Skiing on snowy mountains under a sunny sky is an incredible thrill and adventure in itself. But if you are thinking of getting the best out of this sport, try wearing a pair of headphones with music on.
It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner on the mountains or considered a ski master; there is always a slight ting of fear associated with skiing. The only way you can experience the excitement skiing offers is by shutting your mind off that fear. And some fast-paced music might be the right antidote for that.
Playing one of your favorite playlists while sliding down the giant icy slopes can let you experience exactly what you came for. This is only possible if you have a nice quality headphone pair that doesn’t demand stopping every time you have to change the music.
You’d need quality headsets that would fit in your helmet but at the same time aren’t big enough to cancel the background noise. So, you can listen to your tracks all while being aware of the surroundings to avoid any worst-case scenarios.
We’ve compiled a list of the 7 best ski helmet headphones to help you make a sound decision when making the purchase. All headphones are handpicked, keeping quality and efficacy in mind, which wouldn’t compromise your safety or fun.
Read Also: 7 Best Headlamps For Night Skiing
Top 7 Best Ski Helmet Headphones In 2024
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1. Outdoor Tech Chips 2.0 Bluetooth Helmet Speakers – Best Overall
Highlights:
- Wireless
- Bluetooth compatibility
- Minimalistic design compatible with a wide range of helmets
- Answering phone calls
Special Features:
- Ski gloves-friendly audio controls
- Voice command
- 10-hour battery life
- Clear sounds with a better base
- Sweat and low temperature resistant
With a plethora of exciting features, this particular headset holds the top spot on our list. Outdoor tech chips 2.0 comes in a minimalistic design that offers a better fit for almost all kinds of audio compatible helmets. Limiting you from overspending on the purchase of an extra helmet.
This headset eliminates the hassle most athletes face while skiing – controlling the headset during the slide. The large buttons on the device make it easier for skiers to operate it on the go. Stopping now and then on the cliff to switch songs or attend your calls.
You can change or pause music tracks, tune volume, and receive phone calls without the need for removing your gloves or mittens in the blistering cold.
Chips 2.0 is embedded with 4mm drivers that produce clear sound with a better resonance that can make your skiing experience more thrilling. With the highlighted bass it offers, you mightn’t want to take the helmet off even after reaching the base camp.
Distance doesn’t feel distant anymore with the extended 32 feet Bluetooth connectivity range these Outdoor Tech Chips 2.0 provide. Moreover, if you are a professional athlete always hungry for skiing, the enormous 10-hour battery life can steer you through the whole skiing part.
You can also attend phone calls during your ride with the built-in microphone with the standard Bluetooth connection. This means you can now update your family and friends waiting for you at the base with no actual need to fish out your phone in the middle of the snow-packed cliffs.
Suppose you are looking for a wireless, minimalistic headset with a clear sound and incorporated headphones – congrats! Your search for them just ended.
- Easy to connect to iPhone
- Long-lasting battery for a full day on the mountain
- Responsive controls
- Enhances surrounding sounds for an open, over-ear design
- Great for enjoying music on the mountain
- Excellent for making calls and sending texts
- Bluetooth connectivity is reliable
- Initial sound quality may require equalizer adjustment
- Pause and play functionality can be inconsistent
2. Outdoor Tech OT0042 Wired Chips with Universal Helmet Audio – Runner Up
Highlights:
- Wired
- No rechargeable battery
- Bulkier size with better durability
- Dual button controls
Special Features:
- affordable cost
- Universal fitting for all audio-ready helmets.
- Phone call connectivity
- 40mm drivers for improved sound quality
- 3.5 mm connector jack
Outdoor tech wired chips can be connected to all kinds of Bluetooth devices. Despite the bulkier look, they can be attached to your old audio-lined skiing helmet. The improved sound quality and better bass mean you can finally hear clear highs while doing your favorite sport. Simply hopping on the helmet would make you feel like skiing through a live Billie Eilish concert.
The headphones come with tactile buttons that allow tapping functions for easy accessibility. By activating the smart tap functionality, you can operate the headset by tapping (for switching music tracks and attending phone calls) or holding (to enable Siri or google assist) the right speaker. The cable attached to the earpieces has in-line control buttons along with a volume wheel.
