Comfort is one of the most important features that any motorcycle riders must keep in mind whenever choosing a new helmet. A fact is that this feature is decided by lots of elements, such as the helmet weight, ergonomics, padding, and fit.
To find out the most comfortable motorcycle helmets, this guide will help you.
Here are the most comfortable motorcycle helmets you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall (Full Face Motorcycle Helmets): O'Neal - 0817-C14
- Most Durable (Full Face Motorcycle Helmets): AGV K1 Helmet
- Stylish (Full Face Motorcycle Helmets): GDM DK-140
- Best Overall (Half Face Motorcycle Helmets): Vega Helmets Unisex-Adult Half Size Motorcycle Helmet
- Lightweight (Half Face Motorcycle Helmets): ILM Half Motorcycle Helmet
- Best For Round-Shaped Head (Half Face Motorcycle Helmets): GLX Unisex-Adult Size M14
- Best For Small Heads (Open Face Motorcycle Helmets): Core Vintage Open Face Helmet
- Best For Big Heads (Open Face Motorcycle Helmets): ILM 3/4 Open Face Motorcycle Helmet
- Vintage-Style (Open Face Motorcycle Helmets): Westt Vintage Motorcycle Helmet
| 9 Most Comfortable Motorcycle Helmets | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | O'Neal - 0817-C14
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Most Durable | AGV K1 Helmet
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Stylish | GDM DK-140
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Best Overall | Vega Helmets Unisex-Adult Half Size Motorcycle Helmet
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Lightweight | ILM Half Motorcycle Helmet
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Best For Round-Shaped Head | GLX Unisex-Adult Size M14
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Best For Small Heads | Core Vintage Open Face Helmet
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Best For Big Heads | ILM 3/4 Open Face Motorcycle Helmet
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Vintage-Style | Westt Vintage Motorcycle Helmet
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Best Overall (Full Face Motorcycle Helmets): O'Neal - 0817-C14
- Supportive and ultra-breathable – comfortable, moisture-wicking liner & air vents
- Safe - built-in face shield & padded chin strap with Double-D lock
- Reliable - meets ECE 22.05 and DOT standards
- No holes for SENA Bluetooth speaker inside the helmet
- A bit struggling to mount a go pro straight on its chin strap – it isn’t flat
Whether for adventure, side-by-side, Enduro, or street bike’s replacement parts, this full-face helmet by O’Neal is always our best go-to.
Its exterior is 100% high-grade ABS material while the interior is padded with a comfortable, moisture-wicking liner that also has detachable/washable air channels for extra breathability.
To ensure the helmet’s safety, O’Neal adds to it a padded chin strap with a Double-D lock as well as a built-in face shield.
It also meets ECE 22.05 and DOT standards.
| O'Neal - 0817-C14 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 3.65 pounds |
Dimension | 15.75 x 12.6 x 10.63 inches |
Material | ABS |
Highlight Features | Comfortable, moisture-wicking liner & air vents Built-in face shield & padded chin strap with Double-D lock Meets ECE 22.05 and DOT standards |
If you’re looking for a high-quality motorcycle full-face helmet that offers top-notch protection, quality, and security, the O'Neal - 0817-C14 has them all.
Most Durable (Full Face Motorcycle Helmets): AGV K1 Helmet
- Rugged, tough, and heavy-duty - AGV racing technology
- Fit great - Aerodynamic shape
- Less wind noise - wind-tunnel-tested spoiler & racing-developed front air vents
- The visor isn’t fog-proof
The K1 is the brand’s latest helmet design ready for all road experience, especially everyday riding challenges.
Compared to other counterparts at the same pricing, this one is outstanding for its superior overall performance. One of the key things to help it achieve that is the AGV racing technology.
It enhances the spoiler (which is also wind tunnel tested), air vents, and shape. With a more aerodynamic construction, the helmet brings a great fit to its user.
In a pinch, this option gives you a solid, durable feel whereas it’s very lightweight to not strain your head down.
