Best Ski Helmet Headphones For 2019: The Complete Buying Guide

Best Ski Helmet Headphones For 2019: The Complete Buying Guide

It does not matter whether you are a beginner or seasoned skier, a run down the mountain listening to your favorite tunes is always more exhilarating than having to listen to the hollow sound of wind and snow all the way down. Getting a pair of ski helmet headphones to go with your ski helmet then becomes more of a must-do rather than a want-to.

But what makes a good ski headphone? Is it the sound quality? Or maybe the fit? Really, it must be the price. Isn’t it? Truth be told, there is no one clear cut answer. There never is. The best ski headphone for you, may not necessarily be the best for someone else. It boils down to personal preferences, and a lot of factors to consider.

Lucky for you, this article is going to help you make the best decision when choosing a pair of headphones for your helmet. Whether you are doing chips down the mountain or going off-piste, the experience is bound to be worthwhile with some good music pounding in your ears. 

Our Picks: Best Ski Headphones For 2019

#1: Outdoor Tech Chips 2.0
#2: Sena SPH10-10 Outdoor Sports Bluetooth Stereo Headset
#3: Bose SIE2i Sports Headphones
#4: Uclear HBC 120 Plus Sports Helmet Communicator

How To Put Headphones In A Ski Helmet

How to put a pair of headphones on a ski helmet is one of the biggest questions everyone asks. By default, ski helmets are not designed to be worn with headphones. Their primary purpose is to keep you safe in the event of a fall. You, therefore, have to think of an ingenious way to get your headphones to work with your helmet.

That, however, also depends on the type of headphones you have, and the fit of your helmet. If your helmet fits snugly, trying to fit anything between your head and headphone could cause pain and discomfort because of the pressure. For this type of helmet, we would recommend using earbuds instead. They go into your ear and don’t interfere with your comfort.

But not everyone can use earbuds. For some, they fall off with every movement, so they have to find another way. If this describes you, getting a pair of flat headphones could be your best bet. Outdoor Tech Chips 2.0 is a great example of such. They are easy to fit inside your helmet and can be used with any type of helmet.

But what if you do not own a pair of flat headphones but still want to enjoy some music when skiing? Well, there is still one option left. Just wear your headphones over your ears as you normally would, but the headband goes behind your neck. Use the chin straps of your ski helmet to hold them in place, and they should stay on quite well. Well, unless of course, you happen to have a fall. If they are not as comfortable as you would want them to be, try placing them a little lower than your ears, or even behind your ears. The idea here is to experiment with different positions until you find something that works best for you.

For safety, we do not recommend completely covering your ears or using earbuds. You need to hear still what is going on around you, so it would be a good idea to use open-back headphones that allow ambient sound in, or use minimum volume if you are using earbuds.

How To Put Wireless Headphones In Ski Helmet

You can enjoy your favorite tunes while on the slopes by using wireless Bluetooth connectivity. To do so, the speakers should use Bluetooth technology that can connect to your Bluetooth enabled device. To successfully do this, switch on Bluetooth on both your ski helmet headphones and also the sound source device. Make sure the two devices have paired, and then you are good to go.

How Do Ski Helmet Headphones Work?

Ski helmet headphones are placed inside ski helmets and help you to listen to your favorite tunes while still enjoying your outdoor activities. It doesn’t matter if they are wired or wireless, as long they are comfortable to use, then you are good to go. Most people enjoy using wireless headphones since they worry less about tangled cables.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Ski Helmet Headphones

As you have already noticed, there are different design options available for a pair of helmet headphones. When getting a pair, therefore, you need to make some considerations to avoid being disappointed later on because the pair you chose does not go well with your headphones.

Here are some things to consider as you are shopping:

  1. Ease of Use

Among other technical aspects, how easy to use a headphone set is matters a lot. Can you use them to answer a call, or will you always have to get your phone out? In the case of wireless headphones, how easy is it to reach the controls? Can you use them with gloves on, or will you need to take off your gloves every time you want to skip to the next song? For wired headphones, do they have an inline control knob that you can use to add or lower the volume, and perform other basic functions? All these are considerations you will need to make before clicking the buy button.

  1. Durability

How durable the pair you want to buy is also very important. Are they waterproof, water-resistant or sweat-resistant? You will need to know this so that you know if you’ll have to buy a new pair every time you happen to fall, and snow gets into your helmet. Also, how hardy are they? Can they withstand a few bumps? If they are wired, also remember to check the quality of the cables. You want ones that are strong enough to resist damage from tugging because they will be exposed to lots of that.

