Ski & Snowboard · Head-to-head
Smith 4D MAG vs Anon M5
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Ski Goggles: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The Smith 4D MAG is the most complete goggle here - Smith's widest field of view, ChromaPop optics, and a magnetic quick-change system with a bonus lens included. The Anon M5 offers Perceive optics and a magnetic lens swap that takes seconds, usually for less money.
Smith 4D MAG
Buy itThe best all-around goggle in this group, with BirdsEye vision and Smith's widest field of view.
- BirdsEye vision widens the view, including toward your line and the riders in your periphery
- ChromaPop lenses are built to enhance contrast and natural color
- MAG magnetic lens swap is quick, and a bonus low-light ChromaPop lens plus a hardcase come in the box
- Sits at the top of the price range for goggles
- Some owners notice slight distortion at the very bottom of the curved lens until they acclimate
Anon M5
Buy itA magnetic lens swap that takes seconds, Perceive optics, and a bonus lens in the box.
- MAGNA-TECH rare earth magnets let you swap lenses in seconds, even with gloves on
- Perceive lenses are built for high contrast in changing light
- Ships with a second Perceive lens and magnetic MFI face mask integration, with a face mask included
- Offered in Regular and Low Bridge fits and a size chart, so check sizing before buying
- The listing mentions no hard case; a goggle accessory case is sold separately
Side by side
The 7 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Smith 4D MAG Our pick | Anon M5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Skiers and riders who are out most weekends and want the best optics and quickest secure lens changes, price be damned. | Riders who change lenses often - storm-day skiers and snowboarders who want magnets to do the work mid-chairlift. |
| Price tier | $$$$ · flagship | $$$ · premium |
| Lens technology | ChromaPop, BirdsEye curved spherical | Perceive, flat toric |
| Lens-swap system | MAG magnets, quick change | MAGNA-TECH magnets, seconds, gloves OK |
| Bonus lens included | Yes, low-light ChromaPop | Yes, plus MFI face mask |
| Field of view | Smith's widest field of view | Very wide |
| Flat-light contrast | Excellent | Excellent |
| Fog resistance | Excellent | Excellent |
| Fit and helmet compatibility | Medium fit, Low Bridge option | Regular or Low Bridge, check size chart |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Smith 4D MAG if
skiers and riders who are out most weekends and want the best optics and quickest secure lens changes, price be damned.
Know before buying: sits at the top of the price range for goggles.
Pick the Anon M5 if
riders who change lenses often - storm-day skiers and snowboarders who want magnets to do the work mid-chairlift.
Know before buying: offered in Regular and Low Bridge fits and a size chart, so check sizing before buying.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Smith 4D MAG - The best all-around goggle in this group, with BirdsEye vision and Smith's widest field of view. Choose the Anon M5 instead if riders who change lenses often - storm-day skiers and snowboarders who want magnets to do the work mid-chairlift.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Ski Goggles: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).