Full Face vs Open Face Helmet: Which One Is Right for You?

Last Updated: Mar 21, 2026

Did you know that the chin bar accounts for protection in roughly 35% of all motorcycle crash impacts? That single statistic changes the way most riders think about helmet choice. Choosing between a full face and an open face helmet is one of the most important decisions you make as a rider. 

Your choice affects how safe you are, how comfortable you feel and how much you enjoy every ride. In this guide you will see how both helmet types compare in safety, comfort, airflow, noise and everyday practicality so you can confidently decide which one fits your riding style.

Full Face vs Open Face Helmet: Side-by-Side Comparison

The table below compares both helmet types across the features that matter most to riders.

What Is A Full Face Helmet

A full face helmet covers your entire head including your chin and jaw. It has a fixed chin bar and a visor that protects your eyes and face from wind dust and debris. This design gives you the highest level of impact protection among common street helmets.

The advantages of an Full face helmet

• Maximum protection: Full face helmets wrap around your chin and jaw, which are common impact areas in crashes, making them the best option for highway riding, sport riding and higher speed situations.
• Reduced noise and fatigue: They cut down wind and road noise so you can concentrate better and feel less tired after long rides.
• Weather and debris shield: The visor and shell protect your face from rain, cold weather, insects and small stones, keeping you comfortable and focused on the road.
• Effective ventilation: Modern full face helmets use internal vents and channels to move air around your head, providing steady airflow even with your face fully covered, which is very helpful in hot climates.

The disadvantages of an open face helmet

• Heavier feel: A full face helmet is usually heavier than an open face model, which some riders notice during long stretches of continuous wear.
• Enclosed sensation: Some riders find the more closed-in design takes getting used to, particularly those who are new to this style of helmet.
• Slightly reduced side vision: The design can marginally limit your peripheral view compared to an open face model, though good quality helmets still offer a wide field of view.
• Less convenient for quick interactions: Drinking water, speaking to someone nearby or making quick adjustments requires opening the visor or removing the helmet entirely.
• Higher price point: Full face helmets can cost more due to the extra materials and safety features involved, though the added protection and technology justify the investment.

What Is An Open Face Helmet

An open face helmet covers the top sides and back of your head but leaves your face exposed. Many versions include a short visor or a full clear shield yet they do not have a solid chin bar.

The advantage of a Open face helmet

• Excellent airflow: The open front design allows fresh air to reach your face directly, which feels great in hot weather and during slow city rides where heat can build up quickly.
• Lighter and comfortable for short trips: Open face helmets are generally lighter, making them a comfortable choice for daily commutes and relaxed cruising.
• Easy communication: The open design allows you to speak naturally with friends at traffic lights or during group rides without any adjustment needed.
• Wider field of view: With no chin bar in front of your face, you get a broader, more natural view of the road, which can be particularly helpful in heavy city traffic where you constantly scan for pedestrians and other vehicles.

The disadvantages of a Open face helmet

• Significant safety gap: Your face, chin, teeth and jaw remain completely unprotected, which increases the risk of serious injury in a crash or even a minor fall.
• Poor protection from elements: There is very little defence against insects, stones, dust and bad weather. At higher speeds, rain and debris can hit your face with surprising force and affect your vision.
• Higher wind noise: Air hitting your ears and face directly creates more noise than a full face helmet, which can cause fatigue over time and make it harder to hear important sounds around you.
• Eye protection required separately: Choosing an open face helmet means you must also invest in quality riding glasses or a proper external visor to maintain basic eye protection on every ride.

Modular Helmets The Middle Option

A modular helmet looks like a full face helmet but the front section including the chin bar can be lifted up. With the chin bar closed it behaves like a full face helmet while in the open position it feels more like an open face helmet.

This flexibility makes modular helmets popular with tourers, commuters and riders who often need to talk at toll booths, fuel stations or checkpoints. You get better protection than a pure open face design when the chin bar is locked down along with the convenience of lifting it up when you stop.​

However a modular helmet usually weighs a bit more due to the hinge mechanism and may not be as strong as a dedicated full face helmet in extreme impacts. For most everyday street riders it still offers a very practical balance between comfort and protection.

Understanding Helmet Safety Certifications

One of the most important factors when buying any motorcycle helmet is whether it carries a recognized safety certification. Here is what the main standards mean and why they matter.

DOT (Department of Transportation)

DOT certification is the minimum legal requirement for motorcycle helmets sold in the United States. The standard is self-certified by manufacturers, meaning companies test their own helmets and declare compliance. It is a baseline, not a gold standard, but any helmet sold legally in the US must carry a DOT sticker.

