Best Quietest Modular Motorcycle Helmets: Tune Out the Wind, Not the Ride
Evan Rally
Updated: November 16, 2025
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Wind noise is more than an annoyance — it drains your energy, kills your concentration and slowly harms your hearing. The right modular helmet turns that roar into a manageable hum so you arrive fresher after a long day. By the end of this guide you’ll know which quiet flip-up lid fits your ride and budget.
Before we get into specific lids, here are a few truths that might surprise you. Modulars can be quieter than some full-faces because a good neck roll and chin curtain seal better than many sport lids. Weight doesn’t equal quiet — our top performer is close to four pounds while some lightweights let wind roar through. You don’t need to spend a grand; several sub-$500 helmets offer impressive hush. Fit trumps everything: the same helmet can whisper or whistle depending on head shape and padding. Keep those points in mind as we explore the options.
Quick Picks: Our Top 3 Quietest Modular Helmets
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The quietest modular helmet money can buy, built for touring: sun shield, plush liner, integrated comms, customizable venting. | Shoei combines a buttery-smooth chinbar, drop down sunshield, comms integration slots and big vents for a great all-around street & commuting helmet. | A premium DOT-rated modular helmet combining composite‑shell strength with a smooth flip‑front, quiet ride and adjustable sun visor for long-distance touring comfort. |
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The quietest modular helmet money can buy, built for touring: sun shield, plush liner, integrated comms, customizable venting.
- Modular flip up chin bar
- Drop down sun visor
- Space for integrated comms unit
- Many colorway options
- DOT certified, with ECE in EU
- Visor may drop suddenly
- Chin strap tag is small
Shoei combines a buttery-smooth chinbar, drop down sunshield, comms integration slots and big vents for a great all-around street & commuting helmet.
- Excellent protection with AIM composite shell
- Can be custom fit by Shoei
- Integrated sun visor and Pinlock shield
- Ready for SRL3 Comms system
- Heavier than some competitors
A premium DOT-rated modular helmet combining composite‑shell strength with a smooth flip‑front, quiet ride and adjustable sun visor for long-distance touring comfort.
- Composite PIM Evo shell offers superior impact protection
- Adjustable drop-down sun visor adapts to changing light
- Very quiet for a modular helmet—~96 dB at highway speeds
- Comfortable, plush liner with interchangeable cheek pads
- Slightly heavy compared to lighter modulars
- Chin bar lock can be finicky to operate with gloves
Now let’s dive into the top picks and see how they perform.
Best Quiet Modular Helmets for Touring
Schuberth C5 — Quiet Comfort for Long Tours
Why it stands out
The Schuberth C5 is our benchmark for silence. On RideADV’s test bench it registered 85 dB at 100 km/h, quieter than many full-face helmets. Schuberth achieves this through an aerodynamically tuned fiberglass shell and multi-channel venting that routes air without creating turbulence. The Direct Fiber Processing construction feels sturdy and tips the scales at about 3.8 lbs (1.72 kg) — heavy but stable.
Inside you get plush padding, a Pinlock-ready visor and a drop-down sunshield. Integrated antennas in the shell work with Schuberth’s optional SC2 comm system. On the road the C5 is remarkably calm; its heft adds stability and the neck roll seals the noise out.
Benefits for you
If absolute quiet is non-negotiable, this helmet sits at the top. The multi-channel venting keeps you cool without creating wind noise, and the premium padding makes all-day wear comfortable. The weight is the only compromise — at 3.8 lbs it’s heavier than competitors, but that mass actually contributes to stability at highway speeds.
The SC2 comm integration is seamless if you’re already in the Schuberth ecosystem, though you’ll pay extra for the unit itself. For touring riders who log serious miles and value their hearing, the C5 justifies its premium price.
Schuberth C5 Helmet
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SC2 Custom Sena System
The quietest touring helmet money can buy, kitted out with all the features you expect for those long days in the saddle.
Pros:
- Modular flip up chin bar
- Drop down sun visor
- Space for integrated comms unit
- Many colorway options
- DOT certified, with ECE in EU
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Our Review: We dig deeper into the C5’s features and long-term comfort in our dedicated review. Read Our Review Here.