Many customers also reviewed that this one cut through the air very nicely.
| AGV K1 Helmet Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 6.22 Pounds |
Dimension | 16 x 12 x 11.25 inches |
Material | Plastic |
Highlight Features | AGV racing technology, wind-tunnel-tested spoiler, & racing-developed front air vents Aerodynamic shape |
The unparalleled durability in the AGV K1 Helmet allows it to withstand all-road experience while keeping great lightness to avoid bringing discomfort to you.
Stylish (Full Face Motorcycle Helmets): GDM DK-140
- Stylish - six different style options
- Comfortable, ideal for allergy-sufferers, and fit great - ergonomic shape & antimicrobial and hypo-allergenic nylon pads
- Easy to clean – all pads are removable and washable
- Extra protection to your face - scratch-resistant and UV-protection face shield
- It has a whistling effect when riding at speeds over 25MPH
- The visor isn’t fog-proof
- The base of the helmet is tight
Looking for a stylish and comfortable motorcycle full-face helmet without flattening your wallet? The GDM DK-140 fits snugly the bill.
It offers six different style options with two shell colors and three shield designs to choose from. But regardless of your choice, it is always DOT FMVSS-218 Certified for safety.
Despite the low price point, it’s still built to last.
Aside from the ergonomic shape, lightweight compound material, and liner with air vents, it has comfortable cheek pads. What’s worth mentioning is they’re made of antimicrobial and hypo-allergenic nylon, all of which are detachable and washable.
The face shield is also improved to be scratch-resistant and UV-protection.
| GDM DK-140 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 4 pounds |
Dimension | 16 x 12 x 12 inches |
Material | composite poly-alloy |
Highlight Features | Six different style options Ergonomic shape & antimicrobial and hypo-allergenic nylon pads All pads are removable and washable Scratch-resistant and UV-protection face shield |
While giving you the highest quality for longevity and safety, the GDM DK-140 keeps everything at the lowest price point. Yet, it doesn’t sacrifice its stylish look.
Best Overall (Half Face Motorcycle Helmets): Vega Helmets Unisex-Adult Half Size Motorcycle Helmet
- Dependable and safe – an industry-leading 5-year warranty & meets US DOT FMVSS 218 safety regulations
- Universal fit - a size-adjustment dial system
- Good impact absorption, support, and breathability - channeled EPS and advanced moisture-wicking inner pads
- Not for people in a tight budget
The Vega Helmet gets top of the line for its industry-leading 5-year warranty, and it also meets US DOT FMVSS 218 safety regulations.
On the other hand, the optically correct drop-down sunshield and a size-adjustment dial system enhance your fit as well as face protection against UV rays, debris, and others.
Its interior also features shock-absorption channeled EPS and advanced moisture-wicking inner pads for extra comfort and breathability. The quick-release chin strap is padded.
| Vega Helmets Unisex-Adult Half Size Motorcycle Helmet Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2.89 pounds |
Dimension | 12.5 x 9.4 x 7.2 inches |
Material | EPS liner & ABS |
Highlight Features | An industry-leading 5-year warranty & meets US DOT FMVSS 218 safety regulations A size-adjustment dial system Channeled EPS and advanced moisture-wicking inner pads |
Feature compact, custom-fit, lightweight, and small design, we find this option to be the best overall performer for 2020.
Lightweight (Half Face Motorcycle Helmets): ILM Half Motorcycle Helmet
- Effortlessly carried under your arm, under a bike seat, or easily slipped into a backpack – weigh only 2.3 pounds
- Look stylish and sleek – two choices: glossy black or matte black
- Not for small heads
- Adjusting the strap has been a little problematic
While meeting all safety standards, the ILM Half Motorcycle Helmet is incredibly lightweight. It’s perfect for long motorcycle riding trips where your head isn’t strained down by the helmet weight.
Besides, its compact footprint makes it effortlessly carried under your arm, under a bike seat, or easily slipped into a backpack.
