Best Budget Bike Helmet of 2021
We tested budget bike helmets from Giro, Moon, Retrospec, and others to find the best affordable and protective options
Photo: Zach Wick
By Zach Wick ⋅ Review Editor
Are you looking to find the best bike helmet? After digging into the best wallet-friendly helmets available today, we purchased and tested the nine most compelling models to test side by side. Our test selection included a wide range of designs and styles, including helmets targeted at mountain biking, road cycling, commuting, and multi-discipline use to ensure that you find the right helmet for your needs. We put each model through the wringer over the course of an intensive, multi-week field test that included hours of riding and countless back-to-back comparisons. When the dust settled, we rated each helmet across six key metrics to help you cut through the marketing and find what actually works best.
Best Overall Bike Helmet
Giro Fixture MIPS
Check price at REI
Rotational Impact Protection System: MIPS | Weight: 312 grams
Best-in-test comfort
Large detachable visor
High-end styling
Limited sizes
Non-adjustable ear splitters
We were very impressed with the Giro Fixture MIPS during our head-to-head testing, and it easily found its perch at the top of our list. It scored top marks in comfort and protection with its deep fit, an extremely adjustable harness system, and MIPS rotational impact system. The MIPS system features a plastic insert that will rotate inside of the outer foam shell on impact to absorb rotational forces. We were impressed to find out that this premium safety feature is offered by Giro at an affordable price, as it's typically only found on high-end models. The design is thoughtful and polished, considering how much extra protection it's packing. The polycarbonate outer liner fused to the mold's EPS foam shell, meaning there is no chance of the two separating over time. The large visor is flexible enough to survive a minor spill or being dropped on the ground and works well to shield your eyes from the sun and keep brush out of your face on tight trails. Giro offers this helmet in a variety of colors.
We looked hard for flaws in the Fixture's design, but we didn't find anything too significant. You'll pay a bit more for this quality — this helmet has one of the highest price tags of our test fleet, but we think the high-end features, comfort, and protection are all worth the price. We didn't have any issues with the non-adjustable, sewed ear splitters during our testing, although some might find them annoying. These straps provide ample room for most ear shapes and a range of various head sizes. There are two sizes available; we tested the 54-61cm "Universal Adult" size, but there is also an XL size for those with larger heads. All of our testers were able to find a comfortable fit, no matter their head shape or size. Most users will not run into a fit issue, but if you happen to be one of the head-size outliers that don't fit the "Universal Adult" size, there is still an option for you. This sleek all-around helmet will work for any cycling scenario, despite the fact that it was designed for off-road riders.
The sewed ear splitters work with a surprisingly wide range of head shapes without issue.
Great Value and Versatile
Retrospec CM-1
Rotational Impact Protection System: No | Weight: 445 grams
If you're looking for a bike helmet that won't break your budget, check out the Retrospec CM-1. This is a classic, straightforward, skate-style bike helmet that will meet your needs. We like this helmet because of its extreme versatility, whether you need it for commuting, skating, biking, or something else. After running this helmet through our test process, we feel that it provides a ton of value for those among us that are looking for a basic, reliable helmet that will keep their head safe. The CM-1 comprises ample interior padding and a thick EPS foam shell bonded to a durable ABS outer liner that doesn't scuff easily. The straightforward design means there aren't any prone-to-fail features or gadgets to worry about. The CPSC-certified EPS shell is the thickest in our test and should provide proper protection in the event of an impact. It's available in small, medium, and large shell sizes that will fit heads from 51-63cm in circumference. Each helmet comes with a spare set of interchangeable pads, allowing you to customize the fit for your head size and shape. The chin buckle is easily adjustable to ensure a secure fit, and the straps have sliding adjustable ear-splitter clips that sit flat against your face. Our testers found that this was among the most comfortable helmets in the test due to its thick padding.
While we think this helmet is a great value, we also want to warn about some drawbacks to the design we uncovered during testing. With a monolithic EPS shell, thick padding, and minimal air vents, this helmet can be stifling on long, strenuous rides or hot days. We started to get a little sweaty on longer rides and found ourselves avoiding the CM-1 on the hottest of days. Short morning and evening commutes weren't a problem, but we were wary of anything more intense. Additionally, we have minor concerns about the ABS outer shell's potential to separate from the EPS foam over time. Although we didn't experience separation during our testing, it's an issue we've had with this style of helmet in the past. We have found that almost any adhesive will eventually give up the ghost over time when exposed to heat. We recommend avoiding leaving the CM-1 out in the sun for extended periods to minimize the chance of separation. Despite these concerns, we think the CM-1 is an excellent buy for the price. It will serve anyone from aspiring BMXers to commuters well.
