What’s the Quietest, Noise Canceling Helmet? Our Top 3 Picks
Evan Rally
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Tired of the whistling wind through your $100 lid? The crack of your uber-expensive Vance & Hines pipes shattering your eardrums? Or you just want to hear the radio over it all?
I’m Evan, and I’ve been there before.
I even had a brush with death once as a result. Too much wind noise in my helmet and I didn’t notice a semi-truck bearing down on me late at night until the last minute.
Here’s a quick rundown of the quietest helmets. Want the full reviews of each? Keep scrolling.
Quietest Overall 
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For Touring (Modular) 
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For Adventure 
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The quietest helmet ever made, with a tight yet plush neck roll and visor that seals down like a vault door. Read our 4 year ownership review of this lid. | The quietest touring helmet money can buy, kitted out with all the features you expect for those long days in the saddle. Modular, easy to slot in custom-fit Sena systems. | Arai somehow manages to marry high ventilation, a peak, and a quiet ride inside a top-notch adventure lid. Can use with goggles. |
The quietest helmet ever made, with a tight yet plush neck roll and visor that seals down like a vault door. Read our 4 year ownership review of this lid.
The quietest touring helmet money can buy, kitted out with all the features you expect for those long days in the saddle. Modular, easy to slot in custom-fit Sena systems.
Arai somehow manages to marry high ventilation, a peak, and a quiet ride inside a top-notch adventure lid. Can use with goggles.
And two more top picks…
- Active Noise Canceling: Sena Phantom
- Budget Option: Schuberth C3 Pro (It’s on Closeout so act fast.)
Here are a few ground rules to keep in mind as we go through all the quietest helmets on the market today.
- You’re going to spend more than $500 on this helmet: If you want a helmet that keeps noise down, build quality is key. No cheap helmets will rank here. Expect to spend $500 – $900 on this helmet, but you will get the best in class comfort and safety.
- Do not buy a loose helmet: Helmet fit is the biggest factor in helmet noise. Even a high end helmet won’t be quiet if air is rushing in every nook and cranny. Fit is not just about size, but shape as well. Find the perfect fit with our helmet fitting guide.
- Noise cancelling is not what you want: Active noise cancelling is a rare find in a helmet. If you want that, get AirPods (actually a good choice). What you want is a well built, quiet helmet that fits you just right. This will dampen the noises you don’t want, leaving room for those you do.
Other reviews on quiet and noise cancelling helmets will shill you junk knockoffs from Chinese manufacturers that just don’t do the job in any sense. This list of noise canceling and quiet helmets is for those of you who don’t want to get pancaked by stupid drivers, or stuff in ear plugs in every time you ride.
Before you turn around and yell, “Evan, how is a quiet helmet going to help me stay aware of what’s on the road?!”
A well built and quiet helmet helps because it tunes out the routine noises that deafen your sense of hearing, like your tires on the road and the wind rushing over your helmet. Certain types of ear plugs do the same.
A quiet helmet actually makes it EASIER to hear cars passing you, horns and other out-of-the-ordinary noises. Sure, those noises will likely be quieter than before on an absolute, decibels basis – but they will be louder than other distracting noises.
So without further ado, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of each helmet and see what makes them stand out.
Shoei RF-1400 – The Best Motorcycle Helmet for Wind Noise Reduction
Reviewed by our contributor Carl Magnusson here.
Throw out your beloved Shoei RF-1200. With the release of the RF-1400, the wizards at Shoei made the 1200 look like an old bucket in your garage. While the 1200 was already quiet, you could wear the 1400 in a Category 5 hurricane and get the best sleep of your life.
In fact, if you have young kids, you might want to wear this to bed too. How do I know?
While the RF-1400 isn’t an active noise cancelling motorcycle helmet, I have a crazy friend that has put it to the test.
Why the Shoei RF-1400 is So Quiet
Carl has put this helmet through the ringer, from 120mph down to city traffic. Even at high speeds and different head angles while chatting through his Sena headset…
Not only did he say he could barely hear the wind even at 120, we could hear him clear as day over the intercom. Nothing short of zen.
