Eye protection is extremely important when playing airsoft. Airsoft goggles are mandatory safety protection equipment and wearing goggles is required by all players, game staff, and anyone on the airsoft playing field. It is also a mandatory airsoft safety rule. Ballistic airsoft goggles which are rated to specific impacted specifications are important to keeping player's eyes safe. Let's talk about airsoft eye protection, the different types of goggles, and what to look for as far as ballistic ratings.
Highspeedbbs editors select and review airsoft products independently. We may earn affiliate commissions from buying links, which help support our testing. Support us.
About Airsoft Goggles
ANSI Ratings
Airsoft masks and ballistic eye protection is necessary to keep your eyes and face safe from incoming airsoft BBs. We covered the best airsoft masks here and now it's time to discuss eye protection. Most airsoft fields require "full seal" airsoft goggles meaning they have to completely enclose the area around the player's eyes. These goggles must be rated to a certain impact level so that airsoft BBs cannot break or penetrate them. Look for and use full seal airsoft goggles which are at least ANSI Z87. 1+ or MIL-PRF-31013 impact rated. This ANSI rating meets the guidelines set by the American National Standards Institute meaning they can withstand impact from high FPS projectiles like airsoft BBs. Keep in mind that goggle ratings are different from safety glasses ratings.
Test Your Eyewear: Airsoft BB Impact Tests
If you question the safety of your eye protection, conduct an impact test in a safe environment where you shoot the glasses multiple times at close range (the airsoft field's minimum engagement distance) using an AEG airsoft gun or similar airsoft gun. If your eye protection survives and blocks the test fired BBs, it is most likely safe to use on the airsoft field. If the eye protection breaks, that feels bad if they were a nice pair of safety glasses or goggles, but be glad you weren't wearing them during an airsoft game. Look for better impact rated airsoft goggles.
Protective Materials
Airsoft goggles come in several different types which include mesh and solid plastic. This is important to understand because many fields require the solid plastic goggle version. If you bring a mesh mask, you won't be allowed to play airsoft with it.
Wire Mesh Construction for Airsoft
Wire mesh airsoft goggles are usually a no go to play with. Airsoft fields do not allow these types of masks because the mesh material can potentially allow small debris, dirt, and airsoft BB particles to enter the mesh of the mask and get in the airsoft player's eyes. Mesh airsoft masks are usually banned from use at airsoft fields and not recommended to use elsewhere either.
Plastic Polycarbonate Construction
Airsoft goggles which have a solid lens are usually made out of plastic polycarbonate material. These airsoft goggles are acceptable to use at airsoft fields and provide much better protection from incoming airsoft BBs. Make sure you get a mask version which fully seals around your eyes for the best protection. Some types of safety glasses do not provide as much protection since BBs can possibly enter the sides or bottom of the lens where there is no frame.
Types of Goggles
Eyewear Only VS Combined Masks
Some styles of goggles are standalone with and worn by an elastic strap while other goggle types have airsoft masks built into them to protect airsoft players' lower faces. Standalone goggles are great if players are just looking for eye protection. They can be paired with a separate lower mask for full head protection. The combined goggle and mask types of goggles are similar to paintball masks and provide face and eye protection at the same time. While these are good to use in certain circumstances, they can also fog up due to lack of venting around the goggle lens. Players should choose the type of airsoft goggles which will work best for them and their loadouts.
Find the Best Airsoft Goggles
#1 Valken Airsoft Zulu Thermal Lens Airsoft Goggles
Valken Zulu Thermal Lens Goggles are a great choice for low-profile eyewear which will protect your eyes from airsoft BBs. These goggles are often used by players who want to wear a FAST helmet with their goggles and need a pair which will fit under the brim of the helmet. Because of their great features, usability, and impact ratings, we consider them one of the "best airsoft goggles". These airsoft goggles meet ANSI/ISEA Z87.1, MCEPS Class 1 Military standards, and CAN/CSA Z94.3-07 impact standards along with being CE EN166 certified. The interchangeable temple fittings help provide an adjustable fit for player's faces as well.
