Best Headphones for Snowboarding of 2024

Once you begin snowboarding with headphones, you won’t be able to go back. Riding down the slopes, wandering around the backcountry, and even just chilling on the lift are made much better with music or a podcast. Simple headphones can get you by, but they can be annoying and frustrating too. The microphone doesn’t work, or you have to pause your music everytime you want to talk to a friend. Or maybe your bluetooth headphones only last a few hours because the battery can’t withstand the cold. It’s important to purchase the best headphones for snowboarding that will meet all your listening needs.

There are many different types of headphones for snowboarding. Everyone has their preference, but the most serious snowboarders go with headphone chips. These are headphones that fit into your helmet ear pads. You may have never realized it, but there is a small pocket in your helmet where they will fit! If you need a pair of headphones that will work in the mountains, at your desk, and at the gym, you will want to go with a more functional pair of in-ear headphones. This article will help you make a more informed decision on what you should purchase. And if you’ve never tried headphones on the slope, well, give it a shot. This post will be waiting for you when you’re ready for an upgrade.

For more of our top snowboarding gear recommendations, check out the Best Snowboard Racks.

Reviews - The Best Snowboarding Headphones

AfterShokz Trekz Air

Specs

• Battery Life: 6 Hours
• Color: Canyon Red / Forest Green / Ocean Blue / Slate Grey
• Fit: Open-Ear/ Cheekbone
• Weight: 1.27 ounces
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Microphone: Yes

Features

• Cheekbone Technology Allows For Ambient Noise and Music
• Flexible Fit for All-day Comfort
• Voice Prompts for Simple Control
• PremiumPitch Technology for Dynamic Range and Boosted Bass

BEST AMBIENT HEADPHONES

These are the only headphones on the list that deliver music through your cheekbones. Yes, you read that correctly. In doing so, your ears can remain aware of other noises. These headphones are definitely the safest, allowing you to hear if someone is on your left, or if your friends need to take a break. These headphones lose performance if played very loud. They will vibrate against your temple and people around you may be able to hear your music. However, if you want to flow down the slopes in safety, these are the headphones for you.

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Outdoor Tech Chips Ultra

Specs

• Battery Life: 12 Hours
• Color: Black
• Fit: Helmet / Over-Ear Frame Included
• Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Microphone: Yes

Features

• Rechargeable Protective Case Doubles As Charging Bank
• Completely Wireless
• Comes With Headphone Frame
• Glove Friendly 2-Button Control System
• Walkie Talkie App

BEST ALL-AROUND HEADPHONE CHIPS

The Chips Ultra headphones from Outdoor Tech are next level. They are completely wireless and have the most impressive battery life on the list. The headphones simply pair with others, allowing for walkie talkie communication on the mountains. Another great feature is that the case can be used to charge your other devices. Finally, they come with a headphone frame, which will allow you to use your headphone chips everywhere. If you want to give headphone chips a shot, these are going to exceed your expectations.

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Outdoor Tech Chips 2.0

Specs

• Battery Life: 10 Hours
• Color: Black
• Fit: Helmet
• Weight: 6.5 ounces
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Microphone: Yes

Features

• Glove Friendly 2-Button Control System
• Walkie Talkie App
• Audio-In Jack Allows for Non-Bluetooth Listening

BEST MID-RANGE HELMET HEADPHONE

Outdoor Tech is the most reputable name in headphone chips. The best part about their products is their communication compatibility. If you are looking for a more affordable Outdoor Lab Bluetooth product, get the 2.0s instead of the Ultras. These headphones may not have the audio quality as others on the list, but the battery will last a long time. Also, if your battery runs out, you can simply plugin with an audio cable to continue listening.

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Outdoor Tech Wired Chips Universal

Specs

• Battery Life: Unlimited
• Color: Black & Blue
• Fit: Helmet
• Weight: 2.24 ounces
• Bluetooth: No
• Microphone: Yes

Features

• Glove Friendly 2-Button Control System
• Walkie Talkie App
• No Battery, No Charging

BEST ENTRY-LEVEL HEADPHONE CHIP

You may not be the most serious shredder, and that’s okay! These headphones were made for you. They’re simple. No battery and no Bluetooth, but still as functional as the other Outdoor Tech products. They can’t use the walkie talkie function, but you’ll still have great music quality on the slopes. If you need a pair of headphone chips that are dependable, go for these.

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Jaybird Vista True

Specs

• Battery Life: 6 Hours
• Color: Black
• Fit: In-Ear Buds
• Weight: 0.71 ounces
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Microphone: Yes

Features

• Fully Waterproof
• Smallest and Lightest Headphones On The Market
• Three Sizes of Interchangeable Ear Gels
• Keep Track of Your Buds with the Jaybird App
• Customizable Equalizer

BEST ALL-AROUND HEADPHONES

Simply put, these headphones are a beast. They are super light but perform exceptionally well. With the Jaybird app, you can even locate your buds at any time. You can also customize the equalizer, which audiophiles will love. Snowboarders, however, may find them a bit tricky to deal with. Each time you want to adjust the sound, you will need to take out your cell phone. If you are looking for a top-notch pair of headphones that you want to use every single day, the Jaybird Vistas are for you. Serious snowboarders should look elsewhere.