The six vents across the CM-1's crown are small, but they have a noticeable effect.
Best On a Super Tight Budget
Moon Adult Bike Helmet
Small removable visor
Soft padding
Poorly-bonded outer shell
Limited size range
Riders looking for a new helmet on a tight budget should look at the Moon Adult Bike Helmet. It's a surprisingly lightweight, comfortable shell for the price, and the removable visor gives it a versatility boost. The harness system is easily adjustable with one hand, and it does a good job of pulling tension around the head's full circumference rather than pinching at the rear. There are no interior channels in the EPS shell to promote airflow, but the 25 vent ports do a decent job of keeping your head cool during a ride. At a glance, the style mimics much more expensive helmets, but a close inspection of the construction and materials tells a slightly different story.
When we got our hands on the Moon, we quickly realized why the price was so unbelievably low. The plastic outer liner isn't very well-bonded to the EPS shell and started to peel away slightly in places after a few uses. The shell's decals are designed to look like a carbon fiber weave, but the finish appears unrefined up close. The helmet's interior padding is super soft and comfortable but doesn't absorb sweat well. We found that even in the slightest heat, our sweat would start to drip. The visor is very lightweight and a little flimsy, and we don't like its chances of long-term survival. All in all, however, we weren't unhappy with the Moon's performance with price in mind. With a careful owner or less frequent use, this helmet could last and be well worth the price.
Best for Road Cycling
Giro Isode MIPS
Rotational impact protection
Well-ventilated
Single shell size
Coming in a good chunk of change cheaper than its counterpart, the Fixture, Giro's Isode is an impressively comfortable, capable, and durable helmet for the price. Tipping our scale at just 270 grams with a MIPS rotational impact liner included, the Isode is simultaneously among the lightest and most protective helmets we tested. With 22 vents that lead to interior channels in the EPS foam, this model keeps things cool and airy on hot days, long rides, and hill climbs. The Roc Loc sport harness system provides tons of fit adjustment while mimicking the full-circumference tightening of high-end harnesses. We had no issues with hotspots, pinching, or pressure points with this helmet during testing. As a package, the Isode features Giro's reliable in-mold construction that will span the test of time. The stylish design imitates modern top-of-the-line models and comes in seven different color options.
The Isode doesn't have many drawbacks, but a few things kept it from topping our test. First and foremost, this model doesn't have the same deep-fitting, high-coverage shell shape as the Giro Fixture. This model sits higher up on your head and doesn't provide extra protection for your occipital lobe like its counterpart. Because of this, the Isode is best for recreational or road riding, where you are less worried about rocks and other surface abnormalities that might lead to a lower-rear-head impact in a crash. Additionally, the Isode only comes in a single "Universal Adult" shell size. The harness provides loads of adjustment, but those among us with either very small or very large heads might be out of luck with this model's fit range. However, for most people, the Isode is a great, inexpensive helmet that will feel right at home for everything from all-day bike touring to commuting.
The Isode has the look of a high-end road cycling helmet at a fraction of the price.
Best for Commuting
PHZ. Adult Bike Helmet
Integrated rechargeable tail light
Removable visor
Interior mesh liner
No rotational impact protection
Low-coverage fit
PHZ. is not a well-known brand in the cycling industry, but they did a great job designing this budget-friendly helmet. It is among the lightest and lowest-profile in our test, and it's packed with features to make your ride comfortable and safer. Most impressively, this helmet comes with a rechargeable red LED tail light that fits securely into the back of the helmet. The light's design makes the rider more visible in high-traffic situations and has three modes controlled by a clicker switch. In addition to the light, the helmet also comes with a mesh inner bug liner, a short removable sun visor, and a small chin pad that fixes to the buckle. The helmet is well constructed and looks like it will span the test of time with its fused EPS and polycarbonate shells and a sturdy harness system. Other helmets we tested included flimsy tail lights without replaceable batteries, but this model appears built to last and didn't give us any issues during testing.
While there's a lot to like about this model, we have a few nits to pick. The EPS shell's shape isn't the most versatile shell we tested, and some of our testers found that the foam creates small pressure points at the back of the head, which can lead to minor discomfort over time. The fit isn't much of a concern for short rides or commutes, but some riders might not like this model for longer excursions. We also found that the sleek, low-profile look meant less protection and head coverage. Thankfully we didn't get a chance to try out its performance in a crash, but the combination of its lightweight and low-coverage shell didn't inspire the same confidence as some of the other models. Regardless, this model is CPSC certified and will undoubtedly help provide a layer of safety in the event of a spill. We think the PHZ. is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable, affordable commuter helmet.
