The list of motorcycle helmet brands seems to be endless, and that can make it hard to pick one out.
Luckily for you—and unluckily for me—I’ve gone through my share of helmets and have learned along the way what makes each brand unique and its pros and cons.
Here you’ll find my top 10 and what it was that earned them a spot on the list.
Arai
Arai is a top-shelf Japanese helmet brand known for safety and style. Arai got their start making hats and then military and industrial safety helmets.
Now they produce a large range of helmets with numerous designs, including full face and modular. Their manufacturing process is well-known because they use a large amount of handcrafting.
Arai is one of the more expensive brands, but you’re certainly not just paying for the name. You’re paying for quality, safety and comfort above and beyond most other brands.
Still, they’re better for serious riders who know they’ll regularly be using a helmet for a long time.
Pros:
- High quality design and construction
- Models with advanced technology
- Great fit and comfort
- 5-year warranties
- Lightweight but tough fiberglass shells
- Aerodynamic
Cons:
- High price range
- Sometimes loud
My Arai Selections
This helmet is one of the sleekest-looking on the market, but it’s not all appearances. Snell 2020 and DOT approved, it’s incredibly safe and comfortable too thanks to an advanced ventilation system and well-designed inner lining.
The XD-4 is a top-shelf option for those who need a helmet for both street and off-road riding. It’s both aerodynamic and well-ventilated with a removable visor for extra protection.
Shoei
Shoei is a top-shelf brand that rivals Arai for the top spot. Like Arai, they’re a Japanese brand that hand-make their helmets via a renowned manufacturing process.
Also read: Shoei vs Arai
Their models usually have advanced features over other brands and are more aerodynamic, lighter and quieter. They really take the Gold when it comes to ventilation and properly allow airflow without letting wind into the neck.
Everyone has a different head, but Shoei’s fit most people well and are very comfortable. They’re sleek and stylish, but of course, come with the price tag to match.
Pros:
- Hand-made craftsmanship and quality
- Sleek and stylish designs
- Advanced features
- Great ventilation – read more about ventilated helmets
- Great fit and comfortable construction
Cons:
- High price range
- Limited availability
My Shoei Selections
With this helmet you can get the same Shoei quality at a lower price than their other models. That means an incredibly lightweight shell with a comfortable inner lining and ventilation.
Exceptional Quality, Feature Packed, Comfortable
A brilliant modular helmet with Shoei quality standards and manufacturing.
AGV
Italy has long been a home for quality motorcycles, and gear and AGV is a big part of that. Since 1947, they’ve been responsible for many of the innovations in the motorcycle helmet market.
AGV is a high-quality brand on par with Arai and Shoei, though many models have a more moderate price tag. Their safety is unparalleled, and they’re quiet and stylish, though the fit can sometimes be very specific.
Pros:
- Beautiful designs
- Great value for the quality
- Top-shelf safety and security
- Minimal wind noise
Cons:
- Very specific shapes and fit
My AGV Selections
This helmet is an excellent price for the quality and a good choice for a new rider who still wants something top-shelf. Specifically, it’s great for commuters thanks to a comfortable, removable inner lining and a tough thermoplastic resin shell.
This helmet is a bit pricier than AGV’s other models but well worth it. The carbon shell is incredibly lightweight and comfortable but still provides maximum safety and protection.
Shark
Shark is a French helmet brand that’s been making helmets in Marseille for 30 years. They’re often on the cutting edge of design and style and produce unique-looking helmets that catch the eye and make people talk.
One great thing about Shark is the wide range of models with prices for any budget. There are plenty of options for beginners who are just trying out motorcycles, as well as experts looking for one of the best helmets on the market.
Pros:
- Unique and eye-catching designs
- Aerodynamics for comfort and racing
- Safe and durable
- Wide range of styles and prices
Cons:
- Specific fit
- Unique designs sometimes don’t work with non-proprietary add-ons
My Shark Selections
This incredibly versatile helmet gives you reliable chin protection when you want it or an open face when it’s too hot.
The Street Drak has a unique but stylish design that looks more like a fighter pilot’s helmet than a motorcycle helmet. Plus, it comes in three different colors to show off your personality.
Bell
Bell is an American company that’s been making helmets since the 50s. Their models are widely available and easy to find in most stores. Their biggest draw is their value, offering the same safety as top-shelf models at a much lower price.
That said, Bell helmets may not have the same aerodynamics or comfort as the more expensive brands, but they still get the job done. I’d recommend them for beginners or infrequent hobby riders who just need something that works.
