The Best Modular Helmets in 2025
Evan Rally
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Let’s face it, finding the “perfect” motorcycle helmet is like searching for a unicorn – mythical and probably doesn’t exist.
You’ve been told modular helmets are the chameleons of the helmet world, adapting to every ride, right? Wrong.
And anyone who tells you a modular helmet is as safe as a dedicated full-face is either selling something or hasn’t hit the asphalt yet.
And that whisper-quiet modular under $500? Yeah, good luck finding that unicorn too.
But before you click away thinking modulars are a bust, hold up.
Because for you – whether you’re juggling commutes, weekend tours, or city sprints – a modular might just be the most practical piece of gear you’ll ever own.
Stick with me, and you’ll find a modular that doesn’t compromise on what truly matters for your ride. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which modular helmet will ditch the compromises and fit you perfectly, no mythical creatures required.
Which Modular Helmet is Your Perfect Match?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of specific helmets, let’s get real about what you need. Modular helmets aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but they are incredibly versatile. To make sure you pick the right one, let’s break down which type excels in different riding scenarios:
- For the Long-Haul Tourer: Comfort and quietness reign supreme. You’re logging serious miles, so features like a plush liner, excellent ventilation, and rock-solid stability at speed are non-negotiable. Integrated or easy-to-install communication systems are also a huge plus for staying connected on those epic journeys. Look for helmets that prioritize aerodynamics and noise reduction. That would be the Schuberth C5 (also in a lighter carbon fiber version). This is the quietest modular helmet ever made.
- For the Daily Commuter: Convenience is king. Flipping up the chin bar at traffic lights, gas stations, or to quickly chat with someone without removing your helmet is a game-changer. Good visibility, a wide field of vision, and a comfortable fit for everyday wear are key. Check out the Shoei Neotec 3 or much cheaper HJC i91.
- For the Urban Rider: Flexibility and adaptability are your allies in the urban jungle. Being able to switch between full-face protection and open-face freedom at a moment’s notice is invaluable when navigating city streets. Look for modulars that are lightweight, offer great ventilation for slow-speed riding, and have a compact profile for maneuverability. Take a look at the LS2 Advant X (also in carbon fiber), which doubles as an open face helmet you can ride in (unlike a typical modular).
Touring 
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Commuting 
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City 
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The quietest modular helmet money can buy, kitted out with all the features you expect for those long days in the saddle. | A premium modular helmet combining aerodynamic design, top safety features and custom fit comfort. | A high-tech modular helmet offered in both composite and full carbon fiber shells. |
The quietest modular helmet money can buy, kitted out with all the features you expect for those long days in the saddle.
A premium modular helmet combining aerodynamic design, top safety features and custom fit comfort.
A high-tech modular helmet offered in both composite and full carbon fiber shells.
We’ve hand-picked (and tested) options across different price points, ensuring there’s a modular lid for every budget and need.
Best Premium Modular Helmets
These are going to do it all – the best of the best delivering comfort, quiet and peak safety in one package.
Schuberth C5: The Gold Standard
- Best for: Touring riders who prioritize silence, comfort, and top-tier features.
- Head Shape: Intermediate Oval
Let’s kick things off with a legend – the Schuberth C5. This helmet isn’t just good; it’s often cited as the benchmark for modular helmet quietness. Seriously, slip this thing on, and the roar of the road fades into a distant hum. For touring riders racking up miles, that peace of mind is pure gold.
The quietest touring helmet money can buy, kitted out with all the features you expect for those long days in the saddle.
- Modular flip up chin bar
- Drop down sun visor
- Space for integrated comms unit
- Many colorway options
- DOT certified, with ECE in EU
The C5 is built for seamless integration with Schuberth’s SC2 communication system. The wiring, speakers, and microphone connector are all pre-installed. Just snap in the unit, and you’re connected.
Now, I see proprietary comms system as a downside since you’re often limited to just using that unit. However, this integration brings more than just “we put the speakers in for you” – it is slick. Not only is everything tucked away for you and the battery located in the back, but the antenna is extended throughout the shell of the helmet for longer range and better connectivity to other riders.
