Summary List Placement

  • Wearing a bike helmet is incredibly important for a cyclist’s safety, not only protecting their head in the event of a crash but being able to save their life, as well.
  • The best bike helmets offer some combination of a comfortable fit, protection from blunt and rotational impact, and high visibility.
  • Our top pick, POC’s Octal X SPIN, features excellent ventilation, a highly protective design, and enhanced visibility, among a few other great safety features.

Bike helmets aren’t the same polystyrene buckets of the past. They’ve since become so specialized that the helmet one might use for commuting differs greatly from what they might grab for a road bike ride – and that’s a good thing. Forget one-size-fits-all, it’s the variety and specialization of today’s helmets that allow different riders to find one suited perfectly to their needs.

Today’s cycling helmets can be aerodynamic, lightweight, visible, and, perhaps most important, highly protective. Ideally, you’d never get to the point where you need your helmet to perform its ultimate function (i.e. protecting your head) but no matter where you live, hopping on a bike comes with plenty of injury risk. Modern helmets dramatically reduce that risk, thanks to a rigorous set of standards (outlined at the end of this guide).

How to shop for a bike helmet

Since the jack-of-all-trades bike helmet is mostly a thing of the past, it’s important to consider the kind of riding you plan on doing before purchasing. If you’re a road biker, you’ll likely want one that’s aerodynamic and lightweight while commuters should opt for a helmet with some sort of built-in light or visibility marker.

Even if you’re just casually riding around your neighborhood, you still want to find the correct helmet (likely one that teeters more towards comfort than aerodynamics while still offering a premium level of protection). No matter your desired use case, we’ve tested a wide variety of bike helmets to find the ones best suited to those needs.

How we test

Each helmet picked in this guide went through a thorough testing process to determine if it's worthy of a recommendation (and, ultimately, your investment). To do this, we looked at a number of factors, consisting of comfort, fit, safety features, and value. Here's how each of those categories factored into what helmets made the cut:

  • Comfort: If a bike helmet isn't comfortable while worn, you'll be less inclined to want to throw it on, even if you're just quickly running to the store. The best bike helmets should certainly feel like you're wearing something but not to the point where you're either constantly adjusting it or counting down the seconds until you can take it off.
  • Fit: Similar in the way an uncomfortable helmet isn't ideal, an ill-fitting one is just as miserable. A poor fit can also jeopardize how well it keeps you safe in the event of a crash or direct impact. Many modern helmets feature adjustable sizing, too, allowing you to customize a perfectly dialed fit.
  • Safety features: How a bike helmet protects your head in a crash is, hands down, it's most important feature (and the entire reason why you're wearing a helmet in the first place). Look for safety features such as MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) or those with WaveCel technology, as these are advanced systems designed to reduce the force of impact on your head.
  • Value: A helmet's value is the combination of the categories that come before it (plus, of course, its price). If you're paying a premium sticker price, you should expect a premium product in terms of safety, fit, and comfort. Going the budget route isn't taboo but do make sure that if you're looking to save a few bucks, that the helmet you purchase is still effective at keeping you protected (we've included a reliable budget pick below, as well).

Of course, the most important element of a helmet is its protection against brain injury, though this isn't something we could reasonably test. However, the safest helmet is the one you always wear, so we tested the fit, ventilation, weight, and practicality of dozens of helmets to determine which are worth the investment.

Here are the best bike helmets:

Updated on 9/3/2020 by Rick Stella: Updated the section on how to shop for a bike helmet, included a rundown on how we test, added the Thousand Chapter as the best bike helmet with an included taillight, checked the availability of each helmet, and updated the prices and links where necessary.

The best bike helmet overall

The POC Octal X Spin is well ventilated, comfortable, and offers enhanced visibility and safety features that benefit cyclists and commuters alike.

Whether I'm riding a hundred miles on the road or five miles to the shops, the OCTAL X SPIN is the helmet I pick for 90% of my riding. POC is relatively new to the cycling industry, but its focus on safety, along with a distinctly Scandinavian aesthetic, won the brand a loyal following.

To make the Octal X SPIN, POC took its popular road cycling helmet, the Octal, and gave it a few tweaks to make it equally suitable for trail use. Along with a shell that fully covers the lining - a common feature of off-road helmets - POC added SPIN technology. SPIN, which stands for Shearing Pads Inside, is designed to protect against oblique impacts - something many standard helmets don't do well.

While CPSC regulations don't require protection against these impacts, POC offers SPIN tech to people who want protection above and beyond the legal minimum. The main function of a helmet is protecting your brain, so POC made this its main selling point for the Octal X SPIN.

Safety might be a good reason to pick the Octal X SPIN, but you won't be let down in terms of performance either.

The Octal X SPIN covers more of the back and sides of a wearer's head compared to a conventional road helmet. This makes the Octal a safer choice, especially for riding off-road where low-speed falls and hits to different parts of the head are likely.

