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 2022-23 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: | 37 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $349 | |
Average price of freestyle snowboards: | $474 | |
Average Rating Score: | 82.3/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
The Good Company (formerly named the Kilroy Twin) comes in at a little more than last year's winner for this category did last year (Arbor Relapse, which was $389) but the category as a whole has increased by $26 on average (average price last year was $448).
And the Relapse went up by $59, so whilst it's still good value for money (see alternatives below), it's no longer the best value, in my opinion.
The Good Company is a good $35 less than the average price of all freestyle boards I looked at - and well above the average score.
Some other notable numbers:
- Of the top half of the 37 boards, the average price was $496.
- The Good Company fit in 11th - and was $57 cheaper than the average in the top 18.
- Of the top 18 only two boards (the YES Basic and the DC PBJ) were cheaper than the Good Company.
- The average score for the 10 boards that cost $439 or less was 79.3.
Alternatives
- DC PBJ (83.7 points | $389);
- YES Basic (84.2 points | $429)
- Arbor Relapse (85.9 points | $449);
- Slash Happy Place (85.9 points | $449);
- Bataleon Disaster (90.8 points | $459);
- YES Dicey (87.5 points | $469);
- Niche Wraith (87.0 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: | 27 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $399 | |
Average price of all-mtn-freestyle snowboards: | $525 | |
Average Rating Score: | 82.0/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
The Bataleon Whatever is a playful all-mountain freestyle board that offers great value for money.
It’s my 8th overall pick for all-mountain-freestyle snowboards (which doesn't take price into account) and it’s $26 cheaper than the average snowboard in this category, while being a good 4.5 points 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 $51 higher than the freestyle category (see above)
- The average price for the top half (top 13) was $582, making the Whatever $83 cheaper than those that scored in the top half of this list.
- The Whatever was the equal lowest priced board in the Top 13
- Of those costing $499 or less, the average score was 77.9
Alternatives
The next closest in terms of value for money, IMO, would be the Capita D.O.A., coming in at $499 and with 84.8 points.
BEST CHEAP ALL-MOUNTAIN SNOWBOARD
ALL-MOUNTAIN SNOWBOARDS CATEGORY STATS |
# of all-mountain snowboards rated: | 38 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $349 | |
Average price of all-mountain snowboards: | $546 | |
Average Rating Score: | 83.8/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
The reigning champion retains its title in the all-mountain category. And it's been here a while - and for good reason.
At $77 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 #6), this was again a no-brainer for this year.
Some other notable numbers:
- The average price for this category went up by $42 compared to last year
- The average price for this category is $21 higher than the all-mountain-freestyle category (see above)
- The average price for the top half (top 19) was $569, making the Brainstorm $100 cheaper than those that scored in the top half of this list.
- The Brainstorm was the third lowest priced board in the Top 19
- Of the 10 boards costing $469 or less, the average score was 77.3
Alternatives
Honorable mentions to:
- Capita Outerspace Living ($449, 86.0 points);
- YES Typo ($499 | 87.2 points);
- GNU Essential Service ($499 | 86.0 points)
- Dinosaurs Will Die Wizard Stick ($449 | 84.6 points); (note at time of writing the price for the 2023 model was unknown, so this is going off the 2022 model's price - the 2023 model may well cost more, when it finally comes out! DWD always slow to release their new models)
BEST CHEAP AGGRESSIVE ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE SNOWBOARD
Board: DC The 156
Price: $549
SnowboardingProfiles.com Aggressive All-Mtn-Free Rating Score : 86.4/100
AGGRESSIVE ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE CATEGORY STATS |
# of aggressive all-mtn-freestyle snowboards rated: | 14 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $529 | |
Average price of aggressive all-mtn-freestyle snowboards: | $614 | |
Average Rating Score: | 85.5/100 | |
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 $529 (of the 14 I rated - this is a pretty niche category).
The 156 is $65 cheaper than the average price for boards in this list and scores more than the average score. It ranked #6 out of the 14 boards in the category.
Some other notable numbers:
- The average price for this category went up by $37 compared to last year
- The average price for this category is $68 higher than the all-mountain category (see above)
- The average price for the top half (top 7) was $619, making the The 156 $70 cheaper than those that scored in the top half of this list.
- And perhaps even more telling, the 5 boards above the 156 in this category cost and average of $647 - almost $100 more than the The 156.
