Best Motorcycle Helmets – Reviews and Buying Guide

Motorcycle helmets are the essential safety gear you need to have while you are riding. It can get the difference between life and death. But there are several types of motorcycle helmets available on the market, and some are far more effective than others. This guide will help you make the right choice when looking for the best motorcycle helmets.

When looking for a bike helmet, you need to determine what kind of rider you are. Speedy rides need a different type of helmet. There is a cruiser helmet or a helmet built for speed.

Just keep in mind that don’t go for a low-quality product as you don’t have to jeopardize your safety while riding.

Keep reading to find the best motorcycle helmet in terms of quality, price, and features.

Product Reviews

1.   ILM Motorcycle Helmet – Best Overall

The helmet is available in six different colors, and its outer material is made of ABS. It’s a durable helmet designed to take some severe toll for a long time. The headset features Bluetooth 3.0 technology, and it gives you 110 hours of standby time and 8 hours of talk time.

The liner that is present inside is a microfiber and fully washable. There are adjustable vents present on it to keep things breathable all the time.

The best part is you can establish a communication link between riders over 3000 feet away from you. But Bluetooth compatibility is only among ILM helmets.

There are a couple of high-quality speakers present on these helmets. The design of the headset is exceptionally user-friendly, and you can conveniently use it with one touch. You can use it for audio GPS navigation as well.

The helmet fits comfortably, and you can conveniently use it for long hours if you want. It’s very versatile, and you can use it for all types of riders if you wish to ride briskly, run some errands, or cruise along.

Pros

• Integrated Bluetooth headset.
• The headset is extremely comfortable to use and comes with a good talk time.
• The helmet itself is convenient to use.
• It fits nicely, and the outer material is ABS.
• The vents keep your head cool while you are riding.

Cons

• Its visor is not fog proof.

2.   ScorpionExo Motorcycle Helmet – Best Helmet with Ventilation

You can use them on the street touring bikes, street sports bikes, off-road bikes, street cruiser bikes, as well as all-terrain vehicles, street motor scooters, and utility vehicles. The helmet is made of expanded polystyrene materials and is durable to take on any outdoor condition.

It is engineered to reduce weight as well as disperse any impact. In addition to that, this helmet also features an aero-tuned ventilation system that will keep everything comfortable at all times when you are riding with the closed visor. You won’t have to deal with any fog issues at all.

The Sun Visor that this helmet feature comes with EverClear technology makes sure that everything is visible to you at all times. It will also release strain from your eyes, and you can comfortably see through the helmet even for long hours. Even if you are going for a night ride, the visor is pretty comfortable on your eye, and you can have a look around without any problem.

Moreover, this helmet also comes with a KwikWick II fabric liner that will keep you dry and cool in warm weather, and you can easily remove it if you don’t need it.

There are removable comfort sleeves present on the rear end as well, and the front mask is removable to boasting neodymium magnets. This helmet comes with a 5-year warranty and looks quite slick.

Pros

• Its shell is polycarbonate material and is pretty rugged yet lightweight.
• The aero-tuned ventilation system makes sure everything remains comfortably breathable inside.
• Its sun visor comes with EverClear technology.
• Top choice for nighttime viewing.
• There is a comfort liner that will keep you dry and cool during warm weather.
• It also comes with a removable front mask and removable comfort sleeves at the back.

Cons

• It becomes noisy at speeds over 40 miles an hour.

3.   Torc Motorcycle Helmet – Best for Budget

This helmet is available in many different designs, and you can choose based on your preferences. It is also available in various sizes, and you can choose the perfect fit according to your comfort level.

This motorcycle helmet is an excellent choice for a host of different vehicles, including street touring bikes, street cruiser bikes, street sports bikes, and street motor scooters. The helmet’s shell is made of EPS and has an oval profile to make you feel comfortable while wearing it and keep the shape ergonomic.

Its visor system has a smooth drop-down locking system, while its outer shell features a high-tech thermo-polymer shell as well. Its inner liner is fully machine washable, while the headset can run with and without Bluetooth audio.

