If you are looking for a new snowboard but you are on a low budget then you might want to check out my list of good cheap snowboards below (this list has been updated for the 2023-2024 season).
Below I have chosen what I think are the best snowboards you can buy at a price that won’t break the bank.
Because everyone needs a different type of snowboard I will be providing the following:
- Best cheap freestyle snowboard
- Best cheap all-mountain-freestyle snowboard
- Best cheap aggressive all-mountain-freestyle snowboard
- Best cheap all-mountain snowboard
- Best cheap aggressive all-mountain snowboard
- Best cheap freeride snowboard
- Best cheap mellow freeride snowboard
- Best cheap beginner snowboard
How Each Board was Chosen
The snowboard chosen isn’t necessarily the cheapest available but the best value for money. But the selection has to be at least a good bit cheaper than the average price of boards in the category (average price varies depending on the category).
Under each category I will show:
- the average cost of boards in that category
- the cheapest board I found in that category; and
- the reasons why I chose the board I chose
All prices shown in USD. Note that this post covers men’s snowboards – for the best cheap women’s snowboards check out the link below.
BEST CHEAP FREESTYLE SNOWBOARD
FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDS CATEGORY STATS |
# of freestyle snowboards rated: | 36 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $399 | |
Average price of freestyle snowboards: | $489 | |
Average Rating Score: | 82.8/100 |
Why This Board Was Chosen
A very rare thing happened in the snowboard world, and in the world in general: The price of the Arbor Relapse went down!
And with that it managed to snap away the title of Snowboarding Profiles' best cheap freestyle/park snowboard away from the Burton Good Company (which is still great value-for-money too - see alternatives below), which was last year's winner. The 2023 model was $449 and it is now $425.
The Relapse is a good $64 less than the average price of all freestyle boards I looked at - and well above the average score. In fact, it's #9 in this year's Top 10 Freestyle Snowboards (which doesn't take price into account).
Some other notable numbers:
- The top 18 of the 36 freestyle boards had an average price was $507.
- The Relapse was 9th - and was $82 cheaper than the average in the top 18.
- Of the top 18, the Relapse was the lowest priced.
- There were only 2 boards in the entire list of 36 that were cheaper than the Relapse and those two boards had an average score of 75/100 (vs the Relapse's 85.0/100
Alternatives
- YES Basic (84.2 points | $429)
- Bataleon Disaster (90.8 points | $459);
- Good Company (85.9 points | $449);
- Slash Happy Place (85.9 points | $479);
- YES Dicey (85.2 points | $469);
BEST CHEAP ALL-MOUNTAIN-FREESTYLE SNOWBOARD
Board: Bataleon Whatever
Price: $499
SnowboardingProfiles.com All-Mtn-Freestyle Rating Score : 86.5/100
ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDS CATEGORY STATS |
# of all-mtn-freestyle snowboards rated: | 33 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $399 | |
Average price of all-mtn-freestyle snowboards: | $552 | |
Average Rating Score: | 82.8/100 |
Why This Board Was Chosen
The Bataleon Whatever is a playful all-mountain freestyle board that offers great value for money.
It’s my 9th overall pick for all-mountain-freestyle snowboards (which doesn't take price into account) and it’s $53 cheaper than the average snowboard in this category, while being a good bit above the average score.
Some other notable numbers:
- The average price for this category went up by $27 compared to last year.
- The average price for this category is $63 higher than the freestyle category (see above)
- The average price for the top half (top 16) was $592, making the Whatever $93 cheaper than those that scored in the top half of this list.
- The Whatever was the equal lowest priced board in the Top 16
- Of those costing $499 or less (9 of them), not including the Whatever, the average score was 77.0, putting the Whatever way above the average for its price.
Alternatives
- Nidecker Gamma (84.8 points | $499)
- Jones Tweaker (87.6 points | $529);
- Capita Spring Break Resort Twin (87.6 points | $549);
BEST CHEAP ALL-MOUNTAIN SNOWBOARD
Board: Bataleon Thunderstorm
Price: $489
SnowboardingProfiles.com All-Mountain Rating Score : 91.0/100
ALL-MOUNTAIN SNOWBOARDS CATEGORY STATS |
# of all-mountain snowboards rated: | 37 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $369 | |
Average price of all-mountain snowboards: | $542 | |
Average Rating Score: | 83.0/100 |
Why This Board Was Chosen
Another Bataleon entry here and this one was unanimous and uncontested. To a point that I have to wonder if someone wrote the pricing down wrong on this board.
