The Best Motorcycle Helmets of 2026

Read Review: The Most Versatile ADV Motorcycle Helmet: KLIM Krios Pro Review

ADV helmets with a peak that shades your eyes and a spoiler can be a bit fat. The KLIM Krios Pro ($750) breaks the odds: This moto shield is insanely lightweight, especially for all the features packed in.

We credit the Koroyd, an inaugural moto technology previously used in bicycle helmets. The material uniformly equalizes force in a crash, like the crumple zone of a car, where the accordion dissipates force by spreading the energy.

Koroyd is composed of thousands of tiny tubes, so it’s mostly air. At speed, we noticed the Krios Pro is exceptionally well-vented. Even though the brow venting is minimal, we felt the airflow over our dome as we rode.

Unfortunately, the minimal forehead slit meant this bean saver got toasty when we were pawing around an off-road track in first gear. To help, the large mouth port adds suction and prevents fogging.

We love the brilliant, no-tools design to remove the peak and visor. Just twist the dual locks on either temple and unthread the top screw. Then, you can remove or adjust the angle of the eye shade.

Once the anchors are popped, you can even yank the visor off to pair the lid with goggles. Or swap out the clear lens for the bonus photochromic one, which darkens in sunlight and brightens in shade.

Dual-sport riders that move between forested dirt track and pavement will especially appreciate a photochromic option. Or if you want a quieter helmet that still protects your eyes, lose the peak and keep the lens attached. 

Oversized controls for ventilation at the mouth port are a major bonus. You might recognize the Fidlock chin clasp from ski helmets. The magnetic clasp easily snaps shut, which is especially handy while wearing gloves. If you have a Sena Bluetooth kit already, then you’re in luck because the Krios Pro is designed to be compatible with the system.

Drawbacks? Peaked lids will always be a little noisier than their smoother counterparts. While the Krios Pro has a dual-position option for its peak, finding the ideal angle for shielding your eyes while not having air pressure at higher speeds is a bit tough. That said, this ultralightweight design diminished fatigue while steering off-kilter rocks and gritty trails as well as blasting down the Interstate. 

After a full summer of putting the Fox Racing V3 Magnetic Helmet ($400) through its paces — we are glad to report that this helmet offers high-end performance for a mid-range price. It was a particularly hot season in the Eastern Sierra, and we were thankful to be running this helmet while riding fast double track, endless sandy whoops, techy single track, and even a few quick highway sections. 

Paired with our favorite goggles, the ample ventilation did wonders to keep us cool even when we were working hard. What surprised us the most was how well this helmet performs at high speed. Often with motocross-style helmets, the visor can catch the wind at high speed and jerk your head around — but with the V3, the visor is more tapered than similar offerings from other manufacturers.

This design detail was quite noticeable during testing when we jumped on the highway to link up our favorite sections of dirt. We had some concerns about the shape of the visor not being as effective at sun protection, but those were unwarranted, especially with the included spare visor clip for extension.

Fox Racing thought of everything with this helmet. We loved that it came with a custom bag, space to run our Cardo speakers, and even a hydration-compatible system so we could stay hydrated when we were riding in demanding conditions. 

If you’re riding primarily off road — then a helmet in this style is what you want. Wearing goggles keeps dust out of your eyes so you can see what’s ahead, and you’ll have much more airflow across your face compared to a full-face helmet equipped with a shield. If you ride a KTM like we did for this test round, you can’t beat the orange colorway, too! 

Lastly, and most importantly, you know this V3 helmet will keep you safe as it’s equipped with MIPS and earned an ECE 22.06 safety certification.

The Bell Moto-10 Spherical ($900) comes in just below a grand. Our expectations for this helmet were sky high — and they should be. You should expect an elevated experience from the jump at this price point. Thankfully, Bell delivers. 

When we first received this helmet, we were blown away by everything from the packaging to the product. It arrived in a plush, velvet-lined carrying bag. The carbon finish and subtle graphics were stunning. We were thoroughly impressed — and we hadn’t even put the helmet on yet! 

