Best Motorcycle Helmet Brands: Shoei, Arai, AGV, HJC and More Compared
The best motorcycle helmet brands are generally considered to be Shoei, Arai, AGV, HJC, Bell, Shark, Schuberth, Scorpion, LS2 and Nolan. Premium brands like Arai, Shoei and Schuberth are known for build quality and comfort, AGV and Shark for sporty and racing-derived designs, and HJC, Scorpion and LS2 for strong value. Brand matters less than safety certification and fit: in the U.S. every helmet must carry the DOT FMVSS 218 label, and many good helmets also meet ECE 22.06 (Europe’s newer, stricter standard) or Snell. Buy the helmet that fits your head shape snugly and meets these standards.
Choosing a motorcycle helmet can feel like choosing between logos. Price ranges run from under $100 to over $1,000, and every brand claims to be the safest. The good news is that a well-fitting, properly certified helmet from a mainstream brand protects you well at almost any price.
This guide compares the major helmet brands, explains the safety certifications and shows how to pick the right helmet for your riding.
Top Motorcycle Helmet Brands Compared
| Brand | Home country | Known for | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arai | Japan | Hand-built shells, comfort, rounder fit | Premium |
| Shoei | Japan | Quality, quiet ride, wide range | Premium |
| Schuberth | Germany | Quiet modular and touring helmets | Premium |
| AGV | Italy | Racing heritage, sport helmets | Mid to premium |
| Shark | France | Sporty designs, innovative features | Mid to premium |
| Bell | USA | Long history, classic and sport styles | Budget to premium |
| HJC | South Korea | Big range, strong value | Budget to mid |
| Scorpion | USA / Korea | Features for the price | Budget to mid |
| LS2 | China | Affordable, certified helmets | Budget |
| Nolan | Italy | Modular and touring helmets | Mid |
For specific models, see our roundups of the best motorcycle helmets and the best helmets for new riders.
Helmet Safety Certifications Explained
- DOT (FMVSS 218): the legal minimum for helmets sold in the U.S. Manufacturers self-certify, and NHTSA spot-tests helmets. Avoid “novelty” helmets without a genuine DOT label.
- ECE 22.06: the European standard that replaced ECE 22.05. It tests at multiple impact speeds and points and includes rotational impact tests, and it is widely seen as more demanding than DOT.
- Snell (M2020): a voluntary standard from the Snell Memorial Foundation, common on track-focused helmets.
- Many helmets carry more than one certification, such as DOT plus ECE 22.06.
How to Choose the Right Helmet
Full-face gives the most protection. Modular suits touring and glasses wearers. Open-face and half helmets offer less protection.
Look for a genuine DOT label in the U.S. and ideally ECE 22.06 or Snell as well.
Measure around your head just above the eyebrows and compare with the brand’s size chart.
Brands fit differently: some are rounder, some more oval. Try several on if you can.
It should feel snug all around with no pressure points, the cheek pads should press lightly, and it should not roll off when you push it with the strap fastened.
When to Replace a Motorcycle Helmet
- After any crash or hard impact, even if it looks fine.
- About every 5 years of regular use, or as the manufacturer recommends.
- When the liner is compressed and the fit becomes loose.
- Buy from authorized dealers to avoid counterfeit helmets.
- Wear the helmet for 20-30 minutes in the store before deciding.
- Bright colors improve your visibility to drivers.
- A pinlock anti-fog insert makes wet rides much safer.
Arai, Shoei, Schuberth, AGV, Shark, Bell, HJC, Scorpion, LS2 and Nolan are among the best-known motorcycle helmet brands. Pick a brand whose shape fits your head, choose a full-face or modular helmet for the best protection, and make sure it carries a genuine DOT label and ideally ECE 22.06 or Snell certification.
Motorcycle Helmet Brand FAQs
Arai, Shoei and Schuberth are often rated top for quality, while HJC, Bell and Scorpion offer excellent value. The best brand is the one that fits your head and meets safety standards.
Not always. Price adds comfort, weight savings and features. A properly fitted, certified mid-priced helmet still protects well.
DOT is the U.S. legal standard. ECE 22.06 is the newer European standard with more impact tests, including rotational tests.
Yes. HJC is one of the largest helmet makers and is known for certified helmets at good prices.
After any crash, and about every 5 years of regular use, or sooner if the fit gets loose.
A full-face helmet offers the most protection because it covers the chin and face.
- Top brands: Arai, Shoei, Schuberth, AGV, Shark.
- Value brands: HJC, Bell, Scorpion, LS2.
- DOT required, ECE 22.06 is a plus.
- Fit and head shape matter most.
- Replace after a crash or about 5 years.