You can permanently damage your hearing after just 15 minutes riding motorcycles.
Let's look at the quietest motorcycle helmet that can save your hearing, and what you can do to have a quieter ride.
I have tested 8 helmets from different manufactures.
There is no such thing as a silent motorcycle helmet, but we can get pretty close with a few good helmet choices.
These are the most popular helmets on the market with a proven track record in safety and quality, so you can make the best choice.
Let's get into it.
QUICK TIP - If you want the quietest riding experience possible:
- Use one of the helmets listed below
- Use earplugs at all times
- Use high windshields
Integrated Noise Cancelling technology is why this is the quietest helmet on the market. It's the most advanced noise cancelling motorcycle helmet.
It is quieter than any other helmet on the market to date.
This is a product that was launched in 2018 and built with the latest up-to-date technology.
Sena is a company that makes Bluetooth communications systems for motorcycles and this is their first move into manufacturing helmets (Only two sizes though) A logical step.
It works by recording with a microphone ambient noise in real time in and around your helmet. The system then processes this sound and understands the sounds waves.
Using this wave the system creates a new wave that is 180 degrees to the incoming wave and sends this to the motorcycle headphones. This in turns makes an “AntiSound” and reduces noise.
How Integrated Noise Cancelling technology works
Having Integrated Noise Cancelling technology built into motorcycle helmets makes perfect sense, the constant drone from wind and road is easy to predict and counter.
But wait, doesn't this block out important sounds?
Do you mean horns, tire screeching and things like that? No, these peaks in the sound waves are let through.
The headphones are not in earbuds, then fit over the hear like traditional headphones do.
The Sena's quietest motorcycle helmet comes with a Sena 20S built in, you have the INC controls on one side (Right hand) and functions on the left side so you don't have to take your hand off the gas
With all this tech, battery life is 20 hours.
That's what the manufacturer says anyway, so it would be OK to estimate, with the intercom and INC system running in material then 8 hr would be realistic.
The weight of this helmet is 1790grm, that's heavy.
Even with balances features and design that is a lot on the neck. But if you removed the INC system and the Sena 20c intercom system it would be quite a light helmet.
With all these features it comes at a price. (Check the latest price below)
But how much is your hearing worth to you?
Main features
What I liked
What I didn't like
Buyer Rating
3.6/5
Based on 38 verified collective reviews
Rogue Rating
3/5
3/5 rating because it's a new product. No product can come out, be perfect and topple classics so easily.
PRICE
Low-High
SAFETY
Low-High
VENTILATION
Low - High
COMFORT
Low - High
Features
Basic - Max
NOISE LEVEL
Low - High
*These statistics are taken from a variety of well known online user review sites from verified users. This give us the least bias and honest ratings possible.
The latest Schuberth C4 Spark Helmet will give you a low noise level no matter what the speed.
The C4 PRO achieves approx. 85 dB(A) at 100 km/h on a bike with no windshield. That's below the noise level that will give you permanent hearing damage.
To achieve this level of sound insulation, and Schuberth's pursuit to build the quietest motorcycle helmet, they have their own wind tunnel and uses it to clock up hours and hours of testing and aerodynamic optimization.
Helmets constructed with direct fiber processing (DFP) is one of SCHUBERTH’s innovations. Basically, a machine uses one line of continuous fiber and adds the perfect amount of resin to make the shell stronger.
It comes with built-in tech too. A speaker, microphone, and an integral cell phone antenna pre-installed. Naturally, this works with the SC1 communication system at an extra cost.
The helmet is extremely comfortable to wear with seamless padding and top materials.
When the visor is down, it has a flat field of view (no distortion) and it can be quickly changed out without tools if you have a few different lenses. Super handy.
The integrated sun visor goes down low enough to cover the whole field of view and you can easily find it on the chin line. Small detail but great execution. It also works with a cable so it won't clog up like the spring loaded ones tend to do.
It is PINLOCK as standard, which will keep you fog-free.
Overall, it is a premium helmet that is worth the money. It has a fantastic finishing and all the features are well thought out and tested. I have a Schuberth for years and can't be more happy with it.
