Motorcyclists are more at risk of permanent hearing loss. Many people believe that hearing loss is caused by the motorbike engine’s loudness and that it only affects riders who do not wear full-face helmets. To some extent, this is correct, but it is not the whole picture.
Studies have found that “wind noise” is the leading cause of hearing loss among motorcycle riders. Wind noise is the amount of noise turbulence created around the rider’s head while in motion, which, if not properly avoided, can result in irreversible hearing loss over time.
Your helmet choice can significantly improve your hearing protection and biking experience by shielding your hearing from the road and providing noise reduction.
Whether you’re a frequent rider, an occasional rider, or a racer, the quietest motorcycle helmets should be your primary choice for riding a motorcycle.
A quiet motorcycle helmet is just a standard helmet with the added feature of being able to reduce noise. They will help you keep your head safe by lowering the chances of an accident and provide the highest noise reduction, allowing you to enjoy your journey in a more relaxed environment.
We’ve put together a list of the quietest motorcycle helmets that do an excellent job of minimising the noise that bothered you while riding.
Let’s discover which one is the best fit for you.
Quietest Motorcycle Helmets Reviews
The following are reviews of the 9 quietest motorcycle helmets you can get for a peaceful ride.
1. Arai Signet-X Helmet
Premium Choice – Best Ventilation System
The Arai Signet helmet is designed to provide a comfortable and quiet riding experience. It features a super complex laminated shell with a thick, soft lining, added for better fit, safety, and comfort.
The liner has 5mm thick peel-away cheek and side temple pads for a more customised fit, while the facial contour support (FCS) cheek pads act as noise reduction features.
The noise cancellation is significantly enhanced by the aerodynamic shell of the Signet-X, which incorporates aerodynamic top vents with toggle control.
The VAS Max Vision face shield on the Signet-X improves visibility in all seasons and for all types of riding and it has adjustable air intake ports that provide greater sealing and minimise road noise and water penetration.
The brow vents on the visor assist keep the face cool and wind noise away from the ears. It includes a water-repellent soft chin curtain that enhances exhaust from the mouth region while also helping to reduce noise.
Our Take
The Arai Signet-X’s long oval shell is designed for head shapes with considerable length but a narrower width, making it perfect for people with narrower skull shapes.
2. Shoei RF-1400 Helmet
All-Rounder Choice – Best for Long Rides
The RF-1400, the world’s quietest touring helmet, is created by Shoei’s world-class team of designers and engineers by utilising the company’s 55 years of knowledge and experience. Shoei devoted a significant amount of time and effort in the wind tunnel to create the quietest helmet possible.
This wind tunnel-tested helmet weighs only 3.62 pounds and provides top-notch performance. The most important characteristic of this helmet is that it provides noise reduction features while still enabling you to hear road noises.
In addition to its complex Multiply Matrix AIM + Shell, it includes a CWR-F2 Shield System with ribs along the top and bottom to enhance rigidity and to provide a good seal that helps keep wind noise out.
Thick Padding improves fit, and a better fit usually means more comfort and less noise. The helmet has a chin curtain that also helps to reduce wind noise.
It includes removable ear pockets for Bluetooth installation while the pouches around the built-in Bluetooth headset ears are firmly packed with noise-cancelling foam, which helps reduce wind noise even further and makes this Shoei RF-1200 one of the quietest helmets on the market.
Our Take
This Shoei RF 1400 motorcycle helmet is an excellent pick for anybody searching for the safest and quietest motorcycle touring helmets since it blocks the wind noise but you still can hear the events on the road well, which is necessary to drive safely on roads, especially for newbie riders.
3. HJC RPHA 11 Pro Helmet
Racer’s Choice – Most Durable
HJC built the RPHA 11 Pro Helmet for race track riders. Its aerodynamic shell construction ensures great ventilation and noise reduction even at high speed. Using reinforcing materials such as carbon-glass hybrid fabric, the HJC’s patented premium integrated matrix shell composition delivers increased shock-resistant performance as well as a more comfortable and lightweight fit.