A rechargeable integrated tail light is great for fall and winter commuting.
Best for Versatility
Giro Register MIPS
Comfortable harness system
Once we got our hands on the Giro Register MIPS, it didn't take long for our testers to realize that it uses the same shell, harness, and strap construction as our favorite road cycling model, the Giro Isode MIPS. The only substantial differences between the two models are the Register's small, detachable visor and the few extra dollars tacked onto its price tag. It's a minor alteration, but the visor successfully turns the Register into a slightly more versatile helmet than its less expensive counterpart, providing the bit of sun and glare protection that the Isode is missing. With the little bit more of a brush-deflecting buffer at the front of the helmet, we also felt more comfortable exploring tight, overgrown paths and trails. Installing and removing the visor is fast and easy, with a set of tabs that flex into place in the front vents, allowing you to easily pop it off for a little aerodynamic boost on a road ride.
We think the Register is a slightly more versatile model than the Isode, but we're not entirely sold on it. While the visor improves the helmet's performance in certain conditions, it's a minor change, and we don't know if it's worth the extra five dollars that Giro charges over the Isode. A larger visor would have a more pronounced effect that would help justify the price difference. Also, even with the visor, the Register uses the same mid-coverage EPS shell as the Isode, and we would still be hesitant to take it out on full-blown mountain bike trails. Regardless, if you don't mind the extra few bucks and like the look and feel of a helmet with a visor, the Register delivers the same comfort, performance, and protection as the Isode with a little cherry on top.
It didn't take a detective to figure out that the Isode and Register shared the same construction.
Best for Bike Lock Compatibility
Thousand Heritage Anti-Theft Guarantee Bike Helmet
High-quality construction
The Thousand Heritage Bike Helmet is a practical and unique helmet option for urban cyclists and commuters. Boldly touted by Thousand as "The first-ever stylish bike helmet," the Heritage was designed in the vein of vintage motorcycle helmets and is unique in more ways than one. The helmet's EPS shell includes a Secret Poplock magnetic port that opens up and allows access for a bike lock, meaning that you won't be saddled with a cumbersome bike helmet while grabbing a drink after work or scanning the aisles of the grocery store. We tried the lock port a few times during testing, and it is both secure and easy to use. Beyond the unique styling and features, the Heritage features durable, high-quality construction with a magnetic chin buckle, vegan leather straps, and a thick outer shell that isn't easily marred. The CPSC and ASTM certified EPS shell sits low on your head, provides good coverage, and offers in small, medium, and large sizes, with a dial harness at the helmet's rear to fine-tune the fit. All signs point to this helmet fitting almost any head size and surviving for the long haul.
Despite all that there is to like about this model, we wouldn't be doing our job if we didn't point out some of the issues we unearthed during testing. In addition to being the most expensive model in our test, it's also the heaviest. The dial harness system, while highly adjustable, also pulls tension across the back of the head, which presses the front of the EPS shell against your forehead upon tightening. When the helmet is secured properly on your head, we noticed that a small pressure point tends to develop on the forehead after a few minutes of riding. We didn't experience any overt discomfort, but the feeling persisted every time we wore the helmet and tended to get worse over time. The vent ports in the EPS shell are relatively minimal, making any strenuous or long ride a sweaty affair, but we found that it breathed slightly better than the Retrospec CM-1.
You might be mistaken for a Harley rider in the Thousand Heritage.
Notable for Style
Base Camp Urban Commuter
Tail light included
Low-profile fit
Low-quality decals
Our testers unanimously approved of the Base Camp Commuter's unassuming, sleek style and think that its performance in our test makes it a good option for recreational and commuting cyclists. The outer shell's flowing lines are an amalgamation of classic kayaking, equestrian, and mountaineering helmets, with a close-fitting silhouette that avoids the bulbous nature of many bike helmets. Its thick interior EPS is CPSC certified and fused to the outer shell to prevent separation over time. With a few well-placed air vents leading to internal channels in the EPS, we found that the Commuter allows enough airflow to keep your head cool on shorter rides in most weather. A 3-mode integrated tail light at the back of the helmet ensures visibility in low-light conditions or high traffic.
When the Commuter showed up at our door, we found a few drawbacks. First and foremost, we were a little bit disappointed with the quality of the black decals. They look great from a distance, but up close, there are some faded sections and a bit of excess adhesive visible around the letters. It isn't a huge deal, but low-quality decals and a questionable application don't inspire confidence in the rest of the helmet's construction. The tail light's housing seems dubious, and we're concerned about its longevity in wet conditions. The battery is replaceable, but it requires a screwdriver. For those not overly concerned about these issues, the Commuter is a comfortable, stylish, and affordable option perfect for city riding or running around town.
