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 2024-2025 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
Board: Arbor Relapse
Price: $399
SnowboardingProfiles.com Freestyle Rating Score : 85.9/100
FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDS CATEGORY STATS |
# of freestyle snowboards rated: | 33 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $349 | |
Average price of freestyle snowboards: | $487 | |
Average Rating Score: | 83.5/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
I was surprised about this board being cheaper for the 2024 model than it was for the 2023 model. But now my jaw is really dropping - because the 2025 model has gone down in price yet again. 2 years in a row actually going down, not up.
That made the Relapse an easy choice to retain the title it first grabbed last year. The 2025 model is now just $399, when it was $425 for the 2024 model and $449 for the 2023 model. Long may the trend continue!
The Relapse is a good $88 less than the average price of all the current freestyle snowboards that we've rated - and well above the average score. In fact, it's #10 in this year's Top 10 Freestyle Snowboards (which doesn't take price into account).
Some other notable numbers:
- The top 16 of the 33 freestyle boards had an average price was $529.
- The Relapse was 10th - and was $130 cheaper than the average in the top 16.
- Of the top 16, the Relapse was the lowest priced.
- There were only 2 boards in the entire list of 33 that were cheaper than the Relapse and those two boards had an average score of 77.4/100 (vs the Relapse's 85.9/100
Alternatives
- YES Basic (83.7 points | $429)
- Bataleon Disaster (89.7 points | $469);
- Good Company (85.9 points | $439);
- Slash Spectrum (83.2 points | $375);
- Rome Gangplank (87.5 points | $479);
BEST CHEAP ALL-MOUNTAIN-FREESTYLE SNOWBOARD
Board: Jones Tweaker
Price: $499
SnowboardingProfiles.com All-Mtn-Freestyle Rating Score : 87.6/100
ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE SNOWBOARDS CATEGORY STATS |
# of all-mtn-freestyle snowboards rated: | 29 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $399 | |
Average price of all-mtn-freestyle snowboards: | $561 | |
Average Rating Score: | 83.7/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
The Tweaker is a playful all-mountain freestyle board that offers great value for money.
It was our 5th overall pick for all-mountain-freestyle snowboards (which doesn't take price into account) this year and it’s $62 cheaper than the average snowboard in this category, while being well above the average score.
Some other notable numbers:
- The average price for this category went up by $9 compared to last year.
- The average price for this category is $74 higher than the freestyle category (see above)
- The average price for the top half (top 15) was $582, making the Tweaker $83 cheaper than those that scored in the top half of this list.
- The Tweaker was the equal second lowest priced board in the Top 15
- Of those costing $499 or less (8 of them), not including the Tweaker, the average score was 79.4, putting the Tweaker way above the average for its price.
Alternatives
- Slash Happy Place (84.3 points | $479);
- YES Airmaster (86 points | $499);
- Nidecker Gamma (84.8 points | $499)
BEST CHEAP ALL-MOUNTAIN SNOWBOARD
Board: Rome Warden
Price: $429
SnowboardingProfiles.com All-Mountain Rating Score : 87.3/100
>>See Full Review (review coming soon)
ALL-MOUNTAIN SNOWBOARDS CATEGORY STATS |
# of all-mountain snowboards rated: | 30 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $369 | |
Average price of all-mountain snowboards: | $525 | |
Average Rating Score: | 82.7/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
The Warden was an obvious choice, being almost $100 cheaper than the average for this category and scoring well above the average score. There are some honorable mentions, but nothing really came close to the Warden as the choice for best value-for-money all-mountain board.
The Warden was rated as our #7 pick for this year's Top 10 All-Mountain Snowboards list.
Some other notable numbers:
- The average price for this category went down by $17 compared to last year
- The average price for this category is $36 lower than the all-mountain-freestyle category (see above) but $38 higher than the freestyle category (see above).
- The average price for the top half (top 15) was $570, making the Warden $141 cheaper than those that scored in the top half of this category!
- The Warden was the lowest priced board in the Top 15.
- Of the 4 boards costing $429 or less (not including the Warden), the average score was 75.5.
Alternatives
Honorable mentions to:
- Nidecker Escape ($479, 84.3 points);
- YES Typo ($499 | 87.3 points);
- Jones Fontier ($499 | 84.9 points)
BEST CHEAP AGGRESSIVE ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE SNOWBOARD
Board: Nidecker Sensor Team
Price: $499
SnowboardingProfiles.com Aggressive All-Mtn-Free Rating Score : 86.4/100
>>See Full Review (review coming soon)
AGGRESSIVE ALL-MTN-FREESTYLE CATEGORY STATS |
# of aggressive all-mtn-freestyle snowboards rated: | 14 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $499 | |
Average price of aggressive all-mtn-freestyle snowboards: | $628 | |
Average Rating Score: | 85.3/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
In a category with an average price like this one does, it's rare to find a good option that costs less than $500. The Sensor Team fills that role to a tee.
It's the lowest priced board in the whole category, yet it still scores above the average score for the category.
Some other notable numbers:
- The average price for this category was coincidentally the same, despite some price changes for some of the boards and 4 boards removed from the list and 3 boards that were new to the list.
- The average price for this category is $103 higher than the all-mountain category (see above). It is the 3rd highest priced category only lower than Freeride and Aggressive All-Mountain (see below).
- The Sensor Team ranked 7th of the 14 boards, despite being $129 cheaper than the average price.