The Thunderstorm costs $53 less than the average board in this category and was the 1st= rated board in our Top 10 All-Mountain Snowboards list this year!
Some other notable numbers:
- The average price for this category went down by $4 compared to last year
- The average price for this category is $10 lower than the all-mountain-freestyle category (see above) but $53 higher than the freestyle category (see above).
- The average price for the top half (top 18) was $552, making the Thunderstorm $63 cheaper than those that scored in the top half of this category.
- The Thunderstorm was the 3rd lowest priced board in the Top 18!
- Of the 11 boards costing $489 or less (not including the Thunderstorm), the average score was 77.3.
Alternatives
Honorable mentions to:
- Capita Outerspace Living ($459, 84.3 points);
- Nidecker Escape ($479, 84.3 points);
- YES Typo ($499 | 86.1 points);
- GNU Essential Service ($499 | 84.9 points)
- Jones Fontier ($499 | 84.9 points)
BEST CHEAP AGGRESSIVE ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE SNOWBOARD
Board: Nidecker Gamma APX
Price: $579
SnowboardingProfiles.com Aggressive All-Mtn-Free Rating Score : 89.2/100
AGGRESSIVE ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE CATEGORY STATS |
# of aggressive all-mtn-freestyle snowboards rated: | 15 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $549 | |
Average price of aggressive all-mtn-freestyle snowboards: | $628 | |
Average Rating Score: | 86.2/100 |
Why This Board Was Chosen
Seems crazy to have a $579 board make a "cheap" snowboards list, of course, but if you're looking for an aggressive all-mountain-freestyle board, you're looking at least $549 (of the 15 I rated - this is a pretty niche category).
And the Gamma APX is $49 cheaper than the average price for boards in this list and scores more than the average score. It ranked #4 in this year's Top 5 Aggressive All-Mountain Freestyle list.
Some other notable numbers:
- The average price for this category went up by $14 compared to last year
- The average price for this category is $86 higher than the all-mountain category (see above).
- The average price for the top half (top 7) was $653, making the The Gamma APX $74 cheaper than those that scored in the top half of this list.
- There were only 2 boards cheaper in the 15 board list and they had an average score of 83.8.
Alternatives
- YES Basic Uninc RDM ($579 | 86.4 points)
BEST CHEAP AGGRESSIVE ALL-MOUNTAIN SNOWBOARD
Board: Nidecker Escape Plus
Price: $529
SnowboardingProfiles.com Aggressive All-Mtn Rating Score : 84.2/100
AGGRESSIVE ALL-MOUNTAIN CATEGORY STATS |
# of aggressive all-mtn snowboards rated: | 19 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $489 | |
Average price of aggressive all-mtn snowboards: | $622 | |
Average Rating Score: | 84.3/100 |
Why This Board Was Chosen
The Nidecker Escape Plus usurped the Rome Stale Crewzer this year, but it was a closely run thing (Stale Crewzer still makes the honorable mentions below).
It's a nice $93 cheaper than the average price in this category and scores right on the average score.
Some other notable numbers:
- The average price for this category went up by $19 compared to last year
- The average price for this category is $80 higher than the all-mountain category and $6 lower than the aggressive all-mountain freestyle category (see above)
- The average price for the top half (top 9) was $662, making the Escape Plus a massive $133 cheaper than those that scored in the top half of this list. The Escape Plus ranked 8th out of the 19 boards.
- The Escape Plus was the lowest priced board in the Top 9 and was the 2nd lowest priced in the whole list.
Alternatives
In a category that has a very high average price, there aren't too many cheap options, but the following were notable alternatives:
- Rome Stale Crewzer ($549 | 84.2 points);
- Nitro Team Camber ($579 | 84.2 points);
- Nidecker Thruster ($579 | 84.2 points);
- Rome Freaker ($489 | 83.6 points);
BEST CHEAP FREERIDE SNOWBOARD
FREERIDE SNOWBOARD CATEGORY STATS |
# of freeride snowboards rated: | 40 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $479 | |
Average price of freeride snowboards: | $644 | |
Average Rating Score: | 83.8/100 |
Why This Board Was Chosen
The reigning champ retains it's place atop the best value-for-money freeride snowboard podium.
This one is kind of a no brainer again this year. It was #1 in our top 10 freeride snowboard list this year and it is now $95 cheaper than the average price!
It's not only the lowest priced option in the freeride top 10, it was the cheapest equal option for the whole top half of the list (top 20).
Some other notable numbers:
- The average price of this category went up by $21 compared to last year.