Moreover, its visor could have had a better design featuring a clear view sunshade, but it does, and we think that the only issue you will find in this helmet. Everything else works exceptionally well, and you will notice that the helmet is extremely comfortable and ergonomic to fit on your head and face.

The inner liner is comfortable to remove, and you can easily machine wash it to keep it clean and fresh at all times. Apart from that, we also noticed that the helmet could have also had a better venting system to handle high speeds. But at this price, you probably shouldn’t expect too much of everything.

Pros

• Comes with an integrated Bluetooth device for call making.
• Made of double density EPS material to keep it lightweight.
• Its visor system has a convenient locking mechanism.
• The inner liner is fully removable and machine washable.
• The helmet is DOT and ECE certified.

Cons

• Its visor doesn’t come with a sunshade.
• The venting system is not that great for high speeds.

4.   Bell Motorcycle Helmet – Best for Versatility

The chin bar is entirely removable, and you can use it as your half helmet without any issues. It easily attaches back without any problem.

This helmet also features adjustable vents that are present on the forehead as well as the chin area.

Even on a warm day, you will feel pretty comfortable having this helmet on for as long as you want. You can conveniently change them according to your requirements. These videos are entirely fog-proof and scratch-resistant, and they will last for a long time.

And the best part is that this helmet feels pretty lightweight on your head despite being large. There are different sizes available, and you can go for the right sized base on your comfort level and fit.

There is not much room you can use to install a Bluetooth headset inside this helmet, and you will have to go one size up for that.

But the helmet won’t fit and will keep moving around, which can be annoying. The detachable chin bar is pretty robust in design, and it won’t fall off that easily. It can even make an impact or two as well.

Pros

• Features a detachable chin bar that has a pretty robust construction.
• It is available in different sizes.
• Different color patterns are also available.
• The vents on the chin and forehead are all adjustable.
• Comes with a classic and a sunshade visor.
• The visors are fog and scratch-resistant.

Cons

• There is not much space inside to install a Bluetooth headset.

5.   HJC Motorcycle Helmet – Best Helmet with Bluetooth Headset

In addition to that, this helmet is available in various colors, and you can pick one according to your preferences. It’s an incredibly lightweight helmet but has a robust design.

So, you will love it when using it for those long rides. You can conveniently use it on your cruises or speedy rides and can run errands with it if you want.

Make sure to go for one size up for a comfortable fit. The Bluetooth headset comes with single-touch integration, and it doesn’t take much time to set up. Its visor comes with a sunshade, and the helmet is ECE and DOT approved.

It would be an ideal option for you to look for the sizing chart first and then finalize your option to avoid inconveniences. There is plenty of ventilation available from all corners, and you can easily wear it on a warm day as well.

The inner liner will be very comfortable for you, and it plays a significant role in making this helmet a top choice for summer use.

Pros

• Built-in Bluetooth headset.
• You can communicate with other riders.
• Fits comfortably if you order one size up.
• Plenty of ventilation.
• Available in different sizes and colors.

Cons

• It doesn’t come with a quick-release chin strap.
• The battery of the Bluetooth headset dies down quickly.

6.   Shoei Motorcycle Helmet – Best Off-Road Helmet

This helmet has a very aerodynamic design that will not halt you during your speedy progressions. You might have liked sun shade visors on this helmet, but you can always go for a replacement here.

Shoei has decades of experience in making these goods, and the company understands how each of these outdoor products needs to be designed so they can function well. This is the primary reason why you will find these helmets to be one of the lightest available on the market.

The overall design of this helmet also makes it comfortable to wear, and it’s pretty compact. Your head won’t feel bulky after wearing it. So, you can continue to wear it for long hours if you want.

The helmet also features a decent venting system, particularly on the forehead and on the chin, to keep everything comfortable for your face inside. The inner liner of this helmet is comfortable on your skin, and you can easily wear the helmet on a hot day too.

Pros

• Very easy to adjust according to your preferences.
• Inner liners keep things comfortable inside the helmet.
• Suitable to wear in the summers.
• A vent on the chin and forehead for decent venting.
• It’s an extremely lightweight helmet best suited for off-road use.

Cons

• The visor should have had sunshade as well as fog-resistant capabilities.

