PennyGeeks

Last Updated: February 23, 2021

Countless bicycle riders are severely injured every year because they weren’t wearing helmets. We looked at hundreds of designs to find the best bicycle helmets in terms of technology, comfort, test results, and user reviews. Whether you’re a commuter cyclist, avid mountain biker, BMXer, or just need protective gear for your little one, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for on this page. When the dust settled, the following helmets made the cut:

• Giro Montaro MIPS MTB Helmet
• Kask Mojito Helmet
• Abus Hyban Urban Helmet
• Bell Sequence Bicycle Mountain Helmet
• ROCKBROS Road Bike Helmet
• Shinmax Bike Helmet with USB Rechargeable LED Light
• TeamObsidian Airflow Bike Helmet
• LIVALL MT1 Smart Helmet
• Kids Helmets Children’s Multi-Sport Helmet
• KIDS Bike Helmet – Adjustable from Toddler to Youth Size
• Giro Me2 Infant/Toddler Bike Helmet
• Kask Protone
• Lumos Smart Bike Helmet
• Brooks England Foldable Helmet
• Kali Protectives Maraka XC Helmet

On this page, you’ll find:

• Best Bicycle Helmets Overall
• Best Bicycle Helmets Under $100
• Best Bicycle Helmets for Adults
• Best Bicycle Helmets for Large Heads
• Best Bicycle Helmets for Toddlers
• Best Bicycle Helmets for Commuters
• Best Bicycle Helmets for Safety

Best Bicycle Helmets Overall

Giro Montaro MIPS MTB Helmet

Adequate head protection is just as important on the trail as it is on the tar. Giro’s sleek Montaro MIPS MTB helmet is designed with the off-road adventurer in mind. Featuring a state-of-the-art ventilation system – this model has 16 vents throughout the design – the Montaro MIPS will keep you cool, whether you’re tackling a grueling climb or focusing on staying vertical as you hurtle down a tricky descent.

Adequate head protection is just as important on the trail as it is on the tar. Giro’s sleek Montaro MIPS MTB helmet is designed with the off-road adventurer in mind. Featuring a state-of-the-art ventilation system – this model has 16 vents throughout the design – the Montaro MIPS will keep you cool, whether you’re tackling a grueling climb or focusing on staying vertical as you hurtle down a tricky descent.

The helmet is outfitted with anti-microbial, hydrophilic pads that absorb sweat and wick away moisture, keeping you dry from start to summit. Our favorite feature: the Montaro MIPS has full goggle interaction, with specialized grippers on the back to keep your eye protection in place. The helmet’s visor also lifts to accommodate larger pairs. And for night riders (or aspiring cameramen), the Montaro MIPS features full camera/light mount integration. Your move: hit record and start exploring.

Kask Mojito Helmet

If you’ve tuned into a cycling race – or two – chances are you’ve spotted a few of the pros sporting this space-aged headgear. And, after you spend some time with Kask’s high-performance helmet, it’s not hard to see why it’s so popular.

Featuring 26 vents throughout the design, the Mojito’s airflow system ejects hot air with ease. The result: you’ll feel more comfortable throughout your ride, even when the mercury rises. However, where some helmets are too ventilated for cooler climes, Kask’s helmet won’t give you brain freeze if you’re riding during winter.

Comfort-wise, the Mojito checks all the boxes. The helmet is fitted with a quick adjustment system that allows you to loosen or tighten the fit while riding. While Kask has packed tons of features into this compact helmet, it doesn’t feel heavy – it weighs just 220g. The Mojito is available in a wide range of colors from more reserved monochrome designs to vibrant two-tone options.

Best Helmets Under $100

Abus Hyban Urban Helmet

This multi-purpose helmet was designed for riders of all types, from skaters and BMXers to commuter cyclists. Its striking design – which draws inspiration from helms donned in skateparks across the country – is both stylish and makes this one of the most compact helmets reviewed here.

Featuring 13 air inlets and 5 outlets, the Hyban funnels air across your scalp, wicking away moisture and keeping you cool during your commute. This street savvy helmet also features a micro adjust system that will help you achieve the perfect fit every ride. A mesh liner built into the front of the helmet will filter out dust, debris, and insects to make sure your ride isn’t derailed by a rogue fly.

Safety-wise, you’ll find two reflective strips on the back of the helmet that will make you visible to motorists even in low-light. Bonus: an integrated LED light will broadcast your position to any drivers behind you.

The helmet’s visor will keep the sun out of your eyes, but is removable if you want to increase your field of view on cloudier days. Overall, if you’re looking for an everyday helmet that will keep you comfortable (and looking stylish) during your daily commute, the Hyban is the perfect headgear for the job.

Bell Sequence Bicycle Mountain Helmet

Up on the mountain you want three qualities in your brain bucket: Moisture-wicking ventilation, a comfortable fit that doesn’t slip during longer rides, and protection in the event of a crash or fall. Bell’s streamlined helmet is not only the perfect trifecta of these all-important qualities, the company has also managed to pack a few extra features under the hood.