The RF-1400 is one of the quietest helmets ever to grace this Earth. Shoei knocked it out of the park with the RF-1200, so they eeked out a 4% improvement on drag and 6% less lift with the RF-1400 in their wind tunnels.
Why do you care? That’s less turbulence for you, meaning less strain on your neck and less wind noise.
Back to the ‘daredevil test’ – did I forget to mention he ripped that 120mph run a second time with all five vents open? The RF-1400 has a chin vent about the size of the Joker’s smile, and three across the brow that give BMW’s latest front grille a run for its money in size. Again, no ear plugs.
A tight neck roll that curves in at the front to fit to the rider’s jaw and a nice big chin guard to seal wind noise out from below. The visor seal is, in classic Shoei fashion, incredibly well sealed. You couldn’t fit a razor blade anywhere in between the seal and the visor (do not try this at home!)
Still not convinced? A couple other benefits:
- Lightweight Helmet (for a full face): Weighs just 3.56 lbs or 1,616g in Medium
- Ear Cutouts for Added Comfort: Not only is it quiet in there, Shoei made little lounges for your ears. No padding squeezing them in, and space for speakers from a Bluetooth headset.
- Better than Average at Absorbing Impacts: Using Shoei’s AIM (Advanced Integrated Matrix +) material – a fiber-reinforced plastic (1) – the RF-1400 one-ups all the polycarbonate brain buckets out there without entering the stratospheric price range. It’s also Snell certified!
- Comfortable fit for Everyone’s Head: Even if you came off a spaceship, the four shell sizes covering XS to 2XL mean no matter your head size, this helmet will fit snug. That means quieter too.
- Easy Visor Operation with Gloved Hand: Crack the visor 1/8th open with a gloved hand, using the huge lip in the center.
Seal Out the Bad, Keep the Good
Sure, the Shoei RF-1400 doesn’t actively block out noise. But it’s quiet, and that’s what really matters. The brilliant design in this helmet’s shell and padding make it one of the quietest helmets on the market. Shoei has noise reduction down to a science. No need for foam ear plugs in this one.
Recent reviews speak for themselves:
- “Awesome Helmet. Very light and great aerodynamics. Great vents and noise protection.” (2)
- “This helmet dampens sound better than my other helmets. I wear earplugs and still hear some wind noise, but the snug fit and chin curtain helps a lot.” (2)
Pick it up in classic glossy or matte black, blue, grey, or even yellow. Toss in the Cardo Packtalk Edge (10% off with code BTR) and you’re set for rider comms, GPS, music and calls. Just give it a little time to settle in on your head: you want a tighter fit for better noise isolation.
Our contributor Carl Magnusson has worn this helmet for over four years and wrote a review here.
One of the top motorcycle helmets for street riding due to its incredible safety ratings, solid build construction, versatile shell for street and track riding, and reasonable price. Long term review here.
- Staff pick at Revzilla
- Excellent build quality
- Thick noise-sealing cheekpads
- Airtight visor seal
Quietest Touring Helmet: Schuberth C5 Modular
For long tours, quiet isn’t just a comfort thing; it’s a fatigue issue as well. I’ve been on both ends of the spectrum:
- 12 hours seat time from downtown Bangkok to Chiang Mai in a single day, on a CRF250 with a straight pipe and a $150 dirt bike helmet. Needless to say my ears were ringing for a week.
- 8 hours across Kansas (can’t recommend it) on my Harley Ultra Limited in a Shoei RF-SR (actually a decent budget option for a quiet helmet) – still had the energy to go out for dinner and drinks that night.
If you’re racking up serious miles, comfort and quiet are non-negotiable. Wind noise is the enemy of a blissful tour. Thankfully, Schuberth has your back.
Schuberth built its entire reputation on making whisper-quiet helmets, and the C5 is their latest masterpiece. Seriously, this thing is SERENE. We’re talking library-levels of quiet inside this helmet, even when you’re cruising at highway speeds on a streetfighter.
