The Best Motorcycle Helmets For Everyday Riding (2024)

Though motorcycles undeniably offer thrills, exhilaration, and the ability to inject some much-needed fun and adventure into your everyday routine, they don’t possess the seat-belts, crumple-zones, and other protective qualities of the automotive counterparts that they share the roads with, leaving riders to rely on their wearable protective gear for safety. And while all protective riding gear is important, we’d argue helmets are the single most crucial piece of moto gear, as it’s hard to think of more critical areas to protect than your head and brain.

With hundreds of different helmets currently on the market, however, it can be extremely difficult to narrow the multitudes of offerings down to the handful of legitimately worthwhile, high-quality lids — a fact further complicated by the expansive array of different styles and genres of motorcycle helmets that currently exist. So, in order to help ensure you’re protecting your melon with the best possible brain bucket, we’ve put together this guide to today’s 24 best motorcycle helmets. Below we’ll be delving into what makes for a quality helmet, what to look for and consider when shopping for one, how you should go about purchasing a lid, and of course, the latest and greatest from each category of motorcycle helmet.

Here we explore the elements that are used to determine the overall quality of a motorcycle helmet.

Application & Riding Style: Over the years, as the different genres of motorcycles have increasingly turned into purpose-built machines made for specific riding applications, so too have motorcycle helmets. Whether you’re riding modern machinery or a vintage model, or plan on riding on or off-road (or doing some of both), your intended application should help you narrow down which category you should be shopping in. Below, we’ll also be exploring each of the eight primary helmet types/applications in more detail.

Protection: A helmet’s only real job is to protect your head, and when we talk about helmets and protection, what we’re really talking about is its ability to absorb and disperse energy and impacts. Safety ratings and standards (which we will also be exploring a little bit further down) are somewhat helpful in this realm, though it’s very worth noting that safety certifications tend to focus on the crown of the helmet and neglect the structural quality of the chin-bar — one area that hugely differs in strength and quality between low-end and high-end manufacturers.

Materials & Construction: This is unquestionably one of the biggest determining factors that go into a helmet’s overall quality. On top of the materials used in the shell (which is typically fiberglass, carbon fiber, or a composite) foam/padding, and lining, how a helmet is made also plays a massive role in its quality. The scale of production also plays a pivotal role in quality, with the market including everything from mass-produced budget items to individually-crafted, hand-made artisan offerings.

Amenities & Features: Pretty much all helmets do the same basic job, though some come equipped with more features than others. Amenities to keep an eye out for include internal drop-down visors, removable beaks (and/or “peaks” or external visors), and built-in Bluetooth communication systems (or ports/recesses designed to accommodate comm systems). There are also comm systems designed specifically to work with certain helmet models.

Visor & Hardware: Elements far too often overlooked, the visor and hardware on a helmet make a pretty big difference in overall quality and user experience. You’ll want to research a helmet’s visor pivot mechanism, as some are quite robust while others are cheap and more prone to breaking. It’s also well worth researching the visor itself to determine factors such as whether or not it’s pin-lock ready, available in tined (or even photochromatic) versions, anti-fogging? comes with tear-off posts, etc.

Closure System: The vast majority of helmets on the market use a double D-ring closure system, and that’s been pretty standard for years, though in recent times more and more companies have been rolling out helmets with FIDLOCKs, ratcheting chin-straps, and other more novel closure systems. While on the subject of closure systems, it’s also worth considering if a helmet has an emergency removal system, which allows EMTs and first responders to safely remove your helmet while minimizing movement to your neck, head, and spine.

Shell Size & Fitment: This is a big one because for a motorcycle helmet to properly do its job, it needs to properly fit its wearer. Helmets should have a snug fit, with enough room left to be able to slip a finger or two inside while wearing them. To allow for more precise fitment, manufacturers almost always produce helmets in multiple shell sizes, and while mid-tier brands will often use two or two shell sizes for all seven of their sizes (XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL), the top-shelf companies tend to produce 3, 4, or 5 shell sizes, which, while more expensive to produce, enables the helmets to offer that much tighter of a fit, and therefor offer that much better protection. And while we all have pretty much the same basic head shape, some peoples’ skulls tend to be more round or oval-shaped. As a result, most moto gear brands will cite which head shape their helmet best fits, allowing for even more precise fit on top of the size of the helmet (and shell) itself. The more high-end helmets also often come with included pieces of pads and foam to further dial in the helmet’s fitment to be perfectly shaped to your head.

