The 4 Best Avalanche Beacons of 2025

The Best Avalanche Beacons

Best Overall Avalanche Beacon

Mammut Barryvox S2

Whether you're a new backcountry traveler or a seasoned professional, the Mammut Barryvox S2 offers the speed and accuracy necessary to execute an efficient rescue. The game changer is Mammut's guided fine search, a novel feature that makes this beacon an excellent choice for any experience level. “Any avalanche instructor will tell you that most beginners struggle with learning how to bracket properly,” explains our lead tester. “And this feature all but eliminates the need to use the traditional bracketing method in a fine search.” Professionals can opt out of a guided fine search, if they prefer, and will appreciate other familiar pro-level functions, such as an analog search mode (which can be used in conjunction with digital search) and a Pro Check to test for signal drift of other beacons. “As far as solving complex, multi-burial scenarios, the S2 was the most capable beacon in our test,” our lead tester says.

Measured Range	65 m
Manufacturer's Stated Max Range	70 m
Flagging Feature	Yes
Digital or Analog Modes	Both
Stated Battery Life (in "Send")	450 Hours

The Barryvox S2 remains a professional-level beacon, and its price tag reflects this. “While beginners loved the new guided fine search, that single feature may not be worth the extra cost for most people,” admits our lead tester. Folks looking to save some money without sacrificing much performance should consider the Mammut Barryvox 2. Although the base model doesn't include a guided fine search, it was still highly capable during single-burial scenarios, which are the most common in avalanche rescue. Most of the benefits of the S2, on the other hand, are related to multi-burial situations. It's our fear that these additional features will likely be less appreciated by (or worse, never used by) recreational users. However, for the discerning professional who demands unparalleled capability, there is no better beacon on the market right now than the Barryvox S2 – except for maybe the Pieps Pro IPS, which has a slightly faster processor.

Read more: Mammut Barryvox S2 review

The Other Best Beacon

Pieps Pro IPS

The Pieps Pro IPS is the closest competitor to the Mammut Barryvox S2. “The Pieps processor is a bit faster than Mammut's,” explains our lead tester. “And it does a better job of working quickly through a fine search, especially with multiple burials.” Pieps made significant improvements over previous models to bring the Pro IPS up to par with the competition. Compared to the older, pro-level Pieps beacons we've tested, the Pro IPS offers an expanded suite of professional features, like a scroll function and the ability to adjust sensitivity in analog mode. However, the greatest benefit of the new Pro IPS is its advanced EMI (electromagnetic interference) protection. Not only will this beacon prompt you to reduce your search strip width if it detects EMI while in Search, but it will automatically boost your signal if it detects interference in Send. Other modern beacons may offer similar EMI protection, but the Pro IPS is our recommendation for anyone who carries a lot of electronics in avalanche country, like ski patrollers, photographers, and search and rescue (SAR) workers.

Measured Range	72 m
Manufacturer's Stated Max Range	80 m
Flagging Feature	Yes
Digital or Analog Modes	Both
Stated Battery Life (in "Send")	400 Hours

While its unique guided search function makes the Mammut Barryvox S2 a viable option for even entry-level users, we agree with how Pieps markets the Pro IPS – we only recommend this high-end beacon to professionals and highly experienced users. “Even though the Pro IPS brings a lot to the table for avalanche professionals, its functions are less refined than its direct competitors,” admits our lead tester. The Pro IPS is significantly faster in fine searches than the Barryvox S2, but if you rely heavily on special functions for multi-burial scenarios, the Pieps may feel a bit clunky compared to the S2. If you're trying to choose between the two, your decision may come down to personal preference – do you prefer a fast processor, or one that does much of the thinking for you? Whether you choose the slightly faster IPS Pro or the slightly smarter S2, highly experienced users can't go wrong with either beacon. And for most backcountry travelers, we recommend comparing the extra cost of these two high-end options against the capabilities of the Mammut Barryvox 2 or the even more affordable BCA Tracker S.

