OutdoorGearLab

The Zeal Portal RLS strikes the middle ground in the world of snow goggles. While they're not the least expensive or the most advanced technology out there, they bring a lot to the table. The optical quality of this goggle's two included lenses is among the best in the test. Both are spherical in shape, and the bright light lens is photochromic. In our tests, it adapted well to fluctuating light conditions. Beyond that, you have a multitude of choices in lens colors, tints, and function, including polarized or prescription lenses &#40;at a higher price&#41;. These goggles secure the lens with a convenient magnetic system, similar to those found at much higher prices in the ski goggle market. These goggles have an extra sturdy frame that handled over a month of testing with no signs of the abuse we gave it. 
We only found a couple of drawbacks during testing. While the magnetic lens system is much easier than traditional goggles regarding lens swapping, these lenses aren't as easily swapped as other magnetic models. The second drawback mentioned by a couple of testers was the two relatively small black tabs at the bottom of the lenses. Some skiers noticed and commented, but they went unnoticed by others. Whether your skiing or boarding days take you to the resorts or deep into the backcountry, these goggles are our top recommendation for high-tech features at a reasonable price point.

The Zeal Portal RLS strikes the middle ground in the world of snow goggles. While they're not the least expensive or the most advanced technology out there, they bring a lot to the table. The optical quality of this goggle's two included lenses is among the best in the test. Both are spherical in shape, and the bright light lens is photochromic. In our tests, it adapted well to fluctuating light conditions. Beyond that, you have a multitude of choices in lens colors, tints, and function, including polarized or prescription lenses &#40;at a higher price&#41;. These goggles secure the lens with a convenient magnetic system, similar to those found at much higher prices in the ski goggle market. These goggles have an extra sturdy frame that handled over a month of testing with no signs of the abuse we gave it. 
We only found a couple of drawbacks during testing. While the magnetic lens system is much easier than traditional goggles regarding lens swapping, these lenses aren't as easily swapped as other magnetic models. The second drawback mentioned by a couple of testers was the two relatively small black tabs at the bottom of the lenses. Some skiers noticed and commented, but they went unnoticed by others. Whether your skiing or boarding days take you to the resorts or deep into the backcountry, these goggles are our top recommendation for high-tech features at a reasonable price point.
Read more: Zeal Portal RLS review

Best for Most

amazon.com

bazaarvoice

expert-review

Zeal Hatchet Goggle | Blister

Zeal Portal Goggle Review | Gear Institute

powerreviews

The Smith 4D Mag is an innovative pair of goggles that excels in every way. Smith has been producing eyewear for over 50 years, and their experience is apparent in this goggle. The 4D Mag continues Smith's reputation of innovation with a rounded bottom edge of the lens that increases the user's field of vision, a design feature unique to this model. In addition to the highest quality optics, the 4D Mag has a flexible frame and medium fit that is sure to please most skiers and riders. It's stylish and durable, too. 
While the 4D Mag fits a wide variety of face sizes well, folks with larger faces might find some other options more suitable. We also think the weight and bulk of this goggle may make many backcountry skiers and splitboarders want to look elsewhere for their next pair. Lastly, but most noticeably, these goggles are relatively expensive. That said, when it comes to performance at the ski resort, our testers generally agree that you can't do better than this unique and chart-topping model. 

Switchback Travel

Released a couple seasons ago to quite a bit of fanfare is Smith’s top-end 4D Mag. Building off the standard I/O Mag above, this goggle has an improved magnetic lens-change system and a slightly larger fit, but the big news is the lens shape. Called BirdsEye Vision, the lower portion of the lens curves inwards, opening up downward visibility by 25 percent (according to Smith). It’s hard to fully verify that claim, but the difference is immediately apparent when trying it on back-to-back with alternatives like the I/O Mag and Oakley Flight Deck. For those who put a premium on maximum field of vision—such as riders who spend a lot of time in difficult terrain off-piste or in the bumps—the 4D Mag is a nice option.