Despite its larger size, the Octal doesn't feel heavy in use, and the scales confirm it weighs in at a very competitive 267 grams for medium. The larger footprint didn't seem to impact ventilation, either. Even on slow climbs, the helmet provides ample airflow.

Pros: Lightweight, well ventilated, highly visible, enhanced coverage and SPIN system for better protection

Cons: Some riders may have to size up from the non-SPIN models, the appearance will not appeal to everyone, POC's crash replacement policy is not as generous as some brands, expensive

The best budget bike helmet

Foto: Source: Amazon

The Bern FL1 Trail combines the styling of helmets five times its price with great venting and an adjustable fit for a performance that belies its incredible value.

It might seem counterproductive to throw hundreds of dollars on something designed to break. Luckily, all helmets approved for use in the US have to pass the same tests, meaning that while cheaper helmets might weigh more or offer less venting, they'll protect you just as much as their higher-end counterparts.

With the FL1 Trail, the compromises are minimal. Bern uses the same in-mold 18 vent construction as its top of the line helmets but manages to save money by using a non-brand-name adjustment dial on the rear closure mechanism.

The helmet also offers a visor to protect from rain, sun, and trailside vegetation. It doesn't feel that much different in use to more expensive helmets thanks to its light weight of just 271 grams, along with plenty of venting.

Pros: Great value, highly vented and adjustable, looks and weight on par with top brands

Cons: Sits a little high on the head, visor is not adjustable

The best high-end bike helmet

Foto: Source: Giro

Giro's Aether is a slimline helmet that doesn't compromise on breathability, aerodynamics, or safety, making it a great choice for racers.

Giro's long been synonymous with the highest level of performance in bike racing. Its helmets have won bike races in just about every category, and the brand has routinely innovated not just performance but also safety.

Two of the biggest trends in cycle helmets have been aerodynamics and multiple impact protection (MIPS) - each of which driven by Giro. Until recently, however, both required compromises resulting in racers often owning several helmets. Giro's aerodynamic models were fast on the flat but tended to be heavy and poorly vented, making them a bad choice for hill climbs.

The Aether is a no-compromises racing helmet. Instead of placing the MIPS layer by a rider's head, Giro sandwiched it between EPS foam layers, resulting in a more comfortable and aerodynamic helmet. Eleven vents make the helmet virtually disappear on climbs, too.

Of course, the Aether's best benefit is one nobody wants to test. Impact protection with the MIPS spherical system is better than ever before and now the helmet's fit and ventilation are uncompromised meaning that, should the worst happen, you'll always be the best protected.

A new Spherical MIPS system is built into the helmet and provides more impact protection and less inconvenience. The adjustable Roc-Loc 5 fit system means that the helmet will retain the fit.

Giro also claims the helmet is slightly more aerodynamic than its current Synthe model, and weight is roughly the same. Giro provides a handy sizing guide that should help you pick the right helmet size for your head, too.

Pros: One of the safest helmet son the market, lightweight and aerodynamic, comes in a variety of colors to match your bike or kit

Cons: The Aether is expensive, but you only get one brain, this is more of a road style helmet and off-road riders will have to wait for mountain bike appropriate model

The best portable bike helmet for bikeshare

Foto: Source: Closca

The Loop uses a unique design to reduce its size by almost 50%, making it perfect for stashing in your bag when you're not riding.

Most people who ride bike share bikes do so without helmets - it makes sense, too. It's not easy to carry around a full-sized helmet on the off chance you decide to rent a bike. This is where the Loop comes in.

It's as safe and comfortable as a regular helmet but when collapsed, it takes up just half the space in your bag. If you use bike share bikes regularly or as part of a daily commute, the Stack will quickly become something you never leave home without.

When in use, the Stack acts like any other bike helmet, complete with ventilation and an adjustable elastic fit strap. It passed the same set of stringent tests that determine its ability to prevent brain injury in the event of a crash or fall as any other helmet, too.

The Stack locks in its expanded position dependably and never collapsed during our testing. The hidden air vents and elastic strap make for a comfortable fit and it comes in two sizes and four colors, meaning there should be a combo for everyone.

The best aspect of the Loop is how it behaves when not in use. Instead of requiring a special tie-down on the outside of your backpack or hanging awkwardly off your messenger bag, the stack collapses into itself and can be stashed in a bag, drawer, or desk.

At only 330 grams, the Stack is light, too. If you use bike share systems or electric scooters on a regular basis, or intend to borrow a bike while traveling, this is a fantastic alternative to riding helmetless. At less than $80, it's also a cheap way to stay safe as you make your way around town.

Pros: Collapses to a smaller size, portable, easy to travel with, protective design, easy to use, great for bike share fans

Cons: Not as robust as some higher-quality models

The best bike helmet with included taillight

Foto: Source: Thousand

The Chapter from Thousand comes with an attachable 50-lumen rear taillight that's capable of running for up to one-hour of solid light or two hours of blinking light.

