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The best motorcycle helmet brands are Shoei and Arai for premium quality, Schuberth for quiet touring modulars, AGV and HJC for race-proven helmets at many price points, and Bell, Scorpion and LS2 for strong value. Specialists like Klim (adventure) and Biltwell (retro) lead their niches. No brand is “safest” across the board: the best brand for you is the one whose helmets fit your head shape, in the style you ride, with the certification you want.
Top motorcycle helmet brands compared
| Brand | Based in | Known for | Example model | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoei | Japan | Premium sport and touring helmets | RF-1400 | $$$–$$$$ |
| Arai | Japan | Hand-built shells, comfort | Regent-X, Contour-X | $$$–$$$$ |
| Schuberth | Germany | Quiet premium modulars | C5 | $$$$ |
| AGV | Italy | MotoGP race heritage | K3 | $–$$$$ |
| HJC | South Korea | Huge range, value to race | RPHA 12N, i71 | $–$$$ |
| Bell | USA | Classic and modern helmets, Mips | Qualifier, Lithium Mips | $–$$$$ |
| Scorpion | USA | Value, AirFit, Snell at low prices | EXO-R430, EXO-T520 | $–$$$ |
| LS2 | Spain / China | Feature-rich, low prices | Advant II | $–$$ |
| Klim | USA | Light adventure helmets | Krios Pro | $$$$ |
| Biltwell | USA | Retro style | Gringo S | $–$$ |
Premium brands
Shoei is the benchmark for many riders, known for build quality, comfort and quiet, with models across sport, touring, modular and adventure. The RF-1400 is its popular premium street full-face; read our Shoei RF-1400 review.
2. Arai: best for hand-built quality
Arai hand-builds its shells and focuses on smooth, round shapes designed to glance off impacts. The Regent-X is its most affordable full-face, with a Peripherally Belted shell in four sizes (3.41 lbs listed), while the Contour-X is the lighter premium all-rounder. See our Arai Regent-X vs Contour-X guide.
German brand Schuberth is best known for touring modulars. The C5 uses a compact, aerodynamically tuned shell in two sizes (XS–LG and XL–3XL), optimized for stability at speed and low weight on long tours. RevZilla lists it at 3.8 lbs and $799, with over 250 owner reviews.
Race-proven brands
4. AGV: best for racing heritage
Italy’s AGV supplies many MotoGP riders and makes everything from race helmets to the sport-touring K3, which has an internal sun visor. Read our AGV K3 review.
5. HJC: best range at every price
HJC makes helmets from budget to race level. The RPHA 12N is its race-focused full-face with ECE 22.06 and DOT approval, four shell sizes and two shields plus a Pinlock in the box (3.48 lbs listed). For value, the i71 and F71 have sun visors. See our RPHA 12N guide and HJC sport-touring guide.
Value brands
6. Bell: best budget helmet from a heritage brand
Bell has made helmets since the 1950s and today offers everything from retro open-faces to race helmets. The Qualifier is a standout budget full-face with three shell sizes, a 3.28 lb listed weight and a five-year warranty; read our Bell Qualifier review.
7. Scorpion: best for Snell on a budget
Scorpion is known for value and features like AirFit inflatable cheek pads. The EXO-R430 is an entry-level Snell-certified helmet with sizes up to 4XL; see our EXO-R420 and R430 review and the best Scorpion helmets.
8. LS2: best for features per dollar
LS2 packs a lot into low prices. The Advant II modular uses KPA with carbon accents, a multi-density EPS liner, three shell sizes, a Pinlock-ready Max Vision visor and a removable Coolmax interior. RevZilla lists it at 3.86 lbs and $339.98.
Specialist brands
9. Klim: best adventure helmets
Klim makes light adventure helmets. The Krios Pro is listed as the first ADV-specific DOT helmet in North America to use KOROYD impact-absorbing technology, and weighs a listed 3.4 lbs ($749.99). See our best dual-sport helmets.
10. Biltwell: best retro style
Biltwell makes retro helmets for cruiser and custom riders. The Gringo S now carries ECE 22.06 certification, with an injection-molded ABS shell and a three-piece EPS liner (3.54 lbs listed). Compare it in our Bell Bullitt vs Biltwell Gringo guide.
The best helmet brand for how you ride
Asking for the best helmet usually means the best helmet for your kind of riding. This is where each brand above is strongest, with the model from our comparison table to start with:
| If you ride | Start with | Example model |
|---|---|---|
| Sport and street, premium | Shoei | RF-1400 |
| Long-distance touring, modular | Schuberth | C5 |
| Sport touring with a sun visor | AGV | K3 |
| Track days and fast road riding | HJC | RPHA 12N |
| Commuting on a budget | Bell | Qualifier |
| Snell certification for less | Scorpion | EXO-R430 |
| Adventure and dual sport | Klim | Krios Pro |
| Cruisers and customs | Biltwell | Gringo S |
For model-by-model picks across every budget, see our guide to the best motorcycle helmets, and use our helmet size calculator before you order.
How to choose a helmet brand
Fit first
Every brand designs around its own head forms, and some offer several shapes. Most mainstream helmets are intermediate oval; Arai and Schuberth are often praised by riders with rounder heads, and some brands make long-oval models. Try helmets on, and measure your head around the forehead.
Certification
In the US, look for DOT (FMVSS 218); the NHTSA explains how to check it. ECE 22.06 and Snell add independent lab testing, and the UK’s SHARP program publishes star ratings for many models.
Budget
Every brand above makes certified helmets. More money usually buys lighter weight, less noise, better ventilation and longer warranties. See our helmets under $200 and under $100 guides.
Style
Choose the brand that’s strong in your type of riding: Schuberth for modular touring, Klim for adventure, AGV for track, Biltwell for retro. For the overall picks, see the best motorcycle helmets.
Brand fit varies model to model, so if you have a wide head, start with our list of helmets for round head shapes. Riders with long, narrow heads should start with our guide to the best long oval motorcycle helmets, since most brands build for intermediate ovals.
FAQ
What is the safest motorcycle helmet brand?
No single brand is safest. Safety depends on the specific model and fit, so check its certifications and independent ratings like SHARP.
What is the best helmet brand overall?
Shoei is the best all-round premium brand for most riders, with Arai the alternative for round head shapes and hand-built shells. On a budget, Bell and Scorpion give the most for the money. The best helmet is still the one that fits your head shape.
Is Shoei better than Arai?
Both are top premium brands. Fit is usually the deciding factor, so try both if you can.
Are cheap helmet brands safe?
Certified helmets from reputable brands are designed to meet the same minimum standards. Avoid uncertified novelty helmets.
Which helmet brand has the best warranty?
It varies by brand and model. For example, Bell offers five years on the Qualifier. Check the warranty for the exact model you buy.
The bottom line
Shoei, Arai and Schuberth lead on premium quality, AGV and HJC on racing heritage and range, and Bell, Scorpion and LS2 on value, with Klim and Biltwell leading their niches. Choose the brand that fits your head and riding, then pick a model with the certification you want.
Browse all our helmet guides.