We also believe that whether your choice is the glossy black or matte black, it will look sleek with any bike.
| ILM Half Motorcycle Helmet Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2.03 lbs. |
Dimension | 11.65 x 9.53 x 7.09 inches |
Material | ABS |
Highlight Features | Weigh only 2.3 pounds Two choices: glossy black or matte black DOT FMVSS.218 certified |
Weighing only around 2 pounds with no compromise of quality, safety, or durability, the ILM Half Motorcycle Helmet is built for riding light.
Best For Round-Shaped Head (Half Face Motorcycle Helmets): GLX Unisex-Adult Size M14
- Ideal for a rough-shaped head – round-shaped interior
- Extra durability and stylish look - high-grade synthetic leather built along the internal padding’s lower edge
- Enhance your communication while riding - additional integrated compartments
- Quite tight on glasses arms
- A bit heavy
Designed with a round shape on the inside, the GLX Unisex-Adult Size M14 is a good match for people who have a normal oval to round shaped head.
While its interior is added with removable/washable microfiber padding for your comfort enhancement, we find that there’s some high-grade synthetic leather built along its lower edge. The purpose is for extra durability as well as adding a touch of style.
What we like the most about this helmet is its additional integrated compartments for your audio enhancement equipment.
Besides, it has a built-in sun shield with 99% UV protection.
| GLX Unisex-Adult Size M14 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2.1 pounds |
Dimension | 12.75 x 9.8 x 8 inches |
Material | Premium synthetic leather, microfiber, and ABS |
Highlight Features | Round-shaped interior High-grade synthetic leather built along the internal padding’s lower edge Additional integrated compartments |
We highly recommend the GLX Unisex-Adult Size M14 for those riders who have a normal oval to round shaped head.
Best For Small Heads (Open Face Motorcycle Helmets): Core Vintage Open Face Helmet
- Good at providing comfort and wind noise reduction - plush breathable two-tone brushed nylon inner padding
- Extra durability - a shock-proof, reliable shell with premium, scratch-protection automotive paint
- Heavy
There are five size options available in this model for custom-fit and especially, it doesn’t look like a ridiculous mushroom on small heads.
Aside from a shock-proof, reliable shell, it highlights plush breathable two-tone brushed nylon inner padding for both comfort and wind noise reduction. The fit of the helmet is easy on and off, and straps are easy to use.
The shell is coated with premium, scratch-protection automotive paint, making it last a lot longer.
| Core Vintage Open Face Helmet Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 4 pounds |
Dimension | 11.5 x 10.98 x 10.51 inches |
Material | an injection thermoplastic alloy shell |
Highlight Features | 5 size options Plush breathable two-tone brushed nylon inner padding A shock-proof, reliable shell with premium, scratch-protection automotive paint |
For small heads, the affordable price for a quality DOT helmet with great custom-fit makes this a steal.
Best For Big Heads (Open Face Motorcycle Helmets): ILM 3/4 Open Face Motorcycle Helmet
- Offer a wide field of visibility – retractable visor
- Keep your head cool - superior ventilation
- Ideal for big heads – available in size L and XL
- The strap is a bit hard to undo at first
This open-face helmet is available in size L and XL, along with an adjustable chin strap and good padding, making it perfect for big heads.
Just like other ¾ helmet designs, this comes with a retractable visor that can snap off to protect your face against sunlight, UV rays, and debris or snap-on for better vision.
Of course, it’s designed to meet DOT FMVSS-218 safety standards.
But our most favorite thing about this option is its superior ventilation to keep your head cool, even riding under scorching hot summer days or long trips.
| ILM 3/4 Open Face Motorcycle Helmet Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 3.5 Pounds |
Dimension | 12.99 x 9.45 x 9.45 inches |
Material | ABS shell and Multi-Density EPS |
Highlight Features | Retractable visor Superior ventilation Available in size L and XL |
Don’t worry that this motorcycle helmet doesn’t fit your big head! It’s available in size L and XL.
Vintage-Style (Open Face Motorcycle Helmets): Westt Vintage Motorcycle Helmet
- Vintage, retro look - sunglasses-style sun shield visor and minimalist, all-black design
- No pressure point of fatigue when wearing this helmet – weighs only 2 pounds
- Easy to undo the buckle even when wearing gloves - quick-release buckle design
- Slightly costly
This option is for those riders who particularly like a vintage-style open-face helmet.