How did they do it? They obsessed over every millimeter of this helmet to kill noise. Aerodynamic shell? Check. Visor seals tighter than a marching band snare drum? Double-check. Plush, noise-absorbing lining? You betcha. The C5 is German engineering at its finest, applied to the art of silence.
You’d be hard pressed to notice you’re wearing a modular, which is typically far noisier than a full face.
And it’s not just about quiet. This is a Schuberth, so you know it’s packed with all the touring goodies. Integrated sun visor for chasing those blinding sunsets? Yep. Ventilation that actually works without sounding like a wind tunnel? Absolutely. One touch to lift the chin bar for gas stops and chats? Of course.
You get a meticulously crafted composite shell for great impact absorption and low weight, multi-density EPS foam, a wide viewport and an anti-fog Pinlock lens included in the box.
The C5 is an investment, no doubt. It will make your wallet a little lighter. But fixing your hearing in ten years is a lot more expensive, not to mention the extra energy and safety benefits of not having 100dB rushing past your ears on every ride.
You’re paying for top-tier German engineering, meticulous noise reduction, and a helmet that’s built to last tour after tour. Consider it the cost of admission to the “blissfully quiet miles” club. You might actually save you money in the long run by preventing hearing damage and reducing fatigue, meaning you can ride longer and enjoy it more. Worth it? We think so.
My only gripes with this helmet?
That Schuberth has such an obsession with selling helmets built to fit custom made Sena systems, like the SC2 communication system that’s built to fit in this helmet. These are a pain for two reasons: It makes putting any other communications systems in these helmets a little trickier (usually can’t use a clamp mount) and you can’t take your comms system to another helmet if you switch helmets or get a new one.
That one system is forever tied to that helmet – so you can’t use the comms system in multiple helmets, or upgrade it when newer tech comes out. But if you like Senas and don’t mind marrying comms and your helmet, the SC2 is a good buy.
That all said, the helmet itself is fantastic. For touring riders who prioritize a quiet and comfortable ride above all else, the Schuberth C5 is your go-to. Schuberth is renowned for producing exceptionally quiet helmets, and the C5 is no exception.
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
Quietest Adventure Helmet: Arai XD-5
Let’s be real, adventure helmets and “quiet” are not often uttered in the same sentence.
Adventure isn’t exactly about comfort either, so maybe noise doesn’t matter to you – however, if you’re still reading, it does. And I’ll bet safety and practicality matter to you as well.
If you’re the kind of rider who loves to explore both paved roads and dusty trails, the XD-5 strikes an impressive balance. For an adventure lid, it offers a remarkable level of quiet, making those long highway stretches to your favorite off-road destinations much more enjoyable.
Building a quiet adventure helmet is a tough challenge. A good adventure helmet needs open ventilation to keep you cool when you’re battling muddy tracks and bouldered paths, especially at slow speeds. It also needs a peak to shield from the sun and the monsoon of dirt coming from your buddy’s rear tire. Typically that combo means turbulence and wind noise galore.
But Arai, with their legendary build quality and attention to detail, have somehow pulled off a bit of magic with the XD-5. And a few simple tricks to reduce the downsides of a traditional adventure helmet.
Arai’s signature smooth, round shell shape, a cornerstone of their design philosophy for impact deflection and safety, plays a crucial role in reducing noise. This organic shape, honed through extensive wind tunnel testing, minimizes the turbulent eddies of air that causes wind roar.
Then there’s the visor system – Arai’s meticulous sealing around the eyeport is legendary, and in the XD-5, it’s been further refined to create a vault-like closure against wind intrusion. Closing the visor gives a solid click. Arai is sparing no expense on build quality, as usual.
And the peak – while useful offroad, it’s a liability on the highway when it tends to grab the wind and create turbulence, contributing to both noise and fatigue. But Arai made the XD-5 peak even easier to remove than the previous XD-4’s peak, with just the turn of a screw and a lever to push. This allows the XD-5 to enter “road mode” when you’re going to or coming from the trails.