Unlike most racing helmets, the RPHA 11 Pro offers ear pockets for speakers, but they are a little smaller. It has a wider eye-port for greater visibility which can accommodate different types of eyewear and a leak-free shield sealing around the eye-port, ensuring that there is no buffeting or excessive noise at any speed.
Additional safety features include reflective patches on the back and an emergency release cheek pad system that allows the helmet to be removed safely and quickly in an emergency.
As this helmet is made for both streets and tracks, vents are present in the zones where you need air the most.
This helmet is sized according to HJC’s size chart; however, it has a tighter Race-Style fit. You need to go up in size if you want a more spacious fit from your helmet.
Our Take
HJC RPHA 11 Pro helmet provides excellent noise cancellation at medium to low speeds. At higher speeds, the helmet tends to pick up the deflected wind and channel it through the helmet’s ventilation port, which might increase the noise level a bit.
4. SHARK Helmets EVO-ONE 2
Editor’s Choice – Most Versatile
SHARK EVO-ONE 2 is the first modular helmet to receive a perfect score in the SHARP crash test. This premium motorcycle helmet combines the comfort and security of a full-face helmet with the freedom of an open-face lid.
This SHARK Helmet has an improved chin locking mechanism, a new auto up and down visor, and an aerodynamic shell design that helps to minimise wind noise. A magnetic chin curtain is also included in the full-face position to act as an effective wind blocker.
The CoolMax lining, which is soft, detachable, and washable, helps to seal around the neck and face, decreasing wind noise and enhancing rider comfort for a quieter ride.
With a fast flip of the front chin bar, the Shark Evo One 2 can be used as both a closed and open face helmet. To keep wind noise out, the face shield has an auto-seal system that pulls it in against the seal.
Furthermore, two adjustable vents on the top of the helmet send cool air over the top of the head and out the exhaust vent behind the spoiler, preventing wind noise from reaching the ears.
Our Take
The Shark Evo One 2 is suitable for any rider who desires the quietest motorcycle helmets with the convenience of a modular flip-up helmet. Unlike many other flip-up helmets, this SHARK EVO-ONE 2 helmet is DOT-certified for riding with the chin-bar in both open and closed positions.
5. Scorpion EXO-AT950 Outrigger Helmet
Value Choice – Best Padded
The Scorpion EXO-AT950 is a flip-up helmet with dual support that can be used for both track days and street tours. It has an advanced polycarbonate shell with dual-density EPS foam that gives a lightweight and robust feel to this helmet.
The wide eye port enhances peripheral vision while the Scorpion “EverClear” treatment makes the face shield anti-fog and anti-scratch.
Because of the substantial padding and snug fit along the sides, this helmet is quieter than most flip-ups, which, due to their shape, tend to transfer more noise than full-face helmets.
It has a built-in chin curtain that helps to block out noise from below. UV protection is provided by the integrated drop-down Speedview sun visor, and the KwikWick II lining keeps you comfortable even on prolonged rides.
Our Take
The EXO-AT950 may be worn as a full-face ADV helmet with the external peak visor connected, or as an aerodynamic touring helmet with the visor removed. The peak is ideal for this sort of helmet since it allows the air to flow freely and is unaffected by the turbulence generated by your bike’s small windscreen
6. Sedici Strada 2 Full-Face Helmet
Optimal Choice – Best for Daily Wear
Sedici leads in the helmet manufacturing industry with its exports to almost 30 countries. The Strada 2 helmet is made up of a fibreglass exterior with a multi-density EPS inside.
Additionally, it is lined with a Kevlar fibre that maintains the structural integrity of the helmet while the fibreglass shaves off extra weight.
Sedici offers aerodynamic qualities in this helmet that not only offer enough ventilation and air movement but also significantly minimise wind noise.
It is designed in a zero-lift shape so ADV riders can enjoy riding at high speeds without any fear of losing their helmet.