Main features
What I liked
What I didn't like
Buyer Rating
4.3/5
Based on 61 verified collective reviews
Rogue Rating
4.6/5
Based on testing
PRICE
Low-High
SAFETY
Low-High
VENTILATION
Low - High
COMFORT
Low - High
Features
Basic - Max
NOISE LEVEL
Low - High
*These statistics are taken from a variety of well known online user review sites from verified users. This give us the least bias and honest ratings possible.
Shoei RF-1200 Helmet is the quietest full face motorcycle helmet on the market. It's the quietest Shoei helmet too.
Revered for being one of the most comfortable helmets available, a lot of features make riding quiet and comfortable, a lid that can be worn day in and day out.
Where do I start? Shoei has invested heavily onto making its quietest motorcycle helmet.
Shoei make a tight closing visor shutter system that adds a lot of soundproofing.
They have deformed the edges of the visor, making it look like flanges. These flanges strengthen the visor and stop it from warping and deforming. This prevents wind slipping through the seals and letting in wind and noise.
The seals are all separate: the top, side, and bottom seals are independent from one another. This implies that when one seal is under pressure, the other seals will stay sealed and will not open up.
An aerodynamic shape, upgraded interior lining, and cross layer density shell design make it a safe and impact balanced helmet.
There is a chin curtain that comes with the helmet to reduce wind coming up under your helmet and a multi layer padding system that absorbs much of the droning sound.
Meets and exceeds the DOT and SNELL M2015 safety standards.
The helmet has a jawline padding quick release system, pull the tabs and the padding around your helmet will quickly remove, this with the “E.Q.R.S. (Emergency Quick-Release System) CWR-1 Shield System” will give medics quick access to your face through the visor.
All up, a trusted helmet by thousands of bikers, that will keep noise in check and that looks amazing and comfortable enough to wear on the daily.
Main features
What I liked
What I didn't like
Buyer Rating
4.8/5
Based on 904 verified collective reviews
Rogue Rating
4.8/5
Based on testing
PRICE
Low-High
SAFETY
Low-High
VENTILATION
Low - High
COMFORT
Low - High
Features
Basic - Max
NOISE LEVEL
Low - High
*These statistics are taken from a variety of well known online user review sites from verified users. This give us the least bias and honest ratings possible.
One of the quietest motorbike helmet
I have had one for years and it is the most comfortable helmet I have ever owned. With that being said, if you are hitting 100 miles per hour (160km) on German autobahns, earplugs are still a good idea. Trust me here 😉
At 136 miles per hour (220km) top speed for my bike, the helmet wanted to list off there was so much negative pressure in the cockpit.
This helmet is a good example why Germans have a reputation for the best engineering and advanced manufacturing. It's a premium product and premium brand.
As with the C4, engineers have tested the helmet in Schuberths own testing wind tunnel and fine tuned the aerodynamics and insulation, making it one of the most quietest helmets on the market.
When you ride at about sixty-two miles an hour (100km/hr), your ears are getting 82 decibels. To put that in perspective, a rock concert is about 100 decibels and a central conversation is 65 decibels.
The helmet has a thick padded chin roll that passes under the chin and reduces air and noise coming up into the helmet.
Another feature is built-in turbulators. These are placed on the visor to brake/cut the wind moving over the helmet and reduce whistling.
The helmet is DOT 218 approved which makes it legal for road use in North America.
The C3 Pro is available in sizes ranging from XS to 3XL. They use three different mold sizes, but with inner padding, they can layer out a perfect fit for most head shapes.
With its safety standards, including being aerodynamically tuned and coming with an aerodynamic acoustics packages, you can never go wrong with a Schuberth C3 helmet.
Main features
What I liked
What I didn't like
Buyer Rating
4.6/5
Based on 298 verified collective reviews
Rogue Rating
4.8/5
Based on testing
PRICE
Low-High
SAFETY
Low-High
VENTILATION
Low - High
COMFORT
Low - High
Features
Basic - Max
NOISE LEVEL
Low - High
*These statistics are taken from a variety of well known online user review sites from verified users. This give us the least bias and honest ratings possible.
Quietest flip front helmet
The Shoei Neotec 2 helmet has continued to develop to be one of the top modular touring helmets available.