The non-rechargeable lithium-ion battery wouldn’t betray you on your way down. Meaning you can vibe to your favorite songs until your music player runs out of charging. But it can be irritating or not feasible for people who dislike wires.
Being an excessively low-cost skiing headset out of the list, OT0042 wired chips headphones are ideal for beginner skiers. If you are just starting, there is a high chance you have a tight budget. With all other essential skiing equipment to purchase, you will have a little leftover to spend on a pair of headphones.
- Seamless integration with the helmet
- Easy button control interface
- Good sound quality
- No need for charging (wired version)
- Voice control feature with compatible phones
- Comes with additional accessories (stickers and carrying bag)
- Responsive customer support for replacements
- Issues with cable shorting out
- Flimsy controls on the inline fob and volume wheel
- Inconsistent performance of earpiece controls
3. Alta Wireless Bluetooth Helmet Drop-in Headphones – Budget Pick
Highlights:
- Wireless
- Over ear-shaped
- Universal compatibility with most helmets
Special Features:
- Premium Bluetooth chipset.
- A high-quality and resonant sound
- Intuitive and modern design for a better experience
- Increased battery timing up to 10 hours
- USB micro and type A connector
Alta wireless headsets come with the most sophisticated Bluetooth audio chipsets among the diverse range of skiing headphones available in the market. The 5.0 wireless chipset in Alta wireless instantly connects with your music player letting you tune in to your preferred tracks the moment you want.
The advanced audio system acts as your stereo delivering high-definition sound to both ears equally. The over-ear peculiar Alta model is designed in Utahn engineers and snowboarders in a way that allows one to hear surrounding noise to some extent.
The design prevents you from being completely absorbed in music so that you can pay caution to any red signals outside. This minimizes one’s chances of falling prey to an accident.
All the phone’s functionalities can be controlled by the three huge buttons on the headset (two on the left and one on the right size). From listening to your favorite pop star to receiving phone calls from your family, everything can be done without removing your helmets or gloves.
The buttons let you adjust volume, skip tracks, activate Siri or google assist (with built-in handsfree mic), and accept or make phone calls.
Thanks to the wireless headset’s intricate and rugged design, it can be your pocket buddy regardless of the extreme cold conditions. Moreover, with an IP45 resistance rating and the extended 10-hour battery life, taking it to all kinds of icy terrains and tracks won’t be an issue.
- Reasonable Cost
- Decent Sound (for helmet speakers)
- Good Battery Life
- Easy to power on and off in the helmet
- Convenient for answering phone calls with the touch of a button
- Large buttons for easy pause and control
- Clear audio response for pairing, battery level, and power off
- Microphone quality can be lacking
- Difficulty using the left ear buttons with gloves on
4. Cardo FREECOM 4 Plus – 4-way Bluetooth Communication System
Highlights:
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity
- Water and dustproof headset
- Compatible with all helmet types
Special Features:
- Intercom support to initiate conference calls
- JBL sound system
- Voice activation
- Remote control ability by both iOS and Android app versions
- 13-hour battery life
Taking technological advancements in ski helmet headphones to another level is perfectly incorporated in the Cardo FREECOM 4 plus system. This particular headset is embedded with sophisticated technology in all departments of the communication system.
The compact design of the headphones makes it easier to adjust in all types of helmets. With the help of a cross-band intercom connection, 4 skiers can connect under a 1.2 km radius.
The device provides the optimum sound quality among all other headphones in the list, owing to the JBL speakers. The premium audio quality for phone calls and music is unrivaled by any other headset on the list. The design is carefully constructed to cancel outside wind noise up to a certain level.
The microphone installed in the earpiece catches sound unlike any other. Also, the voice command feature for both google and iOS operating systems leaves no need for an actual touch. Get the Cardo FREECOM 4 plus now, so you can focus more on polishing your skiing skills instead of interacting with the device physically, now and then.
Most importantly, the 13-hour extremely durable battery life is one of a kind. With this much battery life in your device, you might spoil your charging habit altogether.
