If you’re a massive ski and snowboard enthusiast like us, you’ll know that having the right gear on the slopes can make or break your ski trip.
There is nothing like listening to your favorite music while skiing or boarding. But, no one like likes a lift line menace who plays their tunes out loud on their speaker for all to hear, especially when the music taste is …. questionable….
So, choosing the best ski helmet headphones is critical if you want uninterrupted enjoyment without fumbling in your pockets, taking bulky ski gloves on and off on a freezing cold day or losing an an Apple AirPod in the snow (never to be seen again).
There are a few different options available on the market:
- Wireless chips (Bluetooth speaker chips for snow helmets)
- Wireless ski headphones
- Wired headphones
- Bluetooth ski helmets
If you’re short on time, here are our top three picks:
Choosing a good pair of ski helmet headphones with or without Bluetooth connectivity will ensure that you not only keep your head warm and protected on the ski hill, it will enable you to connect your helmet to a device such as an iPhone to listen to music and make calls while you shred.
You will want to ensure that you choose a quality set-up, as it is important that you can still hear your surroundings while sending it down the mountain at high speeds.
First, ensure that your choice is compatible with the smartphone (or device) that you are going to be using while skiing. Some ski resorts now have the lift ticket read from your smartphone using BLE technology. Therefore, it only makes sense to use our smartphone for music and calls also.
Secondly, ensure that the helmet already has great positive reviews from other skiers. Ski gear can be pricy, and you don’t want to waste your time and money investing in a sub-par item with all the bells and whistles but no comfort or structural integrity.
With that being said, we have done all of the research for you and compiled our list of the top 15+ best headphones on the market for Bluetooth ski helmets, ski or snowboarder compatible headsets and headphones. These picks meet safety standards and already have excellent reviews from other skiers. We ski and snowboard ourselves, so we know how important a comfortable, quality item is.
Let us jump right in with our top speaker chips picks.
Best Bluetooth Speaker Chips for Skiing and Snowboarding
Maybe you already have a helmet that you absolutely love and aren’t looking to replace it?
We’ve selected our top picks for premium bluetooth speaker chips that are compatible with bulky ski helmets and freezing cold climates.
Before choosing one, double check your helmet is audio-ready to make sure it will fit the speaker chips. Generally, the chips would be inserted within the removable ear pads. Most modern audio-ready ski helmets from popular ski brands will accommodate speaker chips.
Outdoor Technology Chips 3.0 Bluetooth Helmet Speakers
CONSTRUCTION
Water & sweat resistant
SOUND
40mm Audio Drivers
BATTERY LIFE
13+ hours playtime
OTHER SKIERS SAY?
“The best speaker chips on the market!”
Pros
- Ski glove friendly buttons
- Great reviews from other skiers, tried and tested brand
- Great battery life
- Compatible with most helmets
- Resistant to extreme cold
Cons
- Higher price point
The latest evolution of the infamous Outdoor Technology Chips, these provide unparalleled audio so you can listen to your favorite songs as if you were experiencing them live. You can safely hear exterior sounds as the earpieces sit outside your ear. As they are not tethered to a phone or each other they are super simple to insert or remove. The oversized ski glove-friendly buttons make it easy to skip and pause tracks or answer telephone calls without ever removing your gloves in sub-zero temperatures.
These are an absolutely incredible option at a stellar pricepoint for the sound quality and functionality that is delivered. The great battery life, charging case, compatibility, weather resistance, comfort and ski-glove friendly buttons makes the Outdoor Tech Chips 3.0 our top overall pick.
ALECK Nunchucks – Universal Wireless Bluetooth
CONSTRUCTION
Strong, sweat-proof
SOUND
40mm Audio Drivers
BATTERY LIFE
18+ hours playtime
OTHER SKIERS SAY?
“Super intuitive to create a group in the app, set up easy. Big sound, deep bass. Game changer on the mountain.”