Alternatives
- Salomon Assassin Pro ($599 | 90.3 points)
There are also some cheaper semi-aggressive all-mountain freestyle boards that were taken into account in the all-mountain freestyle section and not here. If you're looking for a cheaper option and willing to not quite go as stiff/aggressive, the two best semi-aggressive value for money options are, IMO:
- the Capita DOA ($499 and 84.8/100); and
- the Niche Crux ($529 and 87.6/100);
BEST CHEAP AGGRESSIVE ALL-MOUNTAIN SNOWBOARD
Board: Rome Stale Crewzer
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: | $429 | |
Average price of aggressive all-mtn snowboards: | $603 | |
Average Rating Score: | 83.9/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
The Stale Crewzer isn't the most aggressive, aggressive all-mountain board going around, but that's the nature of snowboard pricing.
More aggressive tends to mean stiffer and stiffer almost always means more expensive, when it comes to snowboards. So the less aggressive options tend to be the not as stiff ones, so tend to be less aggressive. That said, the Crewzer is still a more aggressive than average board - or else it wouldn't be in this category at all.
And at a price $74 cheaper than the average but with a score pretty above the average, the Stale Crewzer is the best value for money when it comes to this category.
Some other notable numbers:
- The average price for this category went up by $17 compared to last year
- The average price for this category is $57 higher than the all-mountain category and $11 lower than the aggressive all-mountain freestyle category (see above)
- The average price for the top half (top 9) was $661, making the Stale Crewzer a massive $132 cheaper than those that scored in the top half of this list. The Stale ranked 8th out of the 19 boards.
- The Stale Crewzer was the lowest priced board in the Top 9 and was the 4th lowest price 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:
- Nitro Team Camber ($549 | 84.2 points);
- Nidecker Thruster ($569 | 84.2 points);
BEST CHEAP FREERIDE SNOWBOARD
FREERIDE SNOWBOARD CATEGORY STATS |
# of freeride snowboards rated: | 35 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $479 | |
Average price of freeride snowboards: | $623 | |
Average Rating Score: | 83.4/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
This one was kind of a no brainer this year. It was #1 in our top 10 freeride snowboard list this year and it's $74 cheaper than the average price.
It's not only the lowest priced option in the freeride top 10, it was the cheapest option for the whole top half of the list (top 17).
Some other notable numbers:
- Bucking the trend of prices going up by quite a bit this year, the average price for this category went up by only $4 compared to last year
- The average price for this category is still the highest of all the categories - $9 higher than the next highest category (aggressive all-mountain freestyle) and $20 higher than the aggressive all-mountain category (see above)
- The average price for the top half (top 17) was $637, making the PYL $88 cheaper than those that scored in the top half of this list.
- Of the 7 boards not named the PYL and that were $549 or under the average score was 80.3
Alternatives
- Nidecker Alpha APX ($569 | 85.3 points);
- GNU Banked Country ($599 | 85.9 points);
- Jones Hovercraft ($599 | 85.3 points);
- YES Optimistic ($549 | 84.2 points);
- Salomon Super 8 ($529 | 81.5 points)
BEST CHEAP MELLOW FREERIDE SNOWBOARD
MELLOW FREERIDE SNOWBOARD CATEGORY STATS |
# of surfy freeride snowboards rated: | 32 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $379 | |
Average price of mellow freeride snowboards: | $556 | |
Average Rating Score: | 83.2/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
The Navigator comes in $74 cheaper than the average price for this category and way higher than the average score. In fact, it was #3 in our top 10 mellow freeride snowboards list (which doesn't take price into account).
The Navigator is the reigning champ for this category and holds it's place, despite a great challenge from the Bataleon Cruiser (see alternatives below).
Some other notable numbers:
- The average price for this category went up by $17 compared to last year
- The average price for this category is $50 lower than the freeride category (see above)
- The average price for the top half (top 16) was $592, making the Navigator $93 cheaper than those that scored in the top half of this list.
- Of the 7 boards not named the Navigator and that were $499 or under the average score was 79.8.
Alternatives
The Bataleon Cruiser ($459 | 87.5 points) was a very close second and the
Burton Pow Wrench ($549 | 88.1 points);
Arbor Single ($549 | 87.5 points) and
Rome Ravine ($529 | 85.2 points),
all deserve a mention too.
BEST CHEAP BEGINNER SNOWBOARD
BEGINNER SNOWBOARD CATEGORY STATS |
# of beginner snowboards rated: | 40 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $299 | |
Average price of beginner snowboards: | $447 | |
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 15 beginner snowboards list.
It's a nice $148 cheaper than the average price. A steal for that first board to progress on and a no-brainer to take this spot 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 $17 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 $404, making the Prime $105 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.
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
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!
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.
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