Safest Motorcycle Helmets of 2025

If you've been a motorcyclist for a long time, grabbing your helmet before heading out for a ride is probably second nature. Most likely, you don't even realize you're doing it until you're situated on your hog and ready to roll out, and that's great! Helmets offer essential protection while riding if the unthinkable happens and you're involved in an accident. But let us ask you this: when did you last buy a new one? When was the last time you reviewed the helmets approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT)?

Technology is always developing and improving. As such, a lot can change in the realm of motorcycle equipment. What was deemed top-of-the-line in safety one year can be ruled obsolete in just a few short years. It's crucial for bikers to stay updated on such changes to keep themselves and their passengers safe. After all, the right helmet may mean the difference between life and death. By staying informed about the latest safety standards, you can make empowered decisions about your safety gear.

The Best Motorcycle Helmet Brands

There are a lot of motorcycle helmet brands out there. With so many flooding the market, knowing which is right for you can be challenging. While no single helmet can be completely perfect, certain ones outrank others in terms of safety, affordability, and even style. According to Gear Junkie, the longstanding distribution leader in all outdoor-activity-related news, the best motorcycle helmet brands can be broken down into six categories:

• Best overall helmet (Bell Race Star DLX Flex)
• Best budget helmet (AGV K6S)
• Best off-road helmet (Fox Racing V3 Magnetic Helmet)
• Best mid-range full-face helmet (Shoei GT-Air II)
• Best adventure-specific helmet (KLIM Krios Pro)
• Quietest modular helmet (Schuberth C5)
• Most comfortable helmet (Shoei Neotec 3)

What is a DOT-Approved Helmet?

In simplified terms, a DOT-approved helmet meets safety standards set by the Department of Transportation, which was established to create a minimum level of required protection for riders. To be "DOT-approved," a helmet needs to meet set criteria and pass testing that evaluates its:

• Impact resistance
• Penetration resistance
• Retention system strength
• Field of vision
• Labeling requirements

If the helmet passes the tests, it receives a DOT label on the back to alert riders that it meets the minimum safety requirements. If a helmet doesn't come with DOT approval, quality concerns could affect the helmet's safety—which could put you in increased danger if you suffer an accident. For peace of mind in the helmet you choose, you're better off looking for the mark of DOT approval on whichever helmet you buy.

Identifying a DOT-Approved Helmet

The Department of Transportation requires all helmets sold in the U.S. to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS), confirming that they meet the minimum safety requirement. However, not all helmets are purchased in the U.S., meaning some riders may unknowingly risk their safety and violate federal standards. In some cases, helmets are sold as novelty items—designed for uniqueness or humor without safety in mind—and are usually sold as souvenirs, allowing them to bypass FMVSS standards.

To identify an unsafe motorcycle helmet, do the following:

1. Check the helmet's weight: A DOT—and FMVSS-approved helmet weighs around three pounds. Any helmet advertised as "lightweight" should be avoided, as it most likely does not meet this standard. The lighter the helmet feels, the more dangerous it is to wear.
2. Check the helmet's inner-liner thickness: The inner liner should be at least 3/4 an inch thick and appear stiff styrofoam. While it may not always be visible to the naked eye, you should still be able to feel its substantial thickness. Anything less than 3/4 or with only a soft foam padding is dangerous.
3. Check the helmet's chin strap and rivets: DOT and FMVSS-approved helmets have sturdy chin straps and rivets made from a solid material like metal. Straps made from materials like plastic are cheaper and tend to break easily in the event of an accident, making them dangerous.
4. Check the helmet's DOT-approved label: DOT and FMVSS-approved helmets have a label on the back indicating that they adhere to safety standards. Helmets without the label are dangerous.
5. Check the helmet's manufacturer label: All manufacturers must have a label indicating the model, size, manufacture date, and material the helmet is made of. The label also includes care instructions. Helmets without this label do NOT meet DOT and FMVSS standards, making them dangerous.
6. Check the helmet's Snell/ANSI label: Helmets with a Snell or ANSI label — non-profit organizations that develop and test safety standards for helmets — most likely meet FMVSS and DOT standards. They are dangerous if they do not have labels from any of the organizations mentioned above.

