Interest in cycling exploded during the pandemic. Drivers-turned-riders began hopping on two wheels to avoid public transit, escape indoor gyms and to try a fun, ec0-friendly way to get around. Regardless of one’s riding experience or where they’ll be riding—city streets, mountain trails or protected paths in public parks—one of the best bike helmets remains an absolutely necessary piece of equipment.

You shouldn't climb on board a bike without first putting on a quality bike helmet.

Even extremely cautious riders could experience accidents while riding in a bike lane, on a protected park path or along a county road that’s many miles away from cars. Pretty much any helmet is better than no helmet—assuming you’re getting a helmet that meets current safety certifications—but not all helmets are created equally, and you don’t necessarily need a $300 helmet.

As a rule, pricier helmets have a sleeker design and superb ventilation (for instance, high-end helmets may have an aerodynamic design with dozens of vents to keep your head cool). Aside from price, however, also consider your intended style of riding before choosing a dome protector. Will you need a folding helmet that’s easy to stash when you’re not riding? Will you mostly be commuting to work on city streets? Or will you be riding rugged mountain trails that call for extensive protection?

Curious about the most crucial considerations and safety technology when shopping for a helmet? Wondering what exactly the “MIPS” abbreviation references in several of our helmet reviews? Wondering if there’s a difference between men’s and women’s helmets? Scroll down to the very end of the piece for some cycling safety and technology thoughts from a cycling expert.

We’ve done extensive research, digging through firsthand reviews from professional testers and consumers and speaking with cycling experts and bike shop owners. We’ve also tested out (and loved) many of these helmets ourselves.

Whether you’re a recreational rider on an electric bike, a casual commuter wanting something sleek and snazzy, a roadie requiring a highly-ventilated, aerodynamic design or a dedicated mountain biker who needs a helmet that will also protect from branches and debris, here are 10 of the best bicycle helmets you can buy right now.

Weight: 428 grams (Medium) | Vents: 13 | Sizes: Small 51-57cm; Medium 54-60cm; Large 58 - 63cm

Trek’s aftermarket brand, Bontrager, is one of the most well-respected bicycling brands worldwide, so it’s no surprise that they’re behind the brand’s WaveCel technology, whose development and testing was partially funded by the National Institute for Health (NIH). According to helmet safety testing conducted by Virginia Tech, WaveCel earned a five-star rating (the highest level possible) from Virginia Tech University’s helmet testing facility.

Though this stylish commuter helmet provides top-of-the-line protection, it’s price point is also relatively affordable, giving riders serious bang for their buck. Moisture-wicking pads keep your head cool and dry, and prevent sweat (and sunblock) from dripping into your eyes while riding. The helmet also comes with a crash replacement guarantee that provides a free helmet replacement if it’s involved in a crash within the first year of ownership.

Bontrager’s BOA Fit System allows you to easily secure and adjust the fit with just one hand, a thoughtful improvement on older helmet designs that require both hands to fiddle around for the perfect fit. The helmet also utilizes a Fidlock magnetic buckle that quickly and easily fastens the helmet strap, which can also be customized for the perfect fit. Though the majority of brands of bike lights and accessories are compatible with most bikes, if you prefer to have a light on your helmet, the rear Blendr mount system easily integrates Bontrager light accessories directly onto the helmet.

“The Bontrager Charge WaveCel feels surprisingly light... I hardly noticed it,” said one enthusiastic buyer. Indeed, as much as we all should and need to wear helmets while riding, it’s nice to sometimes forget that you even have one on.

Weight: 538 grams (Medium) | Vents: 11 | Sizes: Small 52-56cm; Medium 56-60cm; Large 60-64cm

With vibrant graphics like racing stripes, lightning bolts, polka dots and a slew of appealing, poppy colors, Nutcase’s helmets take the cake when it comes to fun style. While the shell is made from ABS instead of polycarbonate, which makes the helmets a bit heavier, they still offer the safety of MIPS technology. They also utilize a injection-molded construction with protective foam and three-piece padding, alongside a dial to adjust the fit and a visor brim.

The magnetic buckle easily secures the strap, and the helmet has pretty good air flow for the price point. The best part—many colors are on sale now and nearly-half off. “Fits, is cool and comfortable,” said one recent reviewer. “I love the magnetic closure.”

Weight: 269 grams (Medium) | Vents: 11 | Sizes: Small 51-55cm; Medium 55-59cm; Large 59-63cm

The Aether is Giro’s top cycling helmet with an excellent lineup of features that many riders feel more than justifies the price. To start, the helmet improves upon the standard MIPS design by nixing the plastic strip plane and using technology that integrates protection directly between layers of EPS foam. The result is a lighter helmet that many would argue is also more comfortable.

Another important aspect of the design is the arch that runs across the top of the helmet and adds structural reinforcement. The six-piece polycarbonate shell has wide air vents in between, plus deep channels inside to maximize airflow, so don’t let the number of vents fool you—this helmet may not have as many vents as other styles but the quality of the ventilation is as good as it gets.

