob adjustable dial is fitted to the rear and allows for one-handed tightening and loosening. It’s great when you can easily change the fit while you’re out riding the mountain.
13. Giro Union MIPS Snow Helmet
4.8 Stars | 178 Reviews
Giro is one of the best helmet brands in the world. One of their premium models is the Giro Union MIPS Snow Helmet, and it doesn’t disappoint. It offers the best protection technology for a low price.
MIPS stands for Multi-Direction Impact Protection System. This technology dramatically reduces the rotation forces from angled impacts on your head.
A common misconception is that standard “foam helmets” protect you from every situation. MIPS technology costs more but protects athletes from a much broader range of impacts.
Three layers are built into the Giro Union’s shell. A low friction liner on the outside, an interior foam liner, and an electromeric attachment system between the two. This heightened safety system reduces the chance of getting a concussion or injuring your brain.
14. Oakley Mod 5 Snowboarding Helmet
4.8 Stars | 175 Reviews
The Oakley Mod 5 Snowboarding Helmet is a fantastic product suited for adventure enthusiasts. If you demand a high level of performance, the Mod 5 is for you. It’s incredibly sturdy and offers an optimal balance between weight savings and protection. These factors make this helmet ideal for technical riders.
A different construction technique makes the Mod 5 unique. Oakley incorporated a hybrid shell that better protects snowboarders from impacts and punctures. Common high-impact zones have the most padding, which keeps the Mod 5 lightweight.
Helmet Qualities
Some performance qualities we expect for the price are adjustable vents, a Boa closure system, and seamless helmet and goggle integration. Most helmets that cost more than $100 include these features.
The Mod 5 has non-pressure, around-ear Earpads. Oakley did a great job designing this helmet to reduce hot spots on your ears. It makes a full day of skiing far more enjoyable when you don’t feel any strain on your head.
15. Smith Mirage MIPS Women’s Helmet
4.8 Stars | 247 Reviews
The most protective, stylish, and comfortable women’s helmet is the Smith Mirage MIPS Women’s Snowboarding Helmet. This product is better than helmets which cost over $300. It’s comforting knowing you’re protected with MIPS, which is up-to-date safety technology.
Nine color options are available for the Smith Mirage. Each one is elegantly designed and has a sleek look on your head. Our team has seen first-hand that these colors look far better in person than in pictures provided by Smith.
Helmet Qualities
You won’t believe how lightweight this new style is. It has an extra-thick layer of padding over your ears to keep them warm. The chin strap is padded, which helps reduce rashes or irritation from friction.
A total of fourteen vents are built into the shell. They do a great job regulating internal temperature and can be adjusted depending on the weather.
Everyone knows safety is an essential factor. The Mirage Snowboarding Helmet has the newest MIPS technology, which reduces rotational-type concussion forces.
This safety system combined with Koroyd Aerocore Construction is next-level. You won’t find a lighter, more protective helmet anywhere else.