Pros
- Unlimited range group communication and no line-of-sight limitations
- Two different intercom modes: party-mode and push-to-talk
- Incredible battery life (18+ hours, multi-day use), fully charged in just ONE hour
- Amazing for backcountry skiing
- High-quality sound, customised through the ALECK app, perfect for listening to your favorite tunes
- Perfect for extremely cold days
- Universal audio-ready helmet fit
Cons
- Price point may be on the steeper side for some
The Nunchucks deliver the best of both worlds with incredible customisable audio, and dual mode intercom capability. This makes them the best headphones for speaker heads, backcountry and off-piste skiers, season-pass holders and those skiing regularly with friends or family.
The battery life is one of the best available. The Nunchucks offer an unbelievable 18+ hours of playtime and guarantee multi-day skiing with no recharge needed. Even better is that if you do forget to recharge, it is only ONE HOUR until they are fully charged and ready to go. This makes them a prime option for group ski trips.
The Nunchucks are purpose built and absolutely deliver across all points, and have excellent customer ratings and reviews. These are an elite option and we cannot find fault.
Unigear Ski Helmet Speakers
CONSTRUCTION
Sweat resistant
SOUND
40mm Audio Drivers
BATTERY LIFE
10+ hours playtime
OTHER SKIERS SAY?
“The audio punches way above the belt and compares to more expensive models nicely.”
Pros
- Loud volume, HDR audio tech delivers surround sound experience
- Long battery life
- Glove friendly buttons
- Stable Bluetooth 5.0 connection
- Competitive price
Cons
- A tad bulky
- The controls can be wonky if the speakers do not turn on at the same time
With surprisingly loud speakers, your playlist will feel like surround sound even on the windiest days. They are hardy and robust and have excellent reviews from other skiers.
They deliver quality audio and may be the right choice if you are looking for a slightly more affordable music player.
ALECK Wireless Helmet Speaker
CONSTRUCTION
Sweat resistant
SOUND
40mm Audio Drivers
BATTERY LIFE
10+ hours playtime
OTHER SKIERS SAY?
“The sound is great, even if the bass is not really strong.”
Pros
- Excellent price
- Oversized buttons
- Slim and lightweight
- Universal helmet fit (fits most audio-ready such as Giro, Smith, Salomon, K2, Anon, Scott etc.)
Cons
- Potentially lacking in bass
The older edition of the Aleck ski helmet headphone speakers offer a more competitive price point with similar features to the Aleck Nunchucks, including oversized ski glove-friendly buttons, handsfree calling, 40mm audio drivers and 10+ hours of battery life.
The main give and take with selecting this option is that in return for the more economical price, the bass delivery will not be as great as the Outdoor Technology or Unigear Chips, and there is no intercom feature as with the Nunchucks.
Outdoor Technology Chips 2.0 Bluetooth Helmet Speakers
CONSTRUCTION
Sweat resistant
SOUND
40mm Audio Drivers
BATTERY LIFE
12-14 hours playtime
OTHER SKIERS SAY?
“Stylish, sleek, easy to use. Great sound for outdoor purposes, I can hear everything around me.”
Pros
- Single oversized button on each earpiece – simply & easily operated while wearing bulky ski gloves or mittens
- Amazing sound delivery
- Trusted brand
- Resistant to extreme cold
- Compatible with almost all audio-ready helmets
Cons
- Higher price compared to some other options
- Case does not charge, but acts as a dock to line up the charging ports correctly
The oversized buttons make it super simple to operate, meaning that you never have to bare your fingers to the extreme cold on a powder day. Never miss a call again! The newest iteration of this product is also available (Outdoor Technology Chips 3.0) and considering that the version 3.0 includes a charging case, that convenience point may give the newer version the edge.
Overall, the Outdoor Tech Chips 2.0 are great for those who don’t want to compromise on sound or ease of use while skiing.
Best Wireless Headphones for Skiing and Snowboarding
Are you seeking an audio set-up that is a little more multi-purpose and can be used outside of ski season as well?
We’ve curated our top picks for wireless headphones that are compatible with ski and snowboard helmets and resistant to the extreme cold and outdoor use.
And no, AirPods don’t make the cut. Although we ADORE our Apple products, if one of those pops out of your ear mid-powder run, you can consider it GONE 🥵
What are the benefits of wireless headphones for skiing?
