The thrill of the open road shouldn’t break the bank before you even start your engine. When it comes to motorcycle helmets, premium prices don’t always equate to superior safety or quality. With some savvy shopping, you can find an affordable lid that checks all the boxes.
In this guide, we’ll cut through the budget helmet hype to uncover the standout options that punch well above their price tags. From stylish retro designs to aggressively vented full-face sportbike lids – discover helmets that defy expectations without decimating your wallet.
Learn which inexpensive brands like AGV and Scorpion construct shells from robust polycarbonate or ABS plastics to meet stringent DOT and ECE safety certifications. See how brands creatively integrate details like moisture-wicking interiors, field-replaceable face shields, and wind-tunnel-tuned ventilation into their budget models.
Explore picks like the fan-favorite Biltwell Lane Splitter that combines vintage style with modern safety standards. Uncover sportier options like AGV’s K1 that check boxes for weight, aerodynamics, and cushioned comfort – at a fraction of top-shelf prices.
But cheap doesn’t have to mean compromising on the fundamentals. We’ll assess noise levels, interior plushness, ventilation performance, and overall build quality to ensure every recommendation provides maximum bang for your buck.
Don’t settle for a subpar helmet just to save a few bucks. Join me as I shine a light on the best budget motorcycle helmets that enhance safety and enjoyment while letting you keep your hard-earned cash in your pocket.
Best Cheap Motorcycle Helmets Table
- Features: Ellip-Tec II Ratchet System | 100% UV protected face shield | KwikWick II anti-microbial fabric | Easy on and off | Aero tuned ventilation system | Face shield lock system | Speaker pockets | SNELL M2015 (XS-2XL only) and DOT approved
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- Features: HIR-TH shell construction | Integrated Ventilation System | 5 front vents and 2 rear vents | XQRS visor mechanism | Micro-opening visor | Dry-Lex fabric 3D inner liner | Double-D ring chin strap | DOT approved
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- Features: Injection-molded ABS shell | Expanded polystyrene inner shell | Hand-sewn Lycra liner | Audio pockets | Chin curtain included | CNC laser cut polycarbonate eye port shield | ECE R22.05 and DOT certified
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- Features: Advanced LG Polycarbonate shell | Ellip-Tec Ratchet System | EverClear No-Fog Face Shield | Integrated Sun Visor | KwikWick II anti-microbial liner | Flip Up Chin Bar | DOT certified
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- Features: Aerodynamic design | Adjustable ventilation system | Integrated speaker pockets | Tool-free shield change | NutraFog II Face shield | Five Years Warranty | DOT certified
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- Features: Multi-Directional Impact Protection System | Velocity-flow ventilation system | Moisture wicking air channeled liner | Integrated vented roost guard | EPS-lined chin bar | Five Years Warranty | DOT and ECE certified
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- Features: Advanced Polycarbonate Shell | Integrated Sun Shield | Advanced Channeling Ventilation System | Moisture-Wicking interior | Nylon Strap Retention System | HJ-17R Shield | DOT certified
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- Features: Low Profile Retro Look | 5 shell and EPS liner sizes | Padded chin strap | D-ring closure | Multi Density EPS liner | Leather D-ring pull tab | DOT certified
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- Features: TriMatrix composite shell | Speed Dial adjustable fit | Convenient speaker pockets | Kevlar/Carbon/Fiberglass blend | Internal Sun Shade | Five-year warranty | DOT certified
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10 Best Cheap Motorcycle Helmet Reviews
Following are the reviews for the best cheap budget motorcycle helmets;
1. Scorpion EXO-R420 – Best Affordable Motorcycle Helmet
The EXO-R420 Helmet is one of the best full-face helmets. It is made of polycarbonate, which can be a bit heavier as compared to fiberglass. It is SNELL and DOT certified, which means it’s a pretty safe helmet. Moreover, it also has emergency pull tabs for easy removal of cheek pads, which can be very helpful in any emergency condition. It has an intermediate oval shape and comes in two different shell sizes. It weighs 3.75 lbs, which is slightly heavier than average, but the features that it packs justify the weight.
