Updated December 3rd, 2023
Any cheap set of budget ski goggles will work on the average ski day. Which ones will stay fog free or work well when the light is flat? We spend the entire winter trying out ski goggles to find which ones stand out and perform during all weather conditions.
See below for our best budget ski goggles top picks. Keep reading for reviews and a ski goggle guide.
The 10 Best Budget Ski Goggles Under $100 Of 2024
- BEST OVERALL: Outdoor Master Ultra
- TOP PICK: Wildhorn Roca
- BEST VALUE: Outdoor Master Heron
- BEST UNDER $150: Wildhorn Maxfield
- BEST POLARIZED SKI GOGGLE: Outdoor Master Vision
- BEST OTG SKI GOGGLE: Smith Reason OTG
- BEST UNDER $50: Outdoor Master Pro
- Smith Squad
- Oakley Line Miner
- Smith Frontier
- The 10 Best Budget Ski Goggles Under $100 Of 2024
- 1. Best Overall – Outdoor Master Ultra
- 2. Top Pick – Wildhorn Roca
- 3. Best Value – Outdoor Master Heron
- 4. Best Under $150 – Wildhorn Maxfield
- 5. Best Polarized – Outdoor Master Vision
- 6. Best OTG – Smith Reason OTG
- 7. Best Under $50 – Outdoor Master PRO
- 8. Smith Squad
- 9. Oakley Line Miner
- 10. Smith Frontier
- Budget Ski Goggle Guide
- Budget Ski Goggle FAQ
- You might also like:
1. Best Overall – Outdoor Master Ultra
Specifications
- Fit – Large
- Lens Shape – Toric
- Swappable lenses – Yes, magnetic
- Included Lenses – 2 Primary Lens and 90% Clear or 85% Blue
- OTG Compatible – Yes
Get 20 %OFF with code BFCM20 and more during OUTDOOR MASTER BLACK FRIDAY SALE
Overall Score
What we liked:
- Overall great value and performance
- Great performing lenses in all conditions
- Easy magnetic lens swapping
- Comfortable fit and feel
- They include 2 lenses
What we didn’t like:
- Only available in large size
- No low bridge fit version is available
- No cylindrical lens version
You can spend $200 to $300 or even more for a pair of ski goggles. How much do you have to spend to get all the features of the high end goggles? The answer is under $100. The Outdoor Master Ultra ski goggles feature the best of everything from high end goggles and are priced under $100.
The Ultras have toric shaped lenses with color optimiztion similar to what you will find from Smith Chromapop. They have clarity as good as Oakley Prizm lenses. They have a magnetic lens swapping system similar to the Anon M4. They have really good anti-fog performance as well. For $100 you get 2 lenses, 2 microfiber bags, and a hard case. If you want it all but don’t want to spend it all to get them, the Outdoor Master Ultras are the way to go.
Review
See our detailed review of the Outdoor Master Ultra Ski Goggles to learn more.
2. 
Top Pick – Wildhorn Roca
Get 35% OFF orders over $100 and more during WILDHORN OUTFITTERS HOLIDAY SALE
What we liked:
- Magnetic lens with side latches
- Low cost
- Variety of colors and lenses
What we didn’t like:
- Lenses are not polarized
- Does not include a 2nd lens
Summary
The Wildhorn Roca Snowboard & Ski Goggles are a good low cost goggle option. They have spherical lenses with magnetic interchangeable lens swapping. They have side latches as well for a little extra lens security. They are designed by skiers and snowboarders in Utah and are a sponsor of the US-Ski Team.
These goggles have a dual pane spherical lens with anti-fog and anti-scratch coating. They scratch as easily as any goggles from Smith, Oakley or Giro. Their anti-fog performance is good but not as great as Smith or Oakley. The frame design gives excellent peripheral vision. They are available with a variety of lens tints. For flat light use the Blaze or Amber lenses for best performance.
The Wildhorn Roca goggles are a great value for a swappable lens goggle with high quality lenses and good anti-fog performance. We wish they included 2 lenses with their goggle frame. Extra lenses are not expensive and readily available.
