Anon M2 vs M3 vs M4 Snow Goggles: Differences and Similarities

Anon are class-leading in the snow goggle industry and three of their most popular models are the M2, M3 and M4, but what are the differences between them. I’ll be comparing these three heavyweight Anon goggles in-depth so you can figure out which is the most suitable for you.

Anon M2 vs M3 vs M4

Anon M2 goggles have a spherical lens, M3 goggles have a cylindrical lens and M4 goggles have either a cylindrical or toric lens. M4 goggles are more expensive as they have a better construction and come with an MFI mask included. M4 goggles are better for larger faces compared to M2 and M3 goggles.

Images above link to Amazon

Check out this in-depth comparison between the M4 and brand-new M5 goggles

Differences Between the M2, M3 and M4

The most notable differences between these Anon goggles are related to:

• Lens Shape
• Fit and Feel
• Accessories and Compatibility
• Color Options
• Price

Let’s take a look at each of these factors individually.

Lens Shape

The main difference between the M2, M3 and M4 is the lens shape:

• Anon M2 Goggles have a spherical lens shape
• Anon M3 Goggles have a cylindrical lens shape
• Anon M4 Goggles have either a toric or cylindrical lens shape

Spherical lenses curve both horizontally and vertically to the same degree, meaning that they have a “bubble” shape to them. This gives them more surface area and means less glare is experienced by the wearer. However, spherical lenses can’t get too big otherwise they will protrude too much on the wearer’s face.

Cylindrical lenses only curve across the face rather than vertically. This means they are more prone to glare and distortion in the peripheral view, however the lenses can be larger without causing any issues.

Toric lenses offer a compromise between spherical and cylindrical lenses. They have some level of vertical curvature, but not as much as spherical lenses. This means you still get great optics, but the lens can be larger giving you an even wider view compared to spherical lenses.

Check out this article comparing cylindrical, spherical and toric lenses to find out all their pros and cons.

With the M2 and M3 goggles, you are stuck with that particular lens shape. However, with M4 goggles you can use either toric or cylindrical lenses. The goggles will come with a pair of lenses which are the same type (toric or cylindrical) but you can buy replacements of either types and they will be compatible.

Check out the images below to see the different lens shapes (all images link to Amazon).

Fit and Feel

The M2, M3 and M4 are all designed for medium-large faces, however the M4 has a slightly larger fit so suits people with a larger face more compared to the M2 and M3.

If you are looking for smaller goggles, check out my comparison between the Anon M4 and M4S goggles.

For perspective, the goggles have the following frame heights:

• Anon M4: 103 mm
• Anon M3: 93 mm
• Anon M2: 96 mm

This means that the Anon M4 goggles are approximately 10% larger than the M3 goggles, and 5% larger than the M2 goggles. The M3 goggles have a tighter fit and are roughly 5% smaller than the M2 goggles.

The M4 also has a deeper nose pocket which means that it provides more space around the nose. The result is that it doesn’t push down on the nose as much which can otherwise be quite uncomfortable.

The M4 also has an upgraded frame which features a rigid outer frame to help keep the lens in place and a softer inner frame to make it feel more comfortable. The M2 and M3 just have a plastic frame which isn’t quite as comfortable compared to the M4, but is very unlikely to cause any issues.

Accessories

In terms of the accessories, all goggles come with a spare lens so you’ll have one lens for sunny conditions and one lens for low-light conditions.

There are two packages available for the M2 and M3:

• Goggles + Spare Lens
• Goggles + Spare Lens + MFI Mask

You can expect to pay around $20-$30 extra for the mask package but it depends on what deals distributers have on at the time.

MFI stands for magnetic face mask integration which means that it fits seamlessly with the goggles to ensure full face coverage without fogging.

The M4 always comes with a spare lens and an MFI so it is not possible to purchase the goggles without the MFI included. This means you will be paying considerably more for a pair of M4 goggles.

The MFI on the M4 is also upgraded in comparison to the one that comes with the M2 and M3. You get more luxurious fleece-back material and vents to further reduce the risk of fogging.

All the Anon masks have a removable magnetic wire (carrier) to attach it to the goggles. If you want to use another mask (as opposed to the one that came with the goggles) then you can simply remove the carrier from your current mask and place it in the new mask.

The carrier for the M2 and M3 masks has the same shape, whereas the M4 carrier has a different shape to accommodate the deeper nose pocket.

Color and Lens Options

All M2, M3 and M4 goggles come with 2 lenses to give you options for different light conditions.

