The Best Motorcycle Helmets of 2024

In most states, riding without a motorcycle helmet is illegal. Honestly, we also think you should never ride without one. Because if you can read this sentence, that’s thanks to your brain, the most crucial tool you own. And full-face motorcycle helmets protect your precious cargo.

Pulling on these hard hats, we rode in a range of weather from rain pelts to baking sun and everything in between. With these safety accessories, we motored in slow and fast conditions because armor that keeps you cool at highway speeds might be miserably hot on a slow, unpaved two-track session. For instance, while the AGV K6S doesn’t offer the utmost breathability and there’s no sun shield, it’s carbon and comfortable. Other helmets, like the Bell Race Star DLX Flex, are pricier but quieter and have a photochromic visor.

There’s no single helmet that’s perfect for all conditions. Our aim with this guide was to find versatile sweet-spot lids. Among the categories, we prioritized the adventure (a.k.a. ADV) category, which is capable in various conditions.

To understand a helmet’s construction, finer details, and safety, take a look at our Buyer’s Guide or jump to the Price & Value summary. Still weighing your options? Consult our Comparison Chart. Otherwise, scroll through our choice picks for full face motorcycle helmets.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Motorcycle Helmets buyer’s guide on November 12, 2024, to include the awarded Fox Racing V3 and Shoei GT-Air II, along with info on Padding in our Buyer’s Guide and a new Price & Value section.

The Best Motorcycle Helmets of 2024

• Best Overall Motorcycle Helmet: Bell Race Star DLX Flex
• Best Budget Motorcycle Helmet: AGV K6S
• Best Off-Road Motorcycle Helmet: Fox Racing V3 Magnetic Helmet
• Quietest Modular Motorcycle Helmet: Schuberth C5
• Most Comfortable Motorcycle Helmet: Shoei Neotec 3
• Best Mid-Range Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet: Shoei GT-Air II
• Best Adventure-Specific Motorcycle Helmet: KLIM Krios Pro 

---

 

Motorcycle Helmets Comparison Chart

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Type, Materials, Weight, and Safety Rating.

Motorcycle Helmets	Price	Type	Materials	Weight	Safety Rating
Bell Race Star DLX Flex	$820	Upright conventional	Carbon fiber shell, multi-density impact liner	3.57 lbs.	ECE 22.06 certified/DOT certified
AGV K6S	$550	Upright conventional	Carbon fiber shell, heat-resistant and strong synthetic fibers, multi-density EPS foam	3.02 lbs.	ECE 22.06 certified/DOT certified
Fox Racing V3 Magnetic Helmet	$400	Motocross / Off Road	Fiberglass, EPS foam, moisture wicking liner, MIPS equipped, composite fiberglass shell, hydration routing system, communication system compatibility	2.8 lbs.	ECE 22.06 certified/DOT certified
Schuberth C5	$769	Modular with a hinge chin bar, upright conventional	Fiberglass shell, carbon fiber reinforcements, EPS foam interior	3.8 lbs.	ECE 22.06 certified/DOT certified
Shoei Neotec 3	$900	Modular with a hinge chin bar, upright conventional	Multi-ply matrix of fiberglass, organic and glass fibers, and synthetic resin plus an EPS liner	4.15 lbs.	DOT certified
KLIM Krios Pro	$750	Upright conventional, ADV-specific	Koroyd and carbon construction	3.4 lbs.	ECE 22.06 certified/DOT certified
Shoei GT-Air II	$699	Full-Face, upright conventional	AIM Shell (Advanced Integrated Matrix), dual-layer EPS liner	3.64 lbs	DOT certified

How We Tested Motorcycle Helmets

Our Expert Testers

GearJunkie contributor Sean Galaway took the lead on testing helmets on the dirt end of the spectrum. With decades of experience across four continents, Galaway evaluates helmets in some of the toughest conditions imaginable. For this test, he was focused on helmet performance riding fast double track, slow speed technical single track, and wide-open desert riding.

Contributor Hilary Arthur joined the GearJunkie team to offer extra insight into the gear fitment and features from the female rider’s perspective. Many women have to settle for unisex options or among a very small selection of women-specific models. Arthur has thousands of miles in the saddle on both her backyard canyon roads in Colorado as well as touring around the Western United States and New Zealand.

