Over the years, it’s become much more commonplace for snowboarders to rock a helmet. Nowadays riders are wearing them on the slopes, in the park, in the backcountry and on the street. The debate will rage on, but we’re not here to get into all that. We’re here to talk you through the best lids that money can buy, and help you try and choose the right snowboard helmet for you.
There are plenty of factors to consider when choosing a snowboard helmet. For a more in-depth guide, you should check out our ‘How to choose your snowboard helmet’ guide or head to the end of the page: Skip to end
The Best Snowboard Helmets For 2026-2027
Protect your dome without sacrificing style or performance. Our expert team at Whitelines have tested the standout helmets of the season—balancing safety certifications, weight, ventilation and integration with goggles and audio—to bring you picks ready for everything from park laps to back‑country huck sessions. The Whitelines 100 winners are as follows:
You’ll find some extra Whitelines-approved options at the end of the list too. These are a selection of products that we loved and give our seal of approval, we just couldn’t squeeze them into the Whitelines top 100. They are as follows:
Smith Cache
PRICE: 125 / $125
SIZES: S, M, L, XL
MIPS: Yes
NEW FOR 26/27 SEASON: No
Why We Chose The Smith Cache Helmet:
A wallet-friendly helmet with all the trimmings? For sure we’re gonna tuck in.
Who Is The Smith Cache For?
Safety is sexy, people! The helmet debate rages on, and Smith are not sitting on the fence here- they’re offering a price point option that doesn’t look like a dorky ski helmet for anyone who wants a proper lid.
Tech Talk
Materials, construction, features and safety certs (e.g. mips / wavecell)
MIPS is the industry go-to for protecting your melon from rotational impacts and Smith bolsters this safety with durable Advanced ABS construction. Dial in the fit with a quick adjust system, and keep things seamless with their air flow system to help stop your goggles fogging up.
Tester Verdict
Pat Nichols
“Air vents help to control your temp, comfortable fit and mips. Good helmet!”
Anon Oslo WaveCel
PRICE: $234.95 / €240 / £215
SIZES: S, M, L, XL
MIPS: No
NEW FOR 26/27 SEASON: No
Why We Chose The Anon Oslo WaveCel Helmet:
WaveCel’s cellular impact technology offers an alternative to MIPS with crumple-zone protection, wrapped in a lightweight package that tips the scales at just 448g.
Who Is The Anon Oslo WaveCel For?
Safety-conscious riders seeking advanced rotational impact protection beyond MIPS, particularly those who value lightweight construction for touring and splitboarding.
Tech Talk
Materials, construction, features and safety certs
The Oslo pairs WaveCel’s 3D cellular structure with in-mold construction, fusing a polycarbonate shell to an EPS liner. WaveCel distributes impact energy through interconnected shock absorbers, reducing forces while diverting rotational impacts. A 360° BOA Fit System enables micro-adjustments, while Fidlock magnetic buckles allow one-handed operation. Two passive vents circulate air, backed by a fleece liner and ear pads for warmth.
Tester Verdict
Tristan Kennedy
“The main selling point of this helmet is the thing you can’t test* i.e. how well it absorbs the shock of landing on your head. Anon’s WaveCel shock absorbers – which look like wave-shaped lines of green rubber on the inside of the lid -–apparently works like the crumple zone of a car to reduce force impacts. I’ll take their word for it. For everything I could test, however, this helmet was excellent. It’s light, at 448g, adding very little weight to my splitboarding backpack. As you’d expect, it integrates perfectly with Anon goggles, and the magnet clasp is super easy to operate even with thick gloves on. My only quibble was that I’d prefer a slightly lower profile look – but I guess that’s a byproduct of the superior impact cushioning WaveCel offers. And to be honest, if you’re wearing a helmet you’re already (rightly) prioritising brain safety over a stylish hat, so this is a minor point.
*Risking brain injury is a step too far even for Whitelines’ dedicated test team!”
Smith Method MIPS
PRICE: €87-€145 / £140-£149 / $87-$160
SIZES: S, M, L, XL
MIPS: Yes
NEW FOR 26/27 SEASON: No
Why We Chose The Smith Method MIPS Helmet:
It’s the complete package. MIPS and Zonal KOROYD combine for dual-layer impact protection, wrapped in a minimalist shell that weighs just 400g. Noice.
Who Is The Smith Method MIPS For?
Park rats and all-mountain riders who want premium safety tech without breaking the bank or carrying extra weight on their head all day.
Tech Talk
Materials, construction, features and safety certs
The Method fuses MIPS rotational protection with Zonal KOROYD’s energy-absorbing cellular structure in lightweight in-mold construction. Smith’s self-adjusting lifestyle fit system flexes to match your head shape, while eight fixed vents team with AirEvac technology for fog-free goggle integration. Removable Snapfit SL2 ear pads add warmth and audio compatibility. It’s also beanie compatible and available in Round Contour Fit for rounder heads.
Tester Verdict
Pat Nichols
“This is the best helmet on the market as far I’m concerned. Insanely light and with the stretchy liner that automatically fits your head it actually feels lighter and less restrictive than just running a beanie. Oh, and it has MIPs and is one of the cheapest on the market too. Light, Low profile, good looking, protective and affordable… I even bought one for myself. What more is there to say?”
Giro Owen
PRICE: TBC
SIZES: S, M, L
MIPS: Yes
NEW FOR 26/27 SEASON: No
Why We Chose The Giro Owen Helmet:
Looks great, performs better; the Giro Owen is everything you could look for in a snowboard helmet. It’s not cheap, but then neither is a head injury.
Who Is The Giro Owen helmet For?
Helmets don’t tend to be ‘for’ any particular kind of riding – whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this will keep your bonce safe.
Tech Talk
Materials, construction, features and safety certs (e.g. mips / wavecell)
The MIPS system in this lid provides unparalleled protection, tucked away in a sleek, minimalist design. It’s got a top-class lining and venting system too.
Tester Verdict
Ed Leigh
“I’ve used the ‘Spherical’ tech in bike helmets and felt my head rotate inside the helmet on impact. The fit, the size and the tech in these high end Giro helmets is very impressive. Love these helmets.”