Schuberth also throws in clever features like a customizable sun visor. Got a prominent nose? No problem. Adjust the visor to avoid unwanted nasal encounters.
Also, the visor “remembers” where it was last, even when you put the chin bar up and back down. So if you have the visor cracked on a hot day and lift the chin bar at a stop, it’ll go back to cracked when you lower your chin bar to take off again. Less fiddling, more focus on the ride.
Ventilation is ample, with adjustable sliders for direct airflow to your mouth and forehead, plus rear exhaust vents to keep things cool. The shell is Schuberth’s tried-and-true DFP fiberglass, and you can even step up to a carbon fiber version for weight savings.
Downside? Schuberth still only offers two shell sizes for the C5. For a helmet at this price point, I’d expect a more custom fit. Thankfully that’s exactly what the next option – the Shoei Neotec 3 – offers with custom padding fit and three shell sizes for a better look and lower weight.
Shoei Neotec 3: The All-Around
- Best for: Riders looking for a premium touring modular with customizable fit
- Head Shape: Intermediate Oval
The Shoei Neotec series has been a modular mainstay for years, and the Neotec 3 is the latest evolution. Shoei is renowned for its comfort, and the Neotec 3 lives up to the hype. The plush liner feels luxurious against your skin, and the helmet is remarkably stable, even at higher speeds.
A premium modular helmet combining aerodynamic design, top safety features and custom fit comfort.
- Excellent protection with AIM composite shell
- Can be custom fit by Shoei
- Integrated sun visor and Pinlock shield
- Ready for SRL3 Comms system
But comfort isn’t just about plushness; it’s about fit. Shoei gets this, offering their Personal Fitting System. Visit a Shoei dealer, get your head measured in four dimensions, and they’ll recommend custom liner adjustments to dial in the perfect fit. This level of personalization is rare and a huge advantage for riders with hard-to-fit heads. And unlike the C5 with only two shell sizes, the Neotec 3 comes in three shell sizes for a closer fit.
Like the Schuberth, the Neotec 3 is communication-ready, designed for seamless integration with the SRL3 system from Sena. It’s a clean, tucked-away setup. You can still put any intercom system in here though, and as you may know I prefer Cardo!
Ventilation is excellent, and the sun visor is easily operated with a left-side slider. The chin bar mechanism is classic Shoei – solid and reassuringly robust. It locks securely in both the open and closed positions.
Downside? The Neotec 3 isn’t the absolute quietest modular on the market; the Schuberth C5 still holds that crown. It’s also heavier than the Schuberth and many other modulars at around 4 lbs in a Medium. If absolute silence is your top priority, the C5 is the quieter choice. However, the Neotec 3 counters with a more customizable fit and arguably better ventilation, making it a more versatile all-arounder.
AGV Tourmodular: The Sport Tourer
- Best for: Riders who want a modular helmet with a sporty edge and a comfortable touring focus, for a mid-range price.
- Head Shape: Intermediate Oval
AGV might be known for its racing pedigree, but the Tourmodular proves they can do touring just as well. This helmet blends AGV’s sporty DNA with the features touring and commuting riders crave. It looks sharp, feels solid, and backs it up with a premium feel throughout.
A premium modular helmet built for safety comfort and long-distance touring
- Carbon aramid fiberglass shell for strength and lightness
- Integrated sun visor and Pinlock shield
- Sporty design with touring features
Built with a carbon fiber, aramid fiber, and fiberglass shell, it’s light for a modular at around 3 lbs 12 oz (medium), and aerodynamically optimized for “zero weight equivalent at 80 mph,” reducing highway fatigue.
AGV sweated the details on ventilation, with three adjustable front vents and a rear exhaust. A “city position” detent on the visor offers subtle airflow, though other detents are less defined. The plush interior accommodates glasses and has deep speaker pockets for 45mm comms systems, and it’s prepared for the Cardo-powered AGV INSYDE system. The chin strap is ratchet style (though stainless steel, not plastic) – maybe not for the trackday crowd, but dead simple for gloved hands on tour.
Downside? Sporty looks might not suit all touring riders. But for the price, you’re getting similar features to a pricier Shoei or Schuberth touring helmet for about 20% off.