Ventilation: Helmets are usually thick and well-padded, and while this makes for quality protection for your noggin, it doesn’t make for the most comfortable or breathable of situations. To help beat the heat, pretty much all helmets come with built-in ventilation in the form of intake and exhaust ports (not to mention the visor/view-port). These are typically located around the forehead (and around the mouth on full-face and modular models) and can almost always be opened or closed to control the airflow. Ventilation also helps to keep the visor from fogging, though a pin-lock insert will do an even better job at this. Ventilation is also another area where the high-end helmets offer much better performance, as well.

Fit & Finish: One major area that separates high-end lids from the budget brain buckets is fit and finish. Elite helmet brands tend to exhibit much better quality control, and their helmets not only tend to have a solid and more plush feel, but the paint tends to be markedly nicer and sport a much nicer overall finish.

Weight: Considering you wear a helmet on your head, its weight makes a tremendous difference in overall comfort, especially when worn for prolonged periods. With helmet manufacturers constantly clamoring to one-up each other, weight has become a key focal point in this space, ultimately resulting in some extremely light — yet still remarkably protective — helmets. Weight numbers should be readily available for any helmet, though this area comes down to design and materials.

Sound & Wind Noise: Different helmets possess hugely different levels of noise-control (or soundproofing). If your commute involves ample freeway time, you’re almost certainly going to want a helmet that’s nice and quiet at speed. Quite helmets also allow for greater clarity on both ends when using communication systems or Bluetooth speakers/headphones. The one area where sound shouldn’t be considered is with race and track helmets, as they typically aren’t designed to mitigate sound, as the vast majority of racers and trackway enthusiasts wear earplugs.

Comm-Compatibility & Readiness: With mobile devices becoming increasingly integral parts of our lives, a great many helmet manufacturers have begun producing models that come outfitted with ports and recesses made to accommodate specific Bluetooth communications systems. And, while you could install a Cardo or Sena comm on any motorcycle helmet, brain buckets with pre-installation cavities make for a much more streamlined experience, with the gadget sitting flush (or nearly flush) in the shell.

Style & Aesthetics: While ultimately application should be your primary guiding factor in what your helmet looks like, there’s nothing necessarily wrong with using a quality motorcycle helmet for an application other than the intended one, such as wearing a cafe helmet on a sport or touring bike, or wearing on ADV or (DOT/ECE-certified) dual-sport helmet on the street. Just like with motorcycles themselves, it’s totally fine to factor your aesthetic tastes into your purchase.

Believe it or not, but there’s an objectively right (and wrong) way to purchase a motorcycle helmet. So, now that you know what factors you should be looking for, let’s jump into some tips to help ensure you get the best possible protection for your head.

Brand: Though this area is admittedly tied to the aforementioned construction and materials categories, it’s never a bad idea to go with one of the bigger, more trusted brands out there. Though they might use some of the same shell, padding, or liner materials, high-end helmets are often made by hand (typically in places like Japan, Italy, and Germany), and possess an overall higher level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Retailer: Just like with Rolex watches or Jordans, the high-end motorcycle helmet market has been flooded with knockoffs and cheap imitation brands that attempt to replicate the looks (and often the liveries) of models from the leading helmet brands. It’s hard to overstate just how low-quality these knockoffs are, but they should be avoided at all costs. One guaranteed way to know you’re buying the real thing is to make your purchase from a reputable retailer, rather than trusting Amazon, eBay, or Craigslist. Paying a little extra to buy from a reputable retailer will also save you from a massive headache if you have any issues with defects, or if you have to make returns due to fitment.

Price: Good helmets are rarely cheap and cheap helmets are rarely good, that’s just a fact. Considering your helmet is the only thing protecting your brain from concrete at freeway speeds or multi-ton vehicles, it’s extremely worthwhile to invest in a quality helmet. This doesn’t mean you have to shell out two grand, but we’d advise investing at least $400-$500 at the very least (with exceedingly few exceptions). You also don’t simply want to opt for the most expensive available helmet, as a $2K race lid might serve you well on the track, but it will be a noisy, neck-ache-inducing nightmare for day-to-day use on the street. Put simply, when shopping for a helmet, it’s always worth asking yourself, “What dollar value do you place on protecting your brain?.”