Coming towards the liner of the helmet, it’s easily removable and washable and feels super comfortable. It is made of KwikWick fabric II, a moisture-wicking material that keeps you cold in summer and warm in winter. The KwikFit cheek pads provide a snug fit, and that double D-Ring closure holds the helmet steady on your head.
For ventilation, it has a chin vent, a crown vent, and a rear exhaust vent. The top vent has an open-close slider, and the side vent also has a three-way slider functionality. As far as the noise is concerned, it is pretty quiet and has received some positive reviews.
It has an Ellip-Tec II clear face shield, which has an anti-fog coating, and it can be set to seven different positions. Along with this, it also has an Ellip-Tec II Ratchet System for easy, secure, tool-less face shield change.
Scorpion has made some cut-outs in EPS liner for speakers and wires so you can install an external communication system and speakers. Although the EXO-R420 lies under the cheap motorcycle helmet category it is a fantastic, best-value motorcycle helmet.
- Comfortable, Perfect Fit
- Noise levels are not too high
- The ventilation is good. Quite breathable
- Snell Rated
- The shell is quite bulky, a bit on the larger side
2. AGV K1 – Full Face Cheap Helmet
AGV K1 Helmet is one of the amazing cheap full-face motorcycle helmets designed for sports bike riders. It is both ECE & DOT certified and has also been tested for Pista GP R, and Corsa R. The helmet’s shell is made of High Resistance Thermoplastic Resin. It has an aerodynamic intermediate oval shape and comes in two shell sizes and four EPS sizes for better fitment. It weighs around 3.3 lbs.
It has a double chin vent operated by an internal slider, which is very easy to locate—a triple vent on top that also follows the sliding methodology. And an exhaust port in the rear spoiler for removing warm air. Overall it has a good ventilation system.
The visor of the helmet provides an amazing field of view, giving an excellent peripheral vision. Moreover, it is scratch-resistant, and it also provides 100% UV protection. The face shield supports the pin-lock, but it does not come in the box, you have to buy it separately. And just like EXO-R420, it also has a tool-free visor removal mechanism, which allows you to replace the face shield in seconds.
The liner of the AGV K1 Helmet is a 3D liner and is made from Dry-Lex fabrics. It is fully removable and washable and also has room for people who wear glasses. The helmet profile is also contoured around the base for better protection of the collarbone. Overall, it is pretty well finished.
If we talk about acoustics, then a racing helmet is surprisingly quiet in fact it is one of the quietest motorcycle helmets. Usually, these awesome motorcycle helmets of today are not so quiet. However, AGV K1 serves its purpose as an excellent budget helmet and is designed without any frills.
- Ventilation on this helmet is amazing
- It helps keeping the noise down
- The build quality is very good
- Quite comfortable even with glasses on
- Lightweight
- It tends to fog up so you might want a pin lock with it
3. Biltwell Lane Splitter – Cool Inexpensive Helmet
Biltwell Lane Splitter is a retro-style helmet. It has a very stylish vintage look and is very comfortable for all-day touring. The shell is made of ABS plastic which has a low melting point, which makes it really strong. The fitment of the helmet is neutral oval, giving you more space around your temples. It is a budget helmet but does not feel like any other cheap helmets.
Biltwell has always done an amazing job with the colors. You can choose any color from Biltwell’s legendary color options. The most popular configuration of this helmet is its Rusty Butcher graphic. It has been dedicated after the rider named Rusty Butcher. The weight of the helmet is around 3.5 lbs, and it is also ECE and DOT certified.
As the helmet has a neutral oval shape, the internals are a bit roomy. The interior padding is hand-stitched and is completely removable and washable. As the chin vent is the only source of air inlet, therefore, the material used for the liner is moisture-wicking. It keeps you comfortable during long rides. All the sweat accumulated in the liner is then pulled out through the exhaust vent by a phenomenon called the venturi effect.