Alternatives
- Nidecker Gamma APX ($579 | 89.2 points
- Nidecker Sensor Pro ($579 | 88.1 points)
- YES Basic Uninc RDM ($579 | 86.4 points)
BEST CHEAP AGGRESSIVE ALL-MOUNTAIN SNOWBOARD
Board: Rome Stale Crewzer
Price: $549
SnowboardingProfiles.com Aggressive All-Mtn Rating Score : 85.9/100
AGGRESSIVE ALL-MOUNTAIN CATEGORY STATS |
# of aggressive all-mtn snowboards rated: | 18 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $529 | |
Average price of aggressive all-mtn snowboards: | $637 | |
Average Rating Score: | 85.6/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
The Stale Crewzer costs a good $88 less than the average board in this category but still manages a score just higher than the average. It's only $20 more than the lowest priced board in this category, but still manages to be ranked 7th out of 18.
Some other notable numbers:
- The average price for this category went up by $15 compared to last year
- The average price for this category is $113 higher than the all-mountain category and $9 higher than the aggressive all-mountain freestyle category (see above) and is the 2nd highest priced category behind only freeride (see below).
- The average price for the top half (top 9) was $673, making the Stale Crewzer a huge $124 cheaper than those that scored in the top half of this list.
- The Crewzer was the lowest priced board in the Top 9 and was the 2nd equal 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:
- Nidecker Escape Plus ($529 | 84.2 points);
- Nitro Team Camber ($579 | 85.3 points);
- Slash Straight ($549 | 84.7 points)
- Nidecker Thruster ($579 | 84.2 points);
BEST CHEAP FREERIDE SNOWBOARD
Board: YES Pick Your Line (PYL)
Price: $499
SnowboardingProfiles.com Freeride Rating Score : 90.2/100
FREERIDE SNOWBOARD CATEGORY STATS |
# of freeride snowboards rated: | 35 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $479 | |
Average price of freeride snowboards: | $663 | |
Average Rating Score: | 84.9/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
There was no question that the PYL would again be the choice for best value-for-money freeride board this year. And, surprisingly (pleasantly) it's actually gone down in price by $50 for the 2025 model! Cementing its place even more firmly here.
It's a three-peat for the PYL as it took the top spot here in the last 2 years as well.
This one is probably the easiest choice of any of the categories. It was #3 in our top 10 freeride snowboard list this year and it is now $164 cheaper than the average price! Yes, you read that correctly.
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).
If I was to google value-for-money definition, I wouldn't be surprised to just see a picture of the PYL!
Some other notable numbers:
- The average price of this category went up by $19 compared to last year.
- The average price for this category is the highest of all the categories - $26 higher than the next highest category (aggressive all-mountain).
- The average price for the top half (top 18) was $670, making the PYL a massive $171 cheaper than those that scored in the top half of this list.
Alternatives
- Nidecker Alpha APX ($579 | 85.3 points);
- Rome Ravine Pro ($599 | 87.5 points);
- Jones Hovercraft 2.0 ($599 | 86.4 points);
- YES PYL Uninc ($599 | 85.9 points);
- Rome Stale Fish ($549 | 84.2 points)
BEST CHEAP MELLOW FREERIDE SNOWBOARD
Board: Salomon Dancehaul
Price: $499
SnowboardingProfiles.com Freeride Rating Score : 87.1/100
MELLOW FREERIDE SNOWBOARD CATEGORY STATS |
# of surfy freeride snowboards rated: | 30 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $419 | |
Average price of mellow freeride snowboards: | $587 | |
Average Rating Score: | 85.6/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
The Dancehaul comes in at $88 cheaper than the average price for this category but a good amount above the average rating. Good enough for it to make #10= in our Top 10 Mellow Freeride Snowboards list.
The average price of the other boards that made the top 10 was $667 - which the Dancehaul betters price-wise, by $168.
Some other notable numbers:
- The average price for this category went up by $18 compared to last year.
- The average price for this category is $76 lower than the freeride category (see above), which isn't surprising, given that stiffer boards are typically more costly and this category features directional boards that are 6.5/10 flex or less.
- The average price for the top half (top 15) was $635, making the Dancehaul $136 cheaper than those that scored in the top half of this list.
- Of the 6 boards not named the Dancehaul and that were $499 or under the average score was 80.1. The Dancehaul scored 87.1.
Alternatives
- K2 Passport ($549 | 86.5 points);
- Jones Mind Expander ($569 | 87.1 points);
- Bataleon Thunderstorm ($529 | 85.4 points);
- Arbor Single ($559 | 86.5 points);
- Bataleon Cruiser ($499 | 84.3 points);
- Rome Ravine ($559 | 84.3 points).
BEST CHEAP BEGINNER SNOWBOARD
Board: Nitro Prime
Price: $349
SnowboardingProfiles.com Beginner Rating Score : 92/100
BEGINNER SNOWBOARD CATEGORY STATS |
# of beginner snowboards rated: | 37 | |
Cheapest board rated: | $349 | |
Average price of beginner snowboards: | $455 | |
Average Rating Score: | 85.2/100 | |
Why This Board Was Chosen
Nothing has been able to knock the Prime off its perch here for a while now - but one board did come very close and really is a first equal, which was the Rossignol Ampage Mind Expander - which came in equal on points and at the same price.
The Prime is the cheapest equal 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 $106 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.
Some other notable numbers:
- The average price for this category went down by $2 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 $412, making the Prime $63 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
Over to You
A quick summary of all the boards above:
category | BOARD | PRICE | SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|
Freestyle | $399 | 85.9/100 | |
All-Mtn-Freestyle | $499 | 87.6/100 | |
All-Mountain | $429 | 87.3/100 | |
Aggressive All-Mtn Freestyle | $499 | 86.4/100 | |
Aggressive All-Mountain | $549 | 85.9/100 | |
Freeride | $499 | 90.2/100 | |
Mellow Freeride | $499 | 87.1/100 | |
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.
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
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
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
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.
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