The sunglasses-style sun shield visor and minimalist, the all-black design gives it a perfect retro look and can fit any classic motorcycle. Another notable thing is its lightness, only two pounds – ½ the weight of the CORE above, making it a lot comfier and stress-free to wear.
But rest assured, it’s designed to meet all the DOT FMVSS No.218 safety standards.
A bonus is its quick-release buckle is easy to use, even if you’re wearing gloves.
| Westt Vintage Motorcycle Helmet Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2 lbs. |
Dimension | 11.5 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches |
Material | ABS |
Highlight Features | Sunglasses-style sun shield visor and minimalist, all-black design Weigh only 2 pounds Quick-release buckle design |
We love the Westt Vintage Motorcycle Helmet for its beautiful vintage-style design while its construction still achieves all the required safety standards.
How To Choose The Most Comfortable Motorcycle Helmet?
Fit & Foam Padding
A properly fitted motorcycle helmet not only plays the main part in your comfort but also in the outcome of an accident. So, finding the right fit for a helmet must be considered carefully.
Determine your head size first (see below video) as well as your head shape (round oval, long oval, or intermediate oval).
Then, compare the measurement with the size of specific motorcycle helmet manufacturers to figure out a match. Remember that each brand has its own sizing charts for their helmets.
We highly recommend going for a motorcycle helmet with removable/adjustable internal foam padding as well as the cheek pads for custom-fit. It should fit snugly around your face and head with no pressure points.
Bonus: Choose a chin strap with multiple adjustments, ease of lock/unlock, and well-padded foam.
Wind Reduction
One of the most common issues when riding a motorcycle at high speeds (usually above 25MPH) is wind noise. It might interference you from hearing the surrounding sounds, such as other vehicles’ horns, which decreases your safety.
Helmet’s Weight
The weight of a motorcycle helmet plays a huge role in your comfort while riding. Its heft decides on the levels of pressure put on your head, neck, and spinal. You might not figure out the effect of this element until you’re taking a longer ride trip.
Some heavy helmets might cause head pain or neck pain if you’re a frequent motorcyclist.
Which Brands Make The Most Comfortable Motorcycle Helmet?
O’Neal
One of the most reliable motorcycle helmet manufacturers at the current with a rich history (over 50 years), and they’re well-known for practicality, top-notch quality, and comfort.
AGV
This Italian motorcycle helmet manufacturer was established in 1947 by Gino Amisano, and now they’re owned by Investcorp. What exactly has raised up their reputation is the signature AGV’s technical development and construction.
Vega
Vega is an Indian company (founded in 1982) specializing in manufacturing helmets. One of the key elements that help you compete with other world leaders in the reinforced quality features, especially the fiberglass and carbon fiber technology.
FAQs
What is the most comfortable type of motorcycle helmet?
There are three most comfortable types of motorcycle helmets – the full-face, the half-face, and the open-face, with specific strengths and weaknesses.
Why does a helmet need to be lightweight?
The reason is very simple! Lightweight helmets put less strain and pressure on your head, neck, and even spinal so during long trips, these body parts will suffer less fatigue, resulting in less pain, more comfort.
Do you have to spend much on a comfortable motorcycle helmet?
It depends on your need in terms of the “comfort” of a motorcycle helmet. If this element matters most in your standards when choosing one, then it’s worth investing much on it and vice versa.
Do comfortable motorcycle helmets last longer?
These two elements aren’t relevant to each other. The longevity of a motorcycle helmet is decided by its materials and constructions while comfort levels are more about the helmet’s padding, ergonomics, and others.
Should you replace a helmet if you drop it?
Yes, you should. After any crash, replacing your helmet is a must because its foam part is designed for only one-time use.
Conclusion
We have been researching, testing, and retesting popular motorcycle helmets for months and even years to give you the best options available on the market. This most recent round of candidates is not an exception.
We hope that our review roster has helped you find out the most comfortable motorcycle helmets that suit your needs, budget, and style.
Nancy Lang