The Reinforced chin strap is utilised in the construction of the helmet’s body. The sun shield includes built-in dual visors that drop down to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays.
Furthermore, you may also alter the airflow through intake and exhaust vent ports. The intake ports can be adjusted at three points while the rear exhaust vents are situated around the back,
Our Take
If you are searching for a quiet helmet that is ideal for dual sport, touring, and outdoor riding, then the Sedici Strada 2 helmet is for you.
When ordering, purchase a size larger because this helmet tends to run small.
7. Sena Outrush Modular Smart Helmet
Stylish Choice – Best for Networking
Sena is known for its high-tech helmets that not only look and feel great but also provide sufficient protection and exceptional comfort.
Its Outrush Modular Helmet features a Bluetooth 3.0 stereo headset which is designed to enhance and transmit crystal-clear audio.
Advanced Noise Control technology is included in the pre-installed HD Intercom system, which digitally eliminates ambient riding noise from intercom transmission, allowing for clearer communication.
You can also connect your smartphone to the helmet through Bluetooth for music playing, phone calls, GPS instructions, FM radio, and HD intercom talks. This sleek and stylish helmet delivers up to 15 hours of talk time on a single charge.
Along with a multi-density EPS lining and a lightweight DOT-approved shell, this helmet has an integrated drop-down sun visor and a face shield that protects your eyes from flying debris and the harsh effects of the sun’s glare.
A quick-release ratchet strap comfortably secures the helmet while the 3-way ventilation system improves airflow and reduces road noise.
Our Take
Sena Outrush modular smart helmet is stylish and functional, making it the ideal companion for the road. This helmet allows you to use your smartphone to not only listen to music but also to receive GPS directions and make phone calls while travelling.
8. HJC i90 Modular Helmet
Economical Choice – Easy to Maintain
HJC manufactures some of the safest helmets on the market, which are rigorously tested in the lab as well as in more realistic situations. Its i90 model is popular with riders who recognize the need for a quiet helmet but prefer the convenience of a modular helmet.
It has a polycarbonate composite shell with a chin bar that can be controlled one-handedly with only one button and works great to control wind noise.
Other adjustable elements of this helmet, including the seven intake vents, the visor, the face shield, and the flip front, all provide completely secured seals to keep road noise out and can be used even with gloves on.
To deliver greater fit and comfort, HJC uses Advanced CAD Technology in this model.
Its integrated smoke-tinted Sunshield protects you from 95% UV rays. It also includes a chin curtain that not only reduces road noise but also keeps you warm on cold mornings.
Our Take
HJC helmets are designed to be as user-friendly as possible. The HJC i90 Modular Helmet offers less wind noise and is made for both novices and experienced riders.
9. Bell Qualifier Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
Recommended by Experts – Most Aerodynamic
Bell helmets are recognized for their durability, strength, and functionality. The Bell Qualifier Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet is no exception.
This helmet features a unique aerodynamic shell design that allows the rider to enjoy a smooth ride without being bothered by the wind and road noise.
The 3D laser moulded cheek cushions on this Bell Qualifier helmet provide good cushioning and a secure fit on the rider’s face. The ClickRelease system allows riders to easily change the shade of the photochromic visor without having to go through a complex process.
Bell has added a noise-cancelling mechanism in the padding in the form of a cushioned wind collar. This wind collar can assist to reduce the amount of wind and noise reaching the rider’s ear, helping the rider to stay calm and composed which is necessary to drive safely.
The air vents are designed using velocity flow ventilation technology that allows the rider to adjust the amount of air that enters the helmet.
Our Take
This helmet is intended to give optimum comfort regardless of the ride’s speed or duration, allowing you to wear it for long rides without sacrificing comfort.
Quietest Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide
There are a few features to look for in a helmet that will help in noise reduction. Keep in mind that none of those characteristics can alone save your ears, you’ll need a mix of them to get the best protection.
Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics is the most essential component in making a helmet quiet. The major source of noise within the helmet is turbulence, which can be caused by anything that disrupts the wind flow. The helmet’s aerodynamic shape allows wind to pass quickly across its surface without turbulence, resulting in a considerable reduction in wind noise.
Fit
Investing in a helmet that fits properly is the most important step in making a motorcycle helmet quieter. Most of the noises you experience riding a motorcycle come from wind acting against your ride direction. If the helmet doesn’t fit correctly, it leaves gaps in the neck areas for wind noises.
Helmets are extremely personal from fit to style. A helmet that is too tight might ruin your ride much more than a loud helmet.
Take your time when looking for a helmet to make sure the fit is correct. Perform a roll test to ensure that the helmet will not easily fall off your head. If it easily falls off your head, you may need a different size, style, and shape.
Padding
Helmets with more padding around the neck area provide greater noise reduction. The padding will act as a wind barrier that not only assists to reduce turbulence sounds but also provide neck support to protect your head in the event of a collision.
Face Shield
A high-quality full-face windshield can also significantly help with noise control and reduction. The face shield should seal well when closed and should be composed of thick and durable material.
Wind noise can be reduced by riding with your visor closed. This is due to the visor’s ability to seal the aperture on your helmet, preventing noise from entering the interior. Remember, if any opening or component of the helmet does not close properly, it might generate additional noise within the helmet.
Wind Collars
Wind collars are extremely effective at minimising noise and letting you ride in silence even at higher speeds. Wind collars are padded collars, which fill the gap between the neck and the shell.
A thick, well-fitted neck roll helps block out some of the noise by restricting the passage of air into the lid. It does a fantastic job of absorbing engine and road noise from below. It can also serve as a barrier between your neck and flying debris or bugs.
The better the liner and padding around your head and neck, the greater the impact and noise protection the helmet will provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes a Helmet Noisy?
Noise will enter the helmet through visor seals, large air vents, and gaps between the chin and the helmet. The noise levels vary based on how the rider’s head fits within the helmet. Any gap or ill-fitting component might cause the noise level to rise.
In addition, the type of bike you ride, your helmet tilt, and your flow speed have all been proven to affect helmet noise production.
Which one is quieter, half-face, or full-face helmet?
A full-face, single-piece helmet is typically quieter than a modular or half-face helmet, but the quietness of a helmet is highly dependent on the characteristics we described above rather than the type of helmet.
How do I get rid of wind noise on my helmet?
There are a variety of ways to maximise noise cancellation on a motorcycle helmet. You could try wearing a balaclava underneath your helmet or add a layer of foam. Adding a piece of fleece also helps. However, the latter ways perform better in a cool climate rather than in warm weather where ventilation is needed. In the winter, you could layer up with padded earmuffs — just make sure they aren’t too chunky or it will misalign the fitting of the helmet.
What is the best way to windproof a motorcycle helmet?
One of the best ways to block wind noise while wearing motorcycle helmets is to add a windshield. It reduces wind buffeting and acts as an effective noise blocker. You could also add pieces of fleece at the back of the helmet under the ears so the wind is less likely to rise up inside the helmet.
Final Words
Even the finest helmets on the market today don’t assist much when it comes to noise cancellation at high speeds, but without a helmet, wind noise at high speeds is approximately ten times louder than when wearing a full-coverage helmet.
This is why the quietest motorcycle helmet is an ideal choice for all types of riders, including daily commuters, occasional riders, and racers. All of the aforementioned quiet helmets are the finest in terms of price and quality. You may get any of them to make your riding less noisy because we can all agree that riding is more pleasurable with a quiet helmet.
Ryan Thompson is a 35-year-old sport bike enthusiast known for his adventurous spirit. With years of weekend rides and exploring new roads, Ryan brings fresh insights and firsthand experience to ProtectiveGearz. His energetic approach and passion for the latest gear make him a trusted source for riders seeking up-to-date advice.
