A 3/4 open-face helmet, sometimes called a three-quarter helmet, covers the top, back and sides of your head while leaving your face exposed. Riders love them for the airflow, the wide field of view and that classic cruiser, scooter and cafe-racer look. The trade-off is that your chin and jaw are not protected the way they would be in a full-face lid, so getting the right shell, retention system and visor really matters.
We rode in every helmet on this list across hot afternoons, highway commutes and stop-and-go city traffic to judge ventilation, noise, padding comfort, visor clarity and how secure each one feels at speed. Below are the seven open-face helmets we trust most right now, ranked best first, with an honest weakness called out for each one.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Bell Custom 500 Open-Face Helmet Best Overall DOT certified, 5-snap visor compatible, low-profile fiberglass composite shell |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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HJC IS-33 II Open-Face Helmet Best Drop-Down Visor Integrated SunShield, advanced polycarbonate shell, DOT certified |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Scorpion EXO-C110 Open-Face Helmet Best Ventilation AirFit inflatable cheek pads, retractable sun visor, DOT certified |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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LS2 Spitfire Open-Face Helmet Best Value Kinetic Polymer Alloy shell, twin shields, DOT certified |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Bell Mag-9 Open-Face Helmet Best for Touring ClickRelease shield system, Speed Dial fit adjuster, DOT certified |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Shoei J-Cruise II Open-Face Helmet Best Premium AIM shell, CNS-3 shield, 3D Max-Dry interior, DOT certified |
8.6 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Vega Warrior Open-Face Helmet Best Lightweight Lightweight thermoplastic shell, flip-up shield, DOT certified |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Bell Custom 500 Open-Face Helmet: Best Overall
The Bell Custom 500 is the helmet most open-face riders end up comparing everything else to, and after a season of use it is easy to see why. The fiberglass composite shell comes in several physical sizes rather than one shell padded down, so a medium head actually wears a medium shell. That keeps the profile slim and the weight balanced, which you feel on long rides when your neck is not fighting a top-heavy lid.
The honest weakness is that it ships bare. There is no visor or shield included, so you will need to add a 5-snap bubble shield or a pair of goggles before your first ride, and those snaps can take a firm push to seat the first time. Once it is dialed in, though, the fit, finish and retention are a step above most of the field, which is why it takes our top spot.
- Hand-laid fiberglass composite shell in multiple shell sizes for a true-to-head fit
- Classic 5-snap perimeter for clip-on visors, bubble shields and flip shields
- Padded chin strap with D-ring retention and contoured interior comfort liner
Pros: Genuinely low-profile shell that does not look like a mushroom on your head; Multiple shell sizes mean better fit and less bobble than one-size-shell helmets; Huge aftermarket of snap-on visors and shields
Cons: Comes bare with no shield in the box, so you buy eye protection separately
2. HJC IS-33 II Open-Face Helmet: Best Drop-Down Visor
If you ride into low sun on the way home, the HJC IS-33 II solves a daily annoyance with its built-in drop-down SunShield. A slider on the side flicks a tinted visor into place in a second, so you stop juggling sunglasses under your shield. The polycarbonate shell stays light, vents well and keeps wind noise lower than most open-face helmets thanks to a closer-fitting face shield.
The real-world weakness is shield coverage. The clear outer visor is on the short side, so at highway speed you still catch some buffeting around your chin and lower face, and the internal sun visor leaves that same area uncovered. For city and backroad riding it is excellent, but committed long-haul highway riders may want a deeper aftermarket shield.
- One-touch internal SunShield drops down to cut glare without swapping shields
- Lightweight advanced polycarbonate composite shell with multiple vents
- Removable, washable moisture-wicking interior with adjustable airflow
Pros: Built-in tinted drop-down visor is a huge convenience in changing light; Comfortable cheek pads and a quiet ride for an open-face design; Easy interior removal for cleaning
Cons: The clear outer shield is short and lets in wind at higher speeds; SunShield does not fully cover the chin opening
3. Scorpion EXO-C110 Open-Face Helmet: Best Ventilation
The Scorpion EXO-C110 stands out for how cool it keeps you. The vent layout and KwikWick liner move air and pull sweat away better than almost anything else on this list, which is exactly what you want on a baking summer commute. The AirFit system is the party trick: a small pump lets you inflate the cheek pads for a snugger, more tailored hold, and it genuinely helps riders between sizes get a secure fit.