Review
Coming soon
3. Best Value – Outdoor Master Heron
Specifications
- Fit – Large
- Lens Shape – Toric
- Swappable lenses – Yes, magnetic with 10 magnets
- Included Lenses – 2 primary lens and 87% VLT yellow lens
- OTG Compatible – Yes
Get 20 %OFF with code BFCM20 and more during OUTDOOR MASTER BLACK FRIDAY SALE
What we liked:
- Toric lens shape gives less distortion and wide field of view
- Magnetic lens change system that is quick and easy to use
- Includes 2 lenses including a yellow low light lens
- Available with a variety of lens and strap colors
- Many available replacement lenses including polarized lenses
- OTG Compatible
- Comes with a hard case and a lens pouch
What we didn’t like:
- Lenses aren’t quite as high def as ChromaPop, PRIZM or OM Ultra lenses
Summary
The Outdoor Master Heron Ski Goggles are the latest budget goggle from Outdoor Master. They give you a toric lens shape, OTG compatible frames, and they include a 2nd yellow low light lens. They also throw in a hard case and lens pouch for cleaning and storing the extra lens. Everything about this combo just makes sense.
The Heron is available at a cost slightly below the old Outdoor Master Pro with extra lens bundles. This is a no brainer for the best value out there now in ski goggles and a nice upgrade from the old Pro design. Outdoor Master seems to have gone after this design full force with a full range of lens and strap colors as well as extra lenses available from the start.
There is a 25% VLT Brown polarized lens and 65% orange lens that would be excellent for flat light days. There is a clear lens for night skiing. There is a polarized 8% black lens that would be great for a really bright day.
Review
Coming soon
4. Best Under $150 – Wildhorn Maxfield
Specifications
- Fit – Large
- Lens Shape – Toric
- Swappable lenses – Yes, magnetic + Latch
- Included Lenses – 2 – Primary lens and 50% flat light lens
- OTG Compatible – Yes
Get 35% OFF orders over $100 and more during WILDHORN OUTFITTERS HOLIDAY SALE
Overall Score
What we liked:
- Wide field of view
- Clear lenses with minimal distortion
- Soft comfortable feel to the foam and flexible frame
- Includes 2 lenses
- Effective color optimization gives good flat light performance
- Good value for the price
- Latches keep the lens secure
What we didn’t like:
- Orange frame is bright when viewed from inside goggle around the nose
- Only 3 colors are available
- Lens take more effort to change than a pure magnet system
Summary
The Wildhorn Maxfield Toric Ski Goggles are the latest offering from Wildhorn Outfitters. They are a big step up in lenses and value from their previous goggles. The Maxfield has the latest toric lens shape and includes 2 color optimized lenses. One good for bright sunny conditions and a 50% VLT lens good for flat light days. The Maxfield has the magnet with latches lens change system we have seen on the Roca and Pipeline goggles. No accidentally loosing lenses while pulling goggles up.
We tried out the Maxfield on a recent trip to Tahoe where we had everything from bright blue skies to whiteout blizzard conditions. The 2 lenses give you good performance across a wide range of light conditions. If you want a good large fit toric lens goggle but don’t want to spend Smith I/O Mag amounts of money, check out the Wildhorn Maxfield.
Review
See our detailed review of the Wildhorn Maxfield Toric Ski Goggles to learn more.
5. Best Polarized – Outdoor Master Vision
Get 20 %OFF with code BFCM20 and more during OUTDOOR MASTER BLACK FRIDAY SALE
Overall Score
What we liked:
- Wide field of view toric lens
- Magnetic quick change lens system
- Includes a second lens
What we didn’t like:
- Lenses are not quite as good as top level goggles
Summary
The OutdoorMaster Vision XL Snow Goggles are new this year and are a great performing ski goggle at a great price. The OutdoorMaster Pro goggles have been a great value since their introduction and packed way more features into a $50 ski goggle than anyone thought possible. The Vision builds on it by adding advanced Toric lenses with wider field of vision and improved anti-fog ventilation.
These goggles have a toric shaped lens that combines the best of spherical and cylindrical lenses. This means they have less distortion and a wider field of view than either spherical or cylindrical lenses. The lenses are polarized to reduce glare on bright days. They offer 100% UV400 protection to keep your eyes safe.
These goggles retain the OutdoorMaster magnetic lens swap system. You can easily swap lenses in seconds without taking your goggles off your face. The goggles come with 2 lenses and a hard case for the spare lens.
The goggles are available in many lens, frame and strap color combinations. All the goggles come with 2 lenses and a hard case for storing the extra lens.
These are a great performing ski goggle at an even better price. These are my top pick for the best budget ski goggle.
Full Review
See our full review of the OutdoorMaster Vision XL Snow Goggles to learn more.