In typical Arai fashion, the details are also spot-on. The plush cheek pads, which are denser than you might expect in an adventure helmet, cradle your face comfortably and create a snug, noise-dampening seal around your jawline. The carefully sculpted neck roll acts like a wind skirt, preventing turbulent air from swirling up into the helmet from below. It’s these layers of thoughtful engineering that contribute to the XD-5’s surprising level of quietness.
Now, let’s be clear – the XD-5 won’t be as silent as a dedicated street helmet like the Shoei RF-1400. Physics is physics, and the need for ventilation and the presence of a peak will always introduce some level of noise. However, for riders who demand the versatility of an adventure helmet without sacrificing too much comfort on the road, the XD-5 is a fantastic option. It’s quiet enough to make those highway miles genuinely enjoyable, which is a significant win for any adventure rider.
Plus, it’s an Arai – you know you’re getting a helmet that’s built to last and will protect your noggin when things get spicy.
The sequel to the legendary XD-4 helmet, this lid improves in every way from its round shell design to flexible shield that always fits, goggles or not.
- Quietest ADV helmet
- Removable peak
- Tons of ventilation
- Can use with googles
- DOT and Snell approved
Sena Phantom – Active Noise Cancelling Arrives
For over a decade, Sena has been at the forefront of blending computers and helmets, and their latest creation, the Phantom, takes this to a whole new level.
Forget bolting on Bluetooth units – this helmet goes beyond comms, boasting a suite of integrated tech that makes riding safer. We’re talking active noise cancelling, a built-in flashlight, and even running and brake lights. Buckle up, because the future of quiet (and visible) riding is here.
The Phantom’s sleek fiberglass shell looks the business, with a clean design that cleverly integrates an internal sun visor and a low-profile Bluetooth control interface. Say goodbye to bulky external comm units! Sena has even managed to embed dual internal antennas, claiming an unparalleled communication range that puts traditional external systems to shame. This thing is designed as one cohesive unit, and it shows.
But the real star of the show here is the active noise cancelling (ANC). Imagine a world where the constant drone of wind and engine noise simply melts away, leaving you in a serene bubble of focused riding. That’s the promise of the Phantom’s Advanced AI-based Noise Reduction (AINR) technology.
Microphones listen to the ambient noise and then cleverly eliminate it, ensuring your conversations are crystal clear and your focus remains firmly on the road ahead. It’s like riding with the volume turned down on the world.
Sena hasn’t skimped on the audio experience either. They’ve teamed up with the audio gurus at Harman Kardon to deliver top-tier sound through their second-generation speakers, housed in specially designed acoustic chambers.
The Phantom features integrated Mesh Intercom 3.0, offering group communication with nearly limitless riders over miles of connection distance. It’s even compatible with Sena’s new WAVE Intercom, which extends your range without limits via cellular networks, ensuring you can stay connected wherever your adventures take you.
Need to Knows:
- Features groundbreaking active noise cancelling (ANC) technology.
- Integrated Mesh Intercom 3.0 and Bluetooth communication systems.
- Includes integrated front flashlight and rear running/brake lights for enhanced visibility.
- Premium audio powered by Harman Kardon.
Tips:
- Be sure to keep the helmet charged or you won’t be able to use the noise cancelling and lights.
Stay connected, ride safer, and enjoy premium sound with the Sena Phantom Smart Mesh Bluetooth Helmet.
- Bluetooth 5.3 and Mesh 3.0 technology for seamless group communication
- Built-in active noise cancelling and premium Harman Kardon audio
- Pinlock insert for fog resistance sold separately
- Can't upgrade the communicator
Schuberth C3 Pro – Quiet on a Budget (While Supplies Last!)
Looking for a significant upgrade in quietness without emptying your wallet? The Schuberth C3 Pro might be just what you need, especially since it’s currently on closeout. This is a fantastic opportunity to snag a premium, quiet helmet at a more accessible price point.