Some might think it’s a value for money, but the Cardo FREECOM 4 plus could be way out of their budget for others. So, buy these feature-packed headphones if you have the necessity and the required sum. The best thing about these headphones is that they can be used for various sports that use helmets.
- Great fit and connectivity
- Good sound quality with impressive battery life
- Allows for multiple functions simultaneously
- Easy installation
- Small device with convenient hand controls
- Effective voice commands with integration with Siri and Google Assistant
- FM radio and wheel button control
- Pairing the 2 units can be challenging
- Complicated voice commands that require precise phrasing
5. BE Headwear Drop-in Bluetooth Headphones
Highlights:
- G3 tech Bluetooth connectivity
- Active noise control
- Micro USB charging port
Special Features:
- Voice prompts
- 9-hour battery life
- 0.64 ounces lightweight headset
- 30 mm sound drivers
- Dual-way radio functionality
The slim and low-profile design makes it look sleek and allows it to be attached to almost all helmets. Not only that, being small in size and extremely lightweight, you can easily couple it with your beanies. This will only help if you think of skiing at a lower altitude where weather conditions are not that extreme.
BE headwear comes with a BE-link Bluetooth sound system for easy connectivity with helmets as well as beanies. The 30 mm sound drivers on both sides provide just the right experience when you tune in for your favorite music. Like the other headphones, this one also allows one to receive phone calls while on top of the mountain.
Although they aren’t as efficient as the 40 mm ones, the size and weight make up for them. Meaning you can wear it for longer hours tirelessly. Given the tiny design and no wires, there are no large buttons controlled while skiing. Making it necessary to make stops during your downhill ride, remove your mittens and gloves, and then operate the device.
However, when it comes to recharging, the BE Headwear battery is better than most. Despite the 9-hour battery life, it will take no longer than 2 hours to recharge completely. However, the small price factor for the device makes up for almost all the shortcomings.
- Comfortable to wear for extended periods
- Allows for enjoyable skiing with music
- Good value for the price
- Easy to use
- Powerful and crisp sound
- Convenient for communication with ski partners
- Long-lasting battery life
- Lack of intercom system functionality
- Small and difficult-to-use buttons
6. Outdoor Tech Chips Ultra Wireless Helmet Audio
Highlights:
- Truly wireless
- Compatible with all types of audio-lined helmets
- Bluetooth V5.0 connectivity
Special Features:
- 12-hour battery life
- 2-hour charging time
- Small size and lightweight
- 10-meter Bluetooth range
- Glove-friendly
Outdoor has been the serious competitor in our list of best ski helmet headphones with its third nomination. This smaller version of the wireless outdoor headset is truly wireless, meaning no wires at all! More so, this one comes with smart assistants like Google and Siri.
Unlike other wireless Bluetooth headphones that connect separately or sometimes even have a slight resonance difference, the outdoor tech chips ultra has none of those issues. Just drop the tethers into ears, connect them right away and just slide down the white slope vibing to your favorite music tracks.
Despite being tiny in size, the tethers have bigger buttons that can be interacted with on the move with gloves on. Better than the previous models, the chip ultra has an increased 12-hour battery life that can be recharged under 2 hours at most.
If you are short on time, you can plug them with your power bank while going uphill. The battery will have enough life to take you from top to bottom.
You shouldn’t underestimate their smaller size. The outdoor technicians have made it equally durable, just like other bigger versions. The headphones can work effectively at temperatures as low as -20 °C.
The tiny yet quality speakers have a microphone fitted in them that can let you talk to your friends back home. If you have some prior experience with tiny earphones like apple air pods, then these would be perfect for you (given the price).
- Solid product in a nice package.
- Convenient for skiing and riding a Vespa.
- Good sound quality for riding around at 30mph.
- No hassles with pairing or disconnection.
- Super solid build quality.
- Reasonable price at $135.
- Charging case with some weight to it.
- Not the best sound quality compared to high-end headphones.
- Feels a generation or two behind newer Bluetooth headphones.