Pros:
- Quality safety and protection
- Wide availability
- Low price range
Cons:
- Basic designs
- Not as aerodynamic or lightweight
- Can be loud – read how to quiet a motorcyle helmet
My Bell Selections
The Qualifier has a basic design that works for all situations. It’s safe and comfortable with plenty of options for upgrades.
If you want an open-face helmet, the Custom 500 from Bell is a great choice that won’t break the bank. It has a comfortable liner with a padded chin strap that you can easily remove.
Nolan
Nolan is one of the largest helmet manufacturers and very popular, especially in Europe. Their models are generally regarded as inexpensive and offer great value for what you get.
Nolan helmets are simple, quiet and protective, though some riders complain about the narrowness of the field of vision. They’re very popular with professional racers due to their aerodynamics and ventilation.
Pros:
- Great value
- Tough polycarbonate shells
- Aerodynamic designs ideal for racing
- Sun protection
Cons:
- Few design options
- Many models have narrow fields of vision
My Nolan Selections
This mid-range helmet is full of extra features like a removable liner and VPS sun shield to help you get the most of your ride.
One of Nolan’s flagship models, the N87 is a full-face helmet that offers DOT-approved protection along with comfort provided by a VPS sun shield and advanced AirBooster ventilation.
HJC
HJC is frequently regarded as the go-to helmet brand for those who want the quality of Arai and Shoei without the price tag.
HJC tests their helmets using a wind tunnel laboratory, resulting in industry-leading aerodynamics. They’re Snell and DOT certified and as safe as any helmet you can find on the market.
There’s a wide variety of helmets, most of which fit well and are comfortable, so you can pick what’s best for you.
Pros:
- Excellent value and price
- Extensively tested aerodynamics
- Many features available
- High quality safety and durability
- Comfortable
Cons:
- More wind noise
My HJC Selections
Commute safely at a lower price
Protect your eyes, ears and head while staying comfortable on your ride to work or school.
The RPHA 70 ST is one of HJC’s top-shelf models that’s still a great value for the price. It’s especially safe due to the Premium Integrated Matrix Plus construction made of carbon fiber and a carbon-glass hybrid.
Scorpion EXO
Scorpion EXO helmets are arguably the coolest and most unique looking out there. Nevertheless, they’re also some of the least expensive.
They have a wide range of helmets in price, style and design that features quality aerodynamics and ventilation. One of the most notable features is the eye shields which offer wide fields of vision and great sun protection.
Pros:
- Value prices
- A number of modern styles
- Aerodynamic
- Wide fields of vision
- Sun protection
Cons:
- Heavy
- Can be loud
My Scorpion EXO Selections
This sleek helmet is fun and eye catching but still keeps you safe with an advanced LG polycarbonate shell. The safety is further improved by the wide field of vision, fog-free technology and 100% UV protection.
If you’re involved in a lot of motorsports, this could be the versatile helmet for you. It has an easily removable visor for off-roading and motocross along with an adjustable chin bar for comfortable riding anywhere.
ILM
ILM is a new brand of helmet founded in the US in 2013. They make budget helmets that meet minimum requirements but keep you safe at affordable prices. ILM is a solid option for beginners who still need to learn their way around a helmet.
One area they excel in is warmth, some helmets even featuring attached neck scarves. However, the ventilation can be poor. As a result, they’re better for colder climates.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Simple and great for beginners
- Warm
Cons:
- Tight fit
- Poor ventilation
- Heavy and can tire the neck
My ILM Selections
This helmet is perfect for cold weather because it has a built-in neck scarf. Its full face and high quality visor also keep out biting wind.
It’s hard to find a modular helmet at a better price. Both the chin strap and visor can be totally flipped to make it a comfortable open-face helmet that still has a built-in eye shield for protection.
Sedici
Sedici has a cool Italian name, but it’s actually the in-house brand at Revzilla and Cycle Gear, both owned by Comoto Holdings. This helps them cut costs while offering straightforward quality and safety.
Sedici designs tend to be pretty basic, but they work fine and are perfectly safe. I would recommend them for beginners who don’t want to spend too much on a helmet. Since they’re a store brand, they’re well-known, and you can easily find information for them or after-market add-ons.
Pros:
- Budget prices
- Backed by Revzilla/Cycle Gear
- Simple, intuitive designs
- Safe and effective
Cons:
- Little variety or style
- Deceptive Italian name
- Fit runs narrow
- Wind noise
My Sedici Selections
The Strada II is one of Sedici’s most popular models, providing basic protection and comfort at a low price. The shell is made of DuPont kevlar to maximize safety while staying lightweight.
The Viaggio Mappa is one of the most affordable helmets on the market. It meets DOT standards and will keep you safe at a low cost.