Ask Around & Do Your Homework: Before buying a helmet, it’s always wise to do some basic research. Reading articles that evaluate the helmet in question in magazines or on websites is a great way to get the opinion of an expert, and because manufacturers will almost always highlight a helmet’s selling points and forgo any negative details or aspects, reading online reviews from real customers can give you a better sense of a helmet’s overall quality, as well as some potential insights into how it holds up after extended use.

Other Crucial Info: Lastly, there are a few things every helmet owner should be aware of. First off, no matter how high-end or nice of a helmet you buy, once a motorcycle helmet has suffered a single (decent) impact, it needs to be replaced — not unlike a bulletproof plated vest that’s been shot. Even if there’s no visible damage, the helmet is likely structurally compromised internally, and will no longer afford anywhere near the same level of protection that it did prior to suffering an impact. Lastly, helmets need to be replaced roughly every five years, even if they never see an impact. After this half-decade-span, helmets start degrading and losing their ability to protect (and no, this isn’t just some myth propagated by “big helmet”).

You may have noticed that there are almost always little stickers or logos on the back of motorcycle helmets denoting what safety standards and test certification (or certifications) a helmet has received. In a nutshell, these acronyms tell you where the helmet can be legally used, be it certification meeting the standards for road use, or hom*ologation specifically for track use.

DOT: If you reside in the United States, chances are you’re familiar with DOT ratings. This is the standard set by the US Department of Transportation (hence the “DOT” acronym), and certifies that a helmet meets the minimum Federal standards required for legal use on public roads.

ECE: This safety standard is essentially the European equivalent to the DOT rating, and signifies that a helmet has met the standards set by the Economic Commission for Europe.

FIM: This rating pertains to use on race tracks and means that a helmet that’s wearing this label’s been hom*ologated for racing purposes by the FIM (or Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme). This certification is required for certain racing and on-track activities.

SHARP: Supplementary to the ECE rating, this voluntary certification forgoes the traditional pass/fail methods in favor of a star-rating system. By their nature, all SHARP-certified helmets have also already met/passed ECE standards.

SNELL: Another voluntary certification held by the Snell Memorial Foundation, SNELL ratings give additional insight into a helmet’s safety. It’s also worth mentioning that there is a SNELL standard for street and urban use, as well as a SNELL standard used by some race direction.

Now that you’re privy on what to look for when shopping and how to find the model that’s right for you, let’s dive into our picks for the best motorcycle helmet from each primary genre.

Bell Broozer Helmet

Best Mask-Style Helmet:The Bell Broozer is a modular,two-in-one mask-style helmet that’s as unique as it is versatile. Clocking in at 3.2lbs, the Broozer consists of an open-face shell with a dual polycarbonate and ABS shell construction that’s paired with a dual-density EPS liner. Sold in matte or gloss color paint options, the helmet comes with a detachable chin-bar, which can be used by itself, or paired with the drop-down visor concealed in the shell’s crown, thereby transforming this 3/4-style item into a full-face model. Recesses at the temples of the helmet also allow it to be compatible with goggles or riding glasses. DOT and ECE 22.05-approved, the Broozer also ships with included clear and dark smoke (tinted) visors. Adjustable slider vents on the shell and chin bar, a removable and washable liner, and a padded chin strap with a quick-release ratchet buckle round out this idiosyncratic moto helmet. Best of all, not only has Bell set the Broozer’s MSRP at an accessible price point, but the helmet’s versatility and modularity afford it that much more bang for your buck.