Best Budget Modular Helmets
Modulars come in cheaper packages as well… here are some of the best.
LS2 Advant X: The Transformer
- Best for: Riders who want the ultimate in modular versatility, with the ability to ride in a true open-face configuration.
- Head Shape: Intermediate Oval
Weighing just 3 lbs 8 ounces, this is a pretty light modular.
And it isn’t just your typical modular; it’s a flip-back model, meaning the chin bar does a full 180, tucking neatly into the back and turning it into a genuine open-face helmet. That’s a great option especially for urban riders who want to ride with the chin bar up sometimes.
A high-tech modular helmet offered in both composite and full carbon fiber shells.
- 180-degree flip-back chin bar for easy full-face to open-face transition
- Lightweight yet strong Kinetic Polymer Alloy shell
- Pinlock-ready shield and built-in sun visor
- Slightly bulky due to modular design
LS2 packed serious features into this lid, starting with safety. It’s certified to the latest ECE 22.06 and DOT standards, which is common at higher price ranges but not down in the $400 range. The shell is a fiberglass composite, but for less than $100 more you can get even lighter carbon fiber, which shaves 2 ounces off the weight. That makes a real difference on longer rides, reducing neck strain.
LS2 sweated the details. The micrometric buckle is rock-solid and glove-friendly. Emergency quick-release cheek pads are a thoughtful safety touch. You even get two visors in the box – both clear and dark smoke, plus an internal sun visor that’s genuinely impressive, offering sunglass-level clarity.
The flip-back chin bar is smooth and easy to operate one-handed on the bike (though LS2, and common sense, advises against doing it while moving for safety). Seriously, riding open-face and then having the option to close up the whole helmet should you hit rain or speed is really nice. Even with the chin bar in the back position you get no drag, no buffeting, just pure open-air freedom.
Who’s this helmet for? Riders with multiple bikes – sportbikes, nakeds, tourers – because the Advant X adapts to pretty much anything. It looks sharp doing it too; this is a genuinely good-looking helmet. In the box, you get the Pinlock insert, dark visor, a storage bag, and even a fancy carry case/rucksack – nice touches for a helmet in this price range.
Downsides? Honestly, nitpicking, the visor tab is positioned slightly differently than I’m used to – a minor muscle memory thing, not a real flaw. Comfort? Exceptional. All-day wearable with no pressure points. Visibility? Wide and clear. Wind noise? Minimal for a modular – you’re on a bike, after all, but it’s well-controlled. It’s also Bluetooth-ready for Cardo systems, has a chin curtain, and removable liners for washing.
If you want versatility, light weight, and those touring features like a drop down sun visor, the LS2 Advant X is a top contender, especially if you’re watching your budget but still want premium features.
Sedici Sistema 3: The Underpriced
- Best for: Value-conscious touring and commuting riders who want essential modular features and a surprisingly high level of quality for the price.
- Head Shape: Intermediate Oval
This helmet punches way above its weight class. If you’re scratching your head wondering why you haven’t heard more about Sedici, here’s the inside scoop: it’s RevZilla’s house brand. The online giant of motorcycle gear in the US sees what sells, hears what customers want, and knows what riders need. So, when RevZilla puts their weight behind a product, especially at this price point, you know it’s gonna be good.
A lightweight modular helmet with features and build quality (like stainless steel visor components and seamless face shield gasket) of much more expensive lids.
- Strong & light fiberglass composite shell
- Close fit (5 EPS sizes and 3 shell sizes)
- DOT and ECE safety ratings
- Large speaker pockets
- Pinlock insert sold separately
The Sistema 3 is straight-up unbelievable value. Seriously, you could easily expect to pay double for a modular helmet with this feature set. Sedici didn’t cut corners on the essentials; they optimized for value. You get a robust modular mechanism that feels like it’ll last, effective ventilation to keep you from boiling in traffic, and a reliable drop-down sun visor for sunny days. This isn’t just a “cheap” helmet; it’s a smart helmet, engineered to deliver core touring needs without robbing you in the process.