If you bike regularly, chances are you find yourself riding in low light (or even night) conditions quite often. Riding with a light attached to your bike is a common practice but having a light affixed to your helmet helps dramatically improve your visibility. Though more helmets are starting to come standard with light functionality, our favorite is the Chapter from Thousand.

The Chapter comes with a 50-lumen rear taillight that attaches magnetically to the back, of which can also be affixed to your bike via an included adapter. Fully charged, the light stays on for up to an hour in solid light mode, and up to two hours while blinking. The ability to pop on or off the taillight gives the helmet great versatility for the everyday rider, as it doesn't force you to lug it around every time you hop on your bike.

Other features include a small visor designed to improve your field of vision, Thousand's signature PopLock that allows you to attach it to your bike via your bike lock, and an easy-to-use magnetic clasp system for easy on and off. It also has MIPS built into the helmet for added safety against impacts.

What also sets the Chapter apart is its modern design. Thousand's made a name for itself designing stylish bike helmets and the Chapter continues that trend. The helmet comes in either an all-black colorway, a navy finish with a sort of tortoise shell visor, and a vibrant matte white with a rose gold visor.

Pros: Comes with a 50-lumen taillight that magnetically affixes to the back of the helmet or can attach to your bike, stylish design, features MIPS technology, easy to use clasp system

Cons: Light offers just one hour of battery life of solid light (though it does offer two hours of a blinking light)

The best bike helmet for commuters

Foto: Source: Lumos

The Lumos fits and feels like a regular helmet, but its host of high-tech features make it a great pick for anyone who rides in the dark.

For half the year, I ride home from work in the pitch black. I make every effort to light myself up like a Christmas tree with both flashing and steady rear and front lights, as well as reflective clothing. It wasn't until I tried the Lumos helmet that I realized drivers knowing where I was is only part of the safety equation. To be truly safe, they also need to know where I'm going.

When it's too dark for drivers to see hand signals indicating a change in direction, the Lumos uses an automatic rear warning light to signal braking and a handlebar-mounted signal to indicate changes in direction. Just like a car, the Lumos gives you red brake lights and orange turn signals.

The Lumos helmet also includes white LED lights on the front and red LEDs on the rear, meaning you're visible even when not braking or turning. When combined with a sensible outfit and bike lights, the Lumos really does feel like the safest way to get home in the dark.

While the Lumos helmet might lack the adjustability of truly high-end road helmets, it's designed more with commutes in mind and isn't likely to see much use in 100-mile road races.

Overall, the Lumos is not a replacement for lights but it is a great addition to the safety toolkit of any cycle commuter. If you're riding home in the dark, this helmet really stands out as a great choice for safety and visibility.

Pros: Highly visible and noticeable to drivers, wireless controls let you signal turns without taking your hands off the bars, easy setup, and a good fit

Cons: Proprietary charger, heavier than a standard helmet, lacks the adjustability of high-end helmets

How a helmet is tested

Foto:

In general, cycling helmets are designed to prevent a traumatic brain injury in the event of an impact. All helmets sold in the US must pass a Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC) test, meaning they satisfy certain criteria that help reduce the risk of brain injury.

There are generally four tests each helmet must pass. These tests are:

  • Peripheral Vision Test: A helmet must not block a rider's vision
  • Positional Stability Test: The helmet must not come off a rider's head during a fall
  • Retention Strength Test: A helmet's straps do not stretch too much to allow the helmet to come off during an accident
  • Impact Attenuation Test: The helmet is capable of significantly reducing how much force is exerted on a wearer's head when it hits a hard surface

In recent years, systems such as MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) and SPIN (Shearing Pads Inside) have been included in helmets to help prevent brain injuries stemming from multiple impacts or oblique collisions. These technologies go beyond CPSC requirements but can be helpful if a specific type of collision happens.

Check out our other bike gear guides

Foto: Source: Thule

The best bike racks for your car

High-quality bike racks install easily, make loading your bike an effortless task, and they keep your bike securely attached to your car.

While researching the best bike racks, we examined hundreds of expert and buyer reviews and ratings of dozens of brands. Our guide features racks that are user-friendly, can fit an array of bike types, and they keep your car from getting scratched up.

The best bike locks you can buy

Whether you live out in the country or in a major metropolitan area, there is no bike lock system that will stop a well-equipped thief. However, there are a number of locks that will either slow down or completely discourage a criminal. We've rounded up the best bike locks you can buy.

The best bike light you can buy

High-quality bike lights are bright enough to guide the way wherever you may roam, will last you for hours of riding, and you can easily release the light to take it with you.

While researching the best bike lights, we examined thousands of expert and buyer reviews and ratings of dozens of models. Our guide features lights that have demonstrated their durability, user-friendliness, and usefulness in a variety of situations.

The best bike fenders you can buy

High-quality bike fenders are easy to install, protect against all sorts of debris your tires may kick up, and don't rattle much while you're riding.

While researching the best bike fenders, we read through countless reviews and ratings from experts and buyers. Our guide features mudguards that will protect you and your bike frame from the elements, have an attractive appearance, and fit several types of bikes.