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JBL Endurance Peak

Specs

• Battery Life: 10 Hours
• Color: Black / Blue / Red
• Fit: In-Ear
• Weight: 10.9 ounces
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Microphone: Yes

Features

• Completely Wireless
• Earhooks Automatically Power On and Power Off
• Excellent Sound Quality

BEST HEADPHONES FOR MULTI-SPORT ATHLETES

These headphones are the most comfortable for athletes, but snowboarders may find them annoying. If you wear a layer underneath your helmet, you will get frustrated trying to pause or adjust the volume of your music. That being said, these headphones are more functional than helmet chips. You can use them in your everyday life, at the gym, and on the slopes. Plus, JBL is an audio giant that constantly produces quality products. These headphones rock, but serious snowboarders should get a pair of chips instead.

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Smith Tech Chips 2.0

Specs

• Battery Life: 10 Hours
• Color: Black
• Fit: Helmet
• Weight: Unavailable
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Microphone: Yes

Features

• External Battery Gauge
• Glove and Mitten Friendly Controls
• Voice Prompted Menu

BEST HEADPHONE CHIPS FOR SMITH BRAND LOYALISTS

Smith takes a risk by jumping into the headphone market. Their goggles and helmets are top-notch, but these headphones are a letdown. If you want a product that will seamlessly pair with your helmet, then these headphones may be for you. However, many people report that these headphones do not last long. Save your money, wait a few years, and give Smith a chance to improve its audio technology. For now, get yourself an Outdoor Tech pair of chips.

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Alta Drop-in

Specs

• Battery Life: 10 Hours
• Color: White & Blue
• Fit: Helmet
• Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Microphone: Yes

Features

• Designed by Snowboarders For Snowboarders
• 3 Over-Sized Buttons for Simple Control
• Compatible with All Audio-Ready Helmets
• Made with Rugged Materials for Rugged Conditions

BEST BACKCOUNTRY HEADPHONE CHIPS

The Alta Drop-In headphones were designed by snowboarders to withstand some of the most extreme conditions. Although they are not completely wireless, all the cords are protected. This allows for the battery to last longer, and for you to stay motivated on the slopes. They have a compact case for easy storage as well. These headphones are easy to use and are compatible with all helmets. At an affordable price point, the Alta Drop-In is quickly becoming a fan favorite.

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Jabra Elite 65t

Specs

• Battery Life: 5 Hours
• Color: Black
• Fit: In-Ear Buds
• Weight: 11 ounces
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Microphone: Yes

Features

• 4 Microphone Technology Perfect For Pretending You’re at Work
• Customizable Equalizer
• One Touch Access to Sir, Alexa, and Google Now
• Covered by 2 Year Dust and Water Resistance Warranty

BEST HEADPHONES FOR PROFESSIONALS PLAYING HOOKIE

Do you take conference calls from ski lifts? If that’s a dream you’ve always had, well you should get a different pair of headphones. But if you work remotely, and sometimes “work” from the mountain, these headphones will keep you incognito. The microphone is extremely powerful and will convince anyone that you are working from the comfort of an office. The audio technology on these is impressive, but they weren’t designed for snowboarders. If you want a pair of headphones for work and the slopes, purchase these.

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THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING HEADPHONES FOR SNOWBOARDING

BATTERY LIFE

How long do you want your headphones to last in the mountains? If you catch first chair and hit 4 o’clock run AT 4 o’clock, then get a pair that will last a longtime. Also, a pair of headphones without bluetooth technology are nice because you don’t need to worry about charging them. They’ll last all day. It’s also important to remember that batteries drain faster in colder weather. If you board somewhere with tundra temperatures, the battery may drain much quicker than stated.

BLUETOOTH

Let’s face it, cords are annoying. Bluetooth technology solves that problem, but it requires battery power. Everyone has a preference on bluetooth nowadays. Go with what you love.

FIT AND STYLE

What sort of headphones are most comfortable for you? Do you want to use these headphones elsewhere, or are you afraid your co-workers will laugh at you? Headphone chips ROCK, but they are sometimes useless off the slopes.

MENU CONTROL

Headphones are great, but they can also be a major frustration. If you have gloves on, even more so. Headphone chips are typically much easier to manage than traditional or in-ear headphones. Some headphones feature a voice menu. This can annoy some snowboarders, who just want to listen to their tunes. But others find the menu helpful for controlling their music.

FEATURES EXPLAINED

COMES WITH HEADPHONE FRAME

If your headphone chips come with a frame, you can easily use them off the slopes. Only few headphones offer this, but it’s a deal-breaker for some.

COMPLETELY WIRELESS

These headphones don’t have a single wire, unless being charged. They will fit directly into your ear, over your ear, or inside your helmet.

CUSTOMIZABLE EQUALIZER

Do you like to pump up the bass? Or maybe you’re the boarder who likes to mute vocals so you can sing along. A customizable equalizer allows for you to mix your music and listen just the way YOU like to listen.

GLOVE AND MITTEN FRIENDLY CONTROLS

Headphone chips feature either massive buttons or one-touch technology. Keep your gloves on and maintain control of your tunes, volume, and voice commands.

WALKIE TALKIE APP

Sounds too good to be true? I know. But Outdoor Tech products pair seamlessly with one another. If you ride with a crew on a consistent basis, this function makes it easy to stick together. You won’t be texting each other trying to figure out where the heck good jumps are. With walkie talkie app connectivity, your crew will be inseparable.