Bell started as an auto parts manufacturer but pivoted to focus on creating helmets for a range of sports and professions – such as skiing and motorcycle riding – when sales of their early designs eclipsed original projections. The company’s ski helmet was soon adopted by commuter cyclists looking for protection on the road. Bell would go on to manufacture a range of helmets designed for professional bicycle racing.

The aptly named Sequence helmet is the culmination of decades of innovation and iterations. Underneath the strong lines and aggressive styling, you’ll find smart engineering geared towards giving you a comfortable ride every time you straddle the saddle.

Featuring 20 oversized vents, air is moved through a series of internal channels to help keep you cool when it gets hot. Our favorite feature: The Twin Axis Gear (TAG) fit system will ensure a secure, comfortable fit.

Best Bicycle Helmets for Adults

ROCKBROS Road Bike Helmet

It’s a colorful helmet that does more than just draw attention. Backed by a 25-vent cooling system, ROCKBROS’ hardy headgear will help you keep a cool head even in sweltering conditions. More importantly, this helmet employs new tech to keep you safe on the road or trail. Its polycarbonate shell is built to withstand heavy impacts and underlying layers of multi-density EPS will work to evenly distribute the shock to reduce strain on your head and neck.

The headgear also features a magnetic helmet fastener, making it easy to don or remove the helmet at pitstops. The size adjust dial will help you achieve a perfect fit with zero hassle. This helmet’s anti-microbial pad will cushion your head and absorb sweat. After your rides, it can be removed and washed by hand. This helmet is available in three colors: Chameleon, gradient green, and gradient red.

Shinmax Bike Helmet with USB Rechargeable LED Light

Technological advances have re-shaped the world around us, and now, even our bicycle helmets are benefiting from the IT revolution. Shinmax’s state-of-the-art bike helmet features a rechargeable LED light that can be set to one of three lighting options to make you visible to drivers and other riders. After your ride is done, simply recharge your light using the USB cable bundled with this next-level headgear.

The tech innovations don’t end there; Shinmax’s bike helmet also includes a pair of magnetic googles that will protect your eyes against the sun, dust, and insects. Want to take them off? Simply pull them from the helmet or flip them up for an unobstructed view of the trail ahead.

Fortunately, these added features don’t compromise the helmet’s performance. Incorporating a high-density foam, the helmet’s integrated molding is designed to absorb the impact of a fall or crash, protecting your head in all directions. While riding, the helmet’s 28 breathable vents will not only keep you cool, but also help reduce wind resistance so you don’t have to pedal as hard up that next grueling climb.

Best Bicycle Helmets for Large Heads

TeamObsidian Airflow Bike Helmet

If you have a bigger head, you’ve already given up finding hats, caps, and other headgear that sits comfortably on your noggin. However, while donning a Snapback to the ball game is optional, wearing protective headgear on your rides is not. Fortunately, TeamObsidian has created the perfect helmet for those with larger domes.

The Airflow Bike Helmet is one of the best looking on this list. Featuring bold lines and a sleek shape, it’s a helmet that is part work of art, part state of the art. However, the real selling point of this headgear is that it fits any head shape.

Available in two sizes – Small and Medium/Large – the helmet can also be adjusted horizontally and vertically to achieve the perfect fit. A quick release chin strap makes the helmet as convenient as it is comfortable

Safety-wise, TeamObsidian has taken three crucial steps to create a solidly constructed bike helmet. Firstly, the company embedded the exterior shell into the mold. Secondly, the entire helmet was reinforced with a robust skeleton. And finally, the helmet’s foam keeps all these parts firmly connected, ensuring you are safe in the event of a fall or accident. The helmet also features 22 massive air vents that work in tandem to keep air flowing across your scalp so you’re cool from start to finish.

LIVALL MT1 Smart Helmet

If you’re looking for helmet that packs smart tech and tried-and-tested safety features into one streamlined design, the MT1 is exactly what you need. Designed to fit riders with bigger heads, this innovative helmet features a built-in walkie talkie so you can stay in touch with the other cyclists in your peloton.

And if you are involved in accident, the helmet will activate an SOS signal on impact to radio in your emergency contacts via the company’s app. At back of the helmet you’ll find LIVALL’s Smart Flash Lights, a series of LEDs that will make you more visible to drivers behind you. Plus, you can use the helmet to signal your next turn, giving you a set of blinkers that will broadcast your movements to others on the road.

Best Bicycle Helmets for Toddlers

Kids Helmets Children’s Multi-Sport Helmet

Your kids love cycling, skateboarding, and riding scooters. The problem is that a fall can happen in the blink of the eye and, for a growing child, these spills can often lead to serious injuries. Fortunately, companies have started producing a wide range of protective headgear designed to keep your little one safe next time they take their bike out for a ride.