Shoei Neotec 3 — Balanced Quiet and Comfort
Why it stands out
Shoei’s Neotec series has long been a sport-touring favorite. The Neotec 3 almost matches the C5’s hushed performance — GearJunkie calls it “nearly as quiet” while praising its plush interior and fog-free venting. A redesigned chin bar seal reduces whistles.
Built with Shoei’s AIM multi-fiber shell, the helmet weighs about 4.15 lbs (1.88 kg), but balanced mass keeps it from feeling top-heavy. Vent channels move air quietly across your head, and the visor accepts a generous Pinlock insert. A ratcheting chin strap and smooth sun visor add convenience.
Benefits for you
The Neotec 3 excels at all-day road trips. Its plush interior and quality construction make it a favorite among touring riders who want near-silence without Schuberth’s premium price. The redesigned chin seal is the key improvement over the Neotec 2, cutting down on wind whistles that plagued earlier versions.
The weight is its only weakness compared to lighter options like the RPHA 91, but if you prioritize quiet over grams, the Neotec 3 delivers. Shoei’s reputation for quality control means you’re getting a helmet that will last years of heavy use.
Shoei Neotec 3
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A premium modular helmet built for long-distance comfort and low noise, with a smooth flip-up chin bar, tightly-sealing visor and wide drop down sun shade. Fits the SRL3 Sena comms system seamlessly.
Pros:
- Excellent protection with AIM composite shell
- Can be custom fit by Shoei
- Integrated sun visor and Pinlock shield
- Ready for SRL3 Comms system
Cons:
- Heavier than some competitors
Our Review: We compare the Neotec 3 head-to-head with the C5 and older Neotec 2 in our full review. Read Our Review Here.
Best Modular Helmets for Speed and Performance
AGV Tourmodular — Aerodynamic Innovation for Speed Seekers
Why it stands out
AGV’s Tourmodular brings race-inspired aerodynamics to the modular world. Its hybrid shell (carbon, aramid and fiberglass) claims zero dynamic weight at 130 km/h, meaning no lift or downforce. A snug neck roll and wind-tunnel-tuned shape make it “quieter than most other modular helmets”, though still a touch louder than the C5 and Neotec.
The helmet features three shell sizes and DOT/ECE 22.06 (P/J) certification. AGV integrates Cardo’s DMC comm system into the shell for seamless group chats. Weight is roughly 3.6 lbs (EU spec).
Benefits for you
For riders who want high-speed stability and decent quiet without the heft of the C5, the Tourmodular is compelling. The zero dynamic weight claim isn’t just marketing — at highway speeds and above, the helmet feels planted without the bobblehead effect some lighter lids suffer from.
The integrated Cardo DMC is a huge plus if you ride in groups. Instead of mounting an external unit, everything is built into the shell for a cleaner look and better aerodynamics. The three shell sizes mean smaller heads don’t swim in oversized padding.
It’s not the absolute quietest in this roundup, but if you value high-speed stability and integrated comms over the last few decibels of quiet, the Tourmodular is an excellent choice.
AGV Tourmodular Helmet
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A premium modular helmet built for safety comfort and long-distance touring
Pros:
- Lightweight carbon-aramid-fiberglass shell
- Wide 190° field of view enhances awareness
- Smooth, secure chin-bar flip-up mechanism
- Excellent ventilation and fog-resistant shield
- Eyeglass-friendly interior channels
Cons:
- P/J lock hard to operate with gloves on
- Replacement cheek pads require tools before removal
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Our Review: The Tourmodular is covered in our comprehensive Best Modular Helmets roundup.
Best Lightweight Quiet Modular Helmets
HJC RPHA 91 — Premium Quietness Without Extra Bulk
Why it stands out
HJC’s RPHA 91 delivers premium quiet without the weight penalty. Its PIM EVO shell blends carbon, aramid and natural fibers, yielding a weight around 3.84 lbs (1.74 kg) — noticeably lighter than the C5 and Neotec. HJC redesigned the neck roll and vents to cut turbulence, and the helmet is “very quiet for a modular” according to rider reports.