Shell Material: Polycarbonate & ABS
Weight: 3.2LBs
Safety Certification(s): DOT

Ruroc Atlas 4.0 Helmet

Best All-Arounder: Also benefitting from extensive customer feedback, the Ruroc ATLAS 4.0 is a top-tier, fourth-generation brain bucket that features some of the most advanced technology ever to appear on a moto lid. Weighing just 3.4lbs, the ATLAS 4.0 sports a sleek carbon fiber shell that’s set over a three-part multi-density EPS structure and equipped with a suite of open and close-able intake and exhaust ventilation ports. Ruroc has also employed the use of NASA-developed RHEON reactive polymer — a next-gen material that doesn’t abide by Newtonian physics and does an amazing job of absorbing and dissipating impact and rotational forces — integrating the state-of-the-art construction into the helmet’s three-piece EPS liner. More than 50% quieter than its predecessor, the interior of the ATLAS 4.0 also sports reengineered, zippered cheek pads with an acoustic control system, an emergency release system, a pin-lock-compatible visor and a 215º horizontal field of view, an ultra-plush, moisture-wicking, multi-layered, multi-density foam construction, and preinstallation ports for Ruroc’s Shockwave Bluetooth comm/audio system. What’s more, in lieu of a traditional D-ring closure, the fourth-gen ATLAS utilizes a self-guiding magnetic FIDLOCK buckle. ECE 22.06-certified, this helmet is also sold in an enormous variety of different colors, patterns, and graphics.

Shell Material: Carbon Fiber
Weight: 3.30LBs
Safety Certification(s): ECE

Shoei RF-1400 Helmet

Best Full-Face: The Shoei RF-1400 represents the lightest and most compact full-face helmet in the Japanese brand’s more than 60-year history. Despite its svelte weight and smaller footprint, the latest addition to the RF lineup maintain’s Shoei’s signature levels of protection, with a dual-layered multi-density EPS foam liner covered in a shell made from a matrix of hand-laid interwoven layers of fiberglass and organic fibers. Weighing in at 3.62lbs, this full-face motorcycle helmet has also had its shell carefully honed through extensive wind tunnel testing, ultimately resulting in better aerodynamics and improved ventilation — compared to its RF1200 predecessor. Known as the CWR-F2, the RF-1400’s shield system consists of a Pinlock EVO-equipped UV-protected 3D injection-molded CWR-F2 that features a new, airtight window beading system with improved wind and waterproofing. Both SNELLl M2020 and DOT-certified, this helmet has also been treated to a Shoei’s emergency quick-release system, a breath guard and chin curtain, and a second-generation 3D Max-Dry System interior. And, just like the GT-Air II, the RF-1400 boasts impeccable craftsmanship and a top-notch fit and finish.

Shell Material: Fiberglass & Organic Fiber Woven Matrix
Weight: 3.62LBs
Safety Certification(s): DOT / SNELL

Shoei GT-Air II Helmet

Best Commuter Pick: Born out of feedback Shoei received from riders on the already-stellar first-generation model, the GT-Air II is a high-end all-arounder full-face helmet that’s perfect for touring and/or daily commuting duties. Compared to the first GT-Air, the second-gen sports an extended drop-down visor, better ventilation and aerodynamics, and comes with cavities designed to accommodate Sena’s SRL2 wireless Bluetooth comm system which was designed specifically for the GT-Air II. This allows you to have a premium comm system without the awkward Bluetooth gadget stuck on your chin-bar, as well as an ultra-low profile external button control system that’s easy to operate with gloves on. Made by hand in Japan, the GT-Air II also features a stainless steel “micro-ratchet” chinstrap, emergency release system, and pin-lock-ready visor. Tipping the scales at 3.79lbs this Shoei helmet boasts a remarkably top-shelf fit and finish — the kind that can only be achieved through more than six decades of handcrafting premium motorcycle helmets. Also worth considering is Shoei’s Neotec 2, which is basically a modular version of the second-gen GT-Air.

Shell Material: Multi-Ply Matrix AIM+
Weight: 3.79LBs
Safety Certification(s): DOT

