Top 10 Best Motorcycle Helmets For All Types of Riders

(Last Updated: April, 2024)

According to our tests, the best motorcycle helmet is the Shoei Solid RF-1200. It is a premium helmet that excels aerodynamics, airflow and protection. It is lightweight for the type of helmet it is, and has a sleek, clean design. 

When trying to find the ideal motorcycle helmets, we tested a handful of products. Here are the results of those tests.

Riding your motorcycle gives you a feeling of freedom you just can't get with any other ride. Unfortunately, it also comes with some specific risks that you don't get with other rides too.

That's why having a solid helmet is critical to a good ride. In this article, we’ll take you through our compilation of the top-rated motorcycle helmets to help you make the best choice.

Our motorcycle enthusiasts have tried dozens of helmets over the years, and in doing so, discovered that some are much, much better than others. 

The results of all testing is this list. Our picks for the best overall helmets currently on the market. Here's a quick preview of what products made the cut.

How to Choose a Helmet For For Your Motorcycle

When you're riding, you don't want to risk your own safety for visual appeal. That's not to say you shouldn't enjoy the look of your helmet, but making an informed choice gives you plenty of design options after safety.

Here's what to look for when you're picking out your new helmet:

Safety Rating

While it seems self-explanatory, there's more to helmet safety ratings than you might know. The first mistake most riders make is assuming that because a helmet is marketed as a motorcycle helmet, it's got an approved safety rating.

There are various certifications that helmet manufacturers may be required to meet while others are optional:

D.O.T.

The department of transportation helmet safety certification is the minimum qualification you should accept when buying a motorcycle helmet. Helmets are tested for performance and strength in impact and crash tests.

While they do have set criteria for helmets to pass, it's worth noting that manufacturers test and certify their own helmets.

Snell Foundation Certification

This safety certification isn't a legal requirement, but it's the gold standard of thorough safety testing. If you want to make sure you're getting the absolute top tier in helmet safety, look for this safety rating.

Get the Right Fit

Helmets are anything but one size fits all, despite how you probably purchased helmets as a kid. A helmet that doesn't fit you correctly won't protect you correctly either. So how do you make sure you're getting a good fit?

First, look at measurements. This is more important when you're ordering online and can't try it on before purchase. To correctly measure your head, use a fabric measuring tape and measure around your head from just above your eyebrows. Make sure the measuring tape goes around the widest part of your head around the back.

Motorcycle helmets also come in different shapes that will change the fit depending on your head shape. Check the manufacturer details for a guide on how to choose the correct shape. Just like with shape, many brands will fit you differently, whether for better or worse, even if they don't specify a shape.
If you can, try the helmet on before purchase. When we say try it on, we don't mean a quick 3 second does it fit without causing a migraine, try on. Wear it for at least a few minutes, longer if possible. Putting it on for an extended time will allow you to notice any discomfort that will multiply when you're on the road.

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Pay Attention to Weight

Most motorcycle helmets are reliably within the range of 1400 to 1800 grams, which admittedly doesn't sound like much. It's important to remember that after an extended period of wear those couple hundred grams of weight can be the difference between comfort and muscle strain.

If you choose a heavier helmet pay attention to the balance of it. The helmet should have a balanced center of gravity, otherwise, you could end your ride with a very sore neck or shoulders.

Our Picks For Industry Leading Motorcycle Helmets

More About The Arai Corsair X Helmet

The Arai Corsair X is an upgrade in utility to most motorcycle helmets you’ve known before at this price point. It’s a full shield helmet that features an improved pivot point access that goes way beyond previous models with a single pivot point. This allows the lower shield mount point to move and secure more smoothly than even models with higher pivot point slots.

If you find yourself worrying about your shield unlatching during a ride, this helmet takes care of it easily. With the specialized VAS latch, you’ll never doubt a secure shield closure again. The shield goes farther than that though. It contains a de-mist function to make your rides safer and more comfortable, allowing a totally unobstructed view of the road.

More About The Shoei Solid RF-1200

This full face Shoei helmet is a top-tier helmet for any rider. The aerodynamic design is edgy and sleek without adding the extra weight that causes muscle strain. You'll find yourself breathing easy with the improved ventilation technology and compact design.

It goes beyond easy breathing though, the pin lock anti-fogging feature is incredibly efficient. Because of this, this particular helmet is great for colder weather or long rides. It is one of the lighter helmets on this list, so your neck isn't fatigued with extended use. 

This helmet is at a resonable price point,  you're paying for quality materials and construction and no frills. The Shoei Solid RF 1200 is a solid choice for an everyday riding helmet.

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More About The SEDICI Strada Carbon

Don't let the ultra-lightweight feel of this helmet fool you, its super durable and damage resistant. The shell is made of light fiberglass with Kevlar reinforcement for added strength. The shield goes beyond what most motorcycle helmets can offer: the clear outer shield is scratch and fog resistant.