A three-position sun visor and Pinlock-ready shield handle glare and fog. The ratchet chin strap is effortless to use, and the shell is prepared for comm systems.
Benefits for you
If you’re weight-sensitive but still want a calm ride, the RPHA 91 hits the sweet spot. At 3.84 lbs it’s a full half-pound lighter than the Neotec 3, which makes a noticeable difference on all-day rides. Neck fatigue is real, and shaving weight without sacrificing quiet is the RPHA 91’s superpower.
The three-position sun visor is a nice touch — most modulars only offer down or up, but the RPHA 91 gives you a middle position for changing light conditions. The ratchet chin strap means you can get the perfect fit every time without fumbling with D-rings.
For riders who found the C5 or Neotec too heavy but still want serious noise reduction, the RPHA 91 is the answer. It’s also more affordable than the German and Japanese competition.
HJC RPHA 91 Helmet
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A premium DOT-rated modular helmet combining composite‑shell strength with a smooth flip‑front, quiet ride and adjustable sun visor for long-distance touring comfort.
Pros:
- Composite PIM Evo shell offers superior impact protection
- Adjustable drop-down sun visor adapts to changing light
- Very quiet for a modular helmet—~96 dB at highway speeds
- Comfortable, plush liner with interchangeable cheek pads
Cons:
- Slightly heavy compared to lighter modulars
- Chin bar lock can be finicky to operate with gloves
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Our Review: We cover the RPHA 91’s strengths and compare it to the budget HJC i90 in our modular helmet guide. Read Our Review Here.
Best Budget Quiet Modular Helmets
LS2 Advant (Advant X) — Budget Flip-Over That’s Surprisingly Quiet
Why it stands out
LS2’s Advant (Advant X) delivers flip-over convenience without the premium price. It’s a budget modular that’s surprisingly composed on the road and easy to live with. If you want the flip-back party trick and everyday practicality, this one hits the sweet spot.
The Kinetic Polymer Alloy (KPA) shell keeps weight around 3.64 lb while earning ECE “P/J” certification. Its 180° chin bar folds fully behind the head for true open-face cruising. Inside Motorcycles even called it “very quiet” with no buffeting—rare praise under $400.
You get a drop-down sun visor and a Pinlock insert as standard, plus a removable, washable liner. Venting is basic and the thermoplastic build can’t match a C5 or Neotec for hush. But for riders prioritizing versatility and value, the Advant is hard to ignore.
Benefits for you
The Advant proves you don’t need to spend premium prices for decent quiet. At under $400, it offers better noise reduction than helmets costing twice as much. The flip-over design (chin bar rotates 180° to the back) makes it genuinely convertible — perfect for riders who want open-face freedom without carrying a second helmet.
The ECE P and J certification means you can legally ride with the chin bar up in most markets, though we always recommend keeping it down on highways. The included Pinlock and sun visor are features you’d expect on much pricier lids.
The thermoplastic shell means it’s heavier than premium composites and won’t last quite as long, but for commuters and weekend riders on a budget, the Advant delivers surprising value.
LS2 Advant X Helmet
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Carbon Fiber Version
A high-tech modular helmet offered in both composite and full carbon fiber shells.
Pros:
- 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
Cons:
- Slightly bulky due to modular design
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Our Review: The Advant is featured in our Best Modular Helmets guide.
Shark Evo GT — Flip-Back Convenience with Acceptable Noise
Why it stands out
Shark’s Evo GT nails the flip-over experience with a chin bar that swings behind your head, so it feels like a true open-face when you want it. The Auto Up/Auto Down mechanism lifts the visor automatically as you rotate the bar. That makes transitions quick at fuel stops or in city traffic. It’s a slick, confidence-boosting party trick for everyday riding.
Comfort and practicality are solid for the price. The thermoplastic shell, multi-density EPS, and moisture-wicking liner keep things cushy on longer rides. You also get a Pinlock 120 lens to kill fog and a drop-down sun visor for bright days. Overall, it’s a well-equipped flip-over with smart touring touches.
Noise is the trade-off. Bennetts advises earplugs over 40 mph, and while it’s quieter than older flip-overs, it can’t match the hush of a C5 or Neotec. Aerodynamic shaping helps, but wind roar creeps in at highway speeds. If you can manage the noise, the Evo GT’s versatility still shines.
