The 7 Best Ski Helmet Headphones (2024)

If you spend a considerable amount of time skiing, listening to your favorite music while doing so may seem like a great way of enhancing your enjoyment. However, to do so safely, you’ll need headphones that let you hear ambient noise and don’t dislodge easily.

Some great ski helmet headphones let you enjoy your music while skiing. However, it goes without saying, be very cautious when listening to music while skiing as there is always an increase in the risk of not being able to hear people around you.

My top recommended ski helmet headphones are the Outdoor Tech OT0052. This is a very high-quality headset with a rugged build, comfortable, and easy ergonomic operation.

My second recommended sky helmet headphones are the IASUS XSound 2.1. This is an excellent affordable option that offers good audio quality and secure velcro attachment.

The 7 Best Ski Helmet Headphones (2024)

Let’s compare these in more detail.

The Outdoor Tech Chips 2.0 is a very high-quality helmet headset. With Bluetooth connectivity, you don’t have to worry about cumbersome and potentially dangerous wires trailing around your neck. Simply keep your phone in your pocket to enjoy great music. With the built-in microphone, you can take calls and control your phone with Siri.

This headset fits very comfortably in most ski helmets. They are sweat-resistant and, befitting the fact that they will be used in cold weather, have full functionality in very low temperatures down to minus 20 degrees C.

They are easy to use thanks to the two large buttons on each earpiece. Simply press them to adjust the volume, play, pause, take calls, or carry out any other function. This means that you don’t have to stop and remove your gloves or mittens to answer a call or change a track.

These wireless Bluetooth headphones are not just about usability. They deliver great quality sound, thanks to carefully designed 40mm drivers. While they offer an immersive experience, they also let you hear the ambient sound – important for maintaining safety when skiing. 

It has a 10-hour battery life on a single charge, ensuring that you can enjoy an uninterrupted day on the slopes without having to worry about recharging your headphone.

The IASUS XSound 2.1 is a great budget option for skiers looking for helmet headphones. Despite its low price, it is very well built with quality drivers that offer great clarity and full-range bass. The IASUS goes seriously loud, so it’s a great option for those who like to listen to their music at high volume – although that is not really recommended while skiing.

At its low price, some concessions had to be made and, in the case of these headphones, it’s the lack of wireless connectivity. Instead, these are wired headphones, with a wire running to each earpiece.

The wires are connected to a 3.5mm audio pin which is compatible with a wide variety of phones and MP3 players. The advantage of a wired connection, of course, is that you don’t have to worry about losing the signal.

The wires are kevlar enforced while the headphones have a steel chassis, so the unit is extremely rugged and durable. The XSound 2.1 comes with extremely strong 3M velcro stickers that can be used to attach the headset securely to your helmet. Consequently, you don’t have to worry about the headphones falling out even when jolted. 

The Cardo FRC4P001 – FREECOM 4+ is a true high-end Bluetooth headset for ski helmets. The sound quality is unrivaled thanks to the JBL audio system, delivering stunning bass and rich, clear treble, and midrange. The sonics have been specially tuned for use in a helmet, so if audio quality matters to you, this is the one to go for.

The headset’s razor-thin casing allows it to fit comfortably in ski helmets. A special glue plate and velcro pads enable it to be securely attached, so you don’t run the risk of losing your pricey headset on the slopes.

Advanced Bluetooth connectivity lets you stream music to your phone or any Bluetooth-enabled device. Uniquely, the Cardo FRC4P001 offers intercom support for up to 4 other people. With a range of 1.2 km, this is a great way of staying in touch with your skiing buddies. This headset has universal pairing capability so you can use it for intercom connections with other brands. 

Corded and hybrid microphones are provided, along with wind-noise reduction, so you can get superb clarity on your phone and intercom calls. It also allows you to hear your music or GPS commands much more clearly.

Cardo’s Natural Voice operation lets you use your voice for over 20 commands in multiple languages. In addition, there is Android and iOS voice activation.

When you do want to manually control the headset, an innovative, thin wheel gives you convenient access. An FM radio is also included, so you have plenty of options for music playback.

Designed specifically for skiers, the Wildhorn Alta is an intuitive headset that is built from premium material. As such, it is hassle-free to operate and provides skiers and snowboarders with a great audio experience to enhance their enjoyment of the slopes. 

As it is designed to operate in ski helmets, the earphones (with their 40mm drivers) deliver crystal clear sound and rich dynamic bass. It also fits into a variety of ski helmets and its compact size allows for a comfortable fit. Three oversized buttons are provided to easily operate the headset without removing your helmet or gloves.

An advanced Bluetooth 5.0 chipset provides excellent wireless connectivity, allowing you to seamlessly stream music. The built-in microphone can be used to make extremely clear calls. 