The fit can also be customized in three directions, including one that lifts the helmet slightly off the head for better cooling. In addition to the helmet’s exceptional venting and top-of-the-line safety features, it also has useful features like a super-adjustable fit system and sunglass ports to keep your shades in place when you’re not wearing them.

“I previously owned a Giro Synthe, which I was very happy with,” said one five-star reviewer. “This is a great upgrade with an excellent fit and nice breathability.” 

“Exceptionally good helmet that is by far the most beautiful design I have ever owned,” said another user. While some colors and sizes top out at $349, others are only $225. If that’s still outside your budget, consider the Giro Helios, another high-end helmet with similar features that’s a bit more affordable.

Weight: 260 grams (Medium) | Vents: 34 | Sizes: Small 51-56cm; Medium 55-59cm; Large 59-63cm

This smart helmet from Specialized is designed with cutting-edge technology that can detect a crash and notify your emergency contacts with GPS coordinates if an incident occurs. Dubbed ANGi (which stands for angular and g-force indicator), this impressive feature is activated pre-ride via the Specialized phone app (available for both Android and iPhone). Supreme safety technology isn’t the brand’s only calling card: Specialized is also unmatched when it comes to creating helmets with exceptional airflow.

The Prevail II has an astounding 34 vents that contribute to cooling and it only weighs 260 grams, (which is just over half a pound). Part of its lightness is because, like the Giro Aether, it also improves on standard MIPS technology by eliminating the plastic strip plane and integrating the technology right into the helmet’s padding. Other notable features include the brow pad with a gutter that keeps sweat away from the eyes and a dial that can adjust height for a perfect fit. 

“For me, this helmet fits like no other I've tried,” said a buyer who gave the helmet five stars. “Not only does it have MIPS but it achieves this without the yellow plastic insert found in most helmets and the pad set they designed for it is excellent. Since I often ride alone, I'm pleased to have ANGI along with me... There are cheaper options out there but I think the value that is being delivered in this helmet justifies the price.” And if you don’t think the features quite justify the price, go with one of the colors that is currently 25% off. If you buy the helmet from Backcountry.com, you can also purchase a one-, two-, or three-year Protect+ plan that goes beyond the manufacturer’s warranty.

Weight: 365 grams (Medium) | Vents: 13 | Sizes: XS 50-55cm; Small 51-57cm; Medium 54-60cm; Large 58-63cm; X-Large 60-66cm

All cyclists, be they casual commuters or renegade roadies, need protection while riding, but given the terrain, mountain bikers need a specific type of protection that goes beyond what road and casual cycling helmets provide. Whether you’re blasting through gnarly singletrack or charging down steep hills and forested trails, the Bontrager Blaze WaveCel provides all the protection you need from potential crashes while the sturdy visor also helps keep rain, mud and wayward branches out of your eyes.

Like all WaveCel helmets, Bontrager’s patented cellular structure lines the inside of the shell and collapses on impact so the helmet absorbs the impact of the crash (rather than your head). The top of the helmet has an attachment point to mount a light, which is especially helpful when riding trails because the light follows where your head goes, helping you see everything ahead. While this feature could be handy for any rider, it’s especially important for mountain bikers who tend to move their heads more in order to anticipate the trees, branches, rocks, holes or fallen logs that may be along a winding path.

A GoPro can also be mounted on top of the helmet in case you want to capture all the action on the trails and if that’s not enough, the GoPro camera mount also doubles as a screwdriver that can be used to adjust the visor. If you’re looking to save a few bucks on a killer mountain biking helmet, some colors are now on sale for only $150.

Weight: 410 grams (Medium) | Vents: 26 | Sizes: Small 52-56cm; Medium 55-59cm; Large 58-62cm; X-Large 62-65cm

This sharp-looking helmet from Bell is available in an assortment of colors, including an especially striking matte red and black, and a glossy black and gray camo print. In addition to its polycarbonate shell, in-mold construction and integrated MIPS technology, just like the Bell Z20, this helmet has the same progressive layering of EPS foam of different densities that is said to be more effective when it comes to handling impact. The Bell Sixer also has a dial for precise vertical and horizontal adjustments, and the visor also adjusts to four positions. Other perks include an impressive 26 vents for excellent airflow, a sweat pad designed to keep sweat, water and sunscreen off your face and air ports along the brow to reduce goggles fog.

“Best on the market,” a five-star reviewer said. “Solid, stable, and balanced feel, making it feel lighter than its actual weight. Great air flow due to design of channeling air vs others with just larger vent openings. Looks cool, as much as an MTB helmet can, sleek and not too bulbous.”

Weight: 283 grams (Medium) | Vents: 22 | Sizes: Universal Adult 54-61cm; Universal XL 58-65cm

Even though this helmet comes in universal sizes, it has a fine-tuning fit system that’s similar to other Giro helmets that have higher price tags. It’s also a customer favorite, with more than 500 reviewers giving it an average 4.6-star rating. The Register has a polycarbonate shell, in-mold construction and MIPS technology, along with quick-dry padding and reflective strips that improve visibility in low-light situaitions. The stylish colors and designs include some with tone-on-tone details, which give off a more expensive-helmet vibe.