Benefits for you
If you love the feel of the wind yet want modular protection, the Evo GT offers a fun compromise. The flip-back design is perfect for cruiser riders who want open-face freedom at lower speeds but need full-face protection on highways. The Auto Up/Down visor mechanism is genuinely useful — when you flip the chin bar back, the visor automatically rises so you don’t have to touch it with gloves.
The Pinlock 120 is wider than standard Pinlock inserts, giving better fog-free coverage. Moisture-wicking lining helps on hot days when you’re stuck in traffic with the chin bar back.
It’s not a quiet helmet by this roundup’s standards, but for riders who prioritize versatility over silence, the Evo GT delivers. Just pack earplugs for highway use.
Shark EVO GT Helmet
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Modular helmet with flip-back chin bar, plush touring comfort, and smart features for daily commuting, long-distance touring, and weekend rides daily.
Pros:
- Quiet with foldable chin bar
- ECE safety rated
- Versatile for all riding needs
- Easy flip-back
Cons:
- Slightly loud
- A bit heavy
- Tight fit
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Our Review: We cover the Evo GT in our Best Modular Helmets roundup.
Best Adventure/Dual-Sport Quiet Modular Helmet
Scorpion EXO-AT960 — Adventure-Friendly Quiet at a Bargain
Why it stands out
The Scorpion EXO-AT960 breaks the dual-sport “noisy but practical” mold by staying reasonably quiet even at highway speeds. A CAD-refined polycarbonate shell and an adjustable peak work together to trim turbulence. At about 4.12 lb (1.87 kg), it’s not the lightest, but it feels stable and planted on the move.
It’s well-specced for the price: DOT and ECE 22.06 certified, with a dual-position mouth vent and a drop-down Speedview sun visor. The generous eye port accepts goggles for dusty trails. You can also remove the peak for cleaner aerodynamics on road-only rides.
Ventilation is the compromise—adequate on tarmac, limited in slow off-road grinds. Still, at under $300, the AT960 delivers rare calm in the adventure segment. It’s a smart pick for riders who commute during the week and chase gravel on weekends without blowing the budget.
Benefits for you
If you ride a dual-sport or adventure bike and have resigned yourself to constant wind roar, the EXO-AT960 is a revelation. It’s legitimately quiet for a helmet with a peak — most ADV lids sound like you’re in a wind tunnel, but Scorpion’s CAD-refined shell channels air around the peak rather than into your face.
The removable peak is a smart design. Leave it on for off-road sections where you need sun and roost protection, then remove it for highway touring when you want maximum quiet and aerodynamics.
At under $300, this is the best value in the adventure modular category. The polycarbonate shell means it’s heavier than premium composites, and ventilation isn’t as good as dedicated off-road helmets, but for riders splitting time between pavement and dirt, the EXO-AT960 nails the compromise.
ScorpionEXO AT960 ADV Helmet
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4.4
$284.95
A do-everything helmet, it's as comfortable on trails as the highway - though not as solid as premium competitors like the Arai XD-5. One of the rare modular ADV helmets, it's also it's DOT and ECE approved.
Pros:
- Modular chinbar (rare in ADV helmet)
- Removable peak
- Decent airflow
- Drop down sun shade
- DOT and ECE 22‑06 approved
Cons:
- Susceptible to visor leaks and fogging in heavy rain
- Sun peak vibrates noticeably at highway speeds
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Our Review: We haven’t published a standalone AT960 review yet, but check out our Best Touring Motorcycle Helmets guide which covers multiple modular options.
