Football Gear Lab

Best Football Mouthguards 2026

Mouthguards

Gear Reviews

BEST MOUTHGUARDS

The cheapest piece of gear that protects the most. We reviewed the best mouthguards so you can protect your teeth and play without thinking about it.

Best Overall
Nxtrnd One Pro
5/5

Nxtrnd One Pro

Clean, low-profile protection from a next-gen brand

Pros

  • Slim profile — barely notice it during play
  • Excellent fit right out of the box
  • Looks clean on any helmet setup
  • Great value for the protection level

Cons

  • Newer brand — less name recognition
  • May need a few wears to fully settle
  • Not ideal for players with braces
Verdict: The Nxtrnd One Pro is the sleekest mouthguard on this list. Low-profile, comfortable, and built for players who want protection without the bulk.

Price Range

$14–$20

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Best for Contact
Nxtrnd Two Pro
4/5

Nxtrnd Two Pro

Double the protection, same clean look

Pros

  • Dual-layer design absorbs more impact
  • Still low-profile despite added protection
  • Comfortable fit for high-contact positions
  • Solid value vs. premium brands

Cons

  • Slightly bulkier than the One Pro
  • Takes a few wears to fully mold
  • Limited colorway options
Verdict: The Nxtrnd Two Pro steps up the protection with a dual-layer build while keeping the clean low-profile look Nxtrnd is known for. Great pick for linebackers and linemen.

Price Range

$16–$22

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Best Breathability
Battle Oxygen Lip Protector
4/5

Battle Oxygen Lip Protector

Breathe easy, protect your lips

Pros

  • Open-front design allows maximum airflow
  • Lip guard adds extra protection vs. standard guards
  • Great for skill positions who talk in huddles
  • Looks clean on any helmet

Cons

  • Less protection than closed mouthguards
  • Not recommended for linemen
  • Can feel loose initially
Verdict: The Battle Oxygen Lip Protector is the move for QBs, receivers, and DBs who need to breathe and communicate. The lip guard is a nice bonus over the standard Oxygen.

Price Range

$15–$22

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Most Trusted
Shock Doctor Lip Guard
4/5

Shock Doctor Lip Guard

Trusted protection with built-in lip coverage

Pros

  • Shock Doctor reliability in a lip guard design
  • Gel-fit liner molds comfortably to your teeth
  • Lip guard protects against cuts and abrasions
  • Affordable — stock up on a few

Cons

  • Takes a few wears to fully mold
  • Strap can get in the way with some helmets
  • Not ideal for players with braces
Verdict: Shock Doctor's Lip Guard brings the brand's trusted protection to a lip-covering design. Comfortable, reliable, and cheap enough to replace every season.

Price Range

$12–$18

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MOUTHGUARDS BUYING GUIDE

Boil-and-Bite vs. Custom

Boil-and-bite molds to your teeth at home and is the standard for most players. Custom mouthguards from a dentist offer the best fit but cost significantly more.

Strap vs. Strapless

Strapped mouthguards attach to your facemask — you cannot lose them. Strapless are more comfortable but easier to drop. Most high school leagues require straps.

Braces Compatibility

If you wear braces, you need a mouthguard specifically designed for orthodontic use. Standard mouthguards will not fit correctly and may damage your braces.

Replace Every Season

Mouthguards degrade over time. A worn-down mouthguard offers significantly less protection. At $15, there is no reason not to start fresh each season.