“The dial-a-fit system is terrific and so easy to use,” said one enthusiastic five-star buyer. “It took me less than a minute to get the thing out of the box and fitted to my head. The level of protection and safety certification seems as high as you would expect from Giro. Lightweight, good airflow. Affordable with MIPS. Happy with the purchase!”

Weight: 289 grams (Small/Medium); 326 grams (Medium/Large) | Vents: 17 | Sizes: Small/Medium 51-58cm; Medium/Large 55-61cm

It’s hard to beat a mountain biking helmet that has MIPS technology, can single-handedly adjust in circumference and height, and is also stylish, all for only $50. The Bontrager Solstice somehow manages to check all those boxes and is a smart pick all around. It has a polycarbonate shell and in-mold construction, as well as features often not found on budget helmets like a removable visor, washable padding and a magnetic buckle closure.

It also has a replacement guarantee, so in the event that the helmet is damaged in a crash within a year of purchase, Bontrager will be quick to lend a helping hand. “Great-fitting helmet,” said a five-star reviewer. “Very comfortable at a great price point!”

Weight: 445 grams (Medium/Large) | Vents: 22 | Sizes: Small 54-56cm; Medium/Large 56-61cm

Whether you have limited space in your office or apartment, or you need something small that you can stash in your backpack while walking around, this foldable helmet just might be the cycling invention of your dreams. The FEND One helmet is lightweight, well-ventilated and attractive in addition to collapsing to half of its size with a simple sleight of hand. According to FEND, the helmet exceeds US CPSC safety standards for bikes, skateboards and scooters that are traveling under 20 miles per hour. In other words, it looks like a non-folding helmet and it’s just as safe as a non-folding helmet, but it has this one huge benefit that all traditional helmets lack.

Whether a child is riding on a suburban street, in their family’s driveway or along a winding mountain bike trail, they need just as much protection (if not more) as adult riders. The Tremor MIPS helmet from Giro appeals to kids with bright, fun colors and it also has an integrated sun shield to keep the sun out of their eyes. Parents and guardians will appreciate that the helmet provides a high level of protection. In addition to an easy-to-adjust fit system that will help ensure a proper fit, the helmet has 18 vents for breathability and comfort, further ensuring they keep it on at all times. The helmet is made with MIPS technology, which can redirect energy and provide more protection in certain impacts to help protect your little shredders.

Some helmets are designed to work well for a range of cycling styles, such as commuting, casual riding and light road cycling, while others are designed for specific pursuits such as mountain biking. Regardless of the type of helmet you go for, you’ll want to ensure that it fits properly. A $300 helmet serves no purpose if it’s too big, too small, or is so uncomfortable that you wind up riding without it. According to Chris Haunold, president of the cycling shop Idaho Mountain Touring in Boise, ID, helmets need to cover and protect your forehead and the ear straps should fit snuggly under your ears. “The helmet should fit like a helmet, not a bonnet.”

Serious cyclists may also want to consider how the helmet is constructed. Polycarbonate-shell helmets are usually made using an in-mold construction process that bonds the EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) liner and the outer shell to create a durable, lightweight helmet. Plastic-shell ABS helmets, which are injection-molded before attaching an EPS liner, are also durable but not as light as polycarbonate.

The industry standard for helmets with the technology designed to prevent severe injuries is known as MIPS, which stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System. Though it was initially only available in high-end helmets, it’s now widely available across all price points.

But MIPS isn’t the only safety technology on the market. Trek helmets, sold under the Bontrager brand name, has its own exclusive, collapsible cellular structure technology called WaveCel that crumples like the front end of a car to absorb the impact of a fall before the impact reaches your head.

Cyclists, bike shop owners, and mechanics all have their own opinion about which technology they prefer and in most cases, it’s a personal preference. MIPS is better known than the newer WaveCel technology but Hanould believes that WaveCel is a bit more current and cutting edge. The WaveCel technology is also ultra-breathable. That means that while WaveCel helmets have fewer vents, they can still keep you just as cool, if not cooler, than comparable hyper-vented styles. That’s because they have less EPS foam, which tends to act as an insulator. All of the helmets featured in this article utilize either MIPS or WaveCel technology to keep riders safe.

As there isn’t a significant anatomical difference between the shape of men’s and women’s skulls, most helmets are considered to be unisex. That said, if a woman (or man) wears a ponytail that might conflict with some helmet designs, they may want to opt for a style that has a larger hole in the back for hair to flow through.

Helmets typically last about three years before the materials begin breaking down, ultimately making them less effective in the event of a crash. With this in mind, always look at the expiration date of your helmet. Also keep in mind that even if you have plenty of time left before a helmet officially expires, if you’ve been in a crash, the helmet should be replaced immediately.