Comparison Table
Below is a concise overview of the key specs to help you compare these helmets at a glance. Remember that numbers don’t tell the full story — fit and personal preferences matter.
| Helmet | Certification | Approx. Weight | Notable Features | Noise Highlights | Best For |
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| Schuberth C5 | DOT & ECE 22.06 | ~3.8 lbs | DFP fiberglass shell, multi-channel ventilation, integrated antennas | Claimed 85 dB at 100 km/h; extremely quiet | Long-distance touring, absolute quiet |
| Shoei Neotec 3 | DOT & ECE | ~4.15 lbs | AIM multi-fiber shell, CNS-3C shield, ratchet strap | Nearly as quiet as C5; new seal reduces whistles | Premium sport-touring, all-day comfort |
| AGV Tourmodular | DOT & ECE 22.06 (P/J) | ~3.57 lbs | Carbon/aramid/fiberglass shell, zero dynamic weight, integrated Cardo Insyde | Quieter than most modulars; high-speed stability | Speed enthusiasts, group riders |
| HJC RPHA 91 | DOT | ~3.84 lbs | PIM EVO shell, adjustable sun shield, prepped for comms | Very quiet for a modular; lighter than premium competitors | Weight-conscious touring riders |
| AGV Sportmodular | DOT & ECE | ~3.25 lbs | Full carbon shell, reversible liner, adjustable spoiler | Impressively quiet but slightly behind C5/Neotec | Ultra-lightweight seekers, neck pain sufferers |
| LS2 Advant | DOT & ECE 22.06 (P/J) | ~3.64 lbs | KPA shell, 180° flip-over, Pinlock included | Very quiet for the price | Budget-conscious riders, flip-over fans |
| Shark Evo GT | DOT | ~3.7 lbs (med est.) | Flip-back chin bar, Auto Up/Down, Pinlock 120 | Quieter than older flip-overs but earplugs recommended | Cruiser riders, convertible convenience |
| Scorpion EXO-AT960 | DOT & ECE 22.06 | ~4.12 lbs | Polycarbonate shell, adjustable peak, Speedview visor | Reasonably quiet for a dual-sport modular | ADV/dual-sport riders, budget-conscious |
Final Thoughts
Wind noise might not make the front page of a gear catalog, but it has a bigger impact on your riding enjoyment than you realize. A quiet modular helmet allows you to hear your engine, music or GPS prompts without cranking them to ear-damaging volumes.
Each helmet we’ve reviewed brings something unique to the table: the Schuberth C5 sets the bar for silence and comfort; the Shoei Neotec 3 balances premium quality with near-silence; AGV’s Tourmodular and Sportmodular innovate with race-bred aerodynamics; HJC’s RPHA 91 offers premium features at a lighter weight; Scorpion’s EXO-AT960 proves adventure lids can be civilized; LS2’s Advant delivers flip-over versatility on a budget; and Shark’s Evo GT excels at convertible convenience.
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The quietest modular helmet money can buy, built for touring: sun shield, plush liner, integrated comms, customizable venting. | Shoei combines a buttery-smooth chinbar, drop down sunshield, comms integration slots and big vents for a great all-around street & commuting helmet. | A premium DOT-rated modular helmet combining composite‑shell strength with a smooth flip‑front, quiet ride and adjustable sun visor for long-distance touring comfort. |
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The quietest modular helmet money can buy, built for touring: sun shield, plush liner, integrated comms, customizable venting.
- Modular flip up chin bar
- Drop down sun visor
- Space for integrated comms unit
- Many colorway options
- DOT certified, with ECE in EU
- Visor may drop suddenly
- Chin strap tag is small
Shoei combines a buttery-smooth chinbar, drop down sunshield, comms integration slots and big vents for a great all-around street & commuting helmet.
- Excellent protection with AIM composite shell
- Can be custom fit by Shoei
- Integrated sun visor and Pinlock shield
- Ready for SRL3 Comms system
- Heavier than some competitors
A premium DOT-rated modular helmet combining composite‑shell strength with a smooth flip‑front, quiet ride and adjustable sun visor for long-distance touring comfort.
- Composite PIM Evo shell offers superior impact protection
- Adjustable drop-down sun visor adapts to changing light
- Very quiet for a modular helmet—~96 dB at highway speeds
- Comfortable, plush liner with interchangeable cheek pads
- Slightly heavy compared to lighter modulars
- Chin bar lock can be finicky to operate with gloves
No matter which helmet you choose, make sure it fits well, meets current safety standards and suits your riding style. Pair it with a good pair of earplugs for the best protection. After all, the open road is more enjoyable when you’re not fighting the wind.
