The Arai XD-5 is still the adventure helmet to beat in 2026. It uses Arai’s R75 shell shape, which is made to help deflect impact energy, and it is hand built for a high level of safety and quality. It is also the only helmet here with both Snell M2020 and ECE 22.06 certification.

Arai also improved the ventilation compared with the older XD-4, with much better chin vent airflow that you can feel on hot rides. The tool free VAS-MV Pro shield swap is quick and easy, and the visor clarity at the edges is much better now. If you have $839 to spend and do not need a built in sun visor, the XD-5 remains one of the best adventure touring helmets you can buy.

The Shoei Hornet ADV’s biggest advantage may sound simple, but it matters a lot: it comes in four shell sizes, more than any other helmet here. If you have ever been stuck between sizes or lived with a pressure point, this can be the difference between a good fit and a bad one. It also has some of the best padding in the group. The liner feels soft, breathable, and comfortable even after long days of touring..

The AIM+ fiberglass shell stays quiet at highway speeds for an ADV helmet, and the CNS-3 visor gives very clear vision with full Pinlock support. The speaker pockets are also roomy and well placed for a comms system. It may not be the flashiest helmet, but it is one of the most dependable touring options for a wide range of head shapes.

If neck fatigue bothers you on long touring days, the Krios Pro is a strong fix. At about 1,300 grams, it is around 250 grams lighter than the Arai XD-5, making it one of the lightest ECE and DOT certified adventure helmets you can buy. Its full carbon fibre shell and Koroyd energy absorbing material take a smart approach to impact protection, and the ECE 22.06 certification backs that up.

It also offers excellent value because it comes with both a clear visor and a Transitions photochromic shield that darkens in sunlight, plus a FidLock magnetic chin closure that is easy to use even with gloves. For riders who care most about low weight, it is still one of the best choices at this price.

The Schuberth E2 is still one of the best modular helmets for touring. What makes it stand out is its ECE 22.06 certification in both the open and closed chin bar positions, so you do not give up safety for convenience.

It is also pre wired for Schuberth’s SC2 Bluetooth system and has been wind tunnel tested for low noise. The micro ratchet chin strap works smoothly, and the built in sun visor is easy to use. Many long distance riders find that once they try a good flip front helmet like this, they do not want to go back.

The Nexx X.WED3 stands out in the ADV helmet segment because it uses real carbon fiber at a price most brands reserve for fiberglass. It also has three shell sizes for a better fit, ECE 22.06 certification, a GoPro mount, and a spare smoked visor included in the box, which adds real value for touring riders.

Nexx also offers an unusual five-year warranty option, which shows confidence in the helmet’s build quality. The only weak point is the interior finish and liner materials, which are not quite as refined as some premium Japanese helmets. Still, for a carbon touring helmet at $599, it offers strong value and a very good feature set.

The AGV AX9 shows smart Italian helmet design focused on what adventure riders really need. Its interior liner is one of the most breathable and comfortable in the ADV class, especially on long touring days when comfort starts to matter most. The removable chin vent, micro-opening visor, and adjustable peak make it a well thought out helmet for real-world use.

The HJC RPHA 60 is the newest model in HJC’s flagship RPHA line and has quickly become a favorite among long-distance riders. Made with HJC’s Premium Integrated Matrix fiberglass composite, it weighs around 1,693 grams in a medium size, which is a fair weight for the features it offers.

What makes it stand out is its value. It is ECE 22.06 certified, comes with a Pinlock 120XLT anti-fog insert, a three-step adjustable sun visor, and a tool-free removable peak. Riders who have used it on long tours report excellent stability at speed, even with the peak fitted, along with strong comfort over many hours. The cheek pads can be swapped between sizes for a better fit, and the helmet is ready for HJC’s 2nd Gen SMART HJC Bluetooth system.

The Scorpion EXO-AT960 is still one of the few affordable modular adventure helmets worth buying. It can be used as a full-face ADV helmet with the peak attached, or with the peak removed for a cleaner touring look. The large eye port gives great side and downward visibility, which is very useful off-road, and the chin bar is easy to open with a simple one-lever release.

At about 4.1 lbs, it is heavier than many other helmets, but that is the trade-off for the flip-up design, drop-down sun visor, and adventure peak at this price. The KwikWick liner is removable and washable, and the helmet works well with Scorpion’s EXO-COM Bluetooth system.

The Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS is still one of the best-value adventure helmets you can buy. It offers MIPS safety tech, a lighter feel than many budget rivals, and a strong mix of road comfort and off-road use. Riders also like its good ventilation, lower wind noise at highway speeds, and adjustable peak, which helps cut buffeting.

The LS2 Explorer Carbon is a strong value carbon fibre adventure helmet. It weighs about 1,450g, plus or minus 50g in a medium size, which makes it very light for the price, and it is second only to the much more expensive Klim Krios Pro on this list. Its 6K carbon fibre shell comes in three shell sizes, which helps improve fit and keeps bulk down.

It also includes a 3D Optical A-class visor with anti-scratch and UV protection, a drop-down sun visor, and a Pinlock Max Vision insert in the box at no extra cost. Riders say it stays comfortable on long trips thanks to its soft, removable, washable liner and large adjustable vents that do a good job of keeping air flowing. Some users have mentioned small fit issues with the Pinlock and a bit of wind noise, but overall it remains a very strong package for the money.