Best of all, you don’t have to worry about finding your phone or taking on your helmet. Simply press the right button twice to activate Siri and Google. You can then use voice commands to answer a call or change the playlist. 

With a battery that offers 10 hours of playback on a single charge, this is a headset you can use for a day on the slopes. It is also capable of withstanding freezing temperatures as it has been tested to -4 ℃.  The Alta is sweat-resistant, so if you do find yourself sweating under the helmet, your comfort won’t be compromised.

The OutdoorMaster helmet drop-in headphones are designed to be skiing-friendly. The last thing you want to do is remove your gloves to operate the headset, so the OutdoorMaster has large buttons that are easy to operate using gloved fingers. You can easily adjust the volume and change tracks.

The OutdoorMaster has a somewhat bulky design that might not fit into all helmets. However, with advanced 40mm drive units, it is capable of producing clear highs with big bass, so you can enjoy your favorite music while skiing.

Befitting its name, the OutdoorMaster is ruggedly built to work in freezing weather down to an amazing -20℃. In addition, the built-in microphones give you the option of conveniently taking calls or using Siri for voice control. Bluetooth 5.0 is provided, for superior wireless connectivity.

The battery provides plenty of power, allowing you to enjoy 15 hours of unlimited playtime, so you don’t have to worry about the headphones dying on you. And charging couldn’t be easier, as you don’t have to remove the headset from the helmet to do so.

The Outdoor Tech Chips Ultra are designed to offer true wireless audio while you enjoy your skiing. Its simple, no-nonsense design means that you just have to slip them into your helmet to get going. The buttons are large enough for you to operate them outdoors without removing your ski gloves. The built-in mic can be used to call up Siri or Google for voice commands.

The Chips Ultra has an IPX5 water-resistance rating. Befitting its name, this Outdoor Technology Chips headset is capable of withstanding plenty of rough and tumble. Granted, the price tag is higher than most options.

Advanced Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity with a 10-meter operating range lets you wirelessly connect to your phone or Bluetooth device seamlessly, without having to worry about wires posing a health hazard.

Naturally, the last thing you’d want is for the battery to go down while you are enjoying your skiing. Fortunately, with a playtime of 16 hours on a single charge, that is unlikely to happen. A great charging case is included, enabling you to get to a full charge in just 2 hours. 

The BE Headwear BELINK 3.0 offers amazing value for money. Besides being very affordable, it is also one of the slimmest headsets you can slip into your helmet. The slim design is partly due to the tiny 30mm drivers. Despite their size, they can go seriously loud and provide excellent audio. The BE headwear Bluetooth headset is also ruggedly built to withstand the rigors of skiing.

What is the purpose of Ski Helmet Headphones?

Ski Helmet headphones are designed to fit into most ski helmets so that you can enjoy music when you are skiing. In addition, these headphones may have features that allow them to be used to make phone calls, listen to GPS directions, and even for intercom calls.

Is listening to music while Skiing dangerous?

Listening to music while skiing is dangerous as it lessens your ability to hear sounds around you. However, most ski helmet headphones are designed to let in ambient noise, so you should still be able to hear outside noise quite clearly. If you are listening to music while skiing, you should also nevertheless pay extra attention to what is happening around you and listen to moderate volume levels.

Are Wired or Wireless Headphones better for Skiing?

Wireless headphones are better for skiing as having wires around your neck can be dangerous and also a nuisance. Naturally, with a wired headset, the connection is way better.

What to look for in Ski Helmet Headphones when buying?

There are several things you should consider when buying ski helmet headphones. Since you are buying them to enjoy your favorite music, sound quality is very important. Before purchasing, test the speakers to ensure that they offer decent volume, a clear sound, and punchy bass. You should also make sure that the headphones are designed to let in ambient noise, which is vital for safety reasons.

Another important factor that you need to check is that the headphones are compatible with the ski helmet you use, as compatibility is not guaranteed. You should also ensure that the headphones are a comfortable fit for you, and durable enough to withstand the rigors of skiing.

Lastly, make sure that the headset has the features you need with newer technological advancements, such as Bluetooth, voice control, easy operation with gloved hands, GPS navigation, and an intercom.

Summary

Ski Helmet headphones are an excellent way to enhance your enjoyment when skiing. While you need to be extra mindful of your surroundings when using them, any of the headphones on this list will allow you to have fun on the slopes while listening to your favorite tunes. 

My top pick is the Outdoor Tech OT0052. It is very well-built, easy to operate with gloved hands, and sounds great.

My budget pick is the IASUS XSound 2.1, which provides secure attachment with velcro strips while delivering high-quality sound.