6. Best OTG – Smith Reason OTG
Overall Score
What we liked:
- Frames designed for wearing with glasses
- Good ventilation and anti-fog performance
- Very comfortable fit with glasses on
What we didn’t like:
- No darker lenses available
- They do not have easy swap lenses
Summary
The Smith Reason OTG Snow Goggle retails for under $100 and is specifically designed for those wearing glasses. The frame is shaped for fitting over glasses with a little extra room so your nose isn’t punched. They utilize a cylindrical lens to help keep the cost down and so you look cool wearing them.
These are some of the most comfortable OTG goggles available when worn with glasses. The frame shape, foam and nose shape are all optimized for wearing with glasses.
These goggles are available in a variety of tints including ChromaPop lenses. They do not have easily swappable lenses. They use an old style pull the rubber frame off the lens style system. Their ventilation and anti fog lens performance is as good as we’ve come to expect from Smith.
The Smith Reason OTG goggles are one of the best values in OTG ski goggles available. They will make your ski day wearing glasses much more enjoyable.
Review
See our review of the Smith Reason OTG Ski Goggles to learn more.
7. Best Under $50 – Outdoor Master PRO
Get 20 %OFF with code BFCM20 and more during OUTDOOR MASTER BLACK FRIDAY SALE
Overall Score
What we liked:
- Variety of styles and lens tints
- Low cost
- Variety of colors and lenses
What we didn’t like:
- Lenses aren’t as good as Oakley PRIZM and Smith Chromapop
Summary
The OutdoorMaster Pro XM Frameless Goggles are a great low cost full feature goggle. These goggles feature a magnetic swapping spherical lens. They are also OTG compatible for those of us who wear prescription glasses. Only one lens is included with the goggles if you buy from Amazon. A combo with a second lens is available directly from OutdoorMaster. Other lenses can are available separately.
These goggles have dual pane lenses with anti-fog coating and ventilation. Their anti-fog performance is okay but not as good as other higher cost ski goggles. The magnets attaching the lens could be stronger. The lens can be knocked off while adjusting your goggles or during a fall. The spherical lens has high clarity and low distortion. It doesn’t have the great color refraction that the Chromopop/SONAR/Vivid/PRIZM have. For the cost, you still get good performance on bright days.
These goggles are an excellent value. They have most of the performance of more expensive goggles at a much lower price. This makes it our best value pick for best under $50 ski goggles.
Full Review
See our detailed review of the OutdoorMaster Pro ski goggles to learn more. See our article OutdoorMaster goggles vs Smith to see how these compare to Smith I/O Mag goggles.
8. Smith Squad
What we liked:
- High definition ChromaPop lens let you see the detail in any terrain in any light conditions from bright to flat
- Great anti-fog performance thanks to excellent ventilation and the Fog-X anti-fog coating
- 2 lenses are included. A bright lens and a flat light lens giving you what you need for any light condition.
What we didn’t like:
- The lens change system is not quick and easy. It works but takes a couple minutes to swap lenses
- The lenses scratch easily. You have to be careful to keep the lenses looking good
Summary
The Smith Squad Ski Goggles have been a long time favorite among terrain park skiers. They have stylish looking flat lenses and excellent Smith ChromaPop lenses. They are available in medium fit or large fit (XL). These are their original Squad goggle design that has all of the lens tech but does not have their Mag lens change system. It costs about $100 less than the updated Squad Mag. You can still swap lenses with some effort and a second low light lens is included. Tapered lens technology means you get less distortion and clearer vision. These are great goggles for someone looking for ChromaPop performance without spending hundreds.
See our review of the Smith Squad Mag for their most updated version of the Squad goggle.
9. Oakley Line Miner
Overall Score
What we liked:
- Low profile frames with huge peripheral vision
- Good flat light visibility with PRIZM lens
- Good ventilation and anti-fog performance
Available in 3 sizes - OTG compatible (L size only)
- Many lens options to choose from
What we didn’t like:
- The lens change system is old and not user friendly
- No photochromic lens available
- High price for a fixed lens goggle
Summary
Oakley Line Miner snow goggles are the choice of many professional freestyle skiers and snowboarders. They have a huge field of view with low profile frame. They have Oakley’s excellent PRIZM lens that lets you see snow terrain better than the naked eye. They are available with lenses that range from VLT 6% to 64%. You can find a lens for any light condition. They have interchangeable lenses but it’s an older not quick style. It’s easier to buy additional goggles than change the lens. If you want to hit the park with what the pros use then check out the Oakley Line Miners.