  1. Comfort

This is another important consideration to make, if not the most important. You want a set of ski headphones that fit well and will not distract you when skiing. The best way to guarantee a comfortable fit is to take your helmet with you when you go shopping for ski helmet headphones. This way, you can try out several styles of headphones, and find one that you love the most.

  1. Weight

Another consideration that goes hand in hand with comfort is the weight of your headphone set. You want a set that is lightweight because a bulky one will need adjustment quite frequently, especially if you are on a rough piste. Additionally, heavier headphones will need to be tighter to keep them in place, which is definitely going to interfere with your comfort when skiing.

  1. Sound Quality

Next, you will want to get the headphone set with the best sound. Sound preferences, however, vary greatly between different people, so the only sure way of getting a set you love is to test them yourself. Being aware of what is happening around you when rushing down the mountain is crucial for your safety and that of others. You should, therefore, get a set that still allows you to hear ambient noise. The best design that does this is open-back headphones. In-ear headphones are the worst at allowing in ambient noise, so if you can avoid them, it would be best to. Always remember, your safety comes first!

  1. Wireless or Wired

Most headphones are wired, which means you will need to think of a way to safely carry your music-playing device as you ski. If you have a jacket with an in-pocket, that would be the safest option. It will allow you to route the headphone wire inside your clothing and avoid it being a nuisance when riding the slopes. This also minimizes the risk of your music player or smartphone falling off and getting lost in the snow.

However, there are also several wireless ski helmet headphones available in the market. These work via Bluetooth, thus allowing you to place your device wherever you feel it is most secure. Note however that while they eliminate the fuss of cables, you need to consider how long they hold a charge. You will also need to know if they have in-built rechargeable batteries or if you’ll need to replace them once they run out.

  1. Style of Headphone

There are basically 3 types of headphones you can choose: wrap-around headphones, in-ear headphones, and over-ear headphones.

  • Wrap-around headphones. While these may offer the best comfort and sound quality of all three types, they are the most ill-fitted design to use with your ski helmets. If your helmet fits properly – which it most probably does – this type of headset will not fit. Also, if you happen to fall and hit your head, it is very likely that you will receive injury from the headband of these earphones. If this is the design you choose, we recommend wearing them with the headband behind your neck for a more convenient fit.
  • In-ear headphones. This type of headphones is the most compact and lightest of all designs. They go into the ear and do not interfere with the fit and comfort of your helmet in any way. Their downside, however, is that they block out almost all ambient noise, which could be dangerous from a safety point of view. Additionally, they do not always stay in the ears. This means that if your ears are finicky, you should not even consider getting these. Otherwise, you’ll find that you have to take off your helmet quite often to push them back in place.
  • Over-ear headphones. These are usually the most comfortable type for most people. They are available in different designs, but basically, they will either have a loop or hook that goes over and behind your ear to keep it in place or fit inside your helmet without touching the ears. If you want absolute and guaranteed comfort, this is the design you ought to go for.

Different Types of Ski Helmet Headphones

There are a few different types of ski helmets in the market. You should clearly understand them to figure out what is the best one for you.

  • Wired or wireless headphones

If you want to buy wired headphones, you should understand how to store them. You can store them inside a zippered bag where there is no risk of losing them. Most people find wired headphones somehow annoying because of the extra wires. However, this depends on an individual’s tastes and preferences.

Using wired headphones is more convenient than using wireless headphones. These headphones give you room to do other physical activities like dancing. This gives you the freedom to use your headphones without worrying about being wired to the music source. The only thing you need to make sure is that they have a long-lasting battery to give you maximum listening time.

  • Style f headphones

Do not buy a headphone that sits on top of the head since they will not fit inside the ski helmet. They could also get broken or cause injury when you fall while wearing them. Therefore, the best ski headphones have an in-ear design or an on-ear design.

The in-ear designs are light, and many people complain that they fall out of their ears. So if you choose the in-ear design, you need to have some ear hooks so that they stay inside the ears.

If you cannot stand the feeling of having something in the ears, it is best you buy on-ear headphones. These headphones sit on your ear and have hooks that go around the ear.

The most convenient ski headphones are the ones that fit into the pockets in the helmet. This design ensures that they do not come out of your helmet during use.

The Different Brands Of Ski Helmet Headphones

  • The Outdoor Tech 

Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speakers & Headphones

The outdoor technology is a bridge between the modern and the outdoor mobile technology. Today, headphones are evolving in terms of design and style. Many people can comfortably use headphones that are not wired making them suitable for outdoor activities. These headphones come with wireless devices like speakers and power banks. Outdoor tech is what you need for the best outdoor experience.

