The Best Motorcycle Helmets for Women for 2024
We'd know - we've reviewed 450+ helmets since 2000!
Our picks are based on helmets that offer the best blend of safety/performance, function/features, and price.
Last updated October 19, 2023 by Mika Lee-Philipsek.
Why We Wrote a Women's Helmet Guide
The helmet is the most important safety equipment for motorcyclists regardless of the riding style. That is true for both men and women. However, when you search for women’s helmets, the search results are just helmets with fuschia pink accents and flower graphics as par for the course for women’s motorcycle gear. But as a matter of fact, there are differences between the skulls of men and women.
Women’s heads and faces are smaller, their forehead is more vertical, and their crown is flatter. So adjustability of the liners and paddings are important to ensure a better fit, which directly translates to comfort and stability of the helmet. Also, there are differences in lifestyle. For example, some of us ride with makeup on.
To be able to put on and off the helmet without rubbing our face too much is a nice feature. And, of course, we want inner liners to be removable and washable.
Based on these points, here are our picks of helmets for female riders.
About Our Full Face Helmet Recommendations
Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We do not fluff reviews. A riders safety is heavily dictated by how they ride and what they wear while doing so. Our goal is to help riders make informed decisions about the gear they invest in to protect themselves.
wBW is funded by our audience. Our recommendations and reviews may contain affiliate links that earn us a small comission if you make a purchase after clicking them. This is the primary way we fund our website and pay our review team (and comes at no additional cost to you). We disclose our relationship with brands or manufacturers for transparency. For more information about our extensive review process, see our review policies.
Best Entry-Level Women's Motorcycle Helmets
Priced under $300.
Biltwell Gringo SV ECE
Why?
Biltwell Gringo is a retro-style helmet that has been very popular. In addition to the CE-certified polycarbonate face shield on the Gringo S, the new Gringo SV comes with four intake vents and a rear exhaust vent, enhancing airflow to keep you cool during your rides. Inside the helmet, the new BioFoam head form panel and ventilated polyester padding also maximize airflow. Fleece Lycra liners are removable and replaceable.
The injection-molded outer shell is both strong and lightweight, and the new Dual Density expanded polystyrene (EPS) internal safety shell is designed to absorb and dissipate impact energy without compromising on comfort.
The Gringo SV comes in three shell sizes, XS to S, M to L, and XLG to 2XL. It runs small and the cheek pads with different thicknesses are available for better fitment. If you are looking for a style without compromising safety, Gringo SV has got you covered.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head Shape: Round Oval
Weight: 3.69lbs
Safety Ratings: DOT and ECE 22.06
AGV K1 S
Why?
AGV K1 S is an entry-level sports riding helmet. Its aggressive aerodynamic shape and ventilation system are derived from AGV’s high-end models; Pista GP RR and Corsa R. It is performance-oriented and offers excellent stability at high speed.
The eye port has a 190-degree horizontal field of view, and the visor is scratch-resistant and provides 100% UV protection. Dry Comfort interiors are completely removable and washable.
K1 S is available in an impressive range of 19 colorways/graphics to match your style. While the HIR-TH (High Resistance Thermoplastic Resin) shell is not the lightest in the market, K1 S delivers style, safety, and comfort without breaking the bank.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head Shape: Intermediate Oval
Weight: 3.48lb
Safety Ratings: DOT and ECE22.06
Scorpion EXO-T520
Why?
The Scorpion T520 has a lot to offer for the price. It comes with an internal drop-down sun visor, and an anti-fog, anti-scratch hard coated face shield with 98% UV-A & UV-B protection, plus an emergency cheek pad release system, to name just a few of its features.
This aggressive-looking yet comfortable helmet is ready for a short ride in the city or a long ride in the backcountry. The removable and washable liner is plushy, and its moisture-wicking fabric is soft on the face.
An innovative feature of this helmet is the AirFit Inflation System. Two air bladders below the cheek pads can be inflated with a pump on the chin bar to adjust the fit of the pads further. It reduces the lift and makes the helmet quieter too.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head Shape: Intermediate Oval
Weight: 3.5lb
Safety Ratings: DOT and ECE
Our Review
The EXO T520 throws in a ton of features for the asking price making the value one receives in the purchase of a helmet from Scorpion. The features and build quality punch well above their weight with only minor issues that one can find fault with. Scorpion’s EXO-COM® system (powered by UClear) takes the technology and sound quality of Uclear’s Bluetooth systems and wraps it in a package that integrates into EXO-COM®-ready helmets like the GT930 and the T520.