Because there are no cables, you don’t have to spend precious time threading your headphones through your helmet and jacket. You can simply put your ski helmet on and go.
What are the drawbacks of wireless headphones for skiing?
Wireless headphones require regular recharging, which could be an issue if you forget to recharge them overnight. If that happens, it’s going to suck, but you will probably remember to charge them for next time!
Let’s take a look at the best wireless options out there!
Wildhorn Alta Wireless Bluetooth Drop-In Headphones
CONSTRUCTION
ABS: strong, sweat-proof
SOUND
40mm Audio Drivers
BATTERY LIFE
10+ hours playtime
OTHER SKIERS SAY?
“Excellent, not in-ear or over-ear, barely press against ears so you can still hear background noise and speak to friends.”
Pros
- Three oversized ski glove friendly buttons
- Excellent price
- Compact and comfortable
- Resistant to extreme cold
- Made by skiers for skiers
- Universally compatible with most audio-ready ski helmet brands
Cons
- Light colour-way may become dirty more easily
These Alta headphones are an excellent all rounder option. They are designed specifically for use with a ski helmet and will fit most ‘audio-ready’ helmet models from brands such as Smith, Poc, K2, Giro, Burton, Scott etc.
Hands-free ability to make and answer calls means that you’ll never have to remove your gloves again. In fact, the calls functionality overall is excellent for anyone who regularly takes and makes calls while shredding. With 10 hours of battery life, you’ll never be music-free on a powder day again. They are designed and tested in Utah by skiers for skiers, meaning that all details in design and utility have been carefully thought out.
These headphones are an excellent option for the price.
BE Headwear Bluetooth Headset
CONSTRUCTION
Ultra slim, not splashproof
SOUND
30mm Audio Drivers
BATTERY LIFE
9 hours playtime
OTHER SKIERS SAY?
“Apart from the button issue, they are bulletproof. Used them for years and still going strong. Best option out there!”
Pros
- Very affordable price point
- Easy to charge
- Audio is perfectly acceptable
- Compact and comfortable
- Simple and hardy
Cons
- 30mm drivers (compared to 40mm)
- Bluetooth 4.0 is a little outdated
- Not splashproof
- Buttons are small and may be difficult to press with ski gloves on
These are the perfect choice for any budget-conscious buyer. The BE Headwear set features Bluetooth 4.0 technology, as compared to Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.2 with some of the other options discussed. The 30mm audio system deliver a less magnificent sound than the 40mm audio drivers, but it is still perfectly adequate.
Due to the small size of the buttons, users report difficulties pressing through helmet ear pads. However, the common workaround is (believe it or not) to super glue a small lego brick to the middle button so it can be easily identified and pressed!
If price is the discerning factor, these are the no brainer choice, as they are significantly cheaper than the other options and still deliver a great experience.
Sena Snowtalk 2 – Universal Bluetooth headset
CONSTRUCTION
Plastic, sweat-proof
SOUND
Crisp and clear
BATTERY LIFE
6.5+ hours playtime
OTHER SKIERS SAY?
“Battery lasts all day, good sound quality, and the Bluetooth connects immediately and stays connected!”
Pros
- Intercom system, connect with up to four other people (ability to communicate easily with friends makes them great for backcountry use)
- Premium audio speakers
- Very useful for ski instructors, videographers and skiers with vision impairment
- Long battery life
- Resistant to extreme cold and extreme heat (-10ºC to 55ºC or 14ºF – 131ºF)
Cons
- Buttons can be hard to find while wearing ski gloves or mittens
- Pucks are slightly on the thick side
The Sena Snowtalk 2’s most unique feature is the intercom capability. Being able to connect to up to four other devices via intercom makes these an excellent choice for ski instructors, film crews, professional sportsmen, backcountry use, those with vision impairment and really anyone who wishes to be able to communicate with their group whilst out of view.
The battery life is excellent and a single charge can last multiple days, however the intercom range does diminish as the battery begins to wane. If you don’t wish to use the intercom feature, unplug the microphone and you can just run the speakers. The radios operate just as expected even on days of below 0 Fahrenheit.
Overall, these are a very solid purpose-built option for serious ski and snowboard enthusiasts.
