When you get a motorcycle, the next priority is to get the best protective gear available even if you are going out for casual rides in the sun. Whether you are a cruiser motorcyclist, an adventure rider, or a speed lover, you are going to need a helmet.
A good helmet will protect you from injuries in the event of a crash and a better helmet will protect you from dust, reduce wind noise and keep the glaring sun out of your eyes but the best motorbike helmet will fit right, enable you to ride freely and experience the road like never before!
And guess what? You really do not need to put a dent in your wallet to get a motorbike helmet that offers the best value per cost and premium features that will take your riding game from zero to 100! Budget helmets do not have to be a compromise and in recent times, most helmet companies have introduced cost-effective models that look sleek, feature specialised technologies, and offer great structure.
We have listed down ten of the best-recommended helmet models available in the market, complete with their pros and cons. And not to worry, if you are a beginner at the track, we have detailed a brief guide too on what to consider before purchasing a motorbike helmet and all the features you should be on the lookout for!
The Best Budget Motorcycle Helmets
Getting a budget motorbike helmet can make passionate riders nervous, especially if they are a beginner. However, long gone are the days when cheap equaled compromise! Today, helmet companies have stepped up their game and most now, offer great quality, fit and comfort without causing a dent in your wallet! We have picked out the best-rated budget motorbike helmets available and detailed them all below for you.
1. Sedici Viaggio Mappa Helmet
Stylish Choice – Best for Dual Sports
The Sedici Viaggio Mappa motorbike helmet is one of the best-recommended helmets in the market if you are looking for a dual-sport, sleek MX-style lid for an adventure tour. It comes with
a flip-down sun visor, a face shield, and multiple vents for improved aerodynamics. Also, the interior is removable, washable, and padded for increased comfort.
The exterior is outfitted out of Hi-tech ABS that is also injection-moulded to provide lightweight durability. Along with the tinted visor and the face shield, the Viaggio Mappa dual-sport helmet is equipped with a removable peak which is also injection-moulded so riders can feel comfortable riding at high speeds on tough gravel.
Our Take:
The Sedici Viaggio Mappa motorbike helmet is perfect for motorcyclists that need a helmet for casual days out in the sun as well as for adventures in the wild mountains. It is easy to maintain and conveniently built for comfort.
2. Scorpion EXO-R420 Helmet
Editor’s Choice – Most Light Weight
Helmet manufacturers at Scorpion have been known to produce unique styles of motorcycle helmets and the EXO-R420 model is their newest arrival. Despite being constructed of an advanced LG polycarbonate shell, the Scorpion helmet only weighs 3 pounds! Its lightweight structure and full-face style make it one of the best helmets for young and beginner riders. Also, the vents are plenty, cheek pads are removable and the inner liner is washable!
Our Take:
The EXO-R420 helmet by Scorpion is one of the most lightweight helmets available in the market, complete with a high-quality construction that is also SNELL-approved. If there’s one helmet you can choose with your eyes closed, it is this one.
3. HJC C70 Helmet
Value Choice – Most Comfortable
The HJC C70 crash helmet replaced HJC’s best-selling and featured helmet and that too, at three times the lower cost! With a tough polycarbonate shell, a drop-down visor included with a pin-lock, and a quick release system using a micrometric fastener; the C70 crash motorbike helmet is a definite all-rounder!
Our Take:
The HJC C70 crash motorbike helmet is among the leading budget full-face headshells for its comfortable interior, tough exterior, and aerodynamic system.
4. AFX FX-50 Helmet
Unique Choice – Best Networking
The AFX FX-50 motorbike helmet, also an open-face style, is constructed of a polycarbonate shell and features a drop-down sun visor and a retractable visor. Also, it has four air vents included and comm system pockets too, allowing speed rides through tough terrains without feeling too hot and staying connected with friends.
Our Take:
The AFX FX-50 is a great pick for urban motorcyclists looking for a helmet with a great ventilation system, protection from the glaring sun, and speaker pockets in a budget-friendly investment.