When we did, we found that the fit was consistent with other Bell helmets in the MOTO line. The adjustable visor is integrated and sleek. The jaw pads connect via magnets. The chin strap has a magnetic keeper, too. The liner is soft, smooth, and redesigned from the Moto-9 to distribute pressure more evenly across the top of the head. It offers the best airflow of any other off-road helmet we’ve tested, too. 

Though it’s heavier than some of the other carbon offerings from different manufacturers, it feels light. It’s certainly lighter than our old MOTO 9S Flex (Bell’s previous high-end carbon offering), and the fit and finish were superior in every measurable way. All that is good, but we buy helmets to be safe. Thankfully, the MOTO-10 has safety features and earned certifications from DOT, SNELL, and ECE. 

At the same time, this helmet is heavy compared to other offerings in the space. If you are particularly sensitive to this specification, we suggest taking a look at the Fox Racing V3 Magnetic helmet, which is over ½ pound lighter. Bell invented the full-face motocross helmet and has been making helmets for over 100 years, so you can rest assured that they’ve continued their legacy with the MOTO-10 Spherical. 

Leveling up the protection, the Fox Racing V3 RS Carbon Solid Helmet ($700) earns a top-tier spot as one of the best motocross helmets on the market to date. Stacked with a dual-layer EPS liner, the interior layer can move independently from the outer shell, the V3 is the first-ever motocross helmet to be equipped with the MIPS Integra Split impact protection system. Stamped with the newest DOT and ECE22.06 certifications, this premium shield is a solid choice for your dome during cardio-pumping training rounds and comps.

Made for pushing boundaries, the V3 RS has the MIPS Integra Split impact protection system, which has two EPS foam layers with a smooth, low-friction layer in-between. Those layers include MDEPS EPS, a modified foam liner that absorbs and dissipates impact forces across a greater surface area to prevent concentration in one spot. The system is connected via discs, called woofers, that connect the two foam layers and allow them to move independently upon impact.

The V3 RS is built with a carbon fiber shell, which was noticeably lighter for Senior Editor Morgan Tilton compared to other track helmets and her Bell model. The carbon is 4K, meaning it’s a very high-grade weave. On 90-degree days with humidity and sunshine, the check pads helped keep her cool during laps, thanks to the infusion of crushed jade, which helps wick moisture. The antimicrobial washable liner also keeps odors at bay. Two oblong intake vents on the brow help to cool the forehead during sweaty sessions, plus another four vents around the mouthpiece in the chin bar. Another eight exhaust vents are on the top and back of the shell to keep the occipital region cool.

Equipped with a nicely padded carry case, the V3 includes an excellent collection of accessories for customization. There’s a spare long visor, clip-on visor extension, mud visor, mud visor foam, hydration-compatible mouthpiece, and spare cheek pads in both thick and thin options for a customizable fit. Despite claims on the website, our kit didn’t include spare visor hardware. Built for travel, the case has three zippered pockets. The extended visor can be set at three different positions, which Tilton found it was great when the sun was close to the horizon.

For emergencies, the cheek pads are equipped with smooth pull tabs, enabling a quick release of the pad system. Altogether, the setup includes three densities of cheek pads: 25, 28, and 31 mm. While the helmet is true to size, it has a tight, race-ready fit, so Tilton downsized the pads to 25 mm to avoid too much pressure. During the break-in period, the cheeks feel squeezed during conversation. While the carbon fiber D-ring fastener is strong and pretty easy to use, upgrading to a magnetic closure could be a potential upgrade.

The chopped carbon fiber shell construction looks sleek and the matte black color looks more like dark camo. If you’re planning on training and racing, this lid is a stellar investment if you can handle the cost.

For more than a year, we’ve tested the Bell Race Star DLX Flex ($820), which continues to be our happy place lid for overall comfort and long rides. The helmet’s padding is incorporated with magnets, and they’re the easiest to remove of any helmet we’ve tested.