They've even included an interior easy drop down sun shield. Added ventilation comes from mounted exterior ports that use an aerodynamic exhaust system for some of the best airflow you can find in a helmet.

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More About The ILM Bluetooth Integrated Modular Helmet

This ILM modular bluetooth helmet is a great pick for riders that want to be able to communicate with their riding partners without taking a break to be heard. The Bluetooth feature allows you to listen to music while you ride and easily connects to your partner's set for distances up to 1000 feet. This is an excellent feature to have already integrated into your helmet. External bluetooth audio systems can easily cost you an additional $200 if purchased separately.

To keep your audio clear it employs outside noise blocking and echo cancelling features. It's got an easy flip up face shield built into the full face design. The liners are made of microfiber materials for enhanced comfort and no shrink washing.

This helmet is one of the most versatile helmets on this list. You get all of the bluetooth technology, sun shield, and the option for an anti-fog shield to be added for a very reasonable price.

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More About The ScorpionExo Covert

This half helmet stands out from the crowd for all the right reasons. The first thing you'll notice the matte black design that projects power. This helmet is serious beyond its appearance too. The shell is manufactured with polycarbonate materials that disperse impact without adding weight.

The thing riders that already use this helmet will tell you is that this piece can take a beating and get you out safely. The face shield is already tinted and engineered to resist fog, plus it includes a clear shield for night riding.

This helmet ventilates very well, making it a great choice for warmer, humid areas. While this is still a full face helmet, and you won't have the level of airflow you have with a modular or open-face helmet, for the protection you get, the ventilation is phenomenal. 

More About The HJC 980-615 IS-MAX II

This helmet caters to riders that like a lot of options to tailor their gear to their needs. One of its stands out features is the 3 stage tinted sun shield that offers max comfort and deploys quickly. You can rest assured you’re UV protected up to 95%, a feature many other helmets can’t claim. It’s designed for easy no-tool customization.

If you’re a rider that prizes staying cool and dry, you’ll love the front to back channelled ventilation that wicks away humidity and heat. Not only that, the lining is designed to wick away sweat and microbes.

This is a great helmet for the price, but is not a premium product. HJC is known for making decent quality helmets, at incredibly affordable prices. This helmet is great for those who are looking for a solid helmet at an affordable price.

More About The Bell Custom 500

Fans of vintage motorcycles will find themselves instantly drawn to the Bell Custom 500. It’s got classic smooth looks and plenty of options to let you add extra aftermarket features. This helmet has got a total of 5 liners to keep you at ease while riding, without looking like you’ve added a bunch of bulk to your helmet.

While it honors vintage cycle pioneers, it maintains modern safety considerations while giving you a rich leather interior.

More About The ​LS2 Helmets Rebellion

For riders that want everything they want without having to deal with details they don’t, here’s the LS2 Rebellion. It’s got great ventilation coupled with a dynamic shield system. The twin shield system is adjustable with a drop down sun shield that can be fully dropped or dropped only partially depending on your preferences.

It’s a half helmet that employs a uniquely strong shell made of Kinetic Polymer Alloy. The shell gives you the look of techy retro that’s sure to turn heads while keeping yours safe and cool. It’s DOT approved and even gives you a micrometric quick release strap that also boasts DOT approval.

With a Bluetooth ready set up you’ll see why this company’s motto is “Freedom of Choice” as soon as you put it on.

More About The Conquer Snell SA2015

Conquer is a helmet brand that takes convenience and safety seriously. This helmet is a great choice for riders, especially if you race or ride competitively. It’s entirely Snell certified and you’ll find HANS threaded inserts within the shell itself. Don’t let its lightweight fool you, this helmet packs a punch.

The shield is scratch resistant up to 3mm and did we mention it’s flameproof? The shell gives you more than great design, it’s ultra-light and contains the highest quality fiberglass construction you’ll find. It’ll give you all the ventilation you need without getting drafty.

The Kevlar chin strap is designed to give serious riders the comfort and durability you’re looking for. Beyond its amazing features and sleek design, you’ll find it comes with a carrying bag for added convenience.

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More About The LS2 Stream Solid Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

The LS2 Stream gives riders a full value in this highly qualified full face motorcycle helmet. This helmet also provides you with the LS2 high-performance polycarbonate alloy that riders often favor for its durability and easy wearing. It’s been created with comfort in mind from the padding that resists hotspots to the 3D laser engineered fit.

If you’re into aftermarket custom options you’ll love the quick release feature that allows you to make changes totally tool free. This model also includes LS2’s preferred twin shield system with drop down sun shield. When you need a helmet that works great and gets the job done every time, the LS2 Stream is ready for you.

Which Helmet Will You Choose?

Choosing a good helmet doesn't have to be difficult. Just figure out the types of motorcycle helmets you like best, and find the best option in that category. We've compiled some of the best helmets on the market today to make your choice easier. Follow our guidelines to find the perfect fit to take you through your rides with confidence.