7.   Sena Motorcycle Helmet – Best Helmet with Camera

The helmet is made of composite fiberglass, and that’s why it is extremely lightweight. The inner liner is made of EPS materials with multiple densities. The helmet also comes with a pin-lock for the face shield. There is a pin-lock lens also included in your purchase.

But we have noticed that this helmet does feel slightly on your head, and it’s not that lightweight. So it’s not going to be an ideal option for you to choose for longer riders. But it fits in comfortably without any problems.

You will need for your cruises and speedy rides because you can record your path pretty comfortably. You will also have to deal with some mint connectivity issues because the helmet won’t sync with your smartphone easily, but that happens rarely.

We noticed on this helmet that the venting system is not that great, and you shouldn’t take it out for a long ride on a warm day.

Pros

• Features a quality camera for recording your rides.
• Connects with your smartphone and syncs.
• The external shell is made of composite fiberglass.
• Multi-density EPS materials.
• Comes with a pinlock face shield as well as a pinlock lens.

Cons

• Doesn’t come with a great ventilation system.
• Not the ideal choice on a warm sunny day for a long ride.

8.   Reevu Motorcycle Helmet – Best Lightweight Helmet

The good thing is you can find the right size according to your preferences because it comes in different sizes. It also comes with a clear front visor, and if you are going back to the basics, this gear will work well for you. The helmet is of tri-composite fiberglass carbon along with kevlar and high-tenacity synthetic fiber shells.

The venting system is pretty standard here, with a vent on the forehead and another on the chin. Its inner liner is comfortable for warm weather, and you can remove it for easy cleaning.

We miss a sunshade visor on this helmet, but you can always go for a replacement if that is one of your top priorities. Because if it’s lightweight design, the helmet becomes an extension of your head, and you can easily move without any difficulties.

Pros

• Lightweight design.
• The helmet is very well built and is a great choice for long-hour use.
• Made of quality tri-composite fiberglass carbon, kevlar, and hi-tenacity synthetic fiber shell.
• It comes with a liner that is completely removable and machine washable.
• The face shield is fog-resistant.

Cons

• The face shield or visor doesn’t come with a sunshade.

9.   Predator Motorcycle Helmet – Best Unisex Helmet

If you want to ride with style and persona, perhaps you don’t need to go for any other design or style. The best part is that it is available in several color schemes and you can pick one according to your preferences.

But it is ideally suitable for choppers and various other cruiser bikes. So, it is not designed for speed. Therefore, they have a pretty comfortable design and thanks to the hand-painted streaks. The looks seem real and authentic. The helmet is made of a fully custom fiberglass shell.

The visor present on this helmet is fully retractable and tinted, and it looks classy. It also features a laser mount that has a toggle switch too. This helmet is DOT-approved and tested and is a good choice for recreational purposes.

Due to the high-quality materials used in the construction, you might notice it to be a bit heavier, so it is better suited for a short riding session.

Pros

• DOT-approved.
• Stylish in terms of appearance and looks.
• Suitable to explore for cruiser rides and choppers.
• Hand-painted and quality materials used in the construction.
• The visors have sunshades, and they look fine.

Cons

• It’s a heavy helmet not made for long rides.
• Not much space for integrating Bluetooth headsets.

10. Alpinestars S-M5 Motorcycle Helmet – Best for Safety

These helmets work great with trails, street sports, and off-road motorbikes. They come with plenty of padding and protection throughout the helmet.

These helmets are made of quality EPS materials with five densities. Apart from that, the thermo-injected shells of these helmets feature polymers and have different degrees of thickness for optimal protection and keeping the overall design as light as possible.

Furthermore, the helmet has a raised area that features cladding to receive any impact and force that might get transmitted to your collarbone. The helmet also features a patented visor releasing system that ensures that the visor is removed with a predetermined force.

The helmet has a perfect ventilation system and also has an aerodynamic shape. These are the features of a genuine sports bike helmet which the Alpinestars helmet is. This helmet is also available in different sizes, but you won’t have much space inside for placing a Bluetooth headset for communicating with other riders.

