12 Best Motorcycle Helmet Brands Riders Can Trust
No single brand is the number one helmet maker, because the best choice depends on your head shape, budget and riding style. Shoei, Arai and AGV are the premium names most riders compare first. HJC, Bell, Scorpion and LS2 cover lower and middle price points.
This list is not a ranking from best to worst. It is a set of 12 brands riders widely buy, with what each is known for. I have not worn or tested any of these helmets myself, so where I mention test results I name the source. The shop links below are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission if you buy through them at no extra cost to you.
The 12 brands at a glance
| Brand | Home country | Founded (year) | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoei | Japan | 1959 | Wide range, RF line, made in Japan |
| AGV | Italy | 1947 | Racing pedigree, owned by Dainese since 2007 |
| Scorpion | n/a | 2004 | Affordable helmets, part of Kido Sports |
| Arai | Japan | 1937 | Racing history, Corsair-X |
| HJC | n/a | 1971 | Many price points, in-house wind tunnel |
| Bell | n/a | n/a | Budget to premium range |
| Nolan | Italy | 1972 | Flip-up helmets, N100-5 |
| Icon | n/a | 2002 | Bold graphics, Airflite |
| BILT | n/a | n/a | Helmets sold under its own name |
| Schuberth | Germany | n/a | Wind tunnel and acoustics lab, modular helmets |
| LS2 | n/a | n/a | Value helmets from track to scooter |
| Sedici | n/a | n/a | Several helmet styles |
The brands, one by one
1. Shoei
Shoei is a Japanese maker founded in 1959. Shoei Kako Co. still builds its helmets in Japan. The RF-1400 sits in its RF line, and the brand also sells sport, touring, open-face and off-road models. That breadth is why many riders start their search here. If you want one helmet to keep for years, I would shortlist Shoei.
2. AGV
AGV is an Italian brand founded in 1947 and owned by Dainese since 2007. It is closely tied to MotoGP through Valentino Rossi. The range runs from full-face race helmets to lighter options for casual riding, across several price levels.
3. Scorpion
ScorpionEXO is a division of Kido Sports, a Korean company that has made helmets since 2001. The Scorpion name dates from 2004. It aims at buyers who want good helmets at affordable prices, and the aerodynamic shapes suit sport and commuter riders.
4. Arai
Arai is a Japanese brand founded in 1937, with a long record in racing. It sells full-face and open-face helmets, and its helmets are DOT and Snell certified. The Corsair-X is the line riders mention most often.
5. HJC
HJC has made motorcycle helmets since 1971 and sells them from moderate to premium prices. It has its own wind tunnel for testing noise, aerodynamics and ventilation. Many HJC models have scored well in SHARP tests, so it suits riders who want a wide choice without paying top-tier money.
6. Bell
Bell has a long history in helmets and sells at many price points. It is known for offering well-rated helmets at lower prices than the luxury names. Its sizing and range suit riders of all experience levels.
7. Nolan
Nolan has made helmets in Italy since 1972, in its own facility. Its best seller is the N100-5, a flip-up with a Pinlock-ready wide visor, a flip-down sun screen and a design shaped for good aerodynamics. Riders who want a modular helmet should look at it.
8. Icon
Icon Motosports was founded in 2002 and is known for striking graphics. The Airflite is one of its best-selling lines. Icon helmets have not scored as well as some rivals in SHARP testing, so check the SHARP result for the exact model. The brand also sells jackets, gloves and boots.
9. BILT
BILT sells helmets under its own name. I have no SHARP results or founding history for it that I can stand behind, so judge a BILT helmet on its certification labels and your own fit.
10. Schuberth
Schuberth is a German maker. Its factory has a wind tunnel, a climate rig and an acoustics lab. The company also makes safety, police, fire, Formula 1 and military helmets. Its motorcycle range includes full-face, open-face and modular designs. For a direct look at its flip-up model against a Shoei rival, see our Schuberth C5 vs Shoei Neotec II comparison.
11. LS2
LS2 makes helmets for track, off-road, cruiser and scooter riders, and it is known for good value. It also appears in MotoGP and everyday commuting. That makes it a sensible pick if you want an affordable helmet from an established name.
12. Sedici
Sedici sells several helmet styles. As with BILT, I have no verified test data to cite, so treat it as a brand to check model by model.
Arai or Shoei, and HJC or Shoei
Both Arai and Shoei build helmets to meet or exceed safety standards, so neither wins on a simple label. Riders who prefer Arai often cite its attention to detail and racing record. Riders who prefer Shoei often cite its range and comfortable fit. Try both on, because shell shape decides more than the badge. Our guide to fitting a motorcycle helmet correctly explains how.
HJC against Shoei is mostly a price-bracket question. HJC sells from moderate to premium prices and has scored well in many SHARP tests. Shoei sits in the higher tier with a wider premium range. Compare the exact two models you are considering rather than the brands.
How to check a helmet’s safety record
SHARP is the UK helmet-testing scheme. It publishes results for individual models, which makes it one of the most useful data sources for comparing helmets. Look up the specific model, not just the brand.
Certification labels matter too. DOT is the legal requirement in the United States, but meeting it does not mean every DOT helmet protects equally. Snell and ECE use separate test sets, and many US riders treat Snell as the higher bar. Our explainer on DOT, ECE and Snell helmet standards covers what each label means.
Video: Best Premium Full Face Motorcycle Helmets at RevZilla.com (RevZilla)
RevZilla’s video above covers premium full-face helmets, which is the category where Shoei, Arai, AGV and Schuberth compete.
Matching a brand to how you ride
- Racing or sport riding: AGV and Arai have the strongest race links. Scorpion and HJC offer cheaper sport shapes.
- Touring and commuting: Shoei and Schuberth sell touring models. Nolan’s N100-5 is a flip-up for riders who want one.
- Tight budget: Bell, LS2, HJC and Scorpion are the lower-priced names on this list.
- Style first: Icon leads on graphics, but check its SHARP result for the exact model before buying.
The top 10 helmets question depends on the year and your budget. Our list of best motorcycle helmets for every rider names specific models. Also look into a brand’s customer service and warranty record through rider forums before you commit, since claims about durability vary between makers.
