The Best Motorcycle Helmets of 2026
Every helmet ranked by the KickTheStand score, protection, weight, noise and value consolidated from expert reviews. Verify certifications and fit before buying; a helmet that fits your head shape always beats one that merely scores well.
- 01Shoei · Full-Face
Shoei RF-1400
9.2The benchmark sport-touring full-face: quiet, aerodynamic and superbly finished, with the all-round refinement that keeps it the default premium pick.
DOT SNELL M2020- Price
- $579
- Weight
- 1453 g
- Shell
- Multi-Ply
- 02Arai · Full-Face
Arai Corsair-X
9.1Arai’s flagship race lid: a hand-built, round-smooth shell prized for protective philosophy and fit, if you can stomach the price and the fiddly visor change.
DOT SNELL M2020- Price
- $849
- Weight
- 1560 g
- Shell
- PB-SNC2
- 03AGV · Full-Face
AGV K6 S
9.0A featherweight, race-derived full-face that brings near-superbike helmet performance to the road for sensible money, light, airy and quick-steering.
ECE 22.06 DOTSHARP 5/5- Price
- $549
- Weight
- 1350 g
- Shell
- Carbon-aramid
- 04Shoei · Modular
Shoei Neotec 3
9.0The modular-touring benchmark: quiet, beautifully finished and packed with the sun visor and integrated comms that make big-mileage days effortless.
ECE 22.06 DOT- Price
- $799
- Weight
- 1730 g
- Shell
- Multi-Ply
- 05Klim · Adventure
Klim Krios Pro
8.9The lightweight ADV benchmark: a carbon shell that’s genuinely comfortable all day, aero-stable with the peak on, and one of the lightest do-it-all lids made.
ECE 22.06 DOT- Price
- $699
- Weight
- 1450 g
- Shell
- Koroyd
- 06Schuberth · Modular
Schuberth C5
8.8A flip-up tourer built around quietness and comms: the C5 pairs a slippery shell with a ready-to-go antenna system for riders who live on the motorway.
ECE 22.06 DOT- Price
- $699
- Weight
- 1640 g
- Shell
- Direct
- 07Arai · Adventure
Arai XD-5
8.7The adventure-touring default: Arai’s protective shell with a switchable peak/visor setup that works on tarmac, trail and in the dirt with goggles.
DOT SNELL M2020- Price
- $759
- Weight
- 1660 g
- Shell
- PB-cLc2
- 08HJC · Full-Face
HJC RPHA 12
8.5A genuine value-sport full-face that undercuts the premium names while delivering most of the performance, the smart pick for sporty riders on a budget.
ECE 22.06 DOT- Price
- $500
- Weight
- 1490 g
- Shell
- PIM
- 09Scorpion · Full-Face
Scorpion EXO-R420
7.8A sporty, well-equipped budget full-face that punches above its price with multiple shell sizes and a no-fog shield, a smart value step up from the cheapest lids.
DOT ECE 22.06- Price
- $160
- Weight
- 1610 g
- Shell
- Polycarbonate
- 10Bell · Full-Face
Bell Qualifier
7.4The default budget full-face: heavier and louder than premium lids, but safe, comfortable enough and astonishing value for a first or back-up helmet.
DOT ECE 22.05- Price
- $120
- Weight
- 1700 g
- Shell
- Polycarbonate
Prices are US MSRP and change; weights are the most-cited figure for a medium shell and vary by size. Always confirm the current certification and fit with the manufacturer or retailer.