Why hasn’t the 4D Mag overtaken the I/O Mag as our top-rated goggle? The primary reason is price: there's no doubt it's a fun piece of tech, but visibility in general has become much less of an issue among modern, premium goggles. As such, many skiers will find it difficult to justify the $50 jump in cost (although the included hard-sided case is a nice touch). Moreover, there's a faint line and a small amount of distortion right at the curve in the lens (while skiing, however, the line is not noticeable). In the end, it comes down to priorities, and the 4D is best-in-class when it comes to unencumbered views... Read in-depth reviewSee the Smith 4D Mag

The Smith 4D Mag is an innovative pair of goggles that excels in every way. Smith has been producing eyewear for over 50 years, and their experience is apparent in this goggle. The 4D Mag continues Smith's reputation of innovation with a rounded bottom edge of the lens that increases the user's field of vision, a design feature unique to this model. In addition to the highest quality optics, the 4D Mag has a flexible frame and medium fit that is sure to please most skiers and riders. It's stylish and durable, too. 
While the 4D Mag fits a wide variety of face sizes well, folks with larger faces might find some other options more suitable. We also think the weight and bulk of this goggle may make many backcountry skiers and splitboarders want to look elsewhere for their next pair. Lastly, but most noticeably, these goggles are relatively expensive. That said, when it comes to performance at the ski resort, our testers generally agree that you can't do better than this unique and chart-topping model. 
Read more: Smith 4D Mag review

Upgrade Pick

yotpo

Switchback Travel | Smith 4D Mag Goggle Review

Smith 4D Mag Goggles | Gear Review | Busted Wallet

Smith 4D Mag Goggle | Blister

The Smith Squad ChromaPop delivers performance-oriented features at an affordable price. The Squad remains a favorite because it comes with two high-quality lenses for bright and low light conditions and outperforms several higher-priced models in this review. Smith's cylindrical lenses, a ChromaPop version for bright light conditions, and a basic yellow lens for lowlight days provide a crisp and clear view of the mountains around you. The Squad is well ventilated and suitable for use everywhere from the resort to the backcountry. We like touring with these goggles, as they are lighter weight and more packable than most of the high-end and heavier models we tested. They have a crowd-pleasing medium to large fit that is comfortable on a vast range of face sizes and shapes, plus they fit great with or without a helmet. 
The Squad isn't the flashiest goggle out there, sporting a more classic shape and style with less modern flair than other models. The ChromaPop lens enhances colors while remaining accurate but had limited versatility to be used in lower light conditions. Changing lenses with this model is best done at the house as it is a bit of an arduous task when compared with that of a magnetic system. This is the standard for this price point of goggles, and saving money can help most folks overcome these drawbacks. If the best value is what you seek, then look no further than the Smith Squad.

The Smith Squad ChromaPop delivers performance-oriented features at an affordable price. The Squad remains a favorite because it comes with two high-quality lenses for bright and low light conditions and outperforms several higher-priced models in this review. Smith's cylindrical lenses, a ChromaPop version for bright light conditions, and a basic yellow lens for low light days provide a crisp and clear view of the mountains around you. The Squad is well-ventilated and suitable for use everywhere from the resort to the backcountry. We like touring with these goggles, as they are lighter and more packable than most of the high-end and heavier models we tested. They have a crowd-pleasing medium to large fit that is comfortable on a vast range of face sizes and shapes, plus they fit great with or without a helmet. 
The Squad isn't the flashiest goggle out there, sporting a more classic shape and style with less modern flair than other models. The ChromaPop lens enhances colors while remaining accurate but had limited versatility to be used in lower light conditions. Changing lenses with this model is best done at the house as it's more arduous than the magnetic systems. This is the standard for this price point of goggles, and saving money can help most folks overcome these drawbacks. If the best value is what you seek, then look no further than the Smith Squad.
Read more: Smith Squad ChromaPop review

Budget Pick

Switchback Travel | Smith Squad Mag Goggle Review

TechGearLab

If you are looking for eye protection with adaptability for everything from spraying muriatic acid to running a wood chipper, look no further than the Pyramex I-Force glasses. This pair of spectacles can go from full-protection goggles with a foam gasket and full strap to a stripped-down pair of standard glasses with regular temples. In either mode, they provided excellent durability and protection. To keep track of all the parts, we'd recommend a full-on glasses case with these, but we loved how versatile one pair could be.
Like many jacks-of-all-trades, these are often masters of none. They were a bit chunky as a regular pair of safety specs compared to some of the more low-profile models, and they were less comfortable in goggle mode than the dedicated safety goggles. Also, the vertical articulation at the hinge initially seemed nifty but just ended up with the glasses always being a bit awkward on our testers' faces. Still, we think this is a quality pair of glasses that could work in nearly any situation where you'd need eye protection, and we'd recommend them for the person who wants just one pair of eye protection to do just about any job.

Snow Goggles Comparison