Pros

• It’s a high-quality helmet made for extreme sports.
• Plenty of cushioning present inside this helmet.
• The inside of the helmet is very breathable, and you can use it in warm conditions too.
• Features quality visor release system for a better release.

Cons

• Not a suitable option for running daily errands or cruiser rides.

Buying Guide

You need to keep in mind some essential features when looking for the best motorcycle helmets. We have highlighted them all briefly in this buying guide. Let’s have a look;

Design and aesthetics

Your bike is a fun ride for you, and of course, you will need some gear that adds to that fun. The good thing is that motorcycle helmets are available in various colors and materials, and even designs. There are many choices to explore, and you will get the one you have always wanted. Just make sure that you don’t compromise style over safety for any reason whatsoever.

Safety features and certifications

You need to make sure that you only go for the helmets that have been quality assured and tested in a third-party facility. In this regard, you will find a number of products that come with US DOT (Dept. of Transportation) certification.

The Department thoroughly checks and assesses the quality of a particular helmet and approves it. The helmets need to meet all the requirements set according to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. ECE is another safety standard based in Europe and is equivalent to the US’s DOT.

Chinstrap

Most people, when looking for a bike helmet, don’t even consider this feature. However, it is going to play a significant role later on as you use your helmet. Your helmet has to be secured all the time to your head. For this, you need to look for a chin strap.

There should be solid rivets to ensure the strap gets loose during the ride. D-bucklers or quick-release straps are two of the most common options available here. D-bucklers are robust, while quick-release is easy to use.

Fit and comfort

You need to go for the size that is better suited to your head, and it needs to fit well, don’t go for a design that is either too tight or too loose. A comfortable fit is mandatory because it is a matter of your safety.

Here is the size table for a quick reference;

Size	Hat Size	Inch	Centimeter
XX-Large	7 ⅞ to 8	24 ¾ to 25 ⅛	63 to 64
X-Large	7 â… to 7 ¾	24 to 24 â…œ	61 to 62
Large	7 â…œ to 7 ½	23 ¼ to 23 â…	59 to 60
Medium	7 ⅛ to 7 ¼	22 ½ to 22 ⅞	57 to 58
Small	6 â…ž to 7	21 â… to 22	55 to 56
X-Small	6 â… to 6 ¾	20 â…ž to 21 ¼	53 to 54
XX-Small	6 ⅜ to 6 ½	20 ⅛ to 20 ½	51 to 52

Visibility

Visibility needs to be extremely clear because you don’t want to go for a helmet that doesn’t allow you to see the road. Your vision shouldn’t be obscured due to any reason, and everything must be clear in view.

Some helmets come with shields or sun shades for a clean, comfortable, and safe vision. If they don’t have suitable quality visors, you should go for a pair of goggles. It will keep you safe from weather and bugs.

Ventilation

You need to look for a model that comes with a proper ventilation system in place. You will find a vent on the forehead and the chin as a standard, but good quality helmets also come with additional vents to make it a comfortable housing for your face and head. If you live in a warmer climate, it would be better to go for a more ventilated helmet.

FAQs for the Best Motorcycle Helmets

Should I go for a full-face helmet or a half-face one?

None of the options is better than the other, and the matter is highly subjective. Half face helmet is exceptionally lightweight and highly breathable while full-face helmets are better in terms of safety. But if you are more careful in your ride, then both helmets do their jobs effectively.

Can I use military or construction helmets for motorcycling?

Both military and construction helmets are designed for safety, but they are not great for road safety. They both are designed for entirely different purposes, and you shouldn’t use them for motorcycling.

What type of helmet should I use for long rides?

For long rides, you need to go for anything lightweight. If you are not going to go for high speeds, then a half helmet can do the job for you as well.

Conclusion:

The winner of this best motorcycle helmet roundup is the ILM Motorcycle Helmet. It comes with lightweight construction and also has an integrated Bluetooth headset.

You can conveniently use it to reach out to other riders on the road and entertainment purposes and audio GPS guidance. It comes with a quality visor with a sunshade and features a decent venting system to keep you cool and dry drug in your ride.

Make sure that you go for quality over style when choosing the best motorcycle helmets. Nothing is more important than your safety. Make sure you go for a comfortable fit and user-friendly design.