7. Sena Pi Universal Bluetooth Intercom Headset
Highlights:
- Wireless
- Universal Bluetooth intercom
- Compatible with multi-sport helmets
Special Features:
- 6-hour talk time
- Intercom connectivity for up to 2 riders
- 400-meter connectivity range
- 2.5 hours recharging time
If you are looking for a headphone with a minimalistic design that can easily fit into your helmet and is not overly priced, the Sena Pi headset might prove useful.
The enhanced Bluetooth connectivity allows it to pair with your smartphone directly with a touch of two buttons. You can easily access your preferred playlists, radio and can also gain information about the weather and the terrain ahead through GPS navigation on your phone.
Want to know something better than listening to songs while skiing? Talking to your partner along the way. The Sena Pi headphone can make your riding experience more fun and exciting by letting you link with your skiing buddy by simply scanning a QR code. It acts just like a walkie-talkie but with an increased range of about 400 meters on clear tracks.
You can guide each other about the terrain ahead and make informed decisions about selecting the path down. With 400 meters of connectivity range, there is enough room for the two to stay at a safe distance while staying connected. The adequate 6-hour battery is enough to take you through the entire journey.
Thanks to the small compact size and its water and dust resistant capabilities, you can attach it to a wide range of sporting helmets such as mountain biking, cycling, skating helmets, and whatnot.
- Excellent functionality
- Clear sound with noise cancellation
- Intuitive syncing for easy use
- Secures onto bike helmet chin straps
- Allows for hands-free phone calls
- Great for communication while riding
- Good range and signal reconnection
- Confusing instructions from Sena
- Limited battery life (around 5 hours)
Key Considerations for Buying Ski Helmet Headphones
1. Design and Compatibility
Ski helmet headphones come in a variety of shapes, styles, and weights. All of which play a significant role in incompatibility with your helmet. Although most helmets are designed with ample space to install headphones.
Still, it is important to select a headphone with a minimalistic design and compact shape for an easy fit in your helmet. Using bulkier headphones that don’t fit in properly will not only disturb your comfort level but will also compromise your safety, which is highly unprofessional. Make sure to check the amount of space your helmet allows for a headset to fit in.
2. Wired or Wireless
While most of it depends on each person’s preference, most skiers still prefer wireless headphones for better convenience. Wired headphones need to be tethered to the smartphone physically.
Indeed, one doesn’t have to worry about the battery life when using a wired headset which is relatively cheaper than wireless ones. However, it still requires one to pass the wire through multiple layers of clothing, so it doesn’t disconnect during movement.
Wireless headphones, on the other hand, have no such fuss associated with them. You simply need to connect them with your smartphone via Bluetooth, and you are good to go. Not to mention that some wireless headsets can be controlled with voice commands. Requiring no physical effort at all.
3. Control Features
The number of features, in particular, makes it more advantageous than the other. A headphone is only considered better than its counterpart if it requires less human effort to operate it. The more easily a headphone can be controlled, the more energy and focus you can impart onto the skiing part.
However, there is no denying that headsets embedded with features are costlier than others. But still, you can find one that offers better value for money and has all the necessary features you need for a comfortable yet exhilarating skiing experience.
4. Sound Quality
One of the most basic and important features that shouldn’t be overlooked in the headset is the quality of sound it produces. From beginners to professional skiers, everyone loves crisp and clear music with the right bass, so you can joyfully vibe to the beats as you ski down the slope.
A headphone with a low-quality sound would only make your skiing experience worse instead of making it more thrilling.
5. Safety and Durability
Last but not least, the safety and durability of your headphone hold the same value as all other aspects. The device’s size should not be so unconventional and unnecessarily stylish that it undermines the safety your helmet has to offer.
In the skiing sport, the durability of the headphone also matters considering the extreme weather conditions where it takes place. You wouldn’t want to pour your money on a headset that stops functioning under lower temperatures or doesn’t tolerate any moisture.
Final Verdict
A quality headphones can most certainly make your skiing experience. We have compiled some of the best headsets based on their functionalities, value for money, and buyers’ reviews to help you through the purchase. We did all the necessary research, so you don’t have to. Just select the right one that matches your purpose and make the purchase. Happy Skiing!