Read more: Pieps Pro IPS review

Best For Most Backcountry Travelers

Mammut Barryvox 2

We've examined the high-end options so far – expensive beacons with advanced feature sets that primarily cater to professionals. But for the majority of backcountry travelers, the Mammut Barryvox 2 is just right. This simplified version of the Mammut Barryvox S2 features an intuitive interface, which is of the utmost importance in stressful situations. There are no hidden menus or advanced options buried under button sequences. When prompted, simply press the multi-purpose flag button, and the beacon does exactly what it says it will do. Like its more expensive sibling, the secret to the Barryvox 2's success is Mammut's super-smooth processor. “Even in tricky rescue scenarios, this beacon always kept me on track, which helped keep stress levels to a minimum,” confirms our lead tester. We also appreciate the improved range of the Barryvox 2, which makes it easier to acquire a signal compared to the previous version. Even though this base model doesn't include as many advanced features as the other top-performing beacons we tested, its more reasonable price point will better appeal to more backcountry users.

Measured Range	65 m
Manufacturer's Stated Max Range	70 m
Flagging Feature	Yes
Digital or Analog Modes	Digital
Stated Battery Life (in "Send")	450 Hours

While the Barryvox 2 is a slight upgrade from the previous version, we wish Mammut would have added their new guided fine search to this model as well. “This highly useful feature seems like it's geared towards new and inexperienced users,” muses our lead tester. “It's strange that Mammut didn't include it in their entry-level beacon.” For now, if you want a beacon with a guided fine search, you'll have to pony up the cash for the Barryvox S2. Aside from that main gripe, any other criticism about a lack of advanced features is also the selling point of the Barryvox 2. This stripped-down beacon has everything you need and nothing you don't to conduct a swift rescue. It performed nearly as well as either the Barryvox S2 or the Pieps Pro IPS in all of our tests, yet costs one-third less than both. If you're trying to decide between these three beacons, we recommend weighing your needs against the affordability of the highly capable Barryvox 2.

Read more: Mammut Barryvox 2 review

Best Bang for the Buck

Backcountry Access Tracker S

The S in the Backcountry Access Tracker S stands for simple, and that is the design aspect that drives this beacon: simplicity and ease of use. This beacon includes the simple features that most backcountry travelers seek while maintaining the ultra-intuitive design that made the Tracker series the best-selling beacons of all time. A low-profile casing works well for those who prefer carrying their beacon in a zippered pants pocket and is even noticeably less bulky when worn in the harness. All of our testers love how straightforward this beacon is to use and appreciate the fast processor speed, which is above average among all beacons in our review. “One of my favorite things about the Tracker S is its precision during a fine search,” praises our lead tester. “This made it easier to pinpoint with my probe, which left more time for the challenging job of digging.”

Measured Range	42 m
Manufacturer's Stated Max Range	55 m
Flagging Feature	No (Signal Suppression)
Digital or Analog Modes	Digital
Stated Battery Life (in "Send")	250 hours

Compared to other beacons with a true flagging function, we don't love that Signal Suppression – one of BCA's two alternative multiple burial functions – only suppresses the signal for one minute. In certain situations, this can create confusion, and it takes a bit more practice to become adept with this function. Multiple burials only make up about 15% of rescues (and rescues involving more than two buried people are less than 5%), so this is hardly a dealbreaker. But still, we prefer the flagging function on comparable beacons like the Black Diamond Recon X. Those criticisms aside, we think the pros far outweigh the cons for the Tracker S – if you're looking for a high-value option that is incredibly easy to use, you've found it.

Read more: Backcountry Access Tracker S review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	90	Mammut Barryvox S2 Best Overall Avalanche Beacon	$599
	87	Pieps Pro IPS The Other Best Beacon	$530
	85	Mammut Barryvox 2 Best For Most Backcountry Travelers	$399
	77	Black Diamond Recon X	$350
	75	Arva Neo BT Pro	$450
	73	Backcountry Access Tracker4	$400
	71	Black Diamond Guide BT	$500
	70	Backcountry Access Tracker3	$350
	68	Backcountry Access Tracker S Best Bang for the Buck	$300
	64	Ortovox Diract Voice	$450
	63	Arva Evo4 Clip for Safe	$300

How We Tested

We've purchased and compared dozens of avalanche beacons over more than a decade of testing. Our team compared these beacons side-by-side over an entire season, putting them head-to-head in hundreds of tests to compare speed, accuracy, range, ease of use, and the utility of their features. In the hands of fellow avalanche professionals and never-ever users, we recorded their average rescue times in single and multi-burial scenarios. We calculated their average range in a signal search, analyzed how quickly and accurately they led us to a target during a coarse search, and examined their precision in a fine search. We looked for consistency and repeatability of each model's performance in each test and across user types to best assess the pros and cons of each competitor.