- The average price for this category is the highest of all the categories - $16 higher than the next highest category (aggressive all-mountain freestyle) and $22 higher than the aggressive all-mountain category (see above)
- The average price for the top half (top 20) was $672, making the PYL a massive $123 cheaper than those that scored in the top half of this list.
- Of the 6 boards not named the PYL and that were $549 or under, the average score was 80.4.
Alternatives
- Nidecker Alpha APX ($579 | 85.3 points);
- Jones Hovercraft 2.0 ($599 | 86.4 points);
- YES Optimistic ($549 | 84.2 points);
- Burton Power Wagon ($579 | 84.8 points)
BEST CHEAP MELLOW FREERIDE SNOWBOARD
MELLOW FREERIDE SNOWBOARD CATEGORY STATS |
# of surfy freeride snowboards rated: | 33 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $399 | |
Average price of mellow freeride snowboards: | $569 | |
Average Rating Score: | 83.8/100 |
Why This Board Was Chosen
The Capita Navigator was unseated this year as it went up in price quite a bit and is now a little more than the average price (still a great buy for how well does, making #3 in our Top 10 Mellow Freeride Snowboards list.
The Cruiser is a very able replacement and is also in our top mellow freeride lists, coming in at #9. It comes in at a huge $110 below the average price and yet still makes the top 10 (which doesn't take price into account), which of course makes it well above the average score for this category.
Some other notable numbers:
- The average price for this category went up by $13 compared to last year.
- The average price for this category is $75 lower than the freeride category (see above).
- The average price for the top half (top 16) was $583, making the Cruiser $124 cheaper than those that scored in the top half of this list.
- Of the 7 boards not named the Cruiser and that were $459 or under the average score was 80.4.
Alternatives
The Bataleon Party Wave ($459 | 86.5 points) was a very close second and the
- Salomon Dancehaul ($499 | 87.1 points);
- Burton Pow Wrench ($549 | 87.1 points);
- Rome Ravine ($559 | 84.3 points),
all deserve a mention too.
BEST CHEAP BEGINNER SNOWBOARD
BEGINNER SNOWBOARD CATEGORY STATS |
# of beginner snowboards rated: | 39 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $349 | |
Average price of beginner snowboards: | $457 | |
Average Rating Score: | 86.2/100 |
Why This Board Was Chosen
The Prime is the cheapest I looked at for this category (and that's saying something in a beginner category) and ranks 2nd overall in my top 10 beginner snowboards list.
It's a good $108 cheaper than the average price. A steal for that first board to progress on and a no-brainer to take this spot yet again this year.
Price is taken into account for the scores for beginner boards – so this is somewhat skewed for this category.
Some other notable numbers:
- The average price for this category went up by $10 compared to last year
- The average price for this category is the lowest of all the categories, naturally being a beginner list - and with those that are suited to this category being softer flexing snowboards.
- Price is taken into account for the scores for beginner boards – so this is somewhat skewed for this category.
- The average price for the top half (top 20) was $418, making the Prime $69 cheaper than those that scored in the top half of this list. The bottom half of the list had a higher average price than the top half though - because price in this case influenced the scores.
Alternatives
Honorable mention to:
- Nidecker Play ($349 | 91.5 points)
Over to You
A quick summary of all the boards above:
category | BOARD | PRICE | SCORE |
---|---|---|---|
Freestyle | $425 | 85.9/100 | |
All-Mtn-Freestyle | $499 | 86.5/100 | |
All-Mountain | $489 | 91.0/100 | |
Aggressive All-Mtn Freestyle | $579 | 89.2/100 | |
Aggressive All-Mountain | $529 | 84.2/100 | |
Freeride | $549 | 90.8/100 | |
Mellow Freeride | $459 | 86.5/100 | |
Beginner | $349 | 92/100 |
Thanks for reading and I hope this has helped you to find the right cheap snowboard for you.
Check out the links under each category for more on that snowboard.
Juan says
Hello Nate!
I recently learned how to snowboard on a Burton LTR, I consider myself intermediate since I can ride black and blues easily with no problem at all and with decent speed. I feel like the LTR board limits me a lot and I am looking for a budget board that gives me speed. Have any recommendations? Price range 200-400
Nate says
Hi Juan
Thanks for your message.
If you like speed and are at an intermediate level, then yeah, I would say the LTR is limiting you a lot.
If you want the board to have good powder performance, then you could look at one of the mellow freeride boards in this post. While you’re not going to get any of those brand new in your 200-400 price range, if you could find a past season model, you could likely get one of those for under 400. Or you could look used. Another option not in that list that’s cheaper is the YES All-in-one. It’s not a board I liked that much, but it would certainly give you better performance, particularly for carving and speed, vs the LTR. Not quite under $400, but close.