Best Mid-Range Women's Motorcycle Helmets
Priced $300 - $550.
LS2 Advant
Why?
LS2 Advant has both ECE “P” and “J” certifications as an open-face and full-face helmet. Its 180-degree modular system makes not only the donning and doffing easy, but it can convert the helmet from full face to open face without taking it off.
LS2’s Kinetic polymer Alloy (KPA) shell provides protection and flexibility without adding much weight. The polycarbonate visor is Pinlock ready with the insert included. The moisture-wicking technical liner is removable and washable. Chin vents and crown vents are fully adjustable, and the airflow is channeled through the EPS layer to keep you comfortable during the ride. This is an exceptional modular helmet in this price range.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head Shape: Intermediate Oval
Weight: 3.64lb
Safety Ratings: DOT and ECE 22.06
HJC RPHA 31
Price: Up to $429.99
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
HJC RPHA 31(pronounced ‘R’-fa) is their new 3/4 helmet. Premium Integrated Matrix (PIM) Evo shell and multi-density EPS provide maximum shock protection. It is engineered with computational fluidic dynamic software for optimal aerodynamics and ventilation.
The pinlock-ready visor offers 99% UV protection, and its pull-down deflector reduces noise and minimizes wind turbulence. Anti-fog coated inner sun visor can be adjusted to 3 different positions to your preference. Pinlock insert is included.
The Moisture-wicking and fast-drying interior fabric is also antibacterial, and liners and cheek pads are removable and washable. Cheek pads are interchangeable for custom fit for maximum comfort.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head Shape: Intermediate Oval
Weight: 3.1lbs
Safety Ratings: DOT. ECE 22.06 (Europe only)
Shoei RF-SR
Why?
Shoei’s RF-SR is specifically designed for a more upright riding style. The vents are redesigned to optimize the airflow in such head positions. Compared to RF-1400, the overall shape is more conservative yet very aerodynamic.
It uses a six-layered AIM+ (Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus) shell to minimize the size and weight. It comes in 4 shell sizes and six EPS liner sizes to accommodate most head sizes.
Inner liners and cheek pads are contoured and adjustable to fit better on the rider's head and face. They are completely removable, washable, and available in different thicknesses for more comfort and stabilization.
RF-SR may not be race-ready, but it is a good all-around helmet.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head Shape: Intermediate Oval
Weight: 3.66lb
Safety Ratings: DOT and SNELL M2015
Our Review
The Shoei RF-SR is brand new to the lineup. It’s also the least expensive Shoei full-face helmet. But, it carries a lot of the Shoei DNA from helmets like the Shoei X-Fourteen (review) and Shoei X-12 (review). Shoei markets the RF-SR for both “street performance” and “long-distance touring comfort” and we agree.
Best High-End Women's Motorcycle Helmets
Priced over $550.
Arai Regent X
Price: $580
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Regent-X is Arai’s entry-level helmet, so it lacks some of the premium features of Arai’s more expensive helmets. The cheek pads and headliner are removable and washable—however, the crown liner, neck roll, and chin curtain are not removable.
Its VAS-V Max Vision face shield is Pinlock ready, but the insert is not included. With its plush interior and adjustability, it is one of the most comfortable helmets on the market. With Arai’s FCS (Facial Contour System), the padding cradles the head and naturally follows the contour of the rider’s face.
Paddings with different thicknesses are available for further fit adjustments. Together with the springy interior, the wider base of the helmet makes donning and doffing very easy. It is a very well-balanced, aerodynamic, and versatile helmet.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head shape: Intermediate oval
Weight: 3.31lbs
DOT or ECE? Even better - FIM Certified
Our Review
The Regent-X is Arai’s entry-level, DOT and SNELL M2020-certified helmet. The 5mm broader base makes the donning and doffing very easy, and with a new plushy interior, it is probably the most comfortable helmet I have worn. The Regent-X lacks some features, such as a peel-off layer on cheek pads and a fully removable interior. The VAS V visor is Pinlock ready, but the insert is not included. However, it is quiet and has good ventilation.
AGV K6 S
Price: $549.95
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
AGV’s K6 S is an updated version of the very popular K6. It is now DOT and ECE 22.06 certified. The newly designed rear spoiler added some weight, but it is still very light at 2.76 lbs and very well balanced. Its carbon aramid shell comes in 4 sizes for six different head sizes from XS to XXL.
This helmet is aerodynamic in any riding position. It is very comfortable and versatile.