Our testing of avalanche beacons is divided into five rating metrics:

• Speed (30% of overall score weighting)

• Interface (25% weighting)

• Accuracy (20% weighting)

• Multiple Burials (15% weighting)

• Range (10% weighting)

For more detailed info on our testing process, check out our full How We Test article.

Why Trust GearLab

Leading our test team is review editor Dom Rickicki. Dom is a faculty instructor with the Silverton Avalanche School in Silverton, CO, and Head Guide at KMAC Guides in Estes Park, CO. He spends over 100 days each winter backcountry skiing, splitboarding, teaching avalanche courses, and ski guiding. Dom is a professional member of the American Avalanche Association, has completed his Pro Level 2 – the pinnacle of avalanche education in the US – and is an AMGA Apprentice Ski Guide.

Ian Nicholson laid the groundwork for this review. Ian is an IFMGA/UIAGM guide and a part of the AMGA instructor team, where he teaches and examines ski guide courses. He is also a former avalanche forecaster and works on AIARE's national training team, instructing professional-level avalanche courses and training future avalanche instructors. He estimates that he has personally taught over 100 recreational-level AIARE courses over the years.

Analysis and Test Results

Increased participation in backcountry skiing alongside rapid technological advancement has led us from the first digital avalanche beacon in 1997 to the list of modern beacons included in this review. Through extensive side-by-side testing, we have sorted today's top options to help you decide which beacon is right for you. Our test team strives for excellence in their field – the expert advice in our review is based upon seasons of teaching avalanche rescue courses and continuing professional development in the snow and avalanche industry.

Part of deciding which beacon is right for you is understanding how you will use it. Clearly, all backcountry travelers carry a beacon in case of an avalanche. But there is a big difference between how a recreational backcountry skier and a snow safety professional will use a beacon. Industry professionals often participate in advanced search and rescue training, including examinations that test their ability to locate multiple buried beacons. In their work as guides, forecasters, and ski patrollers, they are the most knowledgeable users and will likely be looking for a beacon with advanced features to help them accomplish these challenging rescue tasks.

A recreational backcountry skier or rider, on the other hand, is likely less concerned with these advanced search and rescue techniques and more concerned with being able to quickly and effectively perform a rescue. This demographic of backcountry users should be most concerned with the most common avalanche rescue scenario – a single-person burial, which makes up 85% of avalanche accidents. With this in mind, we heavily weighted our testing metrics toward the things we recognize as most beneficial for people performing single-burial rescues.

What's the Best Value?

We highlight awards for specific user groups because beacons, like many things, aren't a one size fits all sort of product. Certainly, like many things, the more you spend, the more features you receive. However, with beacons, the most feature-rich option might not actually help you find someone faster. This is because the most capable beacons are frequently designed with more complicated interfaces. Because they are generally less straightforward to use – especially against the clock of trying to save someone's life – an ultra-capable beacon geared towards a pro might be a poor choice for a new user or a novice who doesn't practice as frequently.

The great news, financially speaking, is that for one- to two-person burials, which comprise 95% of avalanche accidents, every beacon we tested is more than capable of performing this task. The better news is that the most intuitive beacons tend to be in the middle of the price range. One beacon that particularly fits this description is the Backcountry Access Tracker S. It's fast, easy to use, and the price is right – at its price point, it's an incredibly capable beacon, and therefore a great value. If you're seeking a beacon with more advanced features but don't want to spend top dollar, the Arva Neo BT Pro is the lowest-priced professional-level beacon in our test. Nestled nicely between those two options is the Mammut Barryvox 2, which offers some advanced functions, including a flagging function, in an altogether user-friendly package.

Speed

In a game of minutes, seconds count. After 15 minutes under the snow, a person's chance of survival decreases significantly. With that in mind, we wanted to assess a beacon's ability to bring us quickly into our target and help us pinpoint its location without hassle. Each manufacturer's processor is a little different, and some handle incoming information faster than others. To assess this, we considered a beacon's ability to keep up during a coarse search and how quickly we were able to refine the lowest distance reading during a fine search.