5. Bell Qualifier Helmet
All-Rounder’s Choice – Best Ventilation
Trusted for over half a century, Bell helmets are a household name and their Qualifier model is nothing short of amazing! Constructed of a polycarbonate shell, an ABS material with a Bell NutraFog II visor shield, and vents at the top, back, and front, the Bell Qualifier full-face helmet is an all-rounder in terms of quality. The helmet’s inner liner is easy to remove and washable by hand. Also, it comes with speaker pockets and a padded wind collar!
Our Take:
The Bell Qualifier is a high-quality, well-ventilated, and easy-to-clean motorbike helmet, perfect for experienced riders, beginner motorcyclists, and those looking to replace their current lids.
6. Fly Racing Youth Kinetic Pro Trey Carnard Helmet
Best Overall – Best for Daily Wear
The Fly Racing Pro Trey motorbike helmet is built with a poly-alloy shell with not one but two layers of multi-density EPS foam inside. Getting this level of protection at such a budget-friendly cost is rare, if not impossible! It comes with a sporty design with a hi-flow mouthpiece, a micrometric fastener as well as an interior that is fully removable and washable. The ventilation system is massive. Built with the EPS foam and cheek padding are ten vents situated intelligently so every ride is as cooling as it is aerodynamic.
Our Take:
The Fly Racing Youth Kinetic Pro Trey helmet is the best-structured lid available on the market. With innovative features and a sporty design, riders can look cool and be safe while riding through murky mountains, tough terrains, or paved roads.
7. Answer Youth AR1 Solid Helmet
Durable Choice – Most Convenient
The Answer Youth AR1 motorbike helmet is the most optimal pick in terms of safety. Along with a polycarbonate shell, it includes a multi-density internal shock-absorbing EPS foam for extra protection! Additionally, the interior comes lined with a microfiber fabric and a multi-point front air intake with four rear exhaust outlets and a flexible rubber nose piece to deflect the roost.
Our Take:
The Answer Youth AR1 motorcycle helmet leads the market with its durable shell, and great features on offer at the best value on a budget. It is aerodynamic, tough, and very convenient for urban and adventure motorcyclists.
8. BILT Lux Race Helmet
High-Quality Choice – Easy to Maintain
The BILT Lux Race motorbike helmet is an ABS-shelled lid with a sleek structure and great comfort. With a dual-density EPS liner and a micrometric fastener, the MDS M13 does not compromise safety. As for comfort, it has ventilation in the chin bar, rear exhaust outlets, and an interior that is fully removable and washable!
Our Take:
The BILT Lux Race helmet is AGV’s best-designed model offering great value for its price. The build is amazing, the comfort is top-notch and the ventilation mechanism is competitive. This helmet is perfect if you are looking for a basic, full-face high-quality lid to ride with.
9. GMax GM38 Motorcycle Helmet
Our Top Pick – Best Noise Cancellation
The GMax GM38 is a full-face helmet crafted out of sturdy polycarbonate that is as resilient as it is lightweight. Other than its impact protection technology being top-notch, it comes with a large eye port that eliminates fog and holds onto the rider’s head using a micrometric fastener making it comfy and aerodynamic.
Speaking of fog, a Dual Exhaust Venting System is built-in in the GM38 helmet to wick away moisture from the face shield and reduce fog so visibility is maximised even in low-light conditions. The full-face helmet is specially designed to cancel out wind noise using thick cheek padding, great sealant on the shield, and a neck curtain.
Our Take:
The GMax GM38 motorbike helmet is one of the best picks for motorcyclists that need an aerodynamic, comfortable, and great-fitting helmet with excellent impact protection at a low price!
10. LS2 OF569 Track Helmet
Optimal Choice – Best Protection
The LS2 OF569 Track motorbike helmet is a 4-star open-face helmet, with features including a High-Pressure Thermoplastic Technology shell that improves impact protection, a drop-down sun visor for sunny days, as well as a removable and washable liner for easy breathing.
Our Take:
The LS2 OF569 helmet, though an open-face style, provides great protection using the HPTT shell and promotes aerodynamic performance through its multiple vents, washable liners, and quick-release chin strap.