Review
See our detailed review of the Oakley Line Miner snow goggles to learn more.
10. Smith Frontier
Overall Score
What we liked:
- Low cost
- Good performing lens in flat light
- Wide field of view
- Stylish cylindrical lens look
- Great anti-fog performance
- Durable construction
- Includes microfiber bag for cleaning and storage
What we didn’t like:
- No swappable lenses
- Only single layer face foam
Summary
The Smith Frontier Goggles are the entry level goggle from Smith. Don’t let the low cost fool you. They still have really good lenses and anti-fog performance. They aren’t technically ChromaPop lenses. They do still have the the characteristic yellowish/orange color filtering when viewed from the inside. They perform really well on flat light days.
The Frontier is a basic goggle with non-swappable cylindrical lenses. There is no magnetic or other fancy lens swapping. For the price, you could get 2 pairs and be setup good for almost any condition. The lens has Smith Fog-X anti-fog coating along with lots of ventilation to stay fog free on the mountain.
The Frontier frame only has a single layer face foam instead of the more typical 3 layer. They are still comfortable to wear with good field of view. It has solid durable construction and should last for years of use on the slopes.
The Smith Frontier ski goggles are a great cheap goggle option for those wanting good flat light performance in a cheap durable goggle.
Review
See our full test & review of the Smith Frontier goggles to learn more.
Are you still confused about what to buy? Talk to an expert at Curated.com
Budget Ski Goggle Guide
There are many things to consider when buying ski goggles. Fit, lens selection, swappable lenses, lens shape, and fog resistance are the most important things to look for. Let’s take a quick look at each.
Fit
A ski goggle needs to seal against your face to stop air flow so you stay comfortable and to keep the goggle from fogging. It is best to try on goggles and see what feels best. They are all not the same size and shape. You should try them on with your helmet so you can see how they look and feel. Don’t be afraid to return them if the fit just isn’t right.
Lens selection
Ski goggles come with many different lens colors and VLTs. VLT is Visible Light Transmission and is how dark the lens is. A 15% VLT lens is a dark lens that lets 15% of the light through. For bright days you want a low VLT. For overcast and cloudy or snowy days you want a medium VLT like 15-20%. For night skiing you want a clear lens. Lens color is another factor. Orange and amber lenses work best for flat light days. See our guide to ski goggle lens colors to learn more.
Swappable lenses
Some goggles like the Smith Frontier have a fixed lens that can’t be changed. You may need different ski goggles for different light conditions. Other goggles have swappable lenses like the Outdoor Master Vision and Pro. These use magnets and you can swap the lens out in seconds while wearing goggles. You can carry extra lenses in your pocket for when the light changes.
Lens shape
Ski goggles come in 3 lens shapes. Cylindrical, Spherical and Toric.
- Cylindrical lenses are the most basic and are a flat shaped lens. It gives you a cool retro look. They fog up easier because the lens is closer to your face.
- Spherical lenses have a sphere shaped lens. It is the best shape for fog resistance. It can leave you looking a bit like your wearing space suit goggles.
- Toric lenses are the latest and greatest shape that are cross between the 2 with less curvature in the vertical direction. These goggles have the least distortion, biggest field of view, and still good fog resistance.
Fog resistance
The biggest factors for for resistance in a ski goggle are the anti-fog coating, ventilation, and lens shape. Ski goggles with a 3x or 5x anti-fog coating will resist fogging much better. Goggles with spherical or toric lenses and lots of ventilation keep the lens farther from your face and the vents move moisture out.
Budget Ski Goggle FAQ
You might also like:
- What To Wear Skiing? Helpful Layering Guide For Winter
- The Best Ski Goggles Gear Guide – Reviews, Ratings, and More
- The Best Budget Ski Helmets Helpful Guide
Doug Ryan
Co-Founder & Chief Editor
I grew up back east in Pennsylvania and learned to ski on a family trip to Killington, Vermont when I was 6. I immediately fell in love with the mountains and outdoors and have been skiing across the US and Canada ever since. I went to school for Mechanical Engineering, and have a Master’s Degree in Material Science and Reliability.
I am a total gear nerd and love learning how things work and thinking about how they could be improved. Nothing excites me more than trying out new gear. I’d rather spend 3 hours taking my bike apart and learning how to change something than go to a bike shop. These days I reside in Michigan by the Great Lakes and go skiing, biking, and boating as much as possible.
doug@adventuregearinsider.com