The liner also has some speaker pockets, so if you are planning to fit in a Bluetooth com system, you can do that. Moreover, there is also a chin curtain, which you can remove if it bothers you. However, it does help in keeping the excess air out and reducing the noise levels.
The helmet also houses a CNC laser-cut polycarbonate eye port shield. It is said to be anti-fog, but it still fogs up sometimes. And if you want to swap out the face shield, then you might want to carry a dime or a screwdriver with you.
One slight drawback that we think this helmet has is its poor sealing. The chin vent lets ample air in, but if you want to close it, there is no option for that. Similarly, the gasket used at the eye-port does not do its job well. It does seal some air and water out, but we think that it can be improved.
Other than all these, we think that the Biltwell Lane Splitter is a solid cheap helmet, and it packs a punch for its price. So, if you are really into retro looks, then we do recommend this helmet.
- Fit and Finish is top quality
- Decent helmet that does not break the bank
- Cool looking design
- Lightweight
- There is no way to close the chin vents, that could be a problem in cold weather
- On high speeds, it could get a little noisy
4. Scorpion EXO-AT950 – Cheap Modular Helmet
Scorpion EXO-AT950 Helmet is an adventure helmet. It is a very stylish modular design dual sport helmet. It can be configured for three riding modes, i.e., Adventure mode, touring mode, and Offroad. This helmet’s shell is made of advanced LG polycarbonate, which is a lightweight and strong material. It has an intermediate oval shape and comes in three different shell sizes. Moreover, it is DOT and ECE certified, and also it has a 5-year warranty. Best motorcycle helmet for the money.
If we talk about the helmet’s internals, then the liner is made from Kwik Wick 2, which is a plush moisture-wicking material. It keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer. The liner itself is entirely removable and washable, so you can wash away all the sweat that it has absorbed. Additionally, it also houses speaker pockets, so you can pop an external com unit without getting any pressure points.
The helmet also comes with an integrated Speedview dropdown sun visor, so you don’t have to carry an extra pair of sunglasses. Moreover, the Everclear face shield is anti-fog, pin-lock ready, and also protects you from UV rays. There is also a fixed peak, but it can be easily removed with the screwdriver.
The eye port of the helmet is also pretty broad, giving you better peripheral vision. The face shield of the helmet is removable but does not have a quick-release mechanism. However, it has a very secure chin guard, and Scorpion has a good reputation for making safe chin guards.
For ventilation, the top vent allows ample air to make its way inside the helmet. This air then circulates inside the helmet through the EPS holes and pulls all that hot air out through the exhaust vents present at the helmet’s back. However, the noise levels of the helmet are not so great. At high speeds, it can get pretty noisy.
Overall it’s a very comfortable and versatile helmet, and it adds significant value for that money. It’s just like the all-in-one Swiss army knife of the helmet world, the best motorcycle helmet under $200.
- Definitely it’s the best bang for the buck
- Very versatile design
- The visor does a pretty well job in blocking out the sun
- The transitions for switching it in multiple mods is easy
- As it is packing a lot of features, so it is a bit heavy
5. Bell Qualifier – Affordable Motorbike Helmet
If you are looking for cheap motorcycle helmets for sale then the Qualifier Helmet is one of the best helmets that Bell has produced. It has an elegant look to it and is made of a polycarbonate shell, which makes it strong and durable. The shell has an aerodynamic design and provides a smooth and comfy ride. It comes in seven different shell sizes and has an average weight of 3.28 lbs. The weight of the helmet varies from size to size. It is DOT and ECE-certified and fits people who have an intermediate oval head shape.
The inner liner of the helmet is very comfortable, and it can be easily removed. You can wash it to keep it fresh for better hygiene. Moreover, the liner is made of moisture-wicking material, so your head and face don’t get sweaty. The cheek pads have a nice amount of padding and are contoured to fit your face better. Moreover, it has integrated pockets for speakers, but there is no space for a Bluetooth intercom. It has a padded double D-ring fastener, which is preferred by most users. If you are interested in Bluetooth motorcycle helmets then click here!
