Safest for the money
At $100 or less, the safest road helmet Virginia Tech tested, by STAR score, is the P2R A20 MIPS ($55 price at test).
Pick how you ride and how much you want to spend. Lower STAR scores are safer. We only compare helmets within the same style.
Each dot is a helmet. Dots nearer the top have lower, better STAR scores. Orange is the pick, teal fits your budget, gray is over budget.
The P2R A20 MIPS is the safest helmet we found that tested at $100 or less. It cost $55 when Virginia Tech tested it in 2025, and its STAR score of 8.14 beat every road helmet in the ratings except two.
Compare test scores within the same riding style, then check the fit. A lower lab score does not promise a particular outcome in a crash.
These alternatives tested at $100 or less and have an Amazon US listing in our checks. The road backup follows the same score order as the picker; the multi-sport option is ranked within its own style.
We could not confirm an Amazon US listing for the exact SCOTT ARX MIPS 2026.
We could not confirm an Amazon US listing for the exact Giant Rev Comp MIPS.
We could not confirm an Amazon US listing for the exact Specialized Chamonix 3.
Road: another option
Lab impact score: 9.848 (lower is safer)
Compared with 117 Road helmets in this catalog. Tested 2021.
The next road model in score order with an Amazon listing in our checks.
The P2R A20 MIPS scored 17% better than this helmet in Virginia Tech's lab tests.
$80 at time of testing, not a current price
Multi-sport: another option
Lab impact score: 9.554 (lower is safer)
Compared with 37 Multi-sport helmets in this catalog. Tested 2020.
The lowest-scoring multi-sport model with an Amazon listing at this budget.
Virginia Tech rates multi-sport and road helmets separately; their STAR scores should not be compared.
$50 at time of testing, not a current price
Each dot below is one of the 117 road helmets in this catalog. Lower STAR scores sit higher on the chart. The P2R A20 MIPS scored lower than 114 of the other 116 road helmets.
The median STAR score was 14.04 in the $100 or less group and 11.52 in the Over $300 group. The table shows each price band separately.
| Price at testing | Helmets | Best score | Typical score |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 or less | 35 | 8.14 | 14.04 |
| $101 to $200 | 31 | 8.96 | 12.7 |
| $201 to $300 | 37 | 8.4 | 11.44 |
| Over $300 | 14 | 4.61 | 11.52 |
The POC Cytal has the best road lab score among the models we found on Amazon. It scored 8% better than the P2R A20 MIPS in Virginia Tech's lab tests, with a STAR score of 7.511, and cost $330 at testing.
| Helmet | STAR score | Price at testing | Tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIKIO Si OBLIK | 4.61 | $379 | 2026 |
| POC Cytal | 7.511 | $330 | 2025 |
| P2R A20 MIPS | 8.14 | $55 | 2025 |
| MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS (2025) | 8.201 | $450 | 2025 |
| Giro Aries Spherical | 8.404 | $300 | 2023 |
| Sweet Protection Falconer 2Vi MIPS | 8.453 | $250 | 2023 |
| Specialized Prevail 3 | 8.641 | $300 | 2022 |
| SCOTT ARX MIPS 2026 | 8.666 | $99 | 2026 |
| SCOTT Split MIPS | 8.763 | $400 | 2025 |
| KAV Silvo | 8.955 | $200 | 2026 |
| Sweet Protection Falconer Aero 2Vi MIPS | 9.121 | $300 | 2023 |
| Giant Rev Comp MIPS | 9.125 | $65 | 2021 |
| Lazer G1 MIPS | 9.226 | $240 | 2020 |
| KAV Rhoan | 9.26 | $300 | 2025 |
| Trek Velocis MIPS | 9.448 | $300 | 2023 |
| Specialized Chamonix 3 | 9.642 | $80 | 2024 |
| Lazer Tonic MIPS | 9.848 | $80 | 2021 |
| Giant/Liv Rev Pro MIPS (2026) | 9.857 | $325 | 2026 |
| Lazer Century MIPS | 9.996 | $180 | 2019 |
| Lumos Aero GT MIPS | 10.04 | $100 | 2026 |
| Lazer Z1 KinetiCore | 10.062 | $280 | 2024 |
| SCOTT Centric Plus MIPS | 10.199 | $200 | 2020 |
| Outdoor Master PEBBLE MIPS | 10.2 | $60 | 2026 |
| Lumos Ultra MIPS | 10.203 | $170 | 2026 |
| Giant/Liv Rev Pro MIPS (2021) | 10.219 | $273 | 2021 |
| Lazer Sphere MIPS | 10.325 | $160 | 2020 |
| Sweet Protection Fluxer MIPS | 10.481 | $200 | 2026 |
| Specialized S-Works Evade 4 | 10.504 | $350 | 2026 |
| POC Octal X SPIN | 10.587 | $250 | 2020 |
| KPLUS NOVA MIPS | 10.739 | $210 | 2026 |
| Bontrager Specter WaveCel | 10.79 | $150 | 2019 |
| Giro Helios Spherical | 10.819 | $250 | 2023 |
| MET Vinci MIPS | 10.904 | $130 | 2022 |
| Bontrager Ballista MIPS | 10.923 | $200 | 2018 |
| Specialized Evade 3 | 10.933 | $300 | 2022 |
| Specialized Loma | 10.984 | $120 | 2024 |
| Bontrager Starvos WaveCel Asia Fit | 11.115 | $100 | 2021 |
| Bontrager Starvos Wavecel Round Fit | 11.115 | $100 | 2021 |
| Rudy Project Rebel | 11.145 | $350 | 2024 |
| Giro Eclipse Spherical | 11.203 | $250 | 2023 |
| Bontrager Starvos WaveCel | 11.217 | $100 | 2020 |
| Bell Z20 MIPS | 11.228 | $230 | 2019 |
| MET Trenta MIPS | 11.253 | $300 | 2022 |
| Specialized Propero 4 | 11.263 | $200 | 2024 |
| Specialized Prevail 2 Vent MIPS | 11.281 | $250 | 2021 |
| Trek Ballista MIPS | 11.441 | $300 | 2023 |
| Trek Ballista MIPS Asia Fit | 11.441 | $300 | 2023 |
| P2R A70 PRO | 11.458 | $99 | 2026 |
| Bontrager Circuit WaveCel | 11.733 | $150 | 2021 |
| Trek Circuit WaveCel | 11.733 | $150 | 2021 |
| Bontrager XXX WaveCel | 11.759 | $300 | 2019 |
| Specialized Search | 11.823 | $160 | 2024 |
| Giant Rev Comp | 11.87 | $100 | 2024 |
| Kask Elemento | 11.9 | $400 | 2023 |
| Bell Formula MIPS | 11.903 | $95 | 2020 |
| Lazer Z1 MIPS | 12.163 | $255 | 2019 |
| Specialized Echelon II MIPS | 12.21 | $90 | 2019 |
| Bontrager Velocis MIPS | 12.281 | $210 | 2020 |
| Rudy Project RaceMaster MIPS | 12.308 | $350 | 2019 |
| Lazer BLADE+ MIPS | 12.317 | $100 | 2019 |
| Bell Z20 Aero MIPS | 12.394 | $250 | 2020 |
| ABUS Gamechanger 2.0 MIPS | 12.448 | $330 | 2024 |
| Giant/Liv Relay MIPS | 12.483 | $50 | 2021 |
| Giro Aether Spherical | 12.507 | $325 | 2019 |
| Specialized S-Works Prevail II MIPS | 12.646 | $250 | 2019 |
| POC Cytal Carbon | 12.648 | $400 | 2024 |
| Giant Rev Elite MIPS | 12.686 | $180 | 2024 |
| MET Rivale MIPS | 12.7 | $200 | 2022 |
| fizik Kudo Aero | 12.717 | $290 | 2025 |
| fizik Kudo | 12.859 | $290 | 2025 |
| PMT Elegant MIPS | 12.861 | $103 | 2024 |
| Bell Stratus MIPS | 12.896 | $150 | 2018 |
| Giro Synthe MIPS | 13.004 | $270 | 2019 |
| Giro Syntax MIPS | 13.368 | $100 | 2019 |
| KAV Nova | 13.491 | $300 | 2024 |
| Lazer Strada KinetiCore | 13.624 | $110 | 2022 |
| Lumos Ultra E-Bike MIPS | 13.645 | $230 | 2026 |
| Lazer Vento KinetiCore | 13.701 | $280 | 2022 |
| PMT Elegant 3.0 | 13.707 | $105 | 2025 |
| PMT KORA 3.0 | 13.829 | $121 | 2025 |
| SCOTT Cadence Plus | 13.873 | $230 | 2024 |
| Giant/Liv Rivet MIPS | 13.972 | $350 | 2025 |
| MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS (2022) | 13.973 | $380 | 2022 |
| Smith Route MIPS | 13.984 | $105 | 2019 |
| Bontrager Circuit MIPS | 14.044 | $90 | 2020 |
| Lazer Tonic KinetiCore | 14.299 | $70 | 2022 |
| SCOTT ARX PLUS MIPS 2014 | 14.306 | $100 | 2018 |
| Specialized S-Works Evade II MIPS | 14.413 | $275 | 2019 |
| Lazer Codax KinetiCore | 14.489 | $45 | 2022 |
| Lazer Tempo KinetiCore | 14.489 | $40 | 2022 |
| Lazer Cameleon MIPS | 14.751 | $90 | 2021 |
| Specialized S-Works Prevail II | 14.841 | $225 | 2018 |
| Smith Overtake | 15.001 | $163 | 2018 |
| Catlike Whisper | 15.447 | $130 | 2019 |
| Smith Signal MIPS | 15.49 | $85 | 2022 |
| Giro Savant | 15.497 | $100 | 2018 |
| Bell Draft MIPS | 15.628 | $60 | 2018 |
| ABUS Powerdome MIPS | 15.695 | $170 | 2023 |
| POC Octal | 16.13 | $200 | 2018 |
| PMT KORA | 16.207 | $120 | 2024 |
| Zefal Pro 24 | 16.246 | $30 | 2022 |
| POC Omne Air SPIN | 16.443 | $150 | 2020 |
| Giro Foray MIPS | 16.452 | $85 | 2018 |
| Louis Garneau Course | 16.78 | $180 | 2019 |
| Giro Synthe | 16.952 | $250 | 2018 |
| SCOTT Cadence PLUS MIPS | 17.188 | $250 | 2019 |
| Serfas Vault | 17.229 | $60 | 2023 |
| Zefal Light Up | 17.728 | $10 | 2024 |
| Kali Therapy | 18.212 | $100 | 2019 |
| Specialized S-Works Evade II | 18.5 | $250 | 2018 |
| Schwinn Insight ERT | 18.587 | $100 | 2022 |
| Lazer Blade | 19.22 | $95 | 2019 |
| Kask Valegro | 19.569 | $185 | 2019 |
| Kali Interceptor | 19.626 | $185 | 2019 |
| Kali Tava | 22.33 | $240 | 2019 |
| Lazer Genesis | 24.347 | $100 | 2018 |
| Specialized Echelon II | 25.198 | $70 | 2019 |
For each style, here is the safest helmet we could find on Amazon and the safest one that tested at $100 or less. Lower STAR scores are safer.
We checked Amazon US listings in October 2026. Selections use only models with an Amazon US listing found in our checks; search results are not current stock or verified offers.
Road: best STAR score on Amazon
Lab impact score: 7.511 (lower is safer)
Compared with 117 Road helmets in this catalog. Tested 2025.
The lowest STAR score among the road models we found on Amazon.
It scored 8% better than the P2R A20 MIPS in Virginia Tech's lab tests.
$330 at time of testing, not a current price
Road: best value
Lab impact score: 8.14 (lower is safer)
Compared with 117 Road helmets in this catalog. Tested 2025.
The lowest STAR score among our Amazon-listed road models tested at $100 or less.
This is the P2R A20 MIPS, our headline pick.
$55 at time of testing, not a current price
Mountain: best STAR score on Amazon
Lab impact score: 7.096 (lower is safer)
Compared with 90 Mountain helmets in this catalog. Tested 2025.
The lowest STAR score among the mountain models we found on Amazon.
Virginia Tech rates mountain and road helmets separately; their STAR scores should not be compared.
$240 at time of testing, not a current price
Mountain: best value
Lab impact score: 9.647 (lower is safer)
Compared with 90 Mountain helmets in this catalog. Tested 2025.
The lowest STAR score among our Amazon-listed mountain models tested at $100 or less.
Virginia Tech rates mountain and road helmets separately; their STAR scores should not be compared.
$90 at time of testing, not a current price
Commuter: best STAR score on Amazon
Lab impact score: 9.007 (lower is safer)
Compared with 49 Urban helmets in this catalog. Tested 2025.
The lowest STAR score among the commuter models we found on Amazon.
Virginia Tech rates urban and road helmets separately; their STAR scores should not be compared.
$250 at time of testing, not a current price
No model with an Amazon listing in our checks tested at $100 or less in this style.
Multi-sport: best STAR score on Amazon and best value
Lab impact score: 9.554 (lower is safer)
Compared with 37 Multi-sport helmets in this catalog. Tested 2020.
The lowest STAR score among the multi-sport models we found on Amazon.
Virginia Tech rates multi-sport and road helmets separately; their STAR scores should not be compared.
$50 at time of testing, not a current price
The same helmet wins both selections among the models we found on Amazon. It tested at $50.
Full-face: best STAR score on Amazon
Lab impact score: 7.659 (lower is safer)
Compared with 17 Full-Face helmets in this catalog. Tested 2026.
The lowest STAR score among the full-face models we found on Amazon.
Virginia Tech rates full-face and road helmets separately; their STAR scores should not be compared.
$650 at time of testing, not a current price
Full-face: best value
Lab impact score: 11.781 (lower is safer)
Compared with 17 Full-Face helmets in this catalog. Tested 2024.
The lowest STAR score among our Amazon-listed full-face models tested at $100 or less.
Virginia Tech rates full-face and road helmets separately; their STAR scores should not be compared.
$100 at time of testing, not a current price
This part is our opinion, not a test result.
If we wanted to spend more, we'd get the POC Cularis. It scored 7.096 in Virginia Tech's mountain ratings in 2025, a result to compare with other helmets in that category. We like its styling and coverage. It cost $240 at testing.
Virginia Tech rates mountain and road helmets separately; their STAR scores should not be compared.
Price alone