This helmet’s molded shell is injected with a sturdy polycarbonate for added protection. Throughout the design you’ll find EPS polystyrene and foam which is engineered to absorb and distribute shock in the event of an accident. The best part: your kid will love the helmet’s novel dinosaur design and vibrant colors – which means no tantrums when it’s time to strap up before heading out.

KIDS Bike Helmet – Adjustable from Toddler to Youth Size

Your toddler will outgrow their clothes, car seat, and bed at a rapid rate – and all too often even bicycle helmets can’t keep up either. Fortunately, this helmet is designed to fit your toddler at all growing stages, saving you the trouble (and money) of buying new protective headgear every few months.

The helmet is lightweight and features 14 vent holes for consistent cooling even when temps start to climb. Inside you’ll find a removable padded insert that can be swapped out for a more accommodating alternative as your child grows. The 10mm pads will fit children aged three to five years old while the 5mm pads are suitable for kids aged five to seven years old. Bonus: our younger testers were a big fans of the helmets bright aqua design.

Giro Me2 Infant/Toddler Bike Helmet

With help from friends at NASA, Jim Gentes – the man behind Giro – created the first lightweight adult cycling helmet in 1985. The headgear’s finetuned ventilation and space-aged shape helped Giro cement its name as one of the best helmet manufacturers in the world.

Now, the company has used its knowledge and engineering techniques to help kids stay safe in the saddle. The Giro Me2 Infant/Toddler Bike Helmet is available in several colorful designs including patterned versions featuring as aviator pigs, yellow chicks, red ducks, geese, and more.

The helmet features 20 vents that are guarded by a built-in bug net to prevent dust, debris, and gnats from getting tangled up in your little one’s hair. The Giro’s Mini-Loc fit system is simple enough for your kid to use without the risk of pinching skin.

Inside the helmet, you’ll find a soft padding that cushions the head comfortably. Plus, the helmet is fitted with a shade visor to protect your kid’s eyes against the sun’s rays. If you’re looking for protective headgear that will give you peace of mind that your little one is safe in the saddle, the Giro Me2 is the perfect pick.

Best Bicycle Helmets for Commuters

Kask Protone

As a commuter cyclist, you want a helmet that wicks away moisture so you’re not a sweaty mess by the time you arrive at the office. The Protone was tested in Jaguar’s wind tunnels to ensure you get the best in ventilation, heat dissipation, and aerodynamics. The result: even on longer rides, you’ll feel comfortable (and cool) from the first leg to the final finish.

The helmet features a finetuned ventilation system that funnels air across your scalp and out the back. Not only will this help you stay cool, it also prevents moisture from building up around your brow and on top of your head. Plus, this advanced system reduces wind drag, so you won’t have to work harder when the gusts pick up.

The Protone’s reinforced frame will prevent the helmet from breaking in an accident, and the polycarbonate cover – which envelopes the cap, ring and rear of the helmet – has been engineered for greater shock absorption. Pick your favorite color and get ready to ride in style.

Lumos Smart Bike Helmet

While this helmet will protect your head in a crash, it could also prevent an accident altogether. Fitted with bright LED lights on the back, you can broadcast your next move using a handlebar remote that comes bundled with this advanced headgear.

Turning left? Just hit the corresponding button and the motorists behind you will know exactly where you’re going. Making an emergency stop? The helmets 38 LEDs will glow solid red. It’s a smart solution for commuters who have to run the gauntlet of gridlock traffic in the city every day of the week.

Lumos’ helmet is also designed to weather the urban environment’s shifting climes, keeping you dry when it rains and cool when the mercury rises. Bonus: you can check the helmet’s battery levels, update its settings, and receive battery notifications using the Lumos Helmet companion app (available on iOS and Android).

Best Bicycle Helmets for Safety

Brooks England Foldable Helmet

While added features are great to have, a helmet’s primary function is to keep you safe in an accident. The Brooks England foldable headgear ditches the bells and whistles to make sure you get what you really need: Reliable protection.

Designed in Italy, Brooks’ stripped-down helmet meets all EN 1078 and CPSC certifications for impact resistance. The model’s accordion design is not only striking but also offers superior ventilation, helping you stay cool in the saddle.

The helmet’s adjustable leather strap is comfortable and won’t irritate your skin. Inside the helmet, you’ll find breathable padding that can be removed, washed, and reinserted with ease. Overall, if you’re looking for a hassle-free helmet that checks the most important boxes, this model is the perfect companion for your next ride.

Kali Protectives Maraka XC Helmet

Often, when companies try to create a comfortable helmet, it comes at the cost of vital safety features that can protect you in a crash. With the Maraka, Kali Protectives uses its so-called “Supervents”, a series of polycarbonate-reinforced openings throughout the design, to keep you cool and comfortable without compromising your safety. The result: a helmet that’s hard-wearing without being hard to wear.

Our favorite feature: the company’s Fusion Plus tech places softer EPS foam close to the head and harder foam toward the outside of the shell. This variable-density approach transfers the shock of an impact sideways and away from your head reducing the risk of injury.