  • UClear Digital

UClear Digital Helmet audio headphones

UClear technology lets you listen to your favorite music while still being connected to your phone and friends. No matter where you are, this technology helps to keep you connected to their devices that use the same technology. You can comfortably make calls, listen to music and also connect to GPRS while using this device.

They have a bottomless microphone that allows you to enjoy noise cancellation technology while still looking cool.

  • Dreamruns

Dreamruns are the best for all your outdoor winter needs. They have snow helmets that range from a standard shell, lightweight in-mold construction to advance hybrid models. These helmets mainly provide MIPS brain protection.

Dreamruns have a wide variety of snow goggles that have features like fog-fighting technology and high-quality lenses. Also, you can find lenses that have different tints for any light strength.

  • BE Headwear

BE Headwear is known to provide audio solutions that are used in headphones. This system gives a wireless mode of use that is linked to the BE-LINK Bluetooth sound system. The system has an extended battery life that gives you up to 9 hours of listening time. If your helmet does not have a place to place them, BE Headwear sells a set of speakers that can be attached to any open-faced ski helmet. 

Our Picks: Best Ski Headphones For 2019

Here are our best picks for ski helmet headphones. They combine all the factors mentioned above, and hopefully, will save you from wasting time trying to get a set that works for you. 

#1: Outdoor Tech Chips 2.0

The Outdoor Tech Chips wireless headphones are designed to give you the best of two worlds – skiing and music – while also giving you access to all the functionality you are used to in your standard headphone set.

They feature a very simple design that makes them absolutely easy to use, extremely portable and lightweight too. The flat speaker design of these Bluetooth headphones makes them compatible with most helmet design available too.

Outdoor Tech Chips 2.0 Universal Wireless Bluetooth Helmet Audio + Walkie-Talkie

To give you the same functionality you are used to, the earpieces are designed to perform different functions. The left earpiece decreases or increases the volume, while the right one lets you play/pause music, or answer or end calls. They work with any Bluetooth device and are water-resistant and chill-proof too. 

#2: Sena SPH10-10 Outdoor Sports Bluetooth Stereo Headset/Intercom

If you are looking for a durable set of wireless ski headphones, the Sena SPH10-10 is the perfect set. Its design makes it perfect for use with half helmets, and it features an intercom feature that allows seamless communication with others up to a 900-meter range.

The two on-ear pieces are connected by a headband that goes around the back of your head. It is one of the most comfortable ski headsets too sitting lightly on your ears without causing any discomfort.

Sena SPH10-10 Outdoor Sports Bluetooth Stereo Headset  Intercom

It features buttons and volume dials that bulge out the sides of a half helmet, making them very easy to use even when wearing gloves. It is also water-resistant and features different volume settings for music, calls, and intercom. 

#3: Bose SIE2i Sports Headphones

If you are looking for a pair of ski or snowboarding helmet headphones that will not break the bank but still deliver excellence, the Bose SIE2i fits the bill. They are amazingly comfortable and will fit any helmet design with absolute ease.

Bose SIE2i Sport Ski Helmet Headphones

They are also designed to stay in place and not fall off even when you care catching air on the slopes thanks to the in-ear hooks. They feature an inline remote control with a mic that also makes answering calls on the go simply a breeze.

A hydrophobic acoustic cloth makes them water-resistant, sweat-resistant, and weather-resistant too, and a free reebok armband keeps your mp3 player or smartphone securely in place. 

#4: Uclear HBC 120 Plus Sports Helmet Communicator

This Bluetooth headset features a revolutionary design that will turn just about any ski helmet into a smart helmet. It is ultra-light, portable, and durable, making it perfectly suited for all that it will be put through.

UCLEAR HBC120 PLUS Sports Helmet Communicator Bluetooth Headset

It features a control unit that attaches to the outside of your helmet and two flat helmet speakers that will fit in practically any helmet. It also has an intercom feature that delivers clear and crisp communication up to 500 meters away.

The control unit houses the power and volume controls, and one of the speakers houses a boomless microphone that delivers clear audio even when going downhill at neck-breaking speeds. 

Final Words

Skiing is an adrenaline-filled and fun sport, but with some sweet music pounding in your ears, the experience is simply out of this world. The next time you head out to test yourself against the slopes, carry with you a set and then let us know how it feels.

A good set of ski helmet headphones will not only deliver great music but also let you answer calls and keep in touch with your skiing buddies. So, get yourself a pair today. Even the best ones will not break the bank, so you are pretty safe.




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