Starting with virtual wind tunnel flow simulation, then fine tuning the design in a real wind tunnel, this lid is aerodynamically refind and optimized in a handful of riding positions.
The wind deflection at the chin and base of the helmet gives stability and reduces rotational pressure on the neck at speed.
Around your jawline, you will get noise isolating cheek pads.
The visor has an airtight beading which are separated so if one bead has a lot of pressure, the other seals will not be affected.
With the helmet layered with EPS, it feels secure and fits well. It’s a very safe helmet and Shoei continues to innovate across the board with materials and design.
Many riders rave about the ready to integrate Sena intercom system. You just need to buy the Sena SRL extra.
Main features
What I liked
What I didn't like
Buyer Rating
4.4/5
Based on 106 verified collective reviews
Rogue Rating
4.6/5
Based on testing
PRICE
Low-High
SAFETY
Low-High
VENTILATION
Low - High
COMFORT
Low - High
Features
Basic - Max
NOISE LEVEL
Low - High
*These statistics are taken from a variety of well known online user review sites from verified users. This give us the least bias and honest ratings possible.
It is built better than the Schuberth E1 and quieter than the next quietest dual sport helmet which is the Touring Scorpion. It is the most quiet helmet in the adventure category.
It is a light helmet with a small profile but still very comfortable and safe. It feels great, fits well, and I felt very confident riding with this helmet.
It is Snell Certified which is regarded as the gold standard for motorcycle helmet safety.
After coming off hard last year, I appreciated the emergency release cheek pads, two tugs of the straps and the helmet was free to come off. I was fine, but for a moment we didn't want to move my head out of the helmet because it was to difficult to get off.
The visor vents work exceptionally well. You can have the visor fully closed in hot conditions and it will not fog up. It was helpful following riders on dusty trails in humid conditions. But if you had MX goggles, they would fit easily into the view port.
The customization foam layers can stop pressure pain points. Just wear the helmet and adjust the padding to suit your head form. It’s quite a relief to know this whenever you order helmets online but you can't test it out.
Main features
What I liked
What I didn't like
Buyer Rating
4.7/5
Based on 241 verified collective reviews
Rogue Rating
4.9/5
Based on testing
PRICE
Low-High
SAFETY
Low-High
VENTILATION
Low - High
COMFORT
Low - High
Features
Basic - Max
NOISE LEVEL
Low - High
*These statistics are taken from a variety of well known online user review sites from verified users. This give us the least bias and honest ratings possible.
Other quiet motorcycle helmets
The following helmets were recommended to me by other trusted riders. I have only gotten to test them briefly so no conclusive findings at the moment, but they are good helmets based on my experience from the few days I wore them. I have ordered them and will give them a real test.
Buyers Guide
Can you lose your hearing due to riding a motorcycle?
Yes.
Bikers are at a significant risk for permanent hearing loss.
Do you believe what the manufacturer says about how quiet their products are?
Not really, it is often marketing "quietest motorcycle helmet" jargon or just plain BS.
But fortunately, if you are aware of the reasons for motorcycle hearing loss, it can be easily prevented.
Summed up:
- Buy one of the quality quiet helmets listed above.
- Use earplugs all the time.
- Install a windscreen extension or a permanent bigger screen.
Hearing Loss Motorcycle Riding
Let’s get a deeper understanding on how you can lose your hearing. Here are some examples:
Decibels
60
95
110
Noise source
Normal conversation
Motorcycle riding
Chain saw, jackhammer, rock concert, symphony
“At 95 decibels (Motorcycle riding) damage to hearing is possible after about 50 minutes of exposure.”States the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
We are all exposed to high levels of sound at some point. But the duration of the time that you are exposed to high levels of sounds also matters.
Based on the US Occupational Safety & Health Administration, you can only legally work at 95 decibels for 4 hours.
“The US government's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warns that exposure to noise in excess of 100 dB is safe for only 15 minutes.”
Riding on a highway can measure up to 103dB!
What to Look out for When Buying a Quiet Motorcycle Helmet?
I have done all the research and testing for you. Any of the helmets above are the best quietest motorcycle helmet and they have all the premium features you would want.
Now, all you have to do is choose a color.