Or if you wanted decent enough powder performance, but not worried about it being amazing, then you could look at one of the all-mountain options in this list. Again you won’t get the latest model for under 400, but if you can find a past season model, they should be well under 400. Or used.
Not many boards under 400 these days, unless they’re on sale (i.e. past season or waiting until late season). Only ones I know of are either park boards or beginner boards.
Hope this helps with your decision
Nick says
Hi Nate, have ridden the Gnu GWO? I wanted to throw it out there as a contender. It’s surprising how well that board combines reverse-camber playfulness with super-precise edge control. Crazy fun at slow-medium speeds. Cheers
Nate says
Hey Nick
Thanks for your input. Rode it a while back but when it was called the Carbon Credit and was asymmetrical. Need to retest it as the GWO.
Jesse says
Hi,
I recently ordered the “The system 2020 MTN and Apex Complete Men’s Package” off of amazon and am curious if you know if this board, bindings and boots is worth it for less than $300, I’m just getting back in to snowboarding this year so I wasnt looking for the best boards out there just one to get back in to it.
Nate says
Hi Jesse
Thanks for your message.
I honestly haven’t heard of System gear, and I couldn’t find much more info than what was on Amazon. Certainly a good price. Sounds like they could be OK as beginner gear, but really couldn’t say as I know nothing of them. Not sure about their flex, so don’t know there. It’s certainly a cheap option. Personally I would rather go for something that I know, but buy it used (if you’re looking to save money). But who knows, it could be decent. Sorry couldn’t help more with this one
Cy says
I recently tried to go the Amazon rout for my kids and the boards delaminated first year! Just remember you get what you pay for!
Nate says
Exactly Cy, I couldn’t agree more.
Which is why this list is all about value-for-money, rather than simply just being cheap. Trying to strike a balance between quality and price, so to speak.
Alexander says
Hello Nate, i was hoping to get an advice.
Im new to snowboarding but i always wanted to learn. Resently i started to work in Alps so now i have a possibility and time for it. Basically im looking for an all mountain snowboard i can enjoy even after progressing. Some research led me to these options: Salomon Sight 2019 (any difference from 2018 version?), Yes Libre and GNU Money. Anything else i should take in consideration in that price range? The board size? I’d really appreciate few cheap binds and boots options aswell if you don’t mind.
My specs: 192cm, 80kg, 43-44 size eu. Thanks in advance!
Nate says
Hi Alexander
Thanks for your message.
I think those would all be great options for what you’re describing. As far as I know, there aren’t any major differences between the 2018 and 2019 models.
Size-wise, something between 158 and 160 would be a good range to look at, as a beginner.
Width-wise you should be good on regular width boards, for most boot brands – particularly if you get in a 43. Kind of on the cuff in a 44 but regular width should usually be fine.
So for the boards mentioned, the:
Sight: 159 (although this is a narrower board, so potentially the 158W might be better (and isn’t overly wide for a wide), if you end up in a 44, but 159 should be fine for a 43).
Libre: 158 – or 159W – the 159W isn’t overly wide, and again for 44s, might be the better option
Money: Actually probably isn’t an appropriate size for this board, IMO,
In terms of cheap bindings and boots, which are also good for a beginner level, check out the following:
>>Top 5 Beginner Bindings
>> Top 7 Beginner Boots
Hope this helps
mimi clark says
Hello. I have an 14-yr old. He’s 5’7, weighs 40lb, and will wear a size 11 boots this year. He’s been boarding for 5 yrs and so far has only cruised on groomed run. Last year, he developed a lot of confidence and looks very solid. He used a 142′ Nitro Ripper Wide.
Wondering what board will be a good fit for him? He has no interest in parks, and so far, isn’t keep on taking lesson to learn some tricks.
Nate says
Hi Mimi
Thanks for your message.
Before I make any recommendations can I just clarify your son’s weight. Just want to confirm that 40lbs wasn’t a typo. Also can you clarify if that’s men’s size 11 boots.
Nancy says
Hi! This article is very helpful. However, as a non- snowboarder, I still have a question. This is the second season of snowboarding for my 18 year old son, so he’s still fairly new at it but I’m not sure if that qualifies him for the “beginner” category. He just broke his board, and I’m trying to figure out which category on your list of suggestions best describes a teenager snowboarding with friends one to two times a week. I’d appreciate your feedback. Thanks!