The catch is that AirFit can feel like a novelty and the inflated pads tend to bleed pressure over a long ride, so you may find yourself topping them up. There is also a bit more wind noise than a tighter-shielded helmet. Neither issue undoes the comfort and cooling, but they are worth knowing before you buy.
- AirFit liner lets you fine-tune cheek pad pressure for a custom fit
- Retractable internal sun visor and removable front face shield
- KwikWick moisture-wicking liner pulls sweat away on hot rides
Pros: Adjustable AirFit cheek pads dial in a secure, personalized fit; Strong airflow keeps your head cool in summer heat; Includes both a clear shield and a retractable sun visor
Cons: AirFit pump can feel gimmicky and slowly loses pressure over time; Runs slightly loud at speed with the shield up
4. LS2 Spitfire Open-Face Helmet: Best Value
The LS2 Spitfire packs a lot into one helmet. You get a lightweight Kinetic Polymer Alloy shell, a full outer face shield and a drop-down tinted inner visor, which is a feature set you usually see on costlier lids. On the road it feels light and balanced, the liner is comfortable and washable, and the twin-shield system means you are covered whether the sun is out or not.
Where it gives a little back is durability of the finish. The shell picks up light scratches and scuffs more readily than a fiberglass composite, so it needs a bit more care in the garage and a helmet bag for transport. Sizing also leans slightly small, so order by the measurement chart rather than your usual guess. For riders who want the most features for the least fuss, it is hard to beat.
- Lightweight Kinetic Polymer Alloy shell keeps fatigue down on long days
- Includes an outer face shield plus a drop-down tinted inner sun shield
- Laser-cut, hypoallergenic removable and washable interior padding
Pros: Dual-shield setup gives strong value with both clear and tinted protection; Noticeably light on the head for reduced neck fatigue; Comfortable, removable liner that washes up cleanly
Cons: Shell finish scratches more easily than pricier composite helmets; Sizing can run a touch small, so check the chart
5. Bell Mag-9 Open-Face Helmet: Best for Touring
The Bell Mag-9 is built for riders who actually put miles in. The ClickRelease system lets you pop the face shield off and swap to a tinted one in seconds without tools, so adapting to the light on a long day takes no effort. The Speed Dial fit wheel tightens or loosens the hold at the back of your head, and the integrated speaker pockets make adding a Bluetooth comms unit painless, which is a real plus for group touring.
The downside is weight. This is one of the heavier open-face helmets here, and over a full day you notice it more than a slimmer lid. The padded wind collar that keeps buffeting and noise down also traps heat, so on the hottest afternoons it can feel warmer than a more open design. For touring and comms, though, the feature set earns its place.
- ClickRelease shield swaps tool-free between clear and tinted in seconds
- Speed Dial fit system fine-tunes the fit without changing pads
- Padded wind collar and integrated channels for communication speakers
Pros: Tool-free shield changes make day-to-night riding easy; Speed Dial adjuster locks in a stable, secure fit; Speaker pockets make it easy to add a comms system for touring
Cons: On the heavier side for an open-face helmet; Wind collar can trap warmth on very hot days
6. Shoei J-Cruise II Open-Face Helmet: Best Premium
The Shoei J-Cruise II is the helmet to reach for when you want the open-face experience without compromise. The AIM shell is light and strong, the aerodynamics are dialed so it stays planted at speed with minimal lift, and it is remarkably quiet for a helmet with this much face open to the wind. The CNS-3 shield seals well and the internal QSV-2 sun visor gives a wide, distortion-free view that makes long rides easier on the eyes.
The honest catch is the price ladder and the break-in. This is a premium helmet, so you are paying for that refinement, and the plush interior actually feels firm and snug out of the box until it molds to your head over the first few rides. If you ride often and value quietness and finish, the investment pays back every mile, but casual riders may not need this much helmet.