What To Consider Before Buying A Budget Motorcycle Helmet
Did you know that the price of a helmet does not determine its quality? You could get the most expensive motorbike helmet available and it still may not be right for you! So, how can you choose the perfect motorbike helmet? Well, to answer this question, we have jotted down a brief guide below to help you purchase a helmet that meets your needs.
Usage
Before zeroing in on a motorbike helmet, think about where you will be riding your days and nights. For instance, if you are travelling long distances, you will need a helmet that cancels out wind noise well or if you are touring with a group, you are going to need a helmet that supports Bluetooth. Following are three basic helmets available for different use cases to keep in mind:
Recreational bike helmets
Usually budget-friendly, these helmets prioritise impact protection and are best used for casual riding.
Road bike helmets
Optimal pick for long-distance riders, these helmets are well-ventilated, quiet, and lightweight.
Mountain bike helmets
Made for adventure motorcyclists, these helmets include extra protection on the back, great ventilation, and a visor system.
Types of Motorcycle Helmets
Along with the usage, figure out the type of helmet that will work best with your riding needs. There are three types of helmets available for moto-riders and each of them has been described below:
Open face helmets
Best for casual riders and riders with claustrophobia, open-face helmets come without chin protection. They allow riders to be more aware of their surrounding noise, and movement and cuts down on extra blind spots. Open-face helmets are great during summers as the increased airflow keeps the head cool and well-ventilated. They usually have long visors to keep your eyes shielded from dust.
Full face helmets
Perfect for all types of motorcyclists, full-face helmets offer the best impact protection, shield riders from the glaring sun using an attached visor, and lower the noise level significantly. They are usually mandatory for mountain rides because of the increased dust, grime and risk involved.
Flip front helmets
Also known as modular helmets, flip-front helmets are a good choice for riders looking for a lid that has the protective features of a full-coverage helmet and the freedom of an open-face helmet. The benefit is awarded by adding a removable chin bar (best for enduro riding) or a removable chin curtain (good for urban cruises).
Sizing
The best motorbike helmet in the market may not be the best one for you. Why? Simply because it may not be fitting you well. The fit of a moto helmet is the most important concern when going to purchase one.
If you opt for a full-face helmet, a good fit will be when your cheeks stay put with the helmet’s padding even if you move your head from side to side and no more than two fingers fit between your jaw and the helmet when you have buckled in the chin strap.
For all other types of helmets, make sure your head does not move side to side freely inside the helmet and the helmet does not come off easily when pushed from the back or through the chin strap. However, remember that the helmet that seems to fit well on you should not cause pressure on the head or any sort of pain while wearing it, even while travelling long distances. It should feel snug, not stuck.
When buying online, always measure your head circumference first, by wrapping a tape measure around the largest portion of your head (usually one inch above your eyebrows) and then finding an equivalent size using the guide given with the respective helmet. If you find yourself in between sizes, always go for the smaller size.
Weight
The weight of a motorbike helmet is the second most important concern after its fitting. The overall structure of the helmet should be evenly distributed from the back of your head to the front of the head and down to your shoulders.
A lightweight helmet may not be the best fitting helmet for you and may cause neck strain. It all depends on your head shape and the complementing weight of the motorbike helmet.
Features To Look Out For In A Motorcycle Helmet
Generally, most motorcyclists look for a helmet that has multiple adjustable outlets for good ventilation, removable lining for convenience, wind tunnel-tested design for reduced noise level, micrometric fasteners, and cheek pads for ideal comfort. Other features that can top up your riding experience are described below:
Outer and Inner Shell
Most motorcycle helmets come with an ABS shell and though it does offer good impact protection, we recommend going the extra mile and looking for fibreglass or a thermoplastic outer shell. If it’s multilayered, you are in for a treat! As for internal protection, look for helmets that are constructed using a multi-element shock absorber with differentiated densities for added safety.
Interior Liner
The interior lining of the helmet is also considered important when choosing a helmet. As it will attract dust, sweat, and grime from the gravel of the roads, make sure the lining is breathable, removable, washable, and stitched with a moisture-wicking, anti-sweat microfiber fabric.