Some beacons handled the coarse search well but began to lag in the fine search phase. Others struggled in the coarse search, especially at the maximum extent of their range, but were able to handle a fine search quite well. For our scoring purposes, we combined the coarse and fine search speeds into one total score to paint an overall picture of a beacon's processing speed. For example, upon signal acquisition, the Ortovox Diract Voice would often send you the long way around a flux line only to direct you to turn around. But once it was in the fine search, it smoothed out and provided quick distance readings.

The Tracker line from Backcountry Access (BCA) is well known for its speedy processor, and the Tracker4, Tracker3, and Tracker S all logged top scores in our speed tests. These beacons are almost akin to having a tape measure in your hand, reeling you into your target. According to BCA co-founder Bruce Edgerly, BCA beacons are designed with a real-time display that provides distance and direction information as soon as the beacon receives it. (Most other beacons on the market use a delayed-action display, whose more complex processors are designed to work in conjunction with advanced flagging functions.) Although the speed of a BCA beacon comes at the cost of a true flagging function, given that 85% of rescues are single victims, the tradeoff may be worth it.

However, with an updated processor, the Mammut Barryvox 2 and Barryvox S2 gave the Tracker line a run for its money. Even though these two beacons still technically have a delayed-action display, there is virtually no lag, unlike what we experienced regularly with the two previous models. Interestingly, our search times with the base-model Barryvox 2 were faster than with the S2, even with the guided fine search function. (Though we could attribute that to well-honed training.) The Pieps processor has always been heralded for its speed, and the Pro IPS even improves upon older models. While it's not as fast in a coarse search as other top models, it more than makes up for it during the fine search phase.

Interface

Performing an actual avalanche rescue is, without a doubt, incredibly stressful. All of the training and practice we do is ultimately to help reduce the stress of the situation so that we can operate effectively. When choosing a beacon, we think it is important to find a product that is easy to use because the last thing you want to be doing in that situation is fighting with your tools. Although an intuitive interface is helpful, you need to spend enough time practicing with your beacon so that you understand its functions inside and out. While some beacons are easy to learn to use right out of the box, others require a fair amount of time with the user manual.

We can't stress enough how important it is to read the user manual that comes with your new beacon. Still, our favorite beacons are the ones we can almost fully understand without any required reading. Their switches are easy to operate, buttons are clearly labeled, screens are easy to read, systems are easy to navigate, and any special features are quick to learn. Base models – like the Barryvox 2 and Recon X – score higher in this regard than their more complex siblings, which require significantly more time to understand and practice with.

The exception to that rule is the Barryvox S2. With an advanced suite of features, it's easily one of the most capable and most complex beacons on the market. However, all of those features are optional, and if a new user wants a simple beacon, the S2 can be that too. The new guided fine search feature also makes this beacon particularly approachable for users of any skill level. Even if you've never used a beacon before, this incredibly helpful feature will walk you through the intricacies of a fine search without any technique – just follow the on-screen instructions.

The Ortovox Diract Voice is also notable for its straightforward interface. This is the only beacon currently on the market that features voice commands, designed to guide you through an inherently stressful situation. Beyond that unique feature, its switch is easy to flip, the screen is bright and easy to read, and the flagging function is front and center with a single button easily identified by a flag.

All of the feature-rich pro beacons are inherently more complex, but there are a few notable differences in ease of use. While the Pieps Pro IPS and Arva Neo BT Pro are both Bluetooth-enabled and require a connection to an app to change settings, you can access all settings directly on the Barryvox S2. Bluetooth connectivity is nice for initial setup, but we ultimately decided we preferred the simpler approach of the Barryvox S2. Since we could toggle between settings directly on the beacon, we could more easily test features in the field, allowing us the opportunity to better personalize the setup of the Barryvox S2.

Accuracy

A beacon that allows you to zip to the target at a rapid speed is nothing if it doesn't put you close to the right spot to begin probing. To assess accuracy, we first considered the accuracy of the distance and direction readings during the coarse search phase. Once we began a fine search, we measured the size of a bracket – the lowest distance reading along the X and Y axes – relative to where we got a positive probe strike. In order to maintain consistency between each test, we only allowed for one bracket in the fine search to get the lowest number. The tester was allowed to move once, front-to-back, to a low point and then once, left-to-right, to refine their search – one full bracket.