While it might not have all the latest bells and whistles of the newer C5, the C3 Pro still delivers exceptional noise reduction that Schuberth is known for. It’s a modular helmet, offering the convenience of a flip-up chin bar, making it a great choice for touring and everyday riding.
The C3 Pro boasts an aerodynamically optimized shell that minimizes wind resistance and noise. Its integrated sun visor allows for easy adaptation to changing light conditions, and the ventilation system provides adequate airflow to keep you comfortable on your rides.
Inside, the plush lining contributes to both comfort and noise reduction, creating a snug and quiet environment for your head. Schuberth’s attention to detail in the sealing around the visor and neck area further enhances the helmet’s ability to block out unwanted sounds.
While it might not have the absolute latest communication system integration of the C5, the C3 Pro is still compatible with various Bluetooth communication systems. Riders looking for a quiet and comfortable modular helmet on a budget should definitely consider the Schuberth C3 Pro, especially while it’s available at closeout prices. Don’t wait too long, though – these deals won’t last forever!
Need to Knows:
- Excellent noise reduction for a more budget-friendly price.
- Convenient modular design.
- Integrated sun visor.
- Currently on closeout, so availability may be limited.
Low Stock
Act fast if you're interested, since this helmet is on Closeout at Revzilla. It's been replaced by the Schuberth C5.
The Schuberth C3 Pro Helmet is one of the quietest, most aerodynamic motorcycle helmets ever made.
- Exceptional noise reduction at high speeds
- Integrated antennas for superior Bluetooth and FM reception
- Premium inner lining for maximum comfort and moisture control
- Old model, replaced by C5
- Thin visor doesn't always seal down
Adding Noise Cancelling to Your Current Helmet
Maybe you already have an awesome customized helmet and you want to make it quieter. Never fear – there are fixes for your current lid: Earplugs and noise cancelling headphones.
Earplugs
Earplugs are a lot cheaper than a top notch quiet helmet, but they’re often a pain.
For me, earplugs either fall out constantly or get uncomfortable after 10 minutes. It’s hard to find a set that does its job without feeling like a screw tightening in to my ear canal.
The solution for me was finding a set that molded to the shape of my ears, to stop vent noise and engine noise.
Decibullz are those plugs. Our correspondent Alan Jackson had a chance to test these, so we’ve weaved in his thoughts below.
First, these plugs are moldable (and re-moldable) – drop them in boiling water, let them cool, and mold them to the shape of your ear. Alan had to remold them once to get a good seal, but said the process was easy and well documented in the instructions.
These earplugs have a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 31 dB, taking motorcycle engine noise down to the level of normal conversation.
That means more awareness of the road around you and less chance of hearing damage. They are not meant to block out all noise like foam earplugs, but instead to block out damaging levels while retaining the ability to have conversations and hear traffic. Alan’s experience was exactly this – noticing reduced noise while riding his Harley and while walking around the jet he flies while the auxiliary power unit was running (which makes a shrill noise).
Even better are the Decibullz that feature percussive filters. These special filters block out large spikes in volume, like say each power stroke flying out the back of your 2-in-1 pipe.
Again, less fatigue and lower overall volume means less hearing damage and a safer ride. Don’t be like me, almost getting run over by a semi!
Decibullz with Percussive Filters AND a cord – so you don’t lose your buds!!
Top Choice 
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Decent Value 
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- Custom molded for perfect fit
- Easy to shape and remold if needed
- Percussive filters reduce peak noise while maintaining normal hearing
- Custom molded for perfect fit
- Easy to shape and remold if needed
Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Earplugs are indiscriminate. Like an electric fence, they will keep you out whether you’re a cow or a bumbling human.
But on the road, I’ll bet you want to hear your music, calls, and GPS directions clear as day while tuning out repetitive road noise.
Me too. That’s why I like noise canceling earbuds for reducing noise.
I can hear some of you screaming from the back: “THAT’S NOT SAFE!!” – hear me out.
AirPods Pro are my go-to, as a member of Apple’s evil empire. Their active noise canceling is SO GOOD that I once thought my bike broke down because of them.