If you’ve been on the road for dozens of hours sweating into a container, removing the pads and giving ’em a wash feels like a million bucks. The magnetic attachment system from Bell makes maintenance far easier than snap-in setups.

While this helmet is not as svelte as the AGV K6S, it’s no heavyweight, either. For longer trips, a lower weight counts. We also like the Panovision ProTint Photochromic visor.

The lens automatically darkens when you’re under direct sunlight, and the lens clears if the sky becomes cloudy or rainy. Meaning, you don’t need to pull over and fish out eye shades, which is a major bonus. One demerit is that the visor isn’t Pinlock compatible, so you don’t get the benefits of that defogging system.

Small controls are in place for the brow and chin exit and jaw vents, which are easy to actuate. The aeration system works superbly, so this helmet can help cool you down when the road is roasting. Also, the pads are dual-density. While the fit is snug, the helmet never feels too tight, and that close fit makes this the quietest helmet we have tested. 

The Star DLX Flex is designed for a more upright rider position. We really dig it for all-day rides, as well as a mix of fast ADV sections — on dirt roads that aren’t ultra-technical — and long pulses of curvy pavement. This superior lid is back-roads comfy, smooth on highways, and very quiet. Without a doubt, this low-turbulence design is great for big days in the saddle. 

The Alpinestars Supertech M10 Helmet ($920) is Alpinestars’ highest-end off-road helmet and lives up to its position at the top of the heap. Alpinestars recently tweaked a few things on this helmet headed into this year, including a smoother and less sharp chin bar (to reduce the chance of catching during a crash) and an attachable visor extension to help with roost and sun glare. 

At under 3 lbs, this helmet is one of the lightest on the market. This fact alone makes it worth checking out. It has a unique multi-layer construction, using epoxy to bond multiple layers of carbon and aramid fiber to keep you safe and fatigue-free even after long days in the saddle or at the track. 

Similar to the Bell Moto-10 Spherical, the Supertech M10 offers collarbone protection by extending the EPS liner below the sides of the helmet. Collarbone breaks are a common injury while riding off-road, and we appreciate these small details that work together to keep us safe. 

The fit and finish of this helmet is what you’d expect at this price point. One thing that separates it from other high-end offerings is Alpinestars’ A-Head system on several helmets. This small pad connected to the EPS liner allows for some micro-adjusting of how the helmet sits on your head. This attention to detail helped us get our fit dialed even when it didn’t feel great right out of the box. Our test helmet was the TLD (Troy Lee Designs) version, and it is, simply put, one of the most beautiful graphics we’ve seen on a non-custom helmet. 

With a size range from XS to 2XL and four different shell sizes across that range, we imagine you’ll be able to find a size that works for you. We recommend this helmet if you’re looking for a high-end off-road lid. The ventilation is top-notch, the weight is class-leading, and the graphics are phenomenal. 

Like the bulk of Schuberth helmets, the Schuberth C5 ($769) is beautifully quiet. We credit the shape: It’s a super aerodynamic lid. The chin bar has nearly no gaps between the bar and shell, preventing wind invasion. Beneath the chin bar, a tucked-in spoiler sits under the jaw, which seals out air. When helmets are noisier, it’s typically because air funnels in from below and spools around. Not the C5.

During test laps, we dug the modular control. We could flip up the chin bar to drink or catch fresh air. The switch to pop the helmet open is easy to locate with a gloved hand, because it’s at the lower rim, so you can’t mistake it for a vent control.

When we buzzed around rocks and humps on an off-road ride, the extra-wide and tall visor paid serious dividends. We could quickly spy obstacles in front of the moto. The Shoei Neotec 3 has slightly firmer detents for its visor.

Even though the C5 shield is great, if you want to ride with it slightly open, you’ll see the vibration. Thankfully, the C5 visor includes an anti-fog Pinlock insert, which firmly locks shut.