Another GearJunkie tester for motorcycle helmets, writer Michael Frank, has ridden motos for decades. These days, Frank prefers slow, windy backroads and double-track over Interstate rides. For this guide, he and a crew of friends tested a range of full-face motorcycle helmets on pavement, off-road, and some trail.

Our Testing Grounds

In field tests with the motocross, ADV, and modular lids, we rode at a variety of speeds to measure comfort, especially when riding slowly and working hard in off-road terrain. For street-focused helmets, we maneuvered through in-town traffic and at fast highway speeds to see how the lids performed while we were broiling at a stoplight and in freezing temps while bombing a night run for a pint of ice cream.  

Our Testing Process

The bulk of these helmets were tested for more than a year across seasons and conditions. The goal was to evaluate each helmet for comfort, noise, usability (like the visor and vents), versatility (like ditching or adding a peak), and breathability. For ventilation, we noted the breathability at low and high speeds.

We considered weight without sacrificing safety. While they cost more, we looked for protective options with the United Kingdom SHARP five-star standard or the ECE 22.06 certification. We also sought relatively lightweight options, and we dug hard to find those. Heavier helmets are more exhausting to wear. Then, we looked for models that were aerodynamically tested, which usually leads to a quieter design.

We also hunted for helmets with built-in communication options or pre-built ear pockets to add speakers so that you can upgrade with a Bluetooth system. (Note: We didn’t specifically test each integration option because that’s an entirely different evaluation. But we did make sure the integration existed because we’ve tested helmets in the past without room to add speakers.) 

Further, we found helmets with relatively easily removable pads, which helps with wiring comms and maintenance. Our top options have removable liners that are washable and have funk-fighting treatment to reduce bacterial growth caused by sweating into your lid.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Motorcycle Helmet

There are a lot of motorcycle helmet styles. For our guide, we focused on ADV (adventure) and street. Here’s a breakdown of all the choices to make sure you’re in the right place.

Types of Helmets

There are half shells that the chopper crowd loves — but we don’t think they are protective enough. You can find DOT-certified half shells, but none exist (that we know of) that are dually approved by the ECE or SHARP.

Track-specific race helmets support riders who are chasing triple-digit speeds. These designs are cut to be very aerodynamic when you’re in a tuck, but they’re not so comfy on a bike where you sit more upright. For that reason, they aren’t included here.

Here’s what we prioritized while testing: 

• Modular: These helmets offer a chin piece that hinges and can be pushed completely up off your face. This is convenient to quickly allow air in when you’re stopped. 
• Upright Conventional: These helmets are full-face helmets with shields, but they typically have little to no visor, making them ideal for street riding. 
• ADV: The jack of all trades, these helmets are the middle ground between a street helmet and an off-road/motocross helmet. They typically have a full-faced shield and a larger visor than their street cousins. 
• Motocross / Off-Road: If you’re riding most of your time on dirt, this is the helmet you want. Oversized visors and no face shields here — these are made for riding on dirt, and the Fox Racing V3 is one of our favorites.

Modular Motorcycle Helmet

Modular motorcycle helmets include a hinge chin bar, like on the Schuberth C5 and Shoei Neotec 3. That means you can swing that chin piece up and out of the way. The design is handy for taking a swig of water while you’re gassing up or chatting with a buddy about the next section of road.

Riding a modular helmet with the chin bar up is possible but not advisable. First, the weight of that component in the open position will tax your neck and shoulders: It feels like you’re balancing a small pan on top of your head. Second, exposing the front of your face is not good safety protocol.

Modulars are particularly handy for ADV riders because you can quickly open the front to assess technical sections of trail.

Upright Conventional Motorcycle Helmet

Upright conventional motorcycle helmets are meant for riders who either are on street bikes, baggers, or ADV machines. This shape overlaps with the modular helmets and all of the Moto helmets we tested fit in this category.

The Schuberth C5, AGV K6S, Bell Race Star DLX Flex, Shoei Neotec 3, Shoei GT-Air II, and KLIM Krios Pro are all aero-tested for riding while sitting upright.