Anon group their lenses into three main categories:

• Sunny (S3 and S4)
• Variable (S2)
• Cloudy (S1)

Sunny (S3 and S4) lenses, as the name suggests are designed to be used in bright, sunny conditions so they only let a small amount of light pass through (less than 20%).

Variable lenses (S2) let a moderate amount of light through (20-50%). These lenses work best when it is partially cloudy and are the most versatile type of lens.

Cloudy lenses (S1) let the most light through (over 50%) and are designed to work best in overcast conditions with low-light levels.

Different frame colors and lens combinations are available for M2, M3 and M4 goggles.

Check out this complete guide to the Anon snow goggle lens range and how to choose the best lens color combination.

Here is a table to show you the currently available options.

Color and Lenses	Available for M2	Available for M3	Available for M4
Black Frame Sunny Onyx Lens (6%/ S4) Variable Violet Lens (34%/ S2)	Yes	No	No
Smoke Frame Sunny Onyx Lens (6%/ S4) Variable Violet Lens (34%/ S2)	Yes	No	Yes
Blue Frame Sunny Onyx Lens (6%/ S4) Variable Violet Lens (34%/ S2)	Yes	No	No
Lemon Frame Sunny Onyx Lens (6%/ S4) Variable Violet Lens (34%/ S2)	No	Yes	Yes
Gray Frame Sunny Onyx Lens (6%/ S4) Variable Violet Lens (34%/ S2)	No	Yes	Yes
White Frame Sunny Onyx Lens (6%/ S4) Variable Violet Lens (34%/ S2)	No	Yes	No
Smoke Frame Sunny Onyx Lens (6%/ S4) Cloudy Burst Lens (59%/ S1)	No	Yes	No
Black Frame Sunny Red Lens (14%/ S3) Cloudy Burst Lens (59%/ S1)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Magee Frame Sunny Red Lens (14%/ S3) Cloudy Burst Lens (59%/ S1)	No	Yes	No
Mendez Frame Sunny Red Lens (14%/ S3) Cloudy Burst Lens (59%/ S1)	No	No	Yes
Maroon Frame Sunny Bronze Lens (17%/ S3) Cloudy Burst Lens (59%/ S1)	Yes	No	Yes
Oakledge Frame Variable Blue Lens (21%/ S2) Cloudy Pink Lens (53%/ S1)	Yes	No	No
Navy Frame Variable Blue Lens (21%/ S2) Cloudy Pink Lens (53%/ S1)	No	Yes	Yes
Black Frame Variable Green Lens (22%/ S2) Cloudy Pink Lens (53%/ S1)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Green Frame Variable Green Lens (22%/ S2) Cloudy Pink Lens (53%/ S1)	Yes	No	No
Melt White Frame Cloudy Pink Lens (53%/ S1) Variable Green Lens (22%/ S2)	Yes	No	No

The following replacement lenses are available for all M2, M3 and M4 goggles.

Perceive Replacement Lens	Type	Light Pass Through
Sunny Onyx (6%/ S4)	S4	6%
Sunny Red (14%/ S3)	S3	14%
Sunny Bronze (17%/ S3)	S3	17%
Variable Blue (21%/ S2)	S2	21%
Variable Green (22%/ S2)	S2	22%
Variable Violet (34%/ S2)	S2	34%
Cloudy Pink (53%/ S1)	S1	53%
Cloudy Burst (59%/ S1)	S1	59%
Cloudy Night (72%/ S1)	S1	72%

Price

Anon M4 goggles are more expensive compared to M2 and M3 goggles because they have more premium features and always include a mask unlike M2 and M3 goggles where this is an optional extra which you can choose to include in the package.

For up to date prices, check out the links to Amazon below:

• M2 Goggles Only
• M2 Goggles + MFI
• M3 Goggles Only
• M3 Goggles + MFI
• M4 Goggles + MFI

It’s also worth noting that the replacement lenses for the M4 typically cost $105 whereas the replacement lenses for the M2 and M3 usually cost slightly less averaging $100.

Similarities

There are numerous similarities between the M2, M3 and M4 in terms of the technology they use.

• All goggles have Magna-Tech quick lens-change technology which uses magnets to allow you to easily switch between lenses
• Triple-layer face foam to improve comfort
• MFI compatible
• They all come with 2 x Perceive lenses
• Hydrophobic and oleophobic coated to provide smudge, moisture and scratch resistance
• Integral clarity anti-fog technology
• Full-perimeter vent channel to improve ventilation
• Goggle bag included
• Unisex frame design
• Asian fit available
• Available with prescription inserts
• 1 year warranty

Check out this article comparing Oakley Flight Deck and Anon M4 Snow Goggles for more options.