Nate says
Hi Nancy
Typically younger riders learn pretty quickly so it might well be the case that he’s already at an intermediate level or close to. It’s hard to say without actually having any description of his riding, but it might well be the case, particularly if he’s riding a couple of times/week.
Also, it’s hard to say what to recommend without knowing the kind of things he likes to do – does he like to ride the backcountry, stick to the resort, ride the park, etc. But, I would say that something either all-mountain or all-mountain-freestyle would be the best way to go. These two categories are the most versatile so whatever type of riding he gets up to it should cover most. I’d say typically at that age, but not necessarily, he would be more likely to be doing freestyle type stuff rather than venturing into untouched powder – so all-mountain-freestyle is probably the safest bet. But that’s making a lot of assumptions. All-mountain boards are typically good at a bit of everything.
So, with limited information, I would say all-mountain-freestyle or all-mountain, and he’s probably past the need for a beginner board – but as I say this is based on a lot assumptions. But if it’s hard to decide going all-mountain is the most fool-proof.
Hope this helps
Wendy says
Thanks for the great list! I’m interested in buying a snowboard for my son, but I am still unsure which category of a board to choose. He only snowboards about 2-3 times per year. He started about 5 years ago and is now 18. Would you recommend buying him a beginner level board since he doesn’t go that often or is it worth spending a little more for a better board? What do you mean by “all-mountain” board? He can handle black slopes, but mostly sticks with the blues. Is it even worth buying a board or is renting just fine for 2-3 times per year?
Nate says
Hi Wendy
Thanks for your messsage.
All-Mountain essentially means a bit of everything. A board that can ride in the backcountry if you want it to or in the terrain park if you want it to or if you prefer to just ride casually on the groomed runs it’s great for that to – you can any or all of the above on an all-mountain board. It’s an all-rounder. It’s usually a good choice if you’re not yet sure what style of riding you like or if you like to do a bit of everything. They’re usually a good choice for an intermediate level as well.
So, I think all-mountain is probably a good choice for your son. Either all-mountain or all-mountain-freestyle. You could go for a beginner board and he would still enjoy it but if he’s been riding 5 years, even if for only 2-3 times per year, I imagine he’s intermediate level or close an might appreciate something a little more than a beginner board. Though there are a lot of boards that are good for beginners that are also good for intermediate and up riders too – so those would be a good choice. The lists below are what I would check for him.
>>My Top 15 Men’s Snowboards for Beginners
>>My Top All-Mountain-Freestyle Snowboards
>>My Top 10 All Mountain Snowboards
Of course, these aren’t the only options in these categories. And something like the Libre isn’t in my top 10 all-mountain, but still a great choice, especially for the price.
In terms of whether it’s worth it or not to buy over renting, 99% of the time I would say yes. But you can check out some pros and cons to buying and renting at the next link if you’d like.
>>Should I Rent or Buy a Snowboard
Hope this helps
Dave says
Capita appear to be doing well, congratulations to them. No sign of Burton – maybe with their despotic attempts to develop their own unique system theyre putting people off. Everyone else has full compatability with boards, bindings and now, thanks to Buton step in, even boots. Im all for innovation and new technology, but in the rush for new carbon fibre bells and whistles I feel that companies are losing sight of the real goal in snowboarding. You can have just as much fun on last years beginner board as you can on the latest super stiff tricky to ride nightmare.
Choose your new boards carefully people.
jena1 says
Funny story… I was at a thrift shop and saw a great snowboard case that I was interested in buying. I picked it up and it actually had a snowboard in it. I bought the set for less than $10. Ecstatic. Of course, I go home and take it all the way out only to see that it’s broken. -_- Well, now I have a case and need a snowboard to go inside. I don’t think I’ll get lucky again to find one under $10, but this list has given me a great idea of my options.
Nate says
Hey – great story! Too good to be true. Would’ve been sweet to have a nice board in there. Still $10 even for a bag is all good.
Katerina Markakis says
Hello there!
I have been snowboarding for some years now and I absolutely love it!
I have invested in some good, expensive equipment that should serve me well for some years. My sister is interested in learning but is not in a position to spend a ton of money of a snowboard.
This review is very helpful and I definitely need to show her your recommendations.
Thank you so much for sharing!!
Nate says
Hey Katerina
Thanks for checking out the page. Glad you found it helpful. I have a women’s cheap snowboards list in the making so keep an eye out for that one which will be more relevant for your sister. This post was all men’s snowboards.
Update: I have now completed the Best Cheap Women’s Snowboard list – check it out at the link below.
Best Cheap Women’s Snowboards