ECE 22.06

ECE 22.06 is the current European standard and is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive helmet safety tests in the world. It was updated in 2020 to include new impact test angles, rotational force testing, and chin bar strength requirements. Riders outside Europe often seek out ECE-certified helmets for this reason.

SNELL (Snell Memorial Foundation)

SNELL certification is voluntary and represents the strictest independent testing standard available. It involves higher-velocity impact tests and is particularly respected in motorsport. A SNELL-certified helmet is generally considered the safest option you can buy.

Detailed Comparison of Full Face Vs Open Face Helmet

Safety

When you compare safety there is a clear winner. A full face helmet is the safest choice for most riders because it protects your skull face and chin in one solid shell.​

In many motorcycle crashes the chin area is one of the most common impact zones. An open face helmet simply leaves this part unprotected which can lead to severe injuries even at moderate speeds.​

Whatever type you choose, always make sure the helmet meets a recognized safety standard like DOT ECE ISI or similar depending on your country. A quality certified helmet that fits correctly is far more effective than a cheap uncertified one.​

Comfort Airflow And Noise

Comfort is not only about softness but also about how the helmet behaves across different conditions.​

Full face helmets can feel warmer in traffic yet once you are moving the vents pull air through the helmet and keep the inside reasonably cool. Because they seal better around your head they block more wind noise which makes long rides less tiring.​

Open face helmets feel very cool and breezy which is attractive in hot climates or for short rides around town. The trade off is more wind noise dust and bugs hitting your face which can become uncomfortable as speed increases.

If you mostly ride at higher speeds a quieter full face helmet usually feels more relaxing over time. If you ride slowly in the city and value a free open feeling you might enjoy an open face but you must accept the extra risk.​

Visibility And Field Of View

Open face helmets naturally offer the widest field of view because nothing blocks the sides or bottom of your vision. This can feel very natural in busy city environments and during low speed maneuvers.

Full face helmets use a large visor to give you a broad and clear view of the road. Good quality models are carefully designed so that the slight reduction in side vision does not affect your ability to ride safely.​

In bad weather a full face helmet with a clear visor often gives better practical visibility because it shields your eyes from rain and dirt. With an open face design your glasses or goggles can become wet and dirty more easily.​

Cost And Value

You can find both full face and open face helmets in a wide range of prices from budget friendly models to high end premium options. The final cost depends on brand shell material visor quality comfort features and safety certification.​

Full face helmets often cost more than similar open face models because they use more material and more complex design features to protect your face and jaw. However the added protection and lower noise usually make them a better value over the life of the helmet especially if you ride regularly.​

Instead of looking only at the price tag think about cost per year of use and the level of safety you get for that money. A good full face helmet that you wear on every ride is a long term investment in your health and riding enjoyment.

Which Helmet Is Right for Your Riding Style?

There is no single correct answer, because the right helmet depends entirely on how and where you ride. Here is a practical breakdown.

Choose a Full Face Helmet If You:

• Ride on motorways or highways at sustained speeds above 80 km/h
• Do long-distance touring or adventure riding
• Ride a sport bike, superbike, or any performance-oriented motorcycle
• Ride regularly in rain, cold, or mixed weather conditions
• Prioritise maximum protection above all other considerations
• Want a quieter, more fatigue-free experience on longer journeys

Choose an Open Face Helmet If You:

• Primarily ride in the city at lower speeds in heavy traffic
• Ride a scooter, café racer, classic bike, or cruiser-style motorcycle
• Take short trips where freedom of movement and cool airflow matter more
• Ride in a warm climate where heat and ventilation are ongoing concerns
• Value the classic aesthetic and open riding experience over maximum protection
• Find enclosed helmets uncomfortable or triggering of claustrophobia

Practical Buying Tips

When you are ready to buy look for the following points no matter which helmet type you choose.​

• Pick the correct size using a tape measure around your head and follow a proper sizing guide then try the helmet on to confirm the fit.
• Make sure the helmet carries a recognized safety certification from your local authority or an international body.
• Check that the padding feels snug but not painful and that the helmet does not move around when you shake your head.
• Look for removable liners and cheek pads so you can wash them and keep the helmet fresh.
• For full face and modular helmets check the vent layout visor seal and ease of opening and closing the visor with gloves.
• For open face helmets always plan for eye protection either a quality visor or certified riding glasses.

You can also explore detailed reviews and buying guides for full face adventure and other helmet types to see specific models that match your budget and needs.

Gears Choice Top Picks: Best Full Face and Open Face Helmets

Finding the right helmet can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. We have handpicked the best full face and open face helmets across different budgets so you can make a confident choice without spending hours researching on your own.

Best Full Face Helmets

Shoei RF-1400 — A premium full face helmet with exceptional aerodynamics, multi-density EPS liner, and outstanding noise reduction. Ideal for sport and touring riders who want top-tier performance.

