Hop on any chairlift at any ski resort in North America, and youre almost guaranteed to see Smith snow goggles. While theres a lot of competition in the ski goggle space, Smith is a dominant force for good reason. The brand makes some of the best ski and snowboard goggles on the market.

　　But which Smith goggles should you choose? Well, youve come to the right place.

　　My name is Sean McCoy, Im GearJunkies Editorial Director, and I tested six pairs of Smith Goggles over the last year. I also interviewed Jeremy Tricola, a product manager at the brand, to learn everything there is to know about them.

　　Personal hot take? The Smith Squad offers the best optical clarity and excellent features at a great price. They should be at the top of the list for many skiers.

　　Read on for guidance in buying the perfect pair for your kit. In testing, I highlight comfort, lens clarity, protection, and field of view. And if youre researching ski gear, check out our guide to the best ski goggles here.

　　Smith Goggles Compared Best Overall Smith Ski Goggles: Unbeatable Field Of View Smith 4D MAG ChromaPop 9.5/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at Smith OpticsCheck Price at REI Best Budget Smith Ski Goggles Smith Transfer Goggle 7.5/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS $48 at evoCheck Price at Smith Optics Best Value: Amazing Clarity Smith Ski Goggles Smith Squad Goggles 9.2/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS $72 at evoCheck Price At Smith Optics Best Legacy Smith Ski Goggles Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop 9/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at Smith OpticsCheck Price at REI See more picks Best Overall Smith Ski Goggles: Unbeatable Field Of View Smith 4D MAG ChromaPop Check Price at Smith OpticsCheck Price at REI

　　

　　

　　

　　

　　

　　9.5 How we rate products Specifications Best for: Peripheral vision, fog resistance, lens quality, comfort Lenses: 2 Frame size: Large, Medium, Low bridge Lens shape: Spherical Pros Excellent peripheral vision Easy lens-changing system Wide variety of lenses and strap colors and patterns Excellent hard case to store goggles Cons Expensive Some people might notice a little distortion because of lens curvature Sean McCoy The Smith 4D Mag ChromaPop goggles are the cream of the crop, not only among the Smith brand but among the entire snow goggle market. They retain some of the most advanced lenses on the market and come packed with top-shelf features that serious skiers will appreciate.

　　If youre considering the Smith 4D Mag line, first know that its pretty extensive and encompasses several lenses and goggle fit sizes. They come in standard sizing, which is a medium fit, XL, which is a large fit, and S, which is small. If you havent worn Smith goggles before, its pretty easy to guess as they tend to align with the sizes most folks wear in sunglasses. If youre really unsure, try some on in person. But whatever size you get, they will integrate beautifully with Smith helmets.

　　Once you own a pair, the first thing youll notice is the excellent hard case that protects the goggles for storage. To me, this is one of the most overlooked aspects of high-end goggles and a must-have at this price range. Open the sturdy, vented case, and youll find the extra lens in a sock and a protective soft cover over the goggles lens. All of this will add years of life to your goggles and help justify a significant investment.

　　Once on your face, the Smith 4D Mag ChromaPop goggles will reveal some of the best peripheral vision in any ski goggles. Look down, and youll notice that your vision is nearly as wide as it is without goggles. Thats because the curvature of the lens expands the field of vision dramatically. For skiing, this will legitimately improve your skiing. And its wonderful when you need to look at your jacket to find a pocket while riding the lift, too.

　　The 4D Mag has three layers of foam against the face, making them among the most comfortable goggles on the market. They are so soft, quick-drying, and well-ventilated that I never wanted to take them off. Sitting in the sunshine at Apres, I never felt a need to switch to sunglasses. The 4D Mag was simply comfortable on my face.

　　The magnetic lens change system is excellent and easy to use. Just push two small levers to release the lens, then pull it to disengage the magnets holding the lenses in place. Drop a new lens onto the frame, and the magnets pull the lens and hold it in place until you snap the levers shut.

　　If theres a downside to the 4D Mag (beyond its hefty price), its that the lenses seem just a tiny bit less sharp than other models in the Smith lineup. Thats largely because these lenses bend in ways that others do not and can thus slightly distort light as it passes through. Its hardly noticeable, but if pure lens clarity is your top priority, you may consider the Smith Squad goggles, which are coming up next.

