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 2021-22 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 surfy freeride snowboard
- Best cheap beginner snowboard
How Each Board was Chosen
The snowboard chosen isn’t necessarily the cheapest but the best value for money but has to be at least a good bit cheaper than the average price of boards in 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: | $349 | |
Average price of freestyle snowboards: | $448 | |
Average Rating Score: | 81.9/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
The Arbor Relapse, before even taking price into account, is a great freestyle board. In fact it ranks 6th/36 for 2022 in the Top 10 Freestyle Snowboards.
Then taking price into account, it is a good $59 less than the average price of boards I looked at - and well above the average score.
There are some cheaper freestyle snowboards, but they're not that much cheaper and as far as value for money goes, the Relapse tops the list.
The Slash Happy Place has occupied this spot for a few years now and is also an awesome freestyle deck and great value for money. But after testing the relapse, it had to surpass it this year, but the Happy Place still easily second on the list.
Note: The average score for the 12 boards that cost $399 or less was 79.8.
Notable Alternatives
- Slash Happy Place (85.7 points | $399), which was a close second place; and
- YES Dicey (88.5 points | $429); and
- Burton Kilroy Twin (85.2 points | $419); and
- The YES Basic (84.6 points | $399)
BEST CHEAP All-MOUNTAIN-FREESTYLE SNOWBOARD
Board: Capita Outerspace Living
Price: $449
SnowboardingProfiles.com All-Mtn-Freestyle Rating Score : 85.6/100
ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDS CATEGORY STATS |
# of all-mtn-freestyle snowboards rated: | 28 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $329 | |
Average price of all-mtn-freestyle snowboards: | $497 | |
Average Rating Score: | 81.8/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
Even though the Outerspace Living actually went up $30 in price this year, it's still the best value for money all-mountain-freestyle board, IMO.
It’s my 9th overall pick for all-mountain-freestyle snowboards (not taking price into account), and it’s $48 cheaper than the average snowboard in this category.
So, it scores well above the average and a price well below the average, and ranking above a number of boards that cost a good bit more than it, the Outerspace Living is the obvious choice here, for me.
Alternatives
The next closest in terms of value for money, IMO, would be the Endeavor BOD, coming in at $429 ($68 below the average) and with 83.3 points.
BEST CHEAP All-MOUNTAIN SNOWBOARD
ALL-MOUNTAIN SNOWBOARDS CATEGORY STATS |
# of all-mountain snowboards rated: | 41 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $299 | |
Average price of all-mountain snowboards: | $507 | |
Average Rating Score: | 82.3/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
At $78 cheaper than the average score and with a score way above the average score - and being the cheapest board in my top 10 all-mountain snowboards list (coming in at #7), this was a bit of no-brainer for this spot this year.
In fact this board went down in price by $20 (which is almost unheard of in this industry for boards to go down in price, but it does happen - the Brainstorm case in point).
Alternatives
Honorable mentions to:
- the YES Typo ($449 | 87.7 points); and
- the Dinosaurs Will Die Wizard Stick ($449 | 84.6 points); and
- GNU Essential Service ($459 | 86.4 points)
BEST CHEAP AGGRESSIVE All-MTN-FREESTYLE SNOWBOARD
Board: Salomon Assassin Pro
Price: $549
SnowboardingProfiles.com Aggressive All-Mtn-Free Rating Score : 90.7/100
AGGRESSIVE ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE CATEGORY STATS |
# of aggressive all-mtn-freestyle snowboards rated: | 12 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $499 | |
Average price of aggressive all-mtn-freestyle snowboards: | $577 | |
Average Rating Score: | 84.1/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
Seems crazy to have a $549 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 $499 (of the 12 I rated - this is a pretty niche category - especially after changing my definition for it this year).
The Assassin Pro is $28 cheaper than the average price for boards in this list, was the cheapest in my top 5 aggressive all-mountain-freestyle list - and also tops that list.
Alternatives
There are some semi-aggressive all-mountain freestyle boards that were taken into account in the all-mountain freestyle section and not here. But there are some cheaper options there that are semi-aggressive, if you're looking for a cheaper option. The two best value for money, IMO:
- the Niche Crux ($499 and 88.5/100); and
- the Capita DOA ($499 and 83.3/100); and
BEST CHEAP AGGRESSIVE All-MOUNTAIN SNOWBOARD
Board: Nitro Team Camber
Price: $499
SnowboardingProfiles.com Aggressive All-Mtn Rating Score : 83.1/100
AGGRESSIVE ALL-MOUNTAIN CATEGORY STATS |
# of aggressive all-mtn snowboards rated: | 16 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $419 | |
Average price of aggressive all-mtn snowboards: | $586 | |
Average Rating Score: | 83.7/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
Whilst not the most aggressive, aggressive all-mountain board going around, it's still something you can get aggressive on. And at a price over $87 cheaper than the average but with a score pretty close to the average, the Nitro Team Camber is the standout when it comes to this category.
It’s the 3rd cheapest overall that I looked at in this category and was also ranked 9th best.
Alternatives
In a category that has a very high average price, there aren't too many cheap options, but the
- Jones Frontier (though only semi-aggressive) ($479 | 80.9 points); and
- the Slash ATV ($529 | 91.0 points) is another good cheaper option (ranked #1 in my aggressive all-mountain list)
BEST CHEAP FREERIDE SNOWBOARD
FREERIDE SNOWBOARD CATEGORY STATS |
# of freeride snowboards rated: | 32 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $419 | |
Average price of freeride snowboards: | $619 | |
Average Rating Score: | 82.8/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
Whilst not too many would consider $529 cheap - for a freeride board, it really is. With a price $90 less than the average, it's considerably lower priced than most in this category.
And it still managed to claim the #5 spot in my top 10 freeride snowboards list and scores way above the average score.
Alternatives
- Niche Maelstrom ($569 | 86.8 points); and
- Burton Flight Attendant ($579 | 89.0 points); and
- Salomon Super 8 ($499 | 81.3 points)
BEST CHEAP "SURFY" FREERIDE SNOWBOARD
SURFY FREERIDE SNOWBOARD CATEGORY STATS |
# of surfy freeride snowboards rated: | 30 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $399 | |
Average price of freeride snowboards: | $556 | |
Average Rating Score: | 83.2/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
The Navigator comes in $77 cheaper than the average price for this category and way higher than the average score. Enough said.
Alternatives
The Endeavor Scout ($399 | 87.8 points) was a very close second and the GNU Gremlin ($499 | 84.4 points) deserves a mention too.
BEST CHEAP BEGINNER SNOWBOARD
BEGINNER SNOWBOARD CATEGORY STATS |
# of beginner snowboards rated: | 36 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $299 | |
Average price of beginner snowboards: | $430 | |
Average Rating Score: | 86.3/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
The Prime is the equal cheapest I looked at for this category and ranks 5th overall in my top 15 beginner snowboards list. It's a nice $131 cheaper than the average price. A steal for that first board to progress on.
Price is taken into account for the scores for beginner boards – so this is somewhat skewed for this category.
Over to You
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.
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.
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
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!
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
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.
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.
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!
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
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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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