Visor
The visor, usually found in full-face helmets and some flip-front helmets, enables riders to view their surroundings well and block out wind noise and fog when riding. Look for a helmet with a visor that adjusts easily for good airflow, allows peripheral vision, and is anti-scratch and UV-resistant. If fog is your main concern, look for a pin lock-ready visor and if the sun gets too hot where you live, consider a helmet that has an internal drop-down sun visor.
Specialised Technologies
Safety of the rider is a helmet’s main priority and though most basic helmets have great impact protection, they do not take into account rotational forces that can be a cause of injury during accidents. To combat this, companies have introduced specialised technologies that offer increased safety and protection against rotational force injury. Here are some of them:
MIPS technology
Features a low-friction layer that enables the internal foam layer to rotate slightly in the event of a crash and redirect the rotational forces. Motorcycle helmets with MIPS technology integrated protect the rider’s noggin from a concussion and lessen its chances of occurrence considerably.
WaveCel technology
Features a honeycombed lining that absorbs all impact forces including rotational energy and essentially becomes a crumple zone. It has been shown to be more effective than MIPS as it reduces linear impact forces as well.
SPIN technology
Features multiple pads injected with silicone inside the outer shell and they minimise rotational forces by moving in an engineered structure. As the pads are removable and washable, helmets with SPIN technology are generally more convenient to have.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I wear a motorcycle helmet with glasses?
Of course, motorcycle helmets have been engineered to include all types of accessibility from glasses to speakers to even cameras. Flip-front helmets are a popular choice among eyeglass-wearers for their convenience and they usually have grooves near the lining of the internal padding to fit the glasses. On the other hand, if you choose to wear contact lenses, go for a full-face motorbike helmet so the lenses do not dry out from the wind and stay protected against dust.
How can I use my flashlight and camera with a motorcycle helmet?
Most motorcycle helmets do not have a specific inlet or an attachment to hold flashlights and cameras; however, you can find motorbike helmets that have been engineered to let riders snap in a mount which will then be used to hold a camera or a flashlight. Look for helmets with ‘mount compatibility’ when going to purchase one.
What motorcycle helmet works best in the summers?
If you live in a hot climate or plan to tour areas where summers are regular, motorcycle helmets with good ventilation must be your priority. Open-face helmets are an obvious choice but they do not offer as much protection, you may want to go for a modular or a flip-front helmet for a better experience. If you opt for a full-coverage helmet, make sure it has plentiful exhausts and inlets for ventilation. Also, having an anti-sweat, moisture-wicking liner with a drop-down UV-resistant visor is going to take your riding experience from better to best!
How to take care of a motorcycle helmet?
Motorcycle helmets are usually very easy to maintain and last long when taken care of properly. To clean the outer shell, all you need is soap, water, and a regular sponge. The padding on the inside is usually removable, make sure to read the company’s guidelines on how to wash them. Also, avoid storing the helmet in heated areas as it can damage the exterior and may potentially cause harm while riding.
How often do I need to replace my motorcycle helmet?
Motorcycle helmets usually last a very long time however, regular use, excessive storage, UV exposure, and pollution can all weather down its exterior and impact protection abilities affecting their quality over time. So, as a rule of thumb, it is generally recommended to replace your moto helmet every five years and to get a new one immediately after an accident even if the helmet appears to be undamaged and neat.
Final Thoughts
Having a helmet is always better than having no helmet. By going through this comprehensive guide, you will have found the answer to most, if not all, of your questions and be able to scour through ten of the best-recommended budget motorcycle helmets that offer great value per cost, feature high-quality build and premium construction because cheap should not equal compromise and frankly, you deserve the best there is to invest in!
Brad Mitchell is a seasoned motorcycle enthusiast with over 16 years of riding experience. He’s spent countless hours on the open road, particularly favoring scenic routes aboard his trusted Harley-Davidson. Brad’s laid-back approach to life and riding gives him a unique perspective on motorcycle gear and safety, which he shares through his in-depth reviews and expert advice on ProtectiveGearz.