The Snell Memorial Foundation was established in 1957 to improve helmet safety after the death of William Snell, a professional racer who died from a head injury in a crash. The foundation develops and tests safety standards for helmets, ensuring that they provide the best possible protection for riders. ANSI, the American National Standards Institute, develops standards for products and accredits the procedures of other standard-developing organizations, including those related to helmet safety.

Helmet Styles

In Georgia, state laws require riders to use DOT-compliant helmet styles—a wise choice, as DOT-approved helmets have significantly reduced the risk of head injuries during an accident. To choose the best helmet style, consider the type of riding you plan to do and your comfort with different designs. As always, your first concern should be safety since certain helmet styles have proven themselves to offer better protection. By choosing the right helmet style, you can ride confidently, knowing you are well-prepared for any situation.

• Full-face helmets: Full-face models cover the entire head and neck.
• 3/4 helmets: Also called "jet helmets," leave the face open but cover the ears and back of the head.
• Modular helmets: Also called "flip-up helmets," these cover the top of your head and have a chin bar/face shield that can be rotated up, out of the way.
• Half helmet: Also called "brain buckets" or "half shells," these only cover the top of your head.

Safety First

Helmets are the easiest way for you to take safety precautions when riding. In fact, a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed they reduce the risk of death by 37% for riders and 41% for passengers. Further supporting helmets as the best defense against accidents, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shared a study showing that helmets prevent 67% of brain injuries after accidents. DOT-approved helmets, in particular, play a significant role in reducing the risk of head injuries, providing you with a sense of reassurance and safety.

Full-face helmets offer the most protection for riders as they cover the most area and are most likely to stay on during an accident. Jet helmets and half helmets offer the least protection and may not stay on during an accident, depending on the quality of construction. According to a study shared by the National Library of Medicine, the risk of head and cervical injuries for users of full-faced helmets was "64% lower compared with those who used half-coverage helmets, 36% lower than in those who used open helmets, and 57% lower when compared with both those who used half-coverage helmets and those who used open helmets."

Tips for Choosing a Motorcycle Helmet

A good motorcycle helmet is a significant investment—both in cost and as a potentially life-saving gear. Always do your homework to identify the helmet that fits your head and needs. Here's how to do just that:

• Measure your head accurately. You'll want to measure your head's circumference at its broadest point around your forehead. For an accurate measurement, measuring tape should be wrapped just above your ears and about half an inch above your eyebrows.
• Match your helmet to your riding style. If you plan to use the helmet for off-road cycling or other riding experiences, you may choose a specifically designed one.
• Ensure you're comfortable with the helmet's design in various riding conditions. For example, a full-face helmet might be warm on a hot day, but it could also be an essential source of comfort if caught in the rain or riding in cold or windy conditions.
• Try the helmet on before buying. A snug fit is essential. You'll also want to ensure you're comfortable with the helmet's impact on your field of vision and its weight, especially if you opt for a modular or full motorcycle helmet.
• Invest in a new helmet at least every five years. If your helmet sustains above-average wear and tear, replace it more often. Always replace a helmet after an accident.
• Add extra protections. Aside from the right helmet, a valuable extra layer of protection you'll want is Steelhorse Law's Riders Advantage Card. Where a helmet protects your head in an accident, our Riders Advantage Card protects your right to legal advice, free presentation, and the ability to get around after the accident.

A Grade-A Helmet Can't Help You After an Accident, But Steelhorse Law Can

Your helmet is an extension of your riding style. Choosing a top-rated safety helmet usually means you follow all the rules of the road and do your part to keep things safe out there. But sometimes, things happen beyond your control. If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, call Steelhorse Law.

Our team has been beating biker bias for a decade, working to provide fair and just legal representation to each client. We'll protect your peace of mind and recover compensation to help you move forward. Call Steelhorse Law to schedule a free case consultation and learn how we can assist you.