As for cooling off, the C5 does okay. The helmet has a dual-position chin vent and top vent. There’s a mouth vent and a large exit port behind the spoiler. When we blasted around in this lid on hot midsummer days, the helmet provided pretty good air conditioning with all the ports wide open. But at slow speeds, there wasn’t adequate channeling for airflow, in our experience. 

Still, this cap is more of a touring helmet, and the kicker is how quiet it is. When you’re stopped or cruising slow, modular designs easily open in front, which is convenient. Typically, modulars are also noisy. This Schuberth defies that flaw. No other modular we’ve tested is quieter, and it’s nearly as silent as the Bell Race Star DLX Flex.

Like the Shoei Neotec 3, the C5 comes pre-wired for a communication setup. The helmet is already wired with a boosting antenna and speakers for Schuberth’s SC2 System (sold separately). The setup also uses Sena Technology, so you can communicate with other nearby users without pairing each headset.

While the Shoei Neotec 3 ($900) doesn’t get an ECE 22.06 rating, it’s still exceptionally safe. The UK’s SHARP rating agency, an independent testing body, gives this construction five out of five stars, which is telling, in our book.

As for function, the Neotec 3 is nearly as quiet as the Schuberth C5 modular, and we think it’s comfier. The design has very cushy internal padding, especially the cheek pads. Excellent venting helps to reduce fogging up, even at low speeds, but doesn’t whistle at 60 mph.

We love the convenience of lifting up the bottom half of a modular helmet, so we can take a swig of water or chat with buddies. But usually, air leaks lead to howls on the highway, which we didn’t experience with the Neotec 3.

Shoei should get props for the meaty controls. We could easily find the center detent to raise the visor or pop the lock to raise the chin bar. Both the chin and top vent controls also slid with ease, even on a cold highway ride while wearing oversized winter mitts.

For communication, the brand included the routing for their in-house SRL3 cables and speakers, which use the Sena protocol technology. That way, you can seamlessly talk with pals who ride with Sena comms in their own helmets without needing to pair the devices. The SRL3 setup is a separate purchase, though.

One factor is that this Shoei is a hair heavier than the Schuberth C5. However, the Neotec 3 comes in three shell sizes, while the Schuberth is available in two. Again, the Neotec 3 is massively comfortable. Mile after mile, we found ourselves marveling at the cushy fit and the aerodynamics that quelled the wind. For daily shreds, you’d be pretty hard-pressed to find a better choice.

The Bell MX-9 Adventure DLX MIPS ($370) moto helmet is an upgraded version of Bell’s tried and true MX-9 Adventure MIPS. The only notable difference is a transition shield, a great-to-have element. We’ve tested the standard MX-9 adventure on a month-long ADV ride across Europe. There were many nights where we wished we had a transition shield vs needing to stop and wear clear goggles for the remainder of the day’s ride — so this detail alone demands a look if you’re in the market for an entry-level ADV helmet. 

The shield transitions quickly and adapts to whatever lighting conditions you encounter. It’s treated with anti-fog, anti-scratch, and UV protection, and our experience with this helmet tells us that the spec sheet stands up to real-world use; this is a well-executed shield and a worthy upgrade over the standard version. 

After 100 hours of use, we’ve only recommended this helmet for folks riding primarily off-road or going slow on the road. The adjustable visor is a menace at highway speeds — we opted to remove it altogether vs getting our neck whipped around. 

Unfortunately, the noise at highway speeds is nearly unbearable, even with earplugs. The upside is that it’s very ventilated, and this level of airflow, combined with the ionic+ liner, provides a great experience in the heat. Still, please be honest with your use case before purchasing, as it’s only a small notch up from a motocross helmet and goggles in terms of wind noise at high speeds. If your ADV riding is more than 25% on the road, we’d point you toward another option in this guide, like the KLIM Krios Pro. 