AGV Tourmodular Helmet

Best Modular Helmet: An even more advanced follow-up to the Italian brand’s game-changing Sportmodular model from 2018, the AGV Tourmodular is a brilliantly-engineered modular helmet that’s pieced together around a structure comprised of strategically-layered carbon fiber, aramid, and fiberglass. Exceeding ECE 2206 hom*ologation standards even with its chin-bar flipped up, this helmet is produced in three shell sizes — all of which boast a thoroughly impressive dynamic weight of zero, even when reaching speeds north of 75mph. Held by the same metal-construction quick-release mechanism and locking system used in AGV’s flagship Corsa/Pista models, the Tourmodular also gets a five-density EPS liner, four adjustable air vents, a 4mm-thick optical class 1 face shield, and AGV’s all-new micro-ratcheting opening system. Moving inside, this top-shelf modular model has been treated to a drop-down sun visor, and a washable and removable liner and cheek pads that are crafted from an ultra-plush combination of Ritmo, water-repellent synthetic leather, Microsense comfort skin, and Shalimar fabrics. On top of developing the helmet itself, AGV also joined forces with leading comm systems brand Cardo to produce an optional fully-integrated communication system dubbed the AGV INSYDE intercom, which can support comms between up to 15 riders over a distance of up to 3.7 miles.

Shell Material: Layered Carbon Fiber, Aramid, & Fiberglass
Weight: 3.79LBs
Safety Certification(s): ECE

Klim Krios Pro Helmet

Best Adventure Helmet: Made by a renowned company that exclusively deals in the off-road sector, the Kim Krios Pro is a top-shelf adventure riding helmet that offers a stellar combination of features from both the sport-touring and off-road helmet segments. Built around a hand-laid, wide-weave, carbon fiber shell, the Krios Pro affords incredible levels of protection through the use of Koroyd energy-absorption technology, utilizing Koroyd welded tubes in lieu of a traditional EPS liner to better dissipate the energy from impacts. Built to be compatible with the Sena 10U comm system, the Krios Pro also swaps out the standard double D-ring closure with a top-shelf self-coupling magnetic FIDLOCK buckle, plus features a Klimatek sweat-wicking, antimicrobial liner. Tipping the scales at under 3.5lbs, this adventure-style helmet also comes with an included Pinlock-equipped clear polycarbonate face shield and a Transitions-branded photochromatic lens shield. A removable face shield and visor — both with quick-release mechanisms — also allow the helmet to be configured on the fly to suit whatever terrain or riding conditions its wearer is facing.

Shell Material: Carbon Fiber
Weight: 2.86LBs
Safety Certification(s): DOT / ECE

Ruby Open Face Helmet

Best Open-Face Helmet: The Les Ateliers Ruby Open Face is a thoroughly high-end 3/4-style helmet that blurs the line between a custom and production item, with each helmet not produced in small batches, but on a completely individual basis with each unit passing through the hands of numerous artisans that collectively invest somewhere between 50 and 60 hours of labor going into the creation of each Ruby helmet. Combining unmistakable retro aesthetics with contemporary levels of crash protection, Ruby’s Open Face features a reinforced carbon fiber shell that’s produced in a trio of shell sizes and set over a dual-density EPS liner. Outfitted with a chrome and rubber exterior trim, this helmet is also offered in a wide range of colors, designs, and finishes — all of which are meticulously laid down by hand. All hardware and fixings on this helmet are also crafted from titanium or aluminum. The interior of this model has also been upholstered in an amalgamation of Bordeaux red calfskin Nappa leather and an antimicrobial lambskin construction. Tipping the scales at between 1.91lbs and 2.35lbs, the Ruby Open Face also hides a micro pocket in the leather loop at the back of the helmet.

Shell Material: Carbon Fiber
Weight: 1.91LBs – 2.35LBs
Safety Certification(s): DOT / ECE

Hedon Heroine Racer Helmet

Best Cafe/Retro-Style Pick: Available in DOT or ECE-certified specs, the Hedon Heroine Racer is an ultra-premium, boutique-made, vintage-inspired motorcycle helmet with an unmistakable cafe racer style. Tipping the scales at under 3.0lbs, the helmet boasts a composite shell that’s composed of a fiberglass and carbon fiber construction. This helmet’s shell is also offered in a myriad of different premium finishes ranging from solid colors to color-combos to patterns — all of which are applied by hand using automotive-grade paint. This helmet also features a slew of subtle yet thoroughly top-shelf details such as its leather lining, brass construction HEDON logo plate, brass hardware, and brass double-D ring closure. Upholstered in Merlin anti-bacterial fabric, the inside of the helmet also features a leather trim and a Hed Armour lining with 360° cushion padding. Despite its old-school appearance, the Heroine Racer also comes equipped with a trio of ventilation channels. What’s more, snaps above the face shield also allow for a retro-style helmet visor to be installed.