One of the biggest tells of a budget helmet is limited sizing – often just one or two shell sizes stretched across all head sizes with varying padding thicknesses. Not the Sistema 3. Sedici somehow crammed three shell sizes and a whopping five EPS liner sizes into this lid. This translates to a much closer, more comfortable, and safer fit across a wider range of head shapes. No more bobblehead look if you’re on the smaller side, and no more thin liner if you’re on the larger end of the spectrum. This level of size inclusivity at this price is almost unheard of.
And forget cheap polycarbonate shells – the Sistema 3 uses a fiberglass composite. Fiberglass is lighter and disperses impact energy more effectively than polycarbonate, meaning less neck fatigue on long rides and a potentially safer helmet in a spill. This is a major inclusion rarely seen at this price point.
The build quality is also surprisingly refined. Details like a stainless steel visor latch, reflective inserts on the neck roll for added visibility, and generous speaker pockets (big enough for 45mm comms speakers) show Sedici’s attention to detail and durability. It’s also both ECE 22.06 and DOT certified, ticking the safety boxes in Europe and the USA.
Downside? Let’s be real, the Sistema 3 isn’t going to win any style awards. The look is functional and plain – classic touring helmet aesthetics. However, if you prioritize function, fit, safety, and saving serious cash without sacrificing core features, the Sedici Sistema 3 is a ridiculously good buy.
HJC i91 – The Pillow
- Best for: Riders seeking a well-rounded modular helmet with a strong feature set at an incredibly accessible price.
- Head Shape: Round Oval
- Our Review: I tested this helmet personally and wrote about it here.
Rounding out our list is the HJC i91, a helmet that delivers all the features of a modular in the most affordable package you can find from a legitimate helmet manufacturer.
For around $280, you get a solidly built modular lid with internal sun visor, Pinlock visor included, and a liner that’s as plush as lids costing three times as much.
- Super comfortable liner and plush padding
- 3 shell sizes for better fit, look, and weight
- One of the best drop down sun visors in any helmet
- Heavy on the neck
- Flimsy visor that doesn't seal well
And they didn’t just chuck these things in to check boxes. The internal sun visor is one of the best I’ve ever seen in a helmet – it’s clear without distortion and comes all the way down below my line of sight, so I don’t even notice it’s there. It’s also adjustable so you can make it go down a little further or stop a bit shorter.
Comfort is where the i91 truly shines. I found the liner to be super comfortable, especially around the ears, and it has eyewear channels that are thoughtfully designed. The fit is different than other modulars on this list as well in that it’s made for a round oval head. I did find it pushed on my forehead after a long ride, given I have an intermediate oval head bordering on a long oval.
It’s not all good though: there are certainly tradeoffs with the budget price. For one, the shell is polycarbonate – while it passes DOT, it’s definitely less protective than fiberglass and carbon fiber options on more expensive helmets. The visor, while functional, is pretty thin as visors go and it doesn’t seal super well to the helmet, leading to noticeable wind noise – louder than even other modulars, and definitely noisier than a quiet full-face like a Shoei RF-SR.
Ventilation? It’s… adequate. A chin vent and a single top vent provide some airflow, but if you’re riding in sweltering heat, you might find yourself wanting more, especially around the forehead. For hot climates, HJC themselves point you to the upmarket RPHA 91.
And it’s not the lightest helmet, tipping the scales at over 4 lbs, even before adding comms. On longer tours, that weight becomes noticeable.
If your top priority is sticking within a budget, the HJC i91 is a solid option; but there are better lids above that bring more to the table in terms of quietness and safety.
Modular Helmet Buying Guide: Key Features to Consider
Choosing the right modular helmet boils down to understanding your priorities. Here’s a breakdown of the most important features to consider:
- Safety Certification: Always ensure the helmet meets DOT and/or ECE 22.06 safety standards. Modulars do compromise on safety compared to full-face helmets, but they have to pass the same tests as full face helmets. That said, DOT only measures the top of the helmet (hence why half helmets can pass) so I’d look for ECE if you’re at all concerned about the strength of the chin bar. You can also check SHARP ratings, which will tell you often the chinbar locks failed during their independent testing.