Valken Airsoft Zulu Airsoft Goggle Features:
- Goggle Brand: Valken Tactical
- Airsoft Goggle Style: Low-profile goggles, securing strap
- Attachment: Elastic head strap
- Goggle Frame: Full seal plastic
- Goggle Lens: Polycarbonate plastic
- Len Colors: Clear, yellow, and smoke (pick one)
- Lens Impact Ratings:
- ANSI/ISEA Z87.1
- MCEPS Class 1 Military standards
- CAN/CSA Z94.3-07 standards
- CE EN166 certified
- Lens Coating: Anti-fog
- Wear Over Prescription Glasses: Yes
- Accepted at Airsoft Fields: Yes
- Pair with: A half face mask for lower face protection
Get These Valken Goggles
Where to Buy the Valken Airsoft Zulu Thermal Lens Goggles
- Quick release interchangeable temples and an elastic strap
- The thermal system provides anti-fog protection in the worst weather conditions or extreme-temperature working environments
- Meets ANSI/ISEA Z87.1, Meets MCEPS Class 1 Military standards, Meets CAN/CSA Z94.3-07 standards, CE EN166 certified
Last update on September 25, 2023 // Source: Amazon API
#2 Rothco OTG Ballistic Airsoft Goggles
The Rothco OTG Ballistic Goggles are a great choice for airsoft players who need to wear a pair of goggles over prescription glasses or sun glasses. They are rated to military MIL-DTL-43511D and ANSI-Z87-1 standards for ballistic eyewear protection. The lenses feature 2mm thick polycarbonate plastic rated to the above specifications. The lenses also have several treatments applied to them including anti-fog, anti-scratch, and UV 400 protection treatment. These goggles by Rothco have several adjustments for a good fit, vents at the top and bottom of the lens for increased airflow, and 3/8" foam padding for comfortable wear.
Rothco OTG Ballistic Airsoft Goggle Features:
- Goggle Brand: Rothco
- Airsoft Goggle Style: Large goggles with securing strap
- Attachment: Wide elastic head strap
- Goggle Frame: Full seal plastic
- Goggle Lens: 2mm Thick polycarbonate plastic
- Len Colors: Clear and smoke (pick one)
- Frame Colors: Black and Coyote Brown
- Lens Impact Ratings:
- ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 standards
- Military (MIL-DTL-43511D) standards
- Lens Coating: Anti-fog, anti-scratch, and UV 400 protection treated
- Wear Over Prescription Glasses: Yes
- Accepted at Airsoft Fields: Yes
- Pair with: A half face mask for lower face protection
Get These Rothco Goggles
Where to Buy the Rothco OTG Ballistic Airsoft Goggles
- Goggles Are Set to Military (MIL-DTL-43511D) And ANSI-Z87-1 Standards For Ballistic Eyewear Protection
- The OTG Goggles Have Been Specifically Designed To Fit Over Your Prescription Glasses Or Sunglasses With A 7/8†Cut Out On Each Side For The Temples
- 2mm Thick Polycarbonate Anti-Fog And Anti-Scratch Lenses and UV 400 Protection Treatment
- Moveable Hinges And Adjustable Strap Allow Goggles to Stay In Place While Mobile. In Addition, 3/8" Foam Padding Around The Tactical Goggles And Top And Bottom Vents Provides Long Lasting Comfort And Breathability
- Cleaning Cloth And Cover Included To Protect Goggles When Not In Use
Last update on September 24, 2023 // Source: Amazon API
#3 Valken V-TAC Echo Airsoft Goggles
The V-TAC Echo Airsoft Goggles are another good, cheaper set of airsoft goggles made by Valken. These goggles don't meet as many impact ratings as the Valken Zulu Goggles, but they are still great quality and low-profile shooting goggles. They do meet ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 high impact requirements as well as CAN/CSA Z94.3-0 standards. The goggles have an indirect vented foam carriage which prevents dust from entering the goggles and provides maximum dust protection. This helps allow sufficient airflow which provide an outlet for heat and reduces fogging if moisture builds up from sweating or humidity while playing airsoft. Like the Zulu Goggles, the V-TAC Echo also have an fully adjustable elastic strap with quick release for securing the goggles to your head or helmet. The goggle frames have adjustable temple padding to provide a secure fit. These goggles are some of the cheapest, best airsoft goggles around.