These cheap full-face helmets from BELL use the NutraFog II face shield. It is photochromic, so you don’t need to wear glasses or have a dropdown sun visor. It is also anti-scratch and protects from Ultraviolet Rays. However, if you want to switch it with some other face shield, it has a ClickRelease system for a fast, easy, and tool-free shield change.
The ventilation system of this helmet is impressive. There are two chin vents operated by a switch: two crown vents and four brow vents above the visor controlled by a slider. Similarly, there are four passive exhaust vents at the back of the helmet. However, excellent ventilation has some cons, and one is that it is pretty loud. You might want to carry earplugs with you because it becomes a little annoying as you cross the 60 mph.
Overall, for a given price, it pretty much covers everything and provides some useful safety features.
- Fit is nice and not too heavy overall
- Produce no pressure points
- Very comfortable to wear for long hours
- There is some wind noise on high speeds
- Had some complaints about drag too
6. Bell MX-9 MIPS – Cheap Dirt Bike Helmet
Talking of the best motorcycle helmets under $200, the Bell MX-9 MIPS is an adventure helmet made of lightweight polycarbonate that fits the description. Its aerodynamic design makes it best for streets and off-roads. It is DOT and ECE-certified and comes with a five-year warranty. Bell has introduced MIPS technology in MX-9, which is an Energy Management System. It reduces the amount of energy transferred to the head during a collision, which reduces the chances of head injury. It improves safety without hindering the comfort of the helmet.
The helmet comes in three different shell sizes and weighs around 3.2 pounds, which is reasonably light. It has a removable, washable, and anti-bacterial liner. It is pretty comfortable, but some riders have faced a hot spot because the liner is a little tight. In addition to all this, it also has some speaker pockets so you can adjust a third-party Bluetooth intercom in it. It has a padded chin strap with a Double D-ring fastener.
Bell has done a really great job on ventilation. Their Velocity Flow ventilation system allows maximum flow of air. As this helmet is mainly designed for off-road riding, most of the vents present on the helmet are passive vents, i.e., they remain always open. So, along with air, it also lets the noise make its way in too.
It has a large face opening and a peak in front of the helmet. You can remove it without using any tools. With its given price range, it is a good helmet that can perform differently in different conditions. Best suited for off-road but not a good option for riding in winter.
- One of the safest motorcycle helmets with its MIPS technology
- Very comfortable
- Offers great visibility and ventilation
- You can wear any goggles comfortably
- Along with great ventilation comes noise too
7. HJC IS-33 II – Inexpensive Open-Face Helmet
HJC IS-33 II is a budget helmet made of an advanced polycarbonate composite shell, which is lightweight and super comfortable. It has a sleek aerodynamic design that also features a large eye-port for better visibility. It weighs 3.1 pounds and comes in multiple colors with different graphics. It has an intermediate oval shape, and it comes in two different shell sizes. It is DOT-approved, so it’s definitely a safe helmet to wear.
Coming towards the interior of the helmet, it has a moisture-wicking and odor-free EPS liner. It is also removable and washable for cleaning. The fabric that is used for the liner is anti-bacterial and is pretty soft and comfortable. It has a nylon strap double D-ring fastener and houses pockets for speakers and Bluetooth intercom. The latest versions of the helmet come with an integrated intercom and speakers.
The face shield has a 3D design and comes in two different styles. It offers 95 percent protection from ultraviolet rays and is also anti-fog and scratch-resistant. It can be adjusted at three different levels. If you want to remove it or replace it, it has a quick removal option. Moreover, you don’t have to worry if you forget your sunglasses because it also has a dropdown sun visor, which makes up for it.
The Advanced Channeling Ventilation system provides better airflow and keeps the humidity up and out. Multi-stage intake vents and exhaust vents allow fresh air to flow through the helmet.
This helmet has gotten some great feedback from the community. It provides adequate protection and safety features and can be thought of as three helmets in one, the best cheap motorcycle helmet.