SHOKZ OpenRun Open-Ear Headset
CONSTRUCTION
IP67 Waterproof rated
SOUND
40mm Audio Drivers
BATTERY LIFE
8+ hours playtime
OTHER SKIERS SAY?
“Extremely light, flexible and comfortable. I can wear them all day without getting a headache, incredible audio quality.”
Pros
- Excellent multi-purpose option for outdoor sports
- Wraparound fit system
- Compact and comfortable
- Resistant to extreme cold and liquid (IP67 waterproof rated)
- 10 minute quick charge function for up to 1.5 hours of battery life
- Excellent sound quality: uses bone conduction technology to transmit sound through your cheekbone directly to your inner ear
Cons
- Price may be a bit high for some
- Not suitable for swimming
- Separate ringtone when the phone rings, could be irritating for some
If you’re looking for a super high quality headset to take you on and off the slopes, SHOKZ OpenRun is it. The innovative wraparound design and bone conduction technology ensures a comfortable fit all day long with no compromise on sound quality. Your eardrums are left open to the surrounding sounds which is an excellent safety feature for use on the slopes and in outdoor sports environments when awareness is key.
The 10 minute charge option is such a handy feature if you forget to charge your headphones just before heading out, and will at least allow you a good hour and a half of playtime to enjoy.
There is also a pro version available on the market which has advanced features, upgraded technology and a 5 minute quick charge option!
These are a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor activities with music. Keep in mind that they are not suitable for swimming. However, they will be worth the investment if you ski, run, jog, or cycle regularly.
Outdoor Master Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Helmet Drop-In Headphones
CONSTRUCTION
IP45 Sweat resistance
SOUND
40mm Audio Drivers
BATTERY LIFE
15+ hours playtime
OTHER SKIERS SAY?
“Controls were easy to use, battery lasted surprisingly long. The only headphones I use while snowboarding.”
Pros
- Oversized ski glove friendly buttons are extremely user friendly
- Excellent price and the design does not skimp on quality or features (40mm audio drivers and Bluetooth 5.0 just like some of the more expensive options)
- Compact and comfortable
- Resistant to extreme cold, tested in -20 degrees Celcius/ -4 degrees Fahrenheit and they work perfectly
- Up to 500 hours standby time, so they won’t go dead in your bag in between ski sessions
- 12.2 inch cord fits most audio-ready helmet brands such as K2, Burton, Giro, Smith, Scott, POC, Anon, and will even fit motorcycle helmets
Cons
- Auto-shut off feature which turns them off after a few minutes of idle usage, may be irritating for some such as when turning them on and off to chat to people on the lift
- A little thicker than the Wildhorn Alta which may be uncomfortable in some ski helmets
These Outdoor Master ski helmet headphones are incredible in-helmet speakers for the price. This is our second pick in terms of budget headphones, and the BE Headwear set only takes the lead due to the lower price. In terms of design, the Outdoor Master pair has the edge for audio quality (40mm drivers) and Bluetooth (5.0) as compared to BE Headwear’s 30mm drivers and 4.0 Bluetooth.
We think the battery life for this pair is outstanding, overshadowing many of the other options on this list, and the fact that you can recharge them without removing them from your ski helmet is extremely convenient.
If you are looking for a middle-of-the-range product that won’t break the bank, but will deliver on bass, crisp and clear sound, and functionality with ski gloves, this is your pick.
RTUSIA Small Bluetooth Sports Headphones
CONSTRUCTION
Sweat resistant, delicate design
SOUND
Quality good
BATTERY LIFE
12+ hours playtime
OTHER SKIERS SAY?
“So comfortable for long periods in my ski helmet, and keeps my ears a bit warmer!”
Pros
- Very compact size, so easy to throw in your pocket, jacket or purse
- Comfortable, rests outside your ears instead of within the ear canal
- Very light (great for travel)
- Easy to utilise in other sports such as running or gym, or for use in the office (multi-purpose means better value for money)
- Able to be worn with glasses
Cons
- Buttons are very small – this could be a dealbreaker for anyone who does not want to be removing their ski glove (although calls can be handsfree)
- All the controls are on the right side, could be irritating for left-handers
- Delicate construction
The fact that these can curl up, meaning you can carry them around anywhere, makes them just as convenient as an in ear bud option such as AirPods. However, the over-ear design is so much more comfortable for use with a ski helmet.