Valken V-TAC Echo Airsoft Goggle Features:
- Goggle Brand: Valken Tactical
- Airsoft Goggle Style: Low-profile goggles, securing strap
- Attachment: Thin elastic head strap
- Goggle Frame: Full seal plastic
- Goggle Lens: Polycarbonate plastic
- Len Colors: Clear, yellow, and smoke (pick one)
- Frame Colors: Black
- Lens Impact Ratings:
- ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 standards
- CAN/CSA Z94.3-0 standards
- Lens Coating: Single coated
- Wear Over Prescription Glasses: No
- Accepted at Airsoft Fields: Yes
- Pair with: A half face mask for lower face protection
Get These Valken Goggles
Where to Buy the Valken V-TAC Echo Airsoft Goggles
- Indirect vented foam carriage provides maximum dust protection with sufficient airflow, providing an outlet for heat to reduce fogging
- Fully adjustable elastic strap with quick release attaches to temples providing a secure fit
- Meets ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 high impact requirements & Meets CAN/CSA Z94.3-0
Last update on September 24, 2023 // Source: Amazon API
#4 Lancer Tactical Airsoft Safety Goggles with Vents
The Lancer Tactical Airsoft Safety Goggles are made by the established Lancer Tactical airsoft brand for airsoft players. These goggles are ANSI Z87.1 rated and specifically made for airsoft BB protection. They have multiple lens coatings for anti-scratch, anti-static and anti-fog treatments on the dual pane lenses of the goggles as well as protecting against UV rays like UVA, UVB, UVC, and HEV radiation. The 1" elastic head scrap allows for a comfortable and secure fit. The four vented areas on the top and bottom of the goggles helps to prevent fogging. These goggles are some of the best airsoft goggles available for playing airsoft and backed by the great Lancer Tactical band.
Lancer Tactical Airsoft Goggle Features:
- Goggle Brand: Lancer Tactical
- Airsoft Goggle Style: Full profile goggles, securing strap
- Attachment: 1" wide elastic head strap
- Goggle Frame: Full seal TPU plastic with Vents
- Goggle Lens: 3mm polycarbonate plastic
- Len Colors: Clear
- Frame Colors: OD Green
- Lens Impact Ratings: Meets ANSI Z87.1 requirements and designed to protect from airsoft BBs
- Lens Coating: Anti-scratch, anti-static, and anti-fog treated dual pane lenses
- Wear Over Prescription Glasses: No
- Accepted at Airsoft Fields: Yes
- Pair with: A half face mask for lower face protection
Get These Lancer Tactical Goggles
Where to Buy the Lancer Tactical Safety Airsoft Goggles
- MANUFACTURE: LANCER TACTICAL FRAME COLOR: OD GREEN
- FRAME MATERIAL: TPU LENS TINT: CLEAR LENS THICKNESS: 3 MM
- 14 days return period. Buyers are responsible for return shipping
- 15% restocking fee will be deducted from refund
Last update on September 24, 2023 // Source: Amazon API
#5 ESS Influx Airsoft Goggles
ESS is another great airsoft goggle brand. Their goggles are the highest priced and most premium best airsoft goggles, but their quality standards are high and you get the best when you pay for it. The ESS Influx Goggles come with clear and smoke lenses with a quick change feature for easy lens swaps. Airsoft players can also wear thin framed prescription glasses under the goggles, but it's recommended just to get a prescription lens if you need to for you vision. The Mil-PRF-32432 impact ratings ensure these goggles will keep your eyes safe.
ESS Influx Goggle Airsoft Goggle Features:
- Goggle Brand: ESS
- Airsoft Goggle Style: Full profile goggles, securing strap
- Attachment: Wide elastic head strap
- Goggle Frame: Full seal plastic with patented Adjustable Ventilation System (AVS)
- Goggle Lens: Polycarbonate plastic
- Len Colors: Includes clear and smoke grey lenses
- Frame Colors: Terrain Tan (others available)
- Lens Impact Ratings: Meets Mil-PRF-32432 requirements
- Lens Coating: Anti-fog
- Wear Over Prescription Glasses: Yes, over thin frame but not recommended
- Accepted at Airsoft Fields: Yes
- Pair with: A half face mask for lower face protection
Get These ESS Goggles
Where to Buy the ESS Influx Airsoft Goggles
- Alloy Keychain.
- Key Ring Diameter: 3cm
- Perfect Addition to your Keys!
- Package included: 1x Car Key Holder
Last update on September 25, 2023 // Source: Amazon API
Reviewing the Best Airsoft Goggles
These masks have solid lenses are the acceptable to use at practically every airsoft field. Check out these best quality airsoft masks and find the one which will work best for you and your airsoft loadout gear while keeping your eyes protected and safe when playing airsoft.
Last update on September 25, 2023 // Source: Amazon API
Looking for airsoft gun reviews?
See our top rated airsoft AEG, SMG, sniper rifle, and spring gun reviews!