Listening to music while you ski can really add to the experience. While regular headphones can work, ski helmet headphones are a much better decision for anyone who wants to stay safe while they jam to their favorite tunes on the mountain.
I’ve been skiing for decades, and I like to listen to music when I’m on the slopes by myself. I’m a big fan of using ski helmet headphones, and I know what to look for in the best options available that provide good audio quality and a secure fit.
The Outdoor Technology Chips 2.0 is my pick for the best overall ski helmet headphones of the season. These are a quality pair of headphone pucks that will give you excellent audio in a durable design.
I’ll show you several other great options to help you bump music in your headphones in this post. If you wear a ski helmet and want to listen to music, it’s a good idea to get your hands on any of the models I’ll list here.
Let’s turn up the tunes and get after it.
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Who Should Get This
The headphones in this guide are well-suited for skiers who want music or audio when they’re out on the mountain.
It doesn’t matter if you want to rock out while hitting a long run or if you like to hear some calming sounds as you explore the backcountry, the options listed below deliver exceptional audio quality on each and every trip.
These headphones also work well for skiers who like to stay connected as they zip around the snow. This feature won’t apply to everyone, but being able to easily make or answer calls no matter where your travels take you means you’re never too far out of touch.
Best Ski Helmet Headphones: Top Picks
Here are all of my top picks for the best ski helmet headphones of the season. Every model you see here will give you excellent audio quality and fit easily inside your ski helmet.
1. Outdoor Technology Chips 2.0
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Durable design, good audio quality, glove-friendly controls, 10 hours of playtime
- Style: Wireless
- Microphone: Yes
- Cost: $$$
The Outdoor Technology Chips 2.0 is my top pick for the best ski helmet headphones of the season. These are a very effective and easy-to-use option that should work for most skiers.
They come with a two-button control system that is glove-friendly and can be used outside your helmet.
In addition, the battery runs for 10 hours, the headphones work with any Bluetooth device, and the exterior is sweat-resistant.
The only real downside with these solid helmet headphones is that they are somewhat expensive compared to other models – though I still think they are pretty affordable.
==> You can also get it on Christy Sports or Buckman’s or Walmart.
2. UClear Digital Pulse Drop-In Speakers
- Best for: Wired Option
- Key features: Durable construction, versatile, good audio quality, lightweight
- Style: Wired
- Microphone: Yes
- Cost: $$
If you want the reliability of a wired pair of helmet headphones, the UClear Digital Pulse Drop-in Speakers come highly recommended.
These speakers will give you stellar high-fidelity audio quality and crisp sound, so they are also a good option for skiers who want excellent sound quality.
They also work with nearly any electronic device around, making them very versatile in application. And a wired option means you don’t have to worry about batteries running low.
These aren’t as durable as some wireless options, so you’ll want to be careful and keep them dry.
==> You can also get it on RevZilla or Newegg.
3. BE Headwear Bluetooth Headset
- Best for: Budget Option
- Key features: Affordable, 30mm drivers, built-in microphone, lightweight
- Style: Wired
- Microphone: Yes
- Cost: $
The BE Headwear Bluetooth Headset is a solid option for any skier who wants to listen to music without spending a ton of money.
This is another wired option that will give you decent audio quality, thanks to 30mm drivers and a frequency range of 20hz to 20khz.
In addition to being very affordable, these are also thin and lightweight, so they will easily fit into any type of helmet.
They don’t have the greatest low-end audio, which means you’ll sacrifice some bass by going on a budget.
4. Alta Wireless Drop-In Headphones
- Best for: Audio
- Key features: Premium balanced sound, 40mm drivers, Bluetooth 5.0, easy controls
- Style: Wireless
- Microphone: Yes
- Cost: $$$
The Alta Wireless Drop-in Headphones have some of the best audio quality you can find in the world of ski helmet headphones.
These feature a premium balanced sound that utilizes 40mm drivers to deliver good bass and an authentic audio experience.
They also have Bluetooth 5.0 technology for very effective wireless performance, which also aids in their high audio quality.
This is another somewhat expensive option, but it’s an easy price to pay if you want great audio.
==> You can also get it on Wildhorn Outfitters or Newegg or Walmart.
5. OutdoorMaster Wireless Drop-in Headphones
- Best for: Performance
- Key features: Good sound, glove-friendly controls, Bluetooth 5.0 tech, universal helmet compatibility
- Style: Wireless
- Microphone: Yes
- Cost: $$
The OutdoorMaster Wireless Drop-In Headphones are packed with features that make them some of the best performance-focused pucks around.
These have a wireless design and are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 tech to deliver exceptional reliability. You also get good audio quality and bass response.
I also like the glove-friendly controls that this option comes with. It’s really easy to adjust the volume or take a call while you’re skiing. Universal helmet compatibility means these will work for just about everyone.
The only downside to mention with these is that they are a little bulky, as the pucks aren’t very thin.
How to Choose Ski Helmet Headphones
Here are some essential things to consider when choosing ski helmet headphones. If you want to find a good option to meet your needs on the mountain, this section will help you out.
Usability
Good ski helmet headphones need to be easy to use. There are many exciting options out there packed with a range of modern features. However, such attributes don’t matter if you can’t use them.
Always prioritize streamlined models that are easy to set up and operate. Hands-free options are also crucial, as they keep your fingers from freezing. If you get button-operated headphones, it is best to go with ones that allow you to use them with gloves.
Durability
Like the rest of your gear, your headphones need to be able to hold up to the test of time. The elements are harsh out on the mountain, which means you want accessories that can take a beating without worry.
Consider both good construction and well-made earpieces. Remember, you don’t just need headphones that can handle bumps or quick movements; you need a pair that can withstand any crashes or falls you might sustain as well. Water resistance is important too.
Wired or Wireless
Headphone speakers are available in both wired and wireless options. Wireless options are more common these days and give you added convenience, thanks to Bluetooth technology. However, they run on batteries and can wear out.
Wired headphones are kind of old-school, and you’ll need to connect the cord to your phone or audio device to listen to music. The advantage with these is that they don’t run on batteries, so they can operate as long as your music player does.
Safety Features
Listening to music on the mountain may be fun, but you always want to be in tune with your surroundings. As such, do not get noise-canceling headphones that completely block out all sound.
In addition, opt for models that fit into your helmet. Ones that wrap over your head can easily tangle and injure you in the event of an accident. Avoid bulky options for that reason as well.
Useful Tips & Resources
Listening to music while skiing is fun, but it can also be dangerous. You always need to hear the world around you, which is why listening to noise-canceling headphones or turning your music up too loud can lead to problems.
If you want a better breakdown of how to be safe while rocking out to your favorite tunes, consult this guide.
Headphones are a great way to enhance your time cruising through the snow. However, if you want other ways to make your outings much more epic, look no further than some of the different items outlined in this handy video below.
Final Verdict
The Outdoor Technology Chips 2.0 is my pick for the best ski helmet headphones of the year. This is an excellent set of drop-in wireless headphones that will give you good audio quality, long battery life, and allow you to make calls as well.
Listening to music while you ski is always fun, but you want to make sure you stay safe at the same time. Wearing a helmet helps achieve that, and all the headphones here will work easily with your helmet.