We like the integrated tail light but we have concerns about its longevity.
Another Versatile Option
Exclusky Mountain Bike Helmet
Mesh interior liner
Sub-optimal shell shape
The Exclusky Mountain Bike Helmet is a well-rounded, lightweight option suitable for almost any cycling discipline. With a large visor and a high-coverage shell that drops down the back of the head, it's a more viable mountain biking and off-road option than the Giro Register in some ways. Twenty-one vents help promote airflow to keep your head fresh, and a mesh interior liner on the front half of the shell prevents bugs from flying into the helmet. The straps feature a traditional buckle, a small chin pad, and adjustable ear splitters. The harness system is adjustable both circumferentially and vertically and pulls tension around the entire head to ensure a secure, comfortable fit.
The Exclusky has a few key design issues that keep it from ranking higher in our test field. It comes in a single shell size and has the smallest fit range in the test (56-61cm). The EPS shell shape is not as refined as our highest ranked helmets, and a few of our testers with head sizes on the upper edge of its fit range experienced pressure points and discomfort. However, for riders with average head sizes, the shell worked great. The visor attachment points thread into inserts in the EPS shell, and we found that they unthread easily and can fall out. If these are lost, the visor will no longer attach to the helmet. Riders with average head sizes looking for a versatile model will find a good option in the Exclusky but beware of the construction and design issues we mentioned.
We purchased the ten most promising models for our field test.
Our lead bike helmet reviewer, Zach Wick, has lived and breathed bicycles since he was a kid. He started out riding mountain bikes with his family when he was nine years old and hasn't stopped since. His career has taken him from state champion road cyclist to elite mountain bike racer and just about everything in between. These days he commutes to the office via bike every day and spends at least fifteen hours a week turning the pedals over. In addition to the countless helmets he's been through on the bike, Zach has also spent years working in a product development test lab in the cycling industry. He knows how to put a product through the paces to separate the wheat from the chaff.
For this bike helmet review, Zach and our team spent weeks digging into the best helmets available today to find the best values currently available. After researching, we ordered the ten most promising models to put through our field test and spent two weeks putting them through the wringer. Our testing involved lots of saddle time and included various terrain and conditions, countless back-to-back comparisons, and close examinations in the lab.
Our awards and rankings aren't pulled out of thin air or based entirely on marketing copy. To provide you with the best current information possible, we developed six key metrics in which we ranked each helmet. We evaluated each helmet's protection, comfort, ventilation, features, weight, and durability, and—after weeks of testing—rated them in each metric and combined the scores to get our final results. Metrics that factor more heavily into a helmet's overall quality—like protection and comfort—were weighted more heavily than the others.
Foremost on your mind when searching for a new mountain bike helmet should be your safety. Even a very affordable bike helmet can provide top-notch protection and is undoubtedly better than wearing no helmet at all. All of the helmets we tested meet the CPSC bicycle standard for protection. Compared to riding with no helmet, any CPSC-certified helmet will hugely minimize your chances of a brain injury in the event of a crash. However, this doesn't mean that all helmets are created equal. Because we aren't a certifying agency and tried to avoid crashing during testing, our protection rating is based on a fundamental analysis of the helmet's construction, head coverage, and protective features. Helmets that provide more head coverage, or feature advanced constructions like multi-density EPS foam, scored higher in our protection metric.
Giro's helmets feature an interior MIPS rotational liner attached to the EPS shell with small yellow tabs.
In recent years, rotational impact protection systems like MIPS have become prolific in bike helmets. These systems are designed to allow your head to move slightly within the helmet's shell on impact and reduce concussion-causing rotational forces. MIPS accomplishes this by attaching a thin plastic shell that can rotate a few degrees to the EPS shell's interior. The science on systems like MIPS isn't completely set yet, but the consensus is that they are a useful safety feature. The current vast majority of high-end helmets include some kind of MIPS-like rotational impact system, and the technology is slowly trickling into the less expensive models. Because only Giro's Fixture, Register, and Isode included rotational impact protection, they were the highest-rated models in our test. The Fixture edged out the other two because of its high-coverage shell.
The CM-1 is comfortable for short commutes and urban riding.