Fine search accuracy is a bit of a funny thing, as it is all based on rescue practice. We practice with buried targets that are much smaller than a human body, typically a buried backpack. The idea is that it imitates a worst-case scenario burial where someone is buried vertically (thus, the surface area we have to probe is smaller). With that disclaimer, every single beacon in this test brought us within one meter of a target – a reasonable distance easily probed with proper technique. The average burial depth for accidents in the United States is 75 cm to 130 cm, so we buried our targets 1 m deep.

The conclusion we came to is that with a careful, well-practiced fine search (with only one bracket) and proper probing technique, you will quite often get a strike within the first or second probe ring of your search. Among all the beacons in our test, we noted little difference in accuracy during a search for a single target. However, multiple burials did change both the speed and accuracy results of our tests – this is explained further in the Multiple Burials section.

Where we did notice a difference in accuracy between beacons was in the coarse search phase. Some, like the Recon X, provided smooth and accurate distance readings throughout the coarse search. Other beacons, like the Arva Neo BT Pro, particularly struggled at the maximum extent of their range. Even though the Neo BT Pro initially acquired a strong signal, once we began moving, the numbers would fluctuate up and down for the first 10-15 meters of the coarse search before becoming consistent. Then, as we neared the fine search phase, the distance would sometimes drop quickly, causing us to drop into bracketing sooner than we anticipated. While more experienced users were able to adapt to these unexpected changes, novice users found them confusing.

The most accurate beacons in our tests are those from Black Diamond. The Recon X is simply the base model of the more advanced Guide BT, and both operate using the time-tested Pieps processor. (Black Diamond acquired Pieps in 2012, although BD's parent company announced the sale of Pieps in May 2025.) We successfully probed targets on the first or second strike more often with a Black Diamond beacon in our hands. That said, the Mammut Barryvox 2 and Barryvox S2 are highly competitive. The updated Mammut processor no longer has a noticeable lag, which makes it nearly as smooth as the Pieps-powered beacons.

Multiple Burials

As you increase the number of burials, you increase the complexity and challenge of the rescue effort. Fortunately, multiple burial scenarios comprise only 15% of recorded avalanche accidents – of that 15%, only 5% involved more than two burials. Even if these situations don't make up the majority of rescues, it is still important that we practice them, as we always train to better prepare ourselves for the worst-case scenario. The best beacons for multiple burial scenarios offer specialized functions for identifying the number of victims, an easy-to-use flagging or marking function, and a powerful processor that won't get bogged down by multiple signals. (Note that we will use the terms “flagging” and “marking” interchangeably in our discussion, as they are functionally the same.)

As far as marking functions go, there are a few options available. BCA's Signal Suppression – included in the Tracker S, Tracker3, and Tracker4 – is perhaps the most basic. It allows you to suppress only one signal at a time, and it automatically reverts to the closest signal after one minute. For one- and two-person burials, the BCA system, although less advanced, surely gets the job done. However, for more complex scenarios, users of these beacons must be well-trained in alternative search methods.

The most useful multiple burial function, the nearly ubiquitous “flagging” function, should be right at your fingertips, not buried behind menus. This design concept is embodied in base model beacons like the Recon X, Barryvox 2, and even the very basic Arva Evo4. Their flagging function – which will block out the incoming signal from the closest beacon – is located front and center on a single button, and they all have the ability to flag more than one signal. The tradeoff for this flagging function, as compared to the single mark with BCA's Signal Suppression, is processing speed. As you increase the number of incoming signals, these beacons tend to lag more, particularly in a fine search.

For recreational users, our favorite beacon for handling multi-burial scenarios is the Mammut Barryvox 2. Even bombarded with multiple signals, the highly capable Mammut processor still provided us with accurate distance readings and generally correct direction arrows. While the Barryvox 2 did lag under the burden of four signals, so did every other beacon we tested at this price point. The processor in the BCA beacons didn't lag quite as much in multiple burial scenarios, but their distance and arrow readings jumped around and were harder to follow than those on the Barryvox 2.