The flexible chin curtain makes putting on and off the helmet very easy. Integrated neck roll/ cheek pads and headliners are covered with moisture-wicking fabric and are all removable and washable. Additionally, a 4.3mm thick face shield is very easy to remove or install and comes with a Pinlock insert.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head Shape: Intermediate Oval
Weight: 2.76lb
Safety Ratings: DOT and ECE
Arai Corsair-X
Price: $869.95+
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Arai Corsair-X is the top-of-the-line sports riding/racing helmet. Since its predecessor, RX7R, made its debut back in 1990, Corsair has been one of the most popular helmets among professional racers for its exceptional safety features and performance.
PB SNC2 Shell is constructed with super fiber and other proprietary materials, and each helmet is handmade by expert craftsmen. It is aerodynamic and has superb ventilation with six intake vents and four exhausts.
The liners are completely removable and washable. Not only are liners with different thicknesses available for a customized fit, but they also have 5 mm peel-away layers on the cheek pads, temple area, and both sides of the crown for even finer adjustments to accommodate a wider range of head shapes.
Key Specs & Head Shape
Head Shape: Intermediate Oval
Weight: 3.55lb
Safety Ratings: SNELL 2020 and DOT
Frequently Asked Questions About Women's Motorcycle Helmets
How are women’s motorcycle helmets different from men’s helmets?
In the most general sense, no. Both helmets offer protection for the head via strong shells, impact absorbing EPS foams, and padded inner liners. The only really major difference is that due to the biological fact that women’s head sizes are generally smaller by a small percentage than men’s helmets, the smaller end of the helmet size scale has sizes smaller than unisex or men’s helmets.
Are there any advantages to buying a women-specific motorcycle helmet?
Depending on the brand and the style (full face, open face, modular, et al), some women’s helmets offer slightly more room at the rear of the head to allow for hairstyles such as a low ponytail, loose bun, or give enough room for longer hair to fit out the neck roll without pulling and yanking on that hair. Also, for those with smaller head sizes, as noted before, women’s helmets go beyond what a unisex XS goes down to. Granted, this is for a tiny percentage of female riders, but the fact that the sizes are available is definitely an advantage
What should I look for when buying a women’s motorcycle helmet?
If you are looking to buy a women’s helmet, like any other helmet, first look at the features. Is it the right size and head shape? Does it have adjustable padding? Does it fit your personal aesthetic? The only really important difference is if you have a large volume of hair and need to put it in a ponytail, braid, or the like for riding, you will probably want a women’s helmet with that little bit of extra room at the rear of the head.
Do I need to buy a women’s helmet if a normal helmet fits me just fine?
Not at all! Women-specific helmets often come in colors or designs that are intended for female riders, but if a unisex or men’s helmet is the most comfortable fit, then by all means use that helmet.
Do women’s motorcycle helmets share the same safety standards as unisex or men’s helmets?
All helmets, men’s, women’s, and unisex, all share the same standards and certification requirements to be used. DOT, ECE, and FRHPe-01 all still apply to helmets with official certifications. Many women’s full face helmets are also voluntarily tested at SNELL, due to the rise in women in racing and trackday activities over the past two decades.
Is it worth it to buy a women-specific helmet?
That is a very subjective question. If you want a more feminine color or graphic design on the helmet, then by all means buy a women-specific helmet. If you are fine with a unisex or even a men’s helmet, then it may not be worth it to buy a women’s helmet. The real definition of “worth it” here is if it is worth it to you, as you are the rider and it’s ultimately your own brain that you’re protecting!
What To Look For In A Motorcycle Helmet
Knowing what to look for can be the difference between an awesome experience and a terrible one.
Look For:
DOT/ECE certifications—Many inexpensive full face helmets showing up on Amazon and eBay are not DOT or ECE certified. This certification may save your life. Don’t cheap out—remember, you’re preparing for the slide, not the ride.
Comfort— Most of the helmets featured on this page use lightweight materials to minimize neck strain—useful, especially on long rides.
Head shape—While most people are an intermediate oval, not all are. Make sure you get a helmet designed for your head shape.
Shell material—Polycarbonate is okay, but you’d be better served with carbon fiber (expensive) or fiberglass. All the helmets called out here (save for one) are fiberglass.
Interior liner—All the helmets featured here offer removable liners that are anti-moisture and anti-bacterial. Avoid non-removable liners (found in cheap helmets)—it’ll be a stink factory before you know it.
Read the complete motorcycle helmet buyer's guide for more information.
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We’re objective—Good gear is good gear, regardless of who made it.
We’re value-focused—Why pay $500 if something for $250 is just as good? Our review scores and recommendations reflect best value. Brand only goes so far—the gear has to stand on its own.
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