- Well-constructed and looks great
- Sits good and feels comfortable
- Despite being a half helmet, it keeps the noise levels low
- A good bang for the buck
- The visor tint is not so dark, and it is a little flimsy
8. Bell Custom 500 – Half Helmet
There are pretty good motorcycle helmets available for a fraction of the price. The Bell Custom 500 is an open-face retro-style helmet and is one of the bestselling open-face helmets. It has a low-profile fiberglass composite shell and will fit anyone who has an intermediate oval head shape. Previously, it had a round shape, and users were uncomfortable with that shell size, so Bell redesigned it. It now comes in five different shell sizes and weighs around 2.41 lbs. In addition to all this, it is DOT and ECE-certified and comes with a five-year warranty.
On the inside, it is packing a multi-density EPS liner that is easily removable and washable. It is very comfortable and fits well. It also has a padded chin strap and double D-ring closure.
Since it’s an open face helmet, it is not made for extreme rides and extreme conditions, so it gets noisy over 60mph. Moreover, there are no vents, but your head gets a little warm on long rides. It has integrated five snaps on the front to put on an aftermarket face shield.
Overall it adds great value and comfort. Bell has made a lot of improvements. You won’t regret investing in this best affordable motorcycle helmet. Moreover, if you like the design of this helmet then check out our complete guide on these low-profile motorcycle helmets.
- Excellent fit and comfortable
- Unique classic look
- Feels premium
- As the helmet sits low on the eyebrows, so it’s difficult to wear glasses
9. Bell Pit Boss – Cheap Motorcycle Helmet
Bell Pit Boss is one of the cool cheap motorcycle helmets. It is a super comfortable and lightweight half helmet made of a TriMatrix composite shell and a Kevlar-Carbon Fiberglass blend. It weighs 2.44 lbs, comes in two different shell sizes, and has an intermediate oval shape. It comes with a five-year warranty. Moreover, it is DOT, ECE, and SNELL certified, so it is pretty safe to wear.
Bell has introduced a Speed Dial system in Pit Boss, you don’t see that feature in every helmet. This feature provides unmatched comfort levels while drastically reducing open-face helmets’ tendency to lift off the head.
It has an internal Sun Shade that offers “on-the-fly” protection from the sun. Providing you 100% UVA and UVB protection. The liner of the helmet is made from an anti-bacterial microfiber material. Additionally, it also has pockets for speakers. So, if you want to make it one of the cheap motorcycle helmets with Bluetooth, it can serve that purpose as well. So, check out some cool Bluetooth accessories that you can connect with your helmet.
The Bell Pit Boss is a great helmet. It is super light and super comfortable and gets a lot of positive reviews from users. Best inexpensive motorcycle helmet.
- Excellent helmet that can help you to customize your fit
- Built quality is amazing for the price
- Lightweight
- There is no wobbling at high speeds
- The visor causes a little discomfort while on high speeds
Conclusion
To wrap this post up, here are some takeaways. One of the best ways to protect your head is with a motorcycle helmet. There are many different types of motorcycle helmets available on the market today and they range in price from very affordable to prohibitively expensive; however, you can find an appropriate option for any budget if you do your research ahead of time.
The HJC IS 33 II Helmet is the perfect option for riders with a smaller budget who want to invest in safety gear. This sleek and stylish design will not only provide protection but also increase visibility on the road at night or during poor weather conditions.
For those who want a high-quality, affordable motorcycle helmet that has all the features and protection needed for riding on the road or track without breaking their budget, there is one brand name in particular: The AGV K1 Helmet. This product offers optimal sun visor coverage against glare; it also protects riders’ styles with its sophisticated design while providing proper ventilation.
To ensure safety, it is always best to put on your helmet before you hop onto a motorcycle. It does not matter if it was cheap or expensive. Putting on your gear first will protect against any potential accidents that could occur during the ride and keep you safe from harm. Make sure to study how much protection helmets provide for different types of crashes so that you can decide which one would be most appropriate for each situation. Happy riding!