The most advanced tools are found in pro-level beacons. The Pieps Pro IPS, Barryvox S2, and Neo BT Pro all offer top-of-the-line functionality to help a rescuer solve the most complex rescue scenarios, including the option to switch to an analog mode. These beacons allow you to flag multiple signals and scroll through a list of burials. The Barryvox S2 and Neo BT Pro offer the most advanced scrolling features, which allow you to see each signal and its distance from you, flag or unflag signals (within a certain proximity), and the ability to choose which signal you want to follow to prioritize closer victims. The Pro IPS, on the other hand, offers a unique Scan mode that highlights the number of burials within 20, 40, and 60 meters, which now includes the ability to scroll through the closest three burials. Similarly, Big Picture mode, which is included on all three Tracker models from BCA, allows a rescuer to quickly build a mental map of a multi-burial scenario by flashing between every signal within range.

For highly experienced users, our favorite beacon for multiple burial scenarios is the Mammut Barryvox S2. Its advanced functions are the easiest to operate while still providing us with the most unique options for handling complex situations. While the Neo BT Pro is impressive considering its price point relative to the Barryvox S2, unfortunately, it suffers from less accurate distance and direction readings under the burden of more than three signals. The S2 isn't quite as fast as the Pieps Pro IPS in a fine search. However, it isn't nearly as easy to triage a scene with the Scan function on the Pro IPS, compared to the scrolling function on the S2. While we've determined our preference, ultimately, it seems like a toss-up between the faster processor of the Pro IPS and the easier-to-operate interface of the Barryvox S2.

Range

A beacon's range is the furthest distance at which it is able to acquire a signal. A longer range is better not only because you can pick up a signal earlier in your search, but it means you can increase the distance of your search strip width, allowing you to cover ground more quickly during the signal acquisition phase.

The range that manufacturers list is measured under conditions of “ideal coupling”, when the antenna of the transmitting beacon and the searching beacon are perfectly aligned. This coupling of the two flux lines provides you with the longest possible receiving distance for a beacon.

This is compared to a real-world scenario where the buried beacon orientation is unknown and likely not ideal. For our tests, we measured the distance at which each beacon acquired a strong, consistent signal. We then averaged those distances across all of our test runs to better understand each beacon's range under more realistic conditions. The measured range for every single beacon in our test is lower than the manufacturer's stated range – we measured an industry average of 45 meters.

The Pieps Pro IPS is now the highest-scoring beacon in our range tests, with an average measured range of a whopping 72 meters. Previously, the Arva Neo BT Pro was the only beacon even close to this range. Now, the Barryvox 2 and S2, along with the Pro IPS, all consistently acquire signals at more than 60 meters. Compared to these other beacons, the Neo BT Pro unfortunately suffers from poor accuracy at the maximum extent of its range and is difficult to follow until it is within 50 meters of a target. The Pieps Pro IPS suffers a bit from a similar issue, but is much more composed than the sporadic Neo BT Pro.

Interestingly, we are finding most of the new long-range beacons suffer a bit with consistency at the maximum extent of their range. The Barryvox S2, which had the second-longest recorded range of 65 meters, also struggled to lock into an accurate signal. Unlike the Neo BT Pro – with which we would have to fully stop to try and let the beacon catch up – the slight range discrepancies with the Barryvox S2 hardly interrupted our search. We also noted that beacons with shorter ranges – like those from Black Diamond and BCA – were the most reliable at the extent of their range, which was, as it turned out, right around 45 meters.

Conclusion

This review is designed to help lay out the nuanced differences between the avalanche beacons on the market today. Although they do not guarantee survival, beacons significantly enhance the chances of a positive outcome if you or a partner are caught and buried in an avalanche – you aren't just buying a beacon for yourself but also for your friends and backcountry partners. We understand that the importance of choosing the right one can be overwhelming. While some models are designed to suit specific user groups, remember that every beacon in our review fits the bill. But considering all of the ways you can save money while buying gear, an avalanche beacon is likely not the best piece of equipment to skimp on.

Skiing or riding in the backcountry requires a specific set of gear — fortunately, we've got you covered. Whether you need a new pair of backcountry skis, AT bindings and climbing skins or a splitboard and matching splitboard skins, our team offers their expert advice to help you find the perfect setup.