Adventure (ADV) Motorcycle Helmet

ADV-specific full-face motorcycle helmets, like the KLIM Krios Pro, are more versatile because you can remove the peak and visor. You’re basically getting several designs in a single package. Sans peak, the helmet is less turbulent on the highway. Ditching the visor/face shield lets you wear goggles, which are nice for technical off-road rides.

Typically ADV-specific designs have a wider opening, so riders have increased visibility for obstacles when they’re standing on the footpegs. That way, you can carefully scope out rocks and undulations before picking your line.

Shell Sizes & Fit

Shell sizes matter. Manufacturers often tailor the same shell to different head circumferences. Often, that means the smaller size is internally stuffed with more padding or insulation to make up for the difference. That can be a slightly uncomfortable ratio for a smaller person because the wider circumference results in a larger draft.

All helmets are unisex sizing, so this can come into play more often for female riders who generally fit within the smaller size range. 

Ideally, a full-face motorcycle helmet offers a close fit. There should be zero wiggle when you pull one on and just a slight smoosh in your cheeks. You want to avoid uncomfortable pressure in other areas, as this can amplify into pain points on longer rides. When you slide on the helmet, the interior should have a little bit of give. You also shouldn’t feel the firm backer or hard shell.

Noise, Comfort, & Insulation

These three attributes go hand in hand. Also, if you care about noise, comfort, and insulation, look for a helmet design that’s been wind tunnel tested.

The Schuberth C5, AGV K6S, Bell Race Star DLX Flex, Shoei Neotec 3, Shoei GT-Air II, and KLIM Krios Pro all have chin spoilers: A curtain of foam beneath your chin. A chin spoiler cuts off airflow at the front of the lid, so you don’t experience turbulence inside the helmet.

A well-designed insulation system should be paired with clever vents. Internally, channels groove along the interior and especially on top of the helmet. When you pull back the padding, you can actually see the channels. You can also fire a flashlight beam through the exterior vents at the brow, which will light up the subtle grooves that let air pass over the top of your scalp. 

Padding

The padding on the inside of the helmet is the part that comes in contact with your skin: the cheek pads and headliner. We prefer pads made of multi-density foam that is smooth to the touch for comfort yet firm against your cheeks to ensure a proper fit. This should be especially true when the helmet is brand new, as the pads will pack out after heavy use. Insulation dampens noise in helmets, too.

We prefer helmets with liners and cheek pads that can be easily pulled out and washed: all of the helmets in this guide check that box. When you return the liner and cheek pads to the helmet, that process shouldn’t be an arm-wrestling match. Good designs make that step a relatively easy process. When you’re shopping, go ahead and yank out the padding to see if it’s easy to replace. All of the helmets in this test also have some type of antimicrobial treatment on the padding including the Fox Racing V3 that’s equipped with an Ionic+ moisture-wicking liner. This has been a welcomed feature for us during long, multi-week ADV rides.

Cooling & Ventilation

Inside a helmet, you can often see grooves across the interior, which channel air over top of your cranium. We quickly spotted channels inside the KLIM Krios Pro, plus the Koroyd material, which looks like the circular ends of side-by-side straws. A well-designed helmet can vent with minimal turbulence.

Massive ports are not necessarily needed for cooling. The type of riding you do will influence the size and quantity of vents.

On the KLIM Krios Pro, for instance, there’s an oversized mouth port. If you’re riding the Backcountry Discovery Route (BDR), moving slowly and off-road, you will need larger openings to breathe while working hard.

If the bulk of your riding is on open road and you’re going fast, you will want smaller vents. The Bell Race Star DLX Flex has smaller ports at the mouth, brow, and top of the helmet. At a higher speed, this helmet isn’t screaming with airflow that would deafen you. But thanks to the number of vents, the helmet is plenty cool for highway rides.

As far as breathability and aeration go, there’s no single helmet that’s perfect for all kinds of riding. MX riders typically ride with a helmet that has a peak and broad face opening for goggles, which also allows maximum cooling. But that type of helmet on the highway would roar with wind.

A touring rider might choose the Schuberth C5 because they want the advantage of a modular design without the noise, but that lid is not cool enough for slow-duty ADV routes.