For the excellent price, these are a really viable pick as you can use them on and off the slopes with other sports, running, or even to take work calls or study. If you are happy to forgo oversized glove-friendly buttons as a feature, these are such a great option to look into.
Best Wired Headphones for Skiing and Snowboarding
Though wireless headphones are super popular, there are many reasons why you may be looking for a wired headphones option.
What are the benefits of wired headphones for skiing?
Wired headphones can be significantly cheaper than wireless headphones. Additionally, they won’t run out of power like their wireless counterparts. You can find a great deal if you are looking to save money for an expensive ski pass. You don’t need to connect to a Bluetooth device to start playing your favorite tunes.
What are the drawbacks of wired headphones for skiing?
It will take a few minutes to get them wired in properly into your helmet and out of your jacket. Occasionally, they may become tangled or caught on clothing. The cord may not be long enough if you are wanting to store your headphones in your pants pocket. Therefore, the inner jacket pocket is likely the best place to store your phone. Features such as an intercom will not be available.
Let’s take a look at the best wired options on the market.
I A S U S The XSound 2.1 Wired Helmet Speakers
CONSTRUCTION
Strong, stainless steel chassis
SOUND
40mm Audio Drivers
BATTERY LIFE
NA: Phone dependent
OTHER SKIERS SAY?
“Almost no wind noise whatsoever, stunned at how it sounds”
Pros
- Robust bass projection due to the large circumference
- Great audio, quality drivers
- Kevlar reinforced wires to withstand 10lbs of pulling tension
- Compact and comfortable
- Resistant to extreme cold
- Suitable for skiing and snowboarding, as well as motorcycling, ATV, paragliding etc. (adrenaline sports)
- Compatible with audio-ready ski helmet brands
Cons
- Very wide and large, may be uncomfortable on the ears if worn for extended periods of time
- A jack converter may be required if you are connecting to your smartphone
The I A S U S XSound 2.1 Helmet speakers use a 3.5mm audio jack to connect, and is compatible with most smartphones, MP3 players and Bluetooth comms. Your device will require a female 3.5mm plug to connect.
With this option, it make take a bit of trial and error at first with the positioning of the speakers inside your ski helmet. Luckily, this is easy enough to do as the speakers attach with 3M velcro, meaning they can be shuffled around infinite times without leaving any sticky residue or taking long to install. Being able to place the speakers anywhere you like is a plus as you can decide how close to your ears you want the sound, and what is most comfortable for you.
Be sure that your helmet can accomodate 1/2 inch of extra space on each side before going with this option. If so, this system is a great option for a reliable speaker that is plug and play – it will never run out of charge.
Audiovance Vibes 201ML Wired Tangle-Free Headphones
CONSTRUCTION
Gold-plated
SOUND
1 Tesla Dynamic Driver
BATTERY LIFE
NA: Phone dependent
OTHER SKIERS SAY?
“Good sound, good value, surprisingly they don’t tangle!”
Pros
- Unlike regular headphones, the ear hooks fix behind your ear (over-ear clips) to ensure security
- Tangle-free braided wire
- Compact and portable
- Multi-function – use them year-round outside of ski season
- Microphone for calls
- Able to select the most comfortable silicon tip size (small, medium, large) to fit in your inner ear
Cons
- Some people report that the over-ear clips are not so comfortable for them
- Another converter will be required for the latest iPhone which is USB C, rather than lightning
- Button controls are difficult to use with ski gloves
These are an excellent option for someone searching for a classic pair of wired headphones that can comfortably be used in a ski helmet while skiing or boarding, but also outside of ski season. These work perfectly well for casual and work use as well as with sports.
The construction is solid and the braided wires helps to avoid the main gripe with traditional headphones – tangling. The sound quality is excellent. They are super compact and easy to chuck in a bag or pocket and take anywhere. Overall, a very quality product for a super reasonable price.