Bell Race Star Flex DLX — A SNELL-certified full face helmet featuring the innovative Flex Energy Management system, which reduces rotational force in angled impacts. A strong choice for safety-conscious riders.

Bell Qualifier — A budget-friendly full face helmet that delivers genuine everyday performance without cutting corners on safety. It carries both DOT and ECE certification, uses a lightweight polycarbonate and ABS shell, and features a photochromatic visor that adjusts to changing light conditions so you do not need a separate tinted shield for day and night riding.

Shoei GT Air 2 — A sport-touring full face helmet built for riders who want premium daily comfort alongside strong safety credentials. A top choice for long-distance tourers and commuters who prioritize low wind noise and all-day wearability.

Best Open Face Helmets

Bell Custom 500 — A beautifully styled retro open face helmet with a fibreglass shell and removable liner. Perfect for café racer and classic bike owners who want looks without sacrificing build quality.

HJC i31 Solid Open Face Motorcycle Helmet — A DOT-approved open face helmet with a strong polycarbonate shell, built-in dark smoke sun visor, and a front-to-back ventilation system that keeps you cool on long rides. The removable, washable liner and glasses-friendly grooves make it a very practical everyday option.

3/4 Retro Vespa Open Face Motorcycle Helmet — A retro-styled helmet that meets both DOT and ECE 22.05 standards, making it one of the more thoroughly certified budget options available. It features a clear anti-scratch outer visor, a retractable inner sun visor, and a one-handed quick-release buckle. A great pick for scooter, cruiser, and café racer riders who want classic looks with solid protection.

YEMA Open Face Motorcycle Helmet — A DOT-certified three-quarter helmet with a dual visor setup, giving you a clear outer shield for wind protection and a tinted inner visor for sun glare. The ABS shell with multi-density EPS foam keeps it lightweight yet impact resistant, and the fully removable liner with a quick-release buckle makes it easy to use with gloves on.

Final Verdict: Full Face vs Open Face Helmet

Both helmet types have genuine merit, and the best choice is the one that matches your riding habits, your environment, and your personal comfort preferences.

Choose a full face helmet if you value maximum protection, ride at higher speeds, or spend significant time on motorways and in variable weather conditions. The data on chin bar impacts alone makes a compelling case for full face coverage for any serious rider.

Choose an open face helmet if you are a city commuter, ride shorter distances, value the open riding feel, or are drawn to a classic aesthetic. Just ensure it carries a recognised certification and consider pairing it with a good pair of riding goggles for additional eye and face protection.

Whatever you choose, always buy certified, always fit properly, and replace your helmet after any significant impact, or every five years regardless of visible damage. Your helmet is the most important piece of safety gear you own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an open face helmet safe enough for motorcycle riding?

An open face helmet offers certified protection for the top, back, and sides of your head. However, it provides no protection for your chin and jaw. Studies show the chin area absorbs impact in roughly 35% of crashes. An open face helmet is better than no helmet, but a full face helmet offers significantly greater overall protection.

Can I wear glasses with a full face helmet?

Yes, but it requires some preparation. Look for full face helmets with glasses-friendly grooves in the foam liner and a wide visor opening. Many premium helmets are specifically designed to accommodate eyeglass frames. It helps to fold your glasses at the temples and put them on after the helmet is fully seated.

Are open face helmets legal?

In most countries, open face helmets are completely legal provided they carry the relevant safety certification for that jurisdiction, such as DOT in the United States or ECE 22.06 in Europe. Always check local regulations before purchasing.

Which is quieter: full face or open face?

Full face helmets are significantly quieter because the sealed shell prevents wind from directly hitting your ears and face. Open face helmets expose the entire face to airflow, which creates considerably more wind noise, particularly at speeds above 60 km/h. Long rides in an open face helmet often require earplugs to prevent hearing fatigue.

What is the safest motorcycle helmet type?

A full face helmet with SNELL or ECE 22.06 certification is widely regarded as the safest option available for road riding. It offers the most comprehensive coverage including the chin and jaw, and modern full face helmets increasingly include MIPS or equivalent rotational force protection systems.

Are full face helmets hotter to wear?

They can be in warm weather, but modern full face helmets are designed with sophisticated ventilation systems that move air efficiently through the shell. Many riders find that a well-ventilated full face helmet is perfectly comfortable even in summer, especially at speed when airflow through the vents increases.

What about modular helmets as a middle option?

Modular helmets are an excellent compromise. They provide full face coverage when closed and open face convenience when flipped up. The trade-off is weight and the fact that the chin bar mechanism makes them slightly less structurally rigid than a pure full face helmet. Look for modular helmets with certification for both open and closed positions.