With a quiet motorcycle helmet you can reduce the effect of constant wind noise at highway speeds and block excessive road noise.
Did you know that when you are riding at 70mph, research has shown that you can expose your ears to sound levels of over 100 dB – in the long term, that is potentially damaging.
In this article, we set out to find the quietest motorcycle helmet. We will tell you about their noise reduction, safety and comfort features.
Skip to:
Hold on – before the main bit, we have some stats:
#1 – Shoei RF-1400
A quiet motorcycle helmet at the premium end of the market, the Shoei RF-1400 is heralded by serious riders for its advanced noise reduction technology.
Advanced noise reduction technology is what you get from this premium full-face helmet which is lauded by many riders online.
Thanks to advanced shell aerodynamics, coupled with a new shield system that gives you air tight protection, the volume of unwanted wind noise and road sounds are brought right down. You will get a quiet riding experience that doesn’t block out the informative noises you actually need on the road.
What else? The Shoei RF-1400 also excels on the safety front. The outer shell is constructed using Shoei’s AIM+ (Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus) technology, which layers multiple composite/fiberglass materials to provide a balance of strength, energy dispersion, and controlled flex. And a new feature allows medical professionals to remove cheek pads easily from the helmet in the case of an emergency.
This helmet also performs well on the aerodynamic front, wiith 6% and 4% reductions on lift and drag, respectively. And when it comes to comfort, there is a fully removable and washable 3D Max-Dry Interior System II that is designed to dissipate sweat twice as fast.
Pros
- Advanced noise reduction tech
- Layered composite / fiberglass
- Aerodynamic
- Speedy swear dissipating
Cons
- Price reflects premium quality and advanced design
Best for: Regular highway riders
#2 – ScorpionEXO Covert FX
The ScorpionExo Covert FX proves the design – namely, aerodynamics and fit – play a huge role when it comes to reducing wind noise. Excellent value low-noise option.
The ScorpionEXO Covert FX has a solid neoprene aero skirt (chin curtain) that helps to reduce wind noise.
But it’s not just this feature that makes the ScorpionEXO Covert FX one of the quietest helmets out there – there are also aerodynamics made with CAD design that give it a streamlined profile that minimizes lift and turbulence – this all adds up to a ride which is quieter and smoother.
Users agree. thebarzeen , who bought the helmet on Amazon, reported that the helmet is “impressively quiet for me”.
On the safety front, although this is a lightweight helmet, you can be reassured by a TCT-Ultra Composite shell that not only provides superior strength, but also has impact dispersal properties. The helmet also benefits from superior energy absorption thanks to advanced multi-layer EPS.
Other than that, an aero-tuned ventilation system with a large intake vent at the top, inviates cold air in and hot air out, giving you more comfort.
The ScorpionEXO Covert FX also includes a fog-free shield (the Additional Dark Smoke Everclear).
Pros
- Wind noise reduction
- Aerodynamics reduce turbulence for quieter ride
- Strong shell with superior energy absorption
Cons
- Some report speaker pouches may be small for some models
Best for: Premium sound reduction for lower price
#3 – Sena Stryker
Ideal for those taking calls while on the road; the Sena Stryker offers acoustic dampening to make sure the sound on its in-built Harman Kardon speakers is crystal clear.
For some of us, a certain amount of noise is unavoidable in a motorcycle helmet, because we are communicating while we are riding.
The Sena Stryker gives you Integrated Mesh & Bluetooth connectivity which you can hook up with your phone, along with Harman Kardon speakers and microphone for superb sound clarity. However, that doesn’t meant you need to put up with a din – from either internal sound or road noises and wind.
That’s because the Sena Stryker gives you acoustic dampening with its padding – not only does this help to reduce road noise and wind, but it also makes everything you do hear in the helmet a lot better.
Other neat features include a retractable sun visor that is located behind the clear face shield, giving you some nice options for different light conditions. And there is also an LED tailight for extra visibility and safety.
Pros
- Acoustic sound dampening
- Built-in speakers and Bluetooth connectivity
- Strong shell with superior energy absorption
Cons
- Wind noise reduction not the most effective on the market
Best for: Riders who need clear sound and communication
#4 – LS2 Advant X
Praised heavily in online reviews – riders are impressed by the LS2 Advant X’s lack of wind noise at high speed, as well as the snug fit.
This one is a user’s favourite.
A chin guard design and thick neck collar help redirect airflow around the edges of the helmet, and a tightly sealing visit also prevents wind infiltration – the effectiveness of these features is backed up by riders online.
For example, GB commented: “At higher speeds with the chin bar down, this is a very quiet helmet”.
Another Amazon buyer, K Family, was happy to report: “Have to say this is the absolute best fitting, most solid built and quietest helmet I have used so far”.
Also, there is a 180-degree modular system to make putting on and taking off the LS2 Advant X as easy as possible. An example of the helmet’s durability is the “A Class” Polycarbonate face shield, which is scratch and UV-resistant.
Pros
- Airflow redirect & tight sealing for wind noise reduction
- Tough and durable shell
- Easy to put on (180° modular system)
Cons
- Buyers need to choose size carefully (seller advises picking 1 size larger than normal)
Best for: Good all-rounder with effective sound reduction
#5 – Shoei Neotec 3
Shoei’s Neotec 3 is another example of this brand’s noise reduction technology. It utilizes a Noise Isolator plus clever aerodynamics. It also ventilates well and protects from sun glare.
Shoei, the Japanese manufacturer, has made a name for itself with not only the quality, but the noise reduction features of its motorcycle helmets.
The Neotec 3 is the second Shoei helmet we have included in this list of the best quiet motorcycle helmets – and with good reason. It offers maximum silencing – the enhanced cheek pad design on the Neotec 3 uses a Noise Isolator to reduce noise to the max. By isolating and minimizing unwanted external noises. The ride experience is improved significantly.
Aerodynamics also come into it. Because the Neotec 3’s compact and streamlined shape offers not only drag, but wind noise reduction. There is also a micro ratchet chin strap system that gives you a precise and secure fit.
You can put your trust in an AIM (Advanced Integrated Matrix) shell with a multiple-density EPS liner system, and protection against sun glare comes from the adjustable QSV-2 Sun Shield Visor System. There’s also an Optimised Ventiliation System to keep you cool
Pros
- Noise Isolator
- Advanced aerodynamics for reduced wind noise
- Sun glare protection
- Optimized ventilation
Cons
- Not a budget buy
Best for: Premium quiet motorcycle helmet for regular riders