Seriously. I fired up my supermoto in a parking garage once, put in the AirPods, and flipped on noise canceling.
Total silence.
I thought I had bumped the engine off switch.
However… once I took to the streets, I noticed something.
I could hear cars and trucks coming to pass me much more clearly.
I heard environmental noises I wanted to hear because I heard a lot less of the constant droning of engine and wind noise. Those were reduced to a faint whine, whereas the sound of an upcoming car wasn’t tuned out in quite the same way.
I don’t have any scientific evidence for this, I only have my own experiences on the road for thousands of miles wearing AirPods. I really like them as normal headphones as well.
I find that listening to music softly with noise cancelling (or the new “Adaptive” mode) is the best mix for being able to hear traffic and other important environmental cues around me when riding.
- Stellar noise cancellation and transparency modes
- 24 hour battery life with case
- Effortless use with Apple and Android devices
- Comfortable fit with multiple eartip options
If you have some insane hate for Apple but still want premium noise cancelling buds, go for the Sony WF-1000XM4s. They regularly top lists of the best earbuds and for good reasons. No unwanted noise is getting through these babies.
At the cheaper end of the noise-cancelling earbud spectrum are the Earfun Air Pros. The noise-cancelling tech is more basic than other options, but then again they won’t have you cursing if one falls down the storm drain as you lift off your lid.
FAQs
What’s the quietest motorcycle helmet?
The quietest motorcycle helmet is the Shoei RF-1400. But that might not be the best choice for you, depending on your riding style and needs. The Schuberth C5 is a great modular for touring riders, while the Arai XD-5 has the adventure look and dirt chops.
How do I reduce wind noise in my motorcycle helmet?
There are lots of wind noise reducing options for your helmet, such as:
- Wearing earplugs
- Choosing a good riding position
- Installing a windshield
- Wearing a scarf or balaclava
Here’s our full guide to making your helmet quieter.
What makes a motorcycle helmet loud?
Motorcycle helmets are loud because the wind rushing into your helmet when you’re going fast is at a higher pressure than the air inside your helmet, meaning air tries to rush up into your helmet. This creates turbulence – like on a plane – and makes your helmet noisy. Engine and road noise sure don’t help either!
Curtis
2 years ago
The shoei 1400 doesn’t com in hi-viz yellow, it’s banana yellow and it’s not safer than any other color. Hi=viz means it fluoresces under UV, that means sunlight and headlights and streetlights. Banana yellow doesn’t do any of that.
Evan
2 years ago
That’s a good point… it’s more of a gold even. Thank you, updated!
Michael Bonardi
4 months ago
Great Article, thank you for the effort!
After 20 years of wearing a Super SEER half helmet with a visor, combined with Big Ear custom molded ear plugs with speakers, which has been incredibly comfortable and quiet I am switching to a modular helmet. I am looking at the Schuberth E2 Explorer because it has a visor which is a fantastic option for reduced glare and eye fatigue unless you are traveling at high speeds, and fits great. I am still going to use my Big Ear molded ear plugs in combination with my Cardo communications system. Please let me Know your thoughts.
Thanks, Michael
FYI- Cardo Communication is 100x better then Sena; easier to learn, easier to use, more dependable AND they have a US based phone support team that you can actually get on the phone and speak to. My experience with Sena was horrible and I could never get their product to work; I sent it back and the new units had the same problems and there was no one to speak with that actually new the product.
Evan Rally
4 months ago
Thank you, Michael, I’m glad this was helpful for you! Schuberth is definitely a solid choice for touring helmet, and since you’re wearing custom molded earplugs anyway you likely don’t have to worry about helmet noise as much. That said, do make sure the helmet fits you! Check out our helmet fitting guide for a full rundown on the checks to do when sizing up a new helmet.
I completely agree with you RE Cardo and Sena. I think Sena just has so much time in the market and brand recognition already built that they can survive off that without producing the best products or delivering the best service for them. Cardo is going to eat their lunch if they don’t step up.