Obviously, it’s best to try on a helmet in-store that works best for you, but if you are ordering online, it’s important to note that helmets across Bell’s line have different size charts based on your measurements, so make sure to double-check before ordering your standard size. The Bell MX-9 Adventure DLX MIPS is a comfortable and reasonably priced adventure helmet for primarily riding off-road. 

A close relative to the Shoei Neotec 3, the Shoei GT-Air II ($699) is a great alternative for those not interested in a modular design or for those wanting something a bit more wallet-friendly without compromising quality. While Shoei does not ECE-certify its helmets in the USA, the DOT rating and its history of superior safety ensure a premium level of protection. 

The vents on the GT-Air II are impressively easy to operate while riding, even with heavy gloves. We appreciated this feature during high alpine rides where the weather quickly shifted. This is a notable improvement from some previous Shoei models that we have tested over the years.

The visor also has an extra detent to allow riders to keep it cracked for extra airflow, but we didn’t find this feature necessary. The integrated solar shield came in handy as well, both on sunrise and sunset rides or on long mileage days when wearing sunglasses can result in pain points on the temples and ears. 

After hundreds of miles of riding Colorado mountain backroads and highways, we did identify a couple of small areas for improvement. The helmet itself is larger and a bit heavier than other top choices — but its overall stability and comfort, even at high speeds, was not noticeably compromised.

The helmet was a smidge noisier than expected, too. We recommend riding with ear protection anyway, which rendered this issue unnoticeable. 

If you’re like us and enjoy tunes on the road, this model is designed to work seamlessly with the SENA SRL2 Intercom system (sold separately). There is a dedicated area for the device on the side of the helmet, as well as wire channeling built into the internal mold, a battery storage compartment at the neck, and recesses for the microphone and speakers.

These features are ideal if you’re using the compatible device, but we found that, although not impossible, they were actually a slight hindrance when installing a different brand of intercom system.  

In our experience, Shoei consistently delivers incredibly comfortable helmets. With six helmet sizes and the option to swap internal pads for an even more specialized fit, they continue to shine for overall fit.

The sizing runs true to their size chart, too, which makes online ordering less stressful. Overall, we highly recommend the GT-Air II for its smooth wear, versatility, and quality of materials.

Launched in 2024, the AGV K6S ($550) is a stellar upgrade of the K6, one of the most protective and functional options that comes in at a slightly lower price point. The upgraded helmet now has a spoiler on the back, which is a shield that adds protection for occiput in case of a backward collision.

Fortunately for us, AGV put the K6S through the European Union’s rigorous ECE 22.06 standard. The design passed that safety hurdle, and the K6 — a model we already loved — already carried a five-star rating from SHARP (Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme), an agency based in the U.K. SHARP tests are more stringent than those from the United States DOT (Department of Transportation): Each helmet goes through 32 impact tests.

Beyond safety standards, we loved that this lid is super-lightweight. If you ride daily, you know how much weight matters. Adding grams to your neck can lead to fatigue. While battling a load on a bike, your neck and shoulders can get fried. Even Formula 1 drivers are often in the gym to strengthen muscles that handle the G-force of rapid deceleration and acceleration.

Wearing a lighter helmet can help prevent exhaustion throughout the day. Also, the K6S is nearly as quiet as the Bell Race Star Flex, thanks in part to an integrated wind spoiler at the chin. Inside, the helmet is pretty cushy, with multi-density layers of pads that are ultra-smooth against skin and sound-dampening.

After testing the O.G. K6 for more than a year, we found that the subtle metal anchors for the visor are really important. With a detent system, the visor gradually pops open and sits at several angles. The visor firmly stayed at each level with zero vibration. We slightly popped the visor open on slower-paced rides on hot days for airflow.

Although the K6S has brow vents and slits below the visor, the design is not the best breather. The upside? This super aerodynamic helmet cuts down on turbulence for highway rides. Only the Bell Race Star DLX Flex rivals the K6S as our favorite Interstate cruiser choice. You’ll also be happy that the AGV K6S comes in four shell sizes so you can find the best fit.