PHILIPS Pro Wired Earbuds
CONSTRUCTION
Metallic finishing
SOUND
8.6mm Neodymium Drivers
BATTERY LIFE
NA: Phone dependent
OTHER SKIERS SAY?
“Extremely durable. Never break.”
Pros
- Excellent price
- Compact and portable
- Interchangeable silicon tip sizes included for personalised comfort and perfect fit
- Good enough audio quality for the very competitive price
Cons
- Design protrudes outwards more than the Audiovance pair and may make these less comfortable in a ski helmet
- Buttons are difficult to use with ski gloves
- Wires are not tangle-free
- A converter from jack to smartphone will be required
These are a very economical option in terms of the audio quality you receive versus the price. However, as they are not purpose built for skiing, the design is not necessarily the most well tailored for use on the slopes. The buttons are difficult to use while wearing ski gloves and the design is a little bulky for a helmet.
You will need to purchase a jack converter if you wish to use them with an iPhone.
If you are looking for a super cheap pair these are a good option. However, despite the sufficient audio and robust design, we can not honestly recommend them as better than the Audiovance pair, or other options on this list.
BOSE SoundSport Wireless Headphones
CONSTRUCTION
Strong, sweat & weather resistant
SOUND
40mm Audio Drivers
BATTERY LIFE
6+ hours playtime
OTHER SKIERS SAY?
“Can’t beat Bose for outstanding sound.”
Pros
- Climate friendly: Amazon sells inspected, tested and refurbished products, offering an eco-friendly option for climate conscious consumers
- Bose active EQ provides a premium audio experience
- Stay hear+ tips keeps the earbuds in place
- Guaranteed sweat and water resistant
- Tried and trusted audio brand
Cons
- Not specifically designed for use with ski gloves
- Refurbished products may not be for everyone
As this product was discontinued in 2021, Amazon offers a refurbished version, which is an excellent climate-friendly option. Bose is known for offering unbeatable sound and this product does just that. The refurbished products are inspected, renewed and guaranteed by Amazon, and as such, you can snag an incredible quality Bose product for a much more accessible price.
This option is excellent for those who want a multi-purpose audio option for use on and off the slopes, with incredible sound quality, and those that are eco-minded.
Best Bluetooth Ski & Snowboard Helmets
Perhaps you are looking to upgrade your ski helmet in the near future? It could be worthwhile combining your purchase and selecting a ski helmet with inbuilt Bluetooth headphones or headset capability.
Why not avoid the double expense and go for something purpose built! This is one of the best ski or snowboard helmets available with Bluetooth speakers already built in!
Sena Latitude S1 Helmet
CONSTRUCTION
ABS shell, EPS liner, durable
SOUND
40mm Audio Drivers
BATTERY LIFE
8+ hours playtime
OTHER SKIERS SAY?
“Easy to use, rugged, dependable, fantastic value for money”
Pros
- Intercom for connection with up to 3 others with no cell phone or data required
- 1000m/0.6 miles range
- Controls are easy to use with ski gloves
- Pairing with smartphone app for customisable settings and friend groups
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Purpose built
- Made by skiers for skiers
- High definition audio & noise cancellation
- 3 hour charge time
- Very reasonably priced
- Firmware is upgradeable
Cons
- Need to remember to charge it overnight
- Only one colour available (matte black)
- Not as much bass as some other speakers
If you’re looking to upgrade your whole helmet set-up, or purchasing for the first time, you really can’t go past this option. Firstly, Sena is a quality and trusted brand, so you know that you are getting all the safety features you would expect and a reliable product. Not only that, you will save a significant amount of money if you purchase this helmet rather than a regular helmet PLUS a Bluetooth ski helmet headphones set.
Just like the Sena headset, the standout intercom feature makes this helmet a perfect fit for ski and snowboard instructors, group skiers and season-pass holders.
A great helmet with purpose-built helmet audio and intercom?
The features of this helmet and ski audio setup really speak for itself. Check it out!
I hope that our guide has helped you to find the best Bluetooth ski helmet headphones, or select one of the best helmets for the upcoming 2024/2025 ski season, that truly fits your needs.
If you have any question about the different options or just want to chat, leave us a comment 🙂
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