Best Motorcycle Helmets UK 2026

Your helmet is the only thing between your skull and the tarmac. No other piece of gear matters as much. Get this right and everything else is detail.

Understanding UK Helmet Standards: Every legal helmet sold in the UK must meet ECE 22.06, the latest European safety standard introduced in June 2023. The older ECE 22.05 helmets are still legal but 22.06 includes rotational impact testing and more comprehensive coverage. When buying new, look for 22.06.

SHARP is the UK government's own helmet safety scheme. Independent of manufacturers, they crash-test helmets and rate them from 1 to 5 stars. A 5-star SHARP rating means the helmet performed excellently across multiple impact types. Use the SHARP database before you buy.

Entry Level (around £100-200): The HJC i70 consistently scores 4-5 stars in SHARP testing despite costing under £200. It's proof that safety doesn't require premium prices. The LS2 FF320 Stream and Caberg Drift EVO also deliver excellent protection at this level.

At entry level you sacrifice refinement, not safety. Expect more wind noise, basic ventilation, and heavier weight. The protection itself matches helmets costing twice as much.

Mid-Range (around £200-400): The Shoei NXR2 sits around £350 and represents the sweet spot for serious riders. 5-star SHARP rating, excellent ventilation, and build quality that lasts. The AGV K3 (around £250) and Scorpion EXO-R1 Air (around £300) compete well at this level.

Mid-range helmets offer better comfort on long rides, improved aerodynamics, and features like emergency cheek pad release. For daily commuters, this is where comfort justifies the extra spend.

Premium (around £400+): The Shoei GT-Air 3 (around £500) adds integrated sun visor and touring-focused features. The Schuberth C5 excels in noise reduction. Arai Quantic (around £500) offers exceptional fit and finish. *(Schuberth C5 price when reviewed: ~£550 | Check price)*

Premium helmets shine on motorway miles. Reduced fatigue from better aerodynamics and less noise makes a genuine difference over multi-hour rides. For occasional town riding, you're paying for luxury rather than safety.

Fit Matters More Than Price: A £150 helmet that fits perfectly protects better than a £500 helmet that's too loose. Head shapes vary: round, intermediate oval, long oval. Brands fit differently. Shoei tends toward long oval heads, Arai toward rounder shapes. Always try before buying your first helmet.

Our Recommendation: For most UK commuters, the mid-range offers the best value. A Shoei NXR2 or AGV K3 will last 5+ years with proper care and protect as well as anything more expensive. Spend what you can afford, but never compromise on fit. Not sure which suits you? Our quiz can help narrow it down based on your riding style and head shape.