Aside from protection, comfort is the most important consideration to make when choosing a budget bike helmet. The greater the comfort level, the greater the likelihood of use, and the more enjoyable your riding experience will be. Numerous factors can impact comfort, including the size and shape of your noggin. Some brands feature refined EPS shell shapes and well-placed padding that work for a wide range of head sizes. Other brands are more particular, making them comfortable for only some people. The harness system, ear splitters, and straps all play an essential role in the overall comfort of each model. So what better way to analyze comfort than to try each helmet on? We conducted a communal comfort analysis by asking multiple individuals to try on each helmet and provide us with feedback. Additionally, we spent hours sporting each helmet on rides to see if any discomfort developed. Helmets like the Exclusky, Giro Fixture, and Giro Isode that didn't bother us on rides and were comfortable across a wide range of people, were the highest scoring in this metric.
With thick padding and minimal vents, skate-style helmets like the CM-1 can get hot and sweaty.
A thickly padded helmet may feel comfortable, but start pedaling, and you may find it annoyingly stifling. For most rides, your helmet must be able to breathe and ventilate while on your head. Whether you're pedaling into work or trying to reach the summit of a local climb, it's important you don't wind up with soaked hair and sweat pouring down your face. Budget bike helmets with a high number of vent ports typically breathe best, but that isn't the only ventilation factor we considered for this metric. Vents that lead to interior channels in the EPS foam promote airflow way better than those that don't, and a few large, well-placed vents can be cooler than several small ones. Materials, location, and pad size also play a role. Giro's Register and Isode were the best-ventilating helmets we tested, with the Exclusky and PHZ. not far behind.
The Heritage packs a magnetic buckle and high-quality vegan leather straps.
A simple, bare-bones helmet can be great for certain applications. Still, additional features like integrated lights, adjustable harnesses, lock mechanisms, and visors can vastly improve your ride and make your life easier at the same time. Not all features are created equal, though. When scoring helmets in this metric, we didn't simply tally up all of the nifty gadgets. We made sure to take a given feature's quality and utility into account as well. A small, flimsy visor provides far less utility than a large, well-constructed one, and an integrated tail light that fails after the first ride isn't the same as one that will last the lifetime of the helmet. Be wary of ridiculous feature claims when hunting for a new bike helmet. An inexpensive helmet packed with features is likely cheaply made and flimsy. A couple of the helmet features we tested looked great on paper but quickly disappointed or failed once we took them out into the field. With a quality rechargeable light, a mesh liner, and a removable visor, the PHZ. impressed us with its features. The Thousand Heritage was also highly rated, but the Giro Register wasn't far behind with its MIPS system, robust harness, and removable visor.
Though feature-packed, the Heritage is the heaviest helmet we tested.
Unless you're a racer looking for the lightest kit available, weight doesn't necessarily need to sit at the top of your priority list when seeking out a new helmet. For that reason, we weighted this metric slightly lower in our scoring. Even for short commutes, however, an overly-heavy helmet can be a burden. Lighter helmets tend to disappear on the head while you're riding—not causing a distraction or encumbrance—while heavy helmets can feel unwieldy and move around on your head easily. Our scoring in this metric is based mostly on a helmet's true weight, but we also took into account the way that it feels on your head. Often a well-fitted but heavy helmet can feel just as light on your head as a poorly fitted and light one. The PHZ. was our top-rated model in this category. The Giro helmets each lost a little bit of ground here with the added weight of their MIPS systems.
Giro's Roc Loc Sport harness is built to last.
Last but not least, it's important to take into account a helmet's longevity before buying it. Most EPS foam bike helmets are designed for single-impact protection, meaning you should replace your helmet every time you hit your head. For most of us, though, the time between crashes can be—and hopefully is—a very long time, so it's important to make sure your helmet's going to hold up for the long haul. A good bike helmet should be just as durable as the top-end models, in our opinion. To analyze each helmet's durability, we put it through the wringer of our field test, and we closely examined its construction to look for weak points. The longest-lasting helmets have fused exterior and EPS shells that won't separate over time, sturdy harness systems with solid anchor points, and simple, robust adjustment mechanisms. In testing, we found that inexpensive helmets boasting copious features were likely to be flimsy and prone to fail very quickly, and we kept them out of our recommendations. Aside from some of the least expensive models we looked at, most of our test field appears built to last, but we have the most confidence in the PHZ., the Thousand Heritage, and Giro's Fixture, Isode, and Register.
At the end of the day, nothing could top our favorite model, the Giro Fixture.
After months of research and comparative testing, we managed to boil a large field of helmets down to our favorites in the hopes that you'll find the right helmet for your needs. The models listed above represent the best budget-friendly bike helmets available without any marketing lingo or outrageous claims. Here's to a simple, straightforward helmet purchase that will help you get out and enjoy your next bike ride!
— Zach Wick
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