- Shell Material and Weight: Shell materials range from polycarbonate (entry-level) to fiberglass composites (mid-range) to carbon fiber (premium). Fiberglass and carbon fiber are lighter and often stronger, but polycarbonate is still a safe and cost-effective option. Weight affects long-ride comfort, especially for commuters in stop-and-go traffic. Lighter is generally better for comfort, but a heavier helmet can be more stable in high winds – especially if that weight goes towards the visor, vents and other movable parts that might vibrate.
- Noise Isolation: Modular helmets, by nature of their flip-up design, are often a bit noisier than full-face helmets. However, premium touring modulars like the Schuberth C5 and Shoei Neotec 3 prioritize quietness through advanced aerodynamics, sealing, and liner design. If you value a quiet ride, look for helmets specifically marketed for noise reduction.
- Ventilation: Good ventilation is crucial for comfort, especially in urban riding and touring in warmer climates. Look for adjustable chin vents, forehead vents, and rear exhaust vents. Some helmets, like the AGV Tourmodular, even have visor vents to aid in defogging.
- Visor Features:
- Pinlock Visor: Absolutely essential for fog-free vision in varying weather conditions. Make sure your chosen helmet includes a Pinlock insert or is Pinlock-ready.
- Internal Sun Visor: A non-negotiable feature for most riders. Look for a sun visor that drops down far enough and operates smoothly, even with gloves on.
- Visor Mechanism: Smooth, tool-less visor changes are a huge convenience. Also, check for a secure visor closure and good sealing against wind and water.
- Communication System Integration: If you use a Bluetooth communicator, consider helmets with integrated systems (Schuberth, Shoei, LS2 Advant X) or those specifically designed for easy universal system installation – which is almost all modulars on the market. Integrated systems offer cleaner aesthetics and aerodynamics, but I prefer putting my own system in as it’s easier to upgrade or move that system to a new helmet.
- Comfort and Fit: Fit is paramount. A comfortable and snug helmet is a safe helmet. Consider your head shape (round oval, intermediate oval, long oval) and choose helmets known to fit that shape. Features like customizable cheek pads and liners (like the Shoei Personal Fitting System) can further refine the fit.
- Chin Bar Operation: The chin bar mechanism should be easy to operate with one hand, glove-friendly, and lock securely in both open and closed positions. Look for dual homologation (P/J rating) which means the safety rating applies when the chin bar is open as well.
“Transformer” Feature (Flip-Back): If you prioritize open-face riding at slower speeds, especially in urban environments, a flip-back modular like the LS2 Advant X offers unique versatility.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Schuberth C5 | Shoei Neotec 3 | AGV Tourmodular | Sedici Sistema 3 | LS2 Advant X | HJC i91 |
| Best For | Quiet Touring | All-Around Comfort | Sporty Touring | Value Touring/Commuting | Urban ( Flip-Back) | Budget |
| Head Shape | Intermediate Oval | Intermediate Oval | Intermediate Oval | Intermediate Oval | Intermediate Oval | Round Oval |
| Shell Material | Fiberglass (Carbon Option) | Fiberglass Composite | Fiberglass/Carbon Composite | Fiberglass Composite | Fiberglass (Carbon Option) | Polycarbonate |
| Weight (Medium) | 3 lbs 10 ounces / 1640g | 3 lbs 11 ounces / 1665g | 3 lbs 9 ounces / 1620g | 3 lbs 12 ounces / 1700g | 3 lbs 8 ounces / 1600g | 3 lbs 12 ounces / 1700g |
| Quietness | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Good | Fair |
| Ventilation | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Good |
| Readymade Comms | SC2 (Sena) Ready | SRL3 (Sena) Ready | Cardo INSYDE Ready | Universal | Universal | Smart HJC (Sena) Ready |
| Pinlock | Included | Included | Included | Not Included | Included | Included |
| Get One | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Modular helmets aren’t unicorns, but they are incredibly practical tools for riders who value versatility and convenience. Forget chasing mythical perfection. Instead, focus on what you need for your riding style.
No matter which modular helmet you choose from this list, you’re investing in a lid that will enhance your riding experience. So, ditch the unicorn hunt, pick the helmet that fits your needs, and get back to what truly matters: the open road.