Get the full-face motorcycle helmet that’s built to cool you off for 80% of the riding you do, and you’ll be happy. 

Vision

The size of the visor or lens is proportional to the helmet’s intended use.

You’ll want a larger visor (from top to bottom) for off-road riding because you need to see obstacles directly in front of you while you’re standing on the footpegs.

Ideally, the lid you pick for the street has a wider field of view. That way, you can spot a car in your blind spot or see approaching cross-traffic without needing to swivel your head too far.

Across various helmets, the benchmark for keeping a visor de-fogged is a technical insert called Pinlock. The Schuberth C5, AGV K6S, Shoei GT-Air II, Shoei Neotec 3, and KLIM Krios Pro (but not the Bell Race Star DLX Flex) use this attachment, which you place inside of the visor to prevent fogging.

Pinlock is pretty unique because the insert creates an airtight space between the inside of the visor and your eyes. This means fogging is prevented via a thermal barrier, the same way a dual-layer ski goggle works.

Pinlock inserts are treated to absorb moisture if it’s humid inside the helmet, like when you’re riding in the rain, and then release it back into the atmosphere when the humidity level drops. For instance, when you duck out of that storm, pop the visor, and stroll into an air-conditioned mini-mart for coffee. 

The tradeoff? Pinlock inserts are delicate, so only rinse the surface with soap and water and let them air dry.

Safety & ECE 22.06 Standards

The new 2024 European Union (EU) safety standards for motorcycle helmets are a mega upgrade and arrived after 20 years with the prior regulations. Look for a full-face motorcycle helmet that passes the fresh, more stringent rules. You’ll see the tag: 2024 ECE 22.06. ECE stands for Economic Commission for Europe.

Now, the EU tests every single helmet model in each size. The impact tests include the visor, chin bar, and other components. For modular lids, like the Schuberth C5, the EU makes sure that the chin bar stays shut during multiple crash and deformation tests. That way, we know that the helmet remains protective in a hazardous event.  

Helmets are put in a device where 630 Newtons (141 pounds) of pressure is applied from either side and front to back. The helmet cannot move more than 1.5 inches (40mm). 

The EU also tests ventilation and audio. A helmet that blocks out too much sound won’t pass because you need to be able to hear your surroundings to be safe on a motorcycle. The protocols include testing peripheral vision.

Visors need to have a photochromic option, like the KLIM Krios Pro and the Bell Race Star DLX Flex. Those photochromic lenses need to be able to pass through enough light so that riders can safely see turn signals, brake lights, and stoplights, for instance.   

For those visor tests? Examiners fire a steel ball at the shield at 180mph, in order to emulate a rock being kicked up from a tire. We wouldn’t want debris to pierce the face protection layer.

You can also look for a motorcycle helmet with the U.S. DOT (Department of Transportation) seal on the back. Meaning, those designs comply with the federal standards for motorcycle helmets.

We looked for moto helmets with approvals from the DOT and the EU.

Price & Value

Budget

Our lowest-priced helmet is the Fox Racing V3 Magnetic Helmet ($400), which is our top off-road helmet. With this design, you’ll find excellent compatibility with goggles and a hydration-compatible system. This is a niche build, though, and if you don’t primarily ride dirt, it’s not your first choice. That’s where builds like the AGV K6S ($550) come in: an upgrade of the K6, one of the most well-rounded, protective, and functional options that comes in at a slightly lower price point. 

Mid-Tier

In the $700 tier, designs mix in details like Pinlock compatibility and bonus photochromic visor — like with the  KLIM Krios Pro ($750). But you might see dings like limited sizing and less breathability, which might be a deal breaker if you tend to need to push your bike around tough terrain.

Premium

In the $800-$1,000 zone, helmets start to check all the boxes — like the Bell Race Star DLX Flex ($820), which has extremely easy-to-remove pads that are integrated with magnets. Plus, the pads are dual-density and ultra-comfortable, while the shell’s breathability is excellent. The visor is photochromic, so the shading adjusts with the environment. It also happens to be impressively quiet. All of this combines to create our top-rated motorcycle helmet.

Frequently Asked Questions