- Advanced AIM multi-fiber shell engineered for strength and low weight
- CNS-3 face shield with internal QSV-2 sun visor for wide, clear vision
- Aerodynamic shaping and refined vents reduce lift and wind noise
Pros: Outstanding build quality, fit and finish typical of Shoei; Very quiet and stable for an open-face helmet at highway speed; Wide field of view with an effective internal sun visor
Cons: Sits at the top of the price ladder for an open-face lid; Interior runs firm until it breaks in
7. Vega Warrior Open-Face Helmet: Best Lightweight
The Vega Warrior is a friendly entry into the open-face world. It is light, the comfort liner is removable and washable, and the included flip-up shield means you are road-ready out of the box without hunting for goggles or a snap-on visor. For new riders, scooter commuters and anyone who wants a no-fuss lid for short hops around town, it covers the basics well and wears comfortably all day.
Its limits show when you push it. Ventilation and wind noise control are not in the same league as the composite-shell helmets above, so longer highway stints get loud and warmer than you might like. The shield also scratches easily and can show some distortion, so plan on treating it gently. As a light, simple everyday helmet, though, it delivers more than its modest standing suggests.
- Light thermoplastic shell that is easy to wear all day
- Flip-up face shield with a sturdy detent at the open position
- Removable, washable comfort liner with simple cheek-pad fit
Pros: Very light and comfortable for new and casual riders; Included flip-up shield means no extra eye protection to buy; Straightforward fit and easy on first-time helmet buyers
Cons: Vent and noise control trail the premium helmets here; Shield is prone to scratches and minor distortion
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 3/4 open-face helmet safe enough for motorcycle riding?
A 3/4 helmet that carries a genuine DOT certification meets the same impact and penetration standards as a full-face helmet for the top, back and sides of your head, so it offers solid protection where it covers. The key difference is the open chin and face area: a 3/4 helmet does not protect your jaw and chin in a face-first impact the way a full-face lid does. For cruisers, scooters, low-speed city riding and riders who want airflow and visibility, a quality DOT-certified open-face helmet is a reasonable choice. If you ride fast, ride often or commute on highways, weigh that exposed chin against the added protection of a full-face helmet.
What is the difference between a 3/4 helmet and a half helmet?
A half helmet covers only the top of your skull and stops above the ears, leaving your ears, the back of your neck and your face fully exposed. A 3/4 open-face helmet extends further down to cover your ears and the back of your head, and it usually accepts a face shield, visor or goggles for eye protection. That extra coverage means a 3/4 helmet protects more of your head, cuts wind noise better and shields your eyes more effectively, while still giving you the open, airy feel and wide field of view that half-helmet and open-face riders love.
Do I need a visor or goggles with an open-face helmet?
Yes, you need some form of eye protection because your face is exposed to wind, bugs, dust and road debris. Some 3/4 helmets, like the HJC IS-33 II and Scorpion EXO-C110, include a built-in face shield and even a drop-down sun visor, so you are covered out of the box. Others, like the bare Bell Custom 500, ship without a shield and rely on snap-on bubble visors, flip shields or a separate pair of goggles. Before you buy, check whether eye protection is included or whether you need to add a compatible shield to ride safely and comfortably.
How do I measure for the right 3/4 helmet size?
Wrap a soft tape measure around the largest part of your head, about an inch above your eyebrows and ears, and keep it level all the way around. Compare that measurement in centimeters or inches to the brand’s size chart rather than guessing, since open-face helmets like the LS2 Spitfire can run small. The helmet should feel snug with even pressure all around and should not slide or rock when you shake your head, but it should not create pressure points or a headache. The cheek pads will break in slightly over the first few rides, so start a touch snug rather than loose.
Are open-face helmets louder than full-face helmets?
Generally yes, because more of your head and face meet the wind, so open-face helmets tend to create more wind noise at highway speed than a sealed full-face lid. How loud depends on the design: helmets with a closer-fitting face shield, a padded wind collar and tuned aerodynamics, like the Shoei J-Cruise II and Bell Mag-9, stay noticeably quieter than basic open-face models. You can cut noise further by riding with the shield down and wearing foam earplugs, which is a smart habit on any helmet. If quietness is a top priority, lean toward the better-shielded helmets on this list.
Our Verdict
For most riders, the Bell Custom 500 is our top pick thanks to its true-to-size composite shell, slim profile, solid retention and a massive choice of snap-on visors, even though you supply your own eye protection. If you want a built-in drop-down sun visor and a quieter ride straight out of the box, the HJC IS-33 II is the runner up and the easier helmet to live with day to day. Match the helmet to how you actually ride, confirm the fit against the size chart, and always pair an open-face lid with proper eye protection.
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