Is it time for a new mountain bike helmet? You should always replace your MTB helmet after any crash or fall where you hit your helmet. It's also recommended to replace your mountain bike helmet after 2 years of use. This is because it's thought that the styrofoam and integrity of the helmet will be comprised over this period of time. I say it's better safe than sorry!
Here is a list of our current favorite mountain bike helmets in 2025!
** Please note, I also included their safety ratings from Virginia Tech's helmet ratings. The scores are based off their STAR evaluation system and 24 impact tests in their laboratory. You can read more about their helpful contribution here. The higher the number, the lower the safety score.
Cost: $120
Safety Score: Great! 8.55
Best Feature: Best fit system!
The Specialized Tactic 4 Mips mountain bike helmet is a great helmet and one that I have been using off and on the past few years. I struggle to find helmets that can adjust and fit my head well. Specialized uses their "adjustable Integrated Fit System that accommodates variations in head shape and occipital base". They also make 2 versions of this helmet, one for "normal" head shapes and one for rounder. If you struggle to find a helmet that fits you, I really recommend the Specialized Tactic 4!
Virgina Tech rated this helmet 8.55 and 4 out of 253 helmets that they tested.
Cost: $189.95 on sale for $139.99 here
Safety Score: Good! 10.84
Best Feature: Goggle compatible!
The Fox Speedframe Pro Mips is a very popular helmet and one you will see at any trail system you will go to. Many people like the look of this helmet and find it to be very comfortable. What stands out with this helmet is that it's google compatible making it a great choice for enduro riders and racers.
This helmet received safety score of 10.84 and was rated 45 out of 253 helmets.
If you like this helmet but need a more affordable option check out the non Pro version here. The Fox Speedframe Mips helmet cost $139.95 but is on sale for $90.97-$99.99 right now.
Cost: $250 on sale for $150 here
Safety Score: N/A
Best Feature: Cooling technology
The Smith Forefront 2 Mips helmet is arguably the most popular mountain bike helmet on the market. The honeycomb vents the helmet uses is Smith's patented "Koroyd tubular structures, allowing built-up heat to readily escape in all directions, so you're not susceptible to overheating and excessive sweating". Many riders find this helmet to be a great fit and enjoy that their Smith sunglasses can be stored into the vents of the helmet.
Unfortunately Virginia Tech has not provided a safety rating for the current version 2 of this helmet. Although this helmet is very popular their previous version of this helmet received a poor safety rating of 18.62 (209/253 helmets).
Cost: $249.99 some colors on sale for $137.49 here
Safety Score: Good! 11.01
Best Feature: More coverage than the A2
Troy Lee makes very popular helmets! They started with the A1 and now they have the A3. The Troy Lee Designs A3 Mips offers a very comfortable fit for many riders and has extra coverage through the temples and base of the head over it's older rendition the A2. My husband has been wearing only Troy Lee Designs helmets for the past 10+ years and although the A3 has added safety coverage he still prefers the A2 for it's ventilation. He has a lot of hair so he prioritizes ventilation over more head coverage.
The Troy Lee Designs A3 was rated 11.01 and 52 or 253 helmets.
Cost: $190 on sale for $89.98 - $95.00 here
Safety Score: Okay! 16.45
Best Feature: Lightweight for xc, trail and enduro
The Poc Tectal helmet is Poc's lightweight mountain bike helmet offering. A great half shell mountain bike helmet option for xc, trail or enduro. A very versatile and good looking helmet. This helmet also comes in a race version (Poc Tectal Race Mips Helmet) which is even lighter than the normal version and comes with a goggle clip for enduro racing. The race version will run you $260 and is on sale for $130, you can buy it here.
The Poc Tectal helmet earned a safety score of 16.45 and scored 186 out of 253. Not the best score but not surprising considering the lightweight nature of this helmet.
Cost: $200 on sale for $164.99 here
Safety Score: Okay! 13.6
Best Feature: Rotational impact protection (Kineticore)
The Lazer Jackal Kineticore helmet is unique and very popular. Instead of using the commonly used Mips technology it uses their proprietary Kineticore technology. The reason Kineticore is so loved is because of its ability to absorb direct and rotational impacts during crashes. Unlike Mips, Kineticore is found to be more comfortable and breathable.
The safety score provided by Virgina Tech earned an average score of 13.6 and 140 of 253.
Cost: $259.95 on sale for $129.98 here
Safety Score: Good! 12.2
Best Feature: Spherical Technology by Mips
Giro Manifest currently looks to be Giro's most popular and premier helmet on the market. What makes the Giro Manifest Spherical Mips helmet special is that it uses Giro's Spherical Technology. "Powered by MIPS, Spherical Technology utilizes a similar slip-plane design as MIPS for greater impact absorption at angular crashes, except Spherical opts for two layers of foam with a slip-plane between the two, instead of a plastic liner." This technology makes more a more comfortable and ventilated helmet.
The safety score is 12.2 and a 94 of 253 which is above average.
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Cost: $249.95 on sale for $124.98 here
Safety Score: Great! 9.05
Best Feature: Best looking and airflow!
The Sweet Protection Bushwhacker 2VI Mips helmet is in my opinion one of the best looking helmets on this list and one I want to try in the near future. The lilac color called panther is definitely calling my name! They use the Mips air technology which functionally works the same as MIPS but offers more ventilation. On top of looking great it is actually one of the safest helmets on this list.
The Sweet Protection Bushwhacker 2VI Mips helmet scored a 9.05 and 10 out of 253 helmets. Definitely an amazing score!!
These are just some of the best and the most popular half shell mountain bike helmets on the market in 2025. If you want to see more helmets we highly recommend checking out Competitive Cyclist for the best deals and availability. You can go to Competitive Cyclist by clicking this link.
** Links in this post are affiliate links meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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