But if you really want another helmet and you’d like to know if it will be a quiet motorcycle helmet, these are the factors that you should keep in mind:
- Helmet fitting - Snug is good, but not suffocating nor painful.
- INC - Integrated noise cancellation systems.
- Insulation - or a sound proof motorcycle helmet. Did the manufacturer added custom noise reducing insulation? If they don't talk about it, then probably not.
- Independent seals - These will keep wind from slipping in between the seal and the visor.
- Visor snap close force - The more, the better.
- Shape of helmet - The rounder, the better. It’s safer, too.
- Parts - Less parts that protrude, the better.
- Padding under the chin - Make sure your under chin is covered up with padding.
- Vents whistling - Read the reviews. Do the vents make noise whenever it is open or close?
- Aerodynamics - Okay, this is a difficult one. A streamlined helmet may look aerodynamic but only a true lab setting can prove what's the best. Unless you have a wind tunnel in your garage, then the next best thing to do is to read reviews online or ask some people.
- Test ride? - The dealer may possibly have your size and may offer you to take the helmet for a test ride.
Motorcycle Helmet Noise Reduction
You can have the quietest helmet, but what if you want it to be quieter? Helmet noise reduction is possible and it is easy to achieve.
The best way to protect your hearing when riding a motorcycle is by wearing earplugs. It is a simple and cheap solution that works.
Here are some products listed from most effective and cheapest:
I bought 200 earplugs 35 decibel rating and they work perfectly. There’s no need to go higher because it’s crucial that you still have to hear the environment around you.
With so many earplugs, you can throw them away, lose them, or replace when they get dirty.
Understanding Where the Noise Comes From
There are many reasons why a helmet can be loud.
Let's look at where the noise typically comes from and how you can reduce overall noise:
- Muffler - The motorcycle you ride (Engine/muffler noise) Install a quieter muffler.
- Windscreen size - install a bigger wind screen on your bike or add an extension.
- Remove the windscreen - The windscreen may make more turbulence for your height
- Crosswinds - There’s not much you can do against mother nature. Use earplugs.
- Loose fitting helmet - add padding or a riding balaclava to pack it out.
- Open area under the chin - Add the manufacturer’s chin skirt or buy one. A Buff can also help reduce wind getting in under the helmet.
- Riding position - Move around and find the sweet spot. Ride upright or tuck in.
Final Word
There are several unnecessary things in life that you can skip buying to save money. But a good helmet is not one of those.
All the helmets in this review have been tested in house along with information sourced from thousands of reviews and recommendations. It's hard to decide which is the most quietest motorcycle helmet that suits everyone's style, but the helmets listed above are the best you can get.
A good quiet helmet is the key to keeping your hearing and head safe. If you are traveling on expressways or gunning it at speed, always wear soft closed form earplugs.
If you think there is a helmet that deserves to be on this list, leave a comment below and we can order it for testing.
Have a good (quiet) ride!
Glossary
INC - Integrated noise cancellation
Wind tunnel - Testing station for aerodynamics
Insulation - Special materials to reduce noise
E.Q.R.S. - (Emergency Quick-Release System) CWR-1 Shield System
Pinlock pins and lens insert - Anti Fog visors
Snell M2015 - Gold standard in helmet safety
DOT Certified - Helmet safety standard (USA)
Direct Fiber Processing (DFP) - SCHUBERTH’s manufacturing technique.
Turbulators - Protrusions that break/cut the airflow.
FCS - (Facial Contour Support) cheek pad design making it easy to take a helmet of but have padding under the jaw
Decibels - Sound rating scale
Anti Sound - Adding sound waves to counter ambient noise
Double D Ring - Two D shaped rings to connect webbing
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - The United Nations Motorcycle Helmet Study (PDF) - Shoei Helmets - Arai - Schuberth.com - Wikipedia.org Motorcycle helmet - crash.org.au Helmet Testing - Click here for links to sources
Rider, designer, and hustler. Adventurer and vagabond. Beer connoisseur. Conqueror of Africa, a survivor of bandits and anti-malaria crusader. I have been on the road for 15 years, traveling to far-flung lands on bike, horse or backpacking. Today, running a number of online ventures in the motorcycle industry. – Currently, Traveling in Asia.