Shell Material: Fiberglass & Carbon Fiber Composite
Weight: 2.65LBs – 3.06LBs
Safety Certification(s): DOT / ECE

Bell Moto-10 Spherical Helmet

Best Off-Road/MX Helmet: The California company’s latest and greatest flagship off-road riding helmet, the Bell Moto-10 Spherical was developed in partnership with MIPS and massively benefits from the use of a cutting-edge SPHERICAL TECHNOLOGY that redirects impact forces using a traditional MIPS system backed by a new Ball-And-Socket design that enables the helmet’s outer layer to rotate around an inner-shell — a configuration that’s wildly effective at absorbing impacts. Constructed around a segmented 3K carbon fiber composite shell, the Moto-10 Spherical comes loaded with a host of other innovative and advanced features such as Bell’s all-new fully-adjustable “Fly Bridge” visor, as well as its “No Missed Races” EPP bumper system that was engineered to mitigate the chances of broken collarbones and other helmet-to-body contact injuries. Bell has also treated its latest top-of-the-line MX lid with its Thermal Exchange Airflow ventilation system, a MAGNEFUSION magnetic emergency cheek-pad release system, a panoramic google port with a market-leading field-of-view, a removable wicking Virus CoolJade Liner. SNELL, ECE, and DOT-certified, the Moto-10 Spherical is also sold with an included padded and lined helmet bag.

Shell Material: Segmented 3K Carbon Fiber
Weight: 3.5LBs
Safety Certification(s): DOT/ ECE / SNELL

Forcite MK1S Helmet

Best Smart Helmet: With a 3.36lbs weight, an ECE 22.05-certification, and an advanced T-400 carbon fiber shell, the Forcite MK1S would already be an impressive brain bucket, however, it’s the lid’s myriad of integrated smart tech that really makes it shine. Inspired by F1 racing technology, the MK1S boasts a patented peripheral LED display that conveys vital information to its wearer without being overly distracting or requiring their eyes to be taken off the road. Integrated into the helmet’s chin-bar is an onboard action camera that features a 158-degree field of view, a 0.25” Sony IMX sensor, electronic vibration stabilization, and the ability to shoot in 1080p at 60FPS. Pairing with Forcite’s dedicated app, this smart helmet also totes a dual microphone array and premium 40mm Harman Kardon speakers. The interior of the lid features a sweat-absorbent comfort liner with premium hex sports fabric and emergency pull tags, plus 3D-formed foam cheek pads and crown liner. Other highlights include a UV400-rated drop-down sun visor, an eight-port ventilation system, a peripheral LED display, an included handlebar-mounted smart controller, and a battery that affords around 100 hours of life on a single charge.

Shell Material: T-400 Carbon Fiber
Weight: 3.36LBs
Safety Certification(s): DOT / ECE

AGV Pista GP RR Futuro Forgiato Helmet

Best Track/Race Helmet: Offering the absolute pinnacle of protection on the race track, the AGV Pista GP RR Futuro Forgiato is an exact replica — or “carbon copy” — of the race helmets worn by a slew of today’s MotoGP and WSBK stars. Designed in Italy using a spare-no-expense approach, this race lid is crafted around a forged carbon fiber shell encompassing a five-density EPS structure. On top of a top-shelf titanium double D-ring retention system, AGV has also treated this FIM-certified helmet to its patented Visor Lock System and Integrated Ventilation System — the latter of which features all-metal intake and exhaust ports. What’s more, the inside of the helmet has been outfitted with MotoGP-developed removable, washable interior padding, a neck roll with two-way stretch breathable fabric with Nabuk inserts, an elastic antimicrobial microfiber crown liner, a removable nose guard and wind protector, a MotoGP-developed integrated hydration system, and ultra-plush Shalimar fabric cheek-pads with antibacterial protection, 2Dry moisture wicking, and a Microsense treatment. Sold with included race tear-offs, an Electro Iridium shield, and vent covers, this track helmet also sports a Pinlock-equipped Class Optic 1 with a tool-free rapid-release system and a metal visor mechanism.

Shell Material: Forged Carbon Fiber
Weight: 3.36LBs
Safety Certification(s): FIM