　　Best Budget Smith Ski Goggles Smith Transfer Goggle $48 at evoCheck Price at Smith Optics

　　

　　

　　

　　

　　

　　7.5 How we rate products Specifications Best for: Great value for affordable price Lenses: 1 Frame size: Medium Lens shape: Cylindrical Pros Good, sharp lenses Competent fog resistance Versatile lens options Great price Cons Lenses not interchangeable Foam isnt as comfortable as higher-end goggles Can allow uncomfortable wind intrusion at some angles Sean McCoy Brand new, the Smith Transfer is a value goggle with very good performance. Compared with the budget goggles of yesteryear, they are comfortable, non-fogging, and offer very good visual clarity for skiers and snowboarders.

　　While these lack the bells and whistles of higher-priced goggles, the Smith Transfer is nonetheless an excellent choice for those who dont need to change lenses and dont mind slightly less cushy foam. They still protect eyes from harsh light, snow, ice, and wind.

　　In testing, I noticed that the foam is more abrasive than the Squad and 4D Mag. Its not awful, but even with two layers of foam, its less comfortable on the face over time. I also noticed high winds hitting my eyes more often in the Transfer Goggles. Thats likely because they rely on more venting to keep fog at bay. But I did feel the cold breeze on my face while riding the chairlift at Arapahoe Basin more than I did with other test models.

　　Even with these downsides, the Transfer is still a good set of goggles. At just $55, they will do a solid job of both eye protection and visual enhancement for riding. They dont have ChromaPop lenses, but with SOLEX technology, they still provide quite good contrast for skiing in flat light.

　　It does not include a hard case but does ship with a soft goggle bag. The lens is not interchangeable, so if its damaged, you will need to replace the entire goggles.

　　Overall, the Smith Transfer is a very good budget goggle. If price is a primary concern, the Transfer will not hold back your skiing or riding and will leave your wallet with a lot more dollars intact.

　　Best Value: Amazing Clarity Smith Ski Goggles Smith Squad Goggles $72 at evoCheck Price At Smith Optics

　　

　　

　　

　　

　　

　　

　　9.2 How we rate products Specifications Best for: Remarkable lens clarity, comfort Lenses: 2 Frame size: Xl, M, S, low-bridge Lens shape: Cylindrical Pros Top-tier lens clarity and sharpness Semi-rimless offer great field of view Excellent fog resistance Good ventilation while minimizing wind to eye Cons Slightly less field of view than 4D Mag Lens change is a little difficult Sean McCoy The Smith Squad hits a very sweet spot for snow goggles. With a retail price between $75 and $155, depending on the lenses, the Squad is relatively easy on the bank account. But make no mistake, these are absolutely top-notch goggles for skiing, snowboarding, or snowmobile use.

　　I tested the Smith Squad over several days of skiing this winter. In some ways, primarily optical clarity, they became my favorite choice among Smith models. Run after run, the Smith Squad provides tack-sharp, fog-free vision. They also keep the cold at bay even in howling winds while still providing ventilation.

　　The Squad collection comes in several lens, frame, and strap colors. Smith offers it in small (S), medium (XL), and large (XL) fit, as well as low-bridge. So, it should work well on most face shapes and integrate perfectly into Smith helmets. I have a slightly large face and head and found the standard fit worked well.

　　The Squad starts with a semi-rimless design and an oversized cylindrical lens. It yields a wide field of view and crisp optical quality. An ultra-wide, silicone-backed strap holds the goggles firmly in place, and a dual-slide strap makes size adjustment easy. The goggles rest against skin on two layers of DriWix face foam. Its soft and comfortable, although not quite as nice as the premium 3-layer foam on the 4D Mag.

　　The only major downside of these goggles is that the lens change system is a little tough. You have to press the lens out of the frame with quite a bit of force. Compared with the 4D Mag, its a bit of a chore. However, for the substantial savings, many people will be entirely happy with it, especially those who rarely change their lenses. One other downside is the lack of a hard carrying case.

　　Ultimately, the Squad is a perfect snow goggle for many people. It offers excellent performance at a great price. If youre in the market for a solid snow goggle but not ready to shell out for top-shelf, the Squad is a great choice.

　　Best Legacy Smith Ski Goggles Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop Check Price at Smith OpticsCheck Price at REI

　　

　　

　　

　　

　　9 How we rate products Specifications Best for: Excellent clarity, especially in variable and low-light conditions Lenses: 2 Frame size: Medium, Small, Low Bridge Lens shape: Spherical Pros Easy to quickly change out lenses Anti-fog interior lens design Cons Lenses are easily smudged while swapping due to the frameless design Sean McCoy Read Review: Legacy Optics Reign Supreme: Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop Ski Goggles Review The Smith I/O Mag packs most of the features of Smiths flagship 4D Mag, but with a slightly more traditional spherical lens shape. These remain among the best goggles on the market, a remarkable run for ski goggles introduced a full seven years ago.

　　The I/O Mags exceptional spherical lens shape provides a huge field of vision. The ChromaPop lens technology also offers a vibrant, high-contrast field of view.

　　Each pair includes a primary lens for sunny days and a secondary low-light lens. In testing, the low-light lens proved indispensable during blizzard conditions at Vail. These conditions also tested the anti-fog lens and dense triple-layer moisture-absorbing foam. As expected, these were top-notch, resisting fog even in wet, sweaty conditions. And the foam is a huge upgrade even among Smiths diverse line.

　　The magnetic interchange system remains among the best on the market.

　　The medium shape is surprisingly versatile for faces and helmets and provides excellent comfort. The I/O Mag also comes in a small frame, low bridge option, or XL version.

　　Smith Goggles Comparison Chart Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Best for, Lenses, Frame size and Lens shape

　　

Smith Googles	Price	Best for	Lenses	Frame Size	Lens Shape
Smith 4D MAG	$348.00	Peripheral vision, fog resistance, lens quality, comfort	2	Large, Medium, Low bridge	Spherical
Smith Transfer Goggle	$48 58	Great value for affordable price	1	Medium	Cylindrical
Smith Squad Goggles	$75 $159	Remarkable lens clarity, comfort	2	Xl, M, S, low-bridge	Cylindrical
Smith I/O Mag	$165 $313	Excellent clarity, especially in variable and low-light conditions	2	Medium, Small, Low Bridge	Spherical

Smith Snow Goggles: A 60-Year History In 1965, Dr. Bob Smith, an orthodontist, built the first sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam. He started hand-building goggles in his garage and sold them out of his van in Colorado and Utah. Ill do the math for you. Smith Optics turned 60 years old in 2025.

　　For six decades, the brand has evolved from a simple one-man operation into one of the largest snowsport-oriented optics companies in the world. Today, Smith Optics manufactures and sells eyewear, helmets, goggles, and even some apparel. It has pioneered many innovations in the eyewear space, such as ChromaPop lenses that enhance specific color wavelengths and Koroyd protection in snow helmets.

　　Smith Goggles: Head-To-Head Testing For this guide, I skied most of the 2024-2025 season in Smith Goggles, primarily the 4D Mag. These proved to be fantastic over a wide range of conditions, from bright bluebird days to deep powder storms. I also collected field notes from my fellow GearJunkie editor Will Brendza.

　　Next, I also skied multiple days in the Squad and Transfer goggles. Through these in-person testing days, I became intimately familiar with each goggles pros and cons.

　　Then, I compared the goggles head-to-head in bench testing, closely examining the foam, lens interchange, coatings, and straps. I learned a lot in this process, which revealed some significant differences between Smith goggles.

　　Finally, I spoke with brand representatives to learn other perspectives about the goggles and the brand. What I present here is my holistic view on what Ive learned about Smith Optics.

　　So, if you already love the brand or own a Smith helmet and want perfect lens integration, dont hesitate. Ive tested them out, and Smith goggles are a top choice among many great brands on the market.

　　

　　The Smith 4D Mag ChromaPop, top, Squad, bottom left, and Transfer after a day of testing; (photo/Sean McCoy) Smith Goggles Compared to Other Snow Goggles Smith competes actively with several top brands of snow goggles:

　　Oakley:Renowned forPrizm lens technology, stylish designs, and a deep catalog of sunglasses and other eyewear.Oakley competes well with Smith, but lags in field of vision versus the 4D Mag. Dragon Alliance:Popular for high-performance goggles, Dragon offers edgier styling popular among younger skiers and riders. Giro:Known for its focus on performance and value, with a range of goggle options. Anon:A sub-brand of Burton, Anon builds premium, snowboarding-first optics.Its Toric lens is highly regarded but pricy. Julbo:A brand known for its photochromic lenses, high-quality optics, and unique ski touring goggles that allow exceptional venting. POC:Popular with racers, POC is known for its focus on safety and protection. Spy Optic:A popular brand for style and performance, Spy Optic offers good quality at a slightly lower price range than Smith. Sweet Protection: A Swedish company with roots in whitewater protection, Sweet Protection is a legit player in the eyewear space. It offers some unique functionality, such as venting between double lenses to account for changes in altitude. There are obviously many good choices in ski goggles. Smith stacks up well against all these brands and is often regarded as the leader. Especially if you plan to wear a Smith helmet, Smith goggles will integrate perfectly.

　　

　　GearJunkie editor Will Brenda wears the Smith 4D Mag goggles in testing; (photo/Sean McCoy) The Best Smith Goggles: How To Choose If youre shopping for snow goggles, theres a very good chance Smith will be one of your options. The brand offers 22 ski goggles, each with several sizes, lens colors, and styles. So how should you choose?

　　Budget For many riders, the sweet spot will be the Squad line of goggles. Here, you get excellent fit, peripheral vision, and comfort with top-tier lenses for between $75 and $155. These goggles have interchangeable lenses, so you can simply replace old lenses if they get worn and scratched during use.

　　Mid-Tier Among Smiths goggles, my favorite option is the Squad. While not the most expensive, the Squad hits a sweet spot on these. I dont change lenses frequently, so I dont often need the fast-change ability of the magnetic interchange. That said, Smiths top-of-the-line 4D Mag Chromapop goggles are fantastic.

　　Premium Smiths top-tier 4D Mag line offers incredible peripheral vision and great lenses. They have an excellent lens interchange system, solid frames, and various straps for both style and function. They also have a superb hard case that will protect them for many years of riding. For those who ski or ride many days each year, they are worth the investment.

　　After testing several pairs of Smiths goggles head-to-head, I believe that all the models Smith manufactures are capable of giving skiers and snowboarders a good experience. But as with most things, spending more will result in a better product and better performance on the slopes.

　　

　　The author tests ski goggles at Arapahoe Basin; (photo/Will Brendza) Smith Goggles: Every Model Available Below, find every model. Generally, these range from cheapest to most expensive, with prices varying depending on lens selection:

　　4D Mag family: 4D Mag S, 4D Mag, and 4D Mag XL ($340) Kids Models: Rascal ($35-$45), Snow Day ($45-$55), Daredevil ($50-$60), Grom ($75-$95) Over The Glasses Models: (Caribou at $55), Reason ($95), Sequence, Showcase (womens partner to the reason), New Entry-Level Adult Models for 2025-2026: Tribute (smaller, $55) and Transfer (larger, $55) Carry-through Models: Rally (smaller, $95), Blazer (larger, $95) Squad Family: Squad (S) (Squad) (Squad XL); $75 to $160; many lenses available. Mid-Price Spherical: Proxy (larger, $155) and Moment (smaller, $155) Carry-through Models: Skyline ($185), Skyline XL ($185) New for 2025-2026: Preview ($200; full frame, non-mag, 4D lens) Magnetic: Squad Mag $245 to $283 I/O Mag family: I/O Mag S, I/O Mag, and I/O Mag XL ($275) Helmet Integration Dont want a gaper gap? Smith helmets and goggles work together seamlessly. In testing various combinations of helmets and goggles, every pair matched beautifully, providing a gap-free fit between helmet and goggle.

　　Many brands similarly make sure their helmets and goggles work together. Generally, the best way to ensure your helmet and goggles work well together is to buy them from the same brand. But I can confirm, Smith goggles and helmets will integrate perfectly for draft-free skiing and riding.

　　Warranty Exchanges All Smith sunglasses and goggles (including custom goggles) are covered for the lifetime of the product to be free from manufacturers defects. And no, that wont cover scratches, cracks, or breakage if you sit on them, run them over with your car, or let your dog chew on them.

　　Goggle Cases: Dont Overlook This Extra One of the most overlooked parts of snow goggles is the case or sock. Youre investing hundreds of dollars into good optics, and a good case will protect them, whether bouncing around in the back of a car or stuffed in a backpack. Yet many people completely ignore the case when buying goggles.

　　Smiths top-tier I/O family of goggles comes with some of the best cases Ive tested. Its mid-tier goggles also come with a good case. Its entry-level goggles come only with a sock. While serviceable, the sock offers only minimal protection. So keep in mind that when youre buying a pricy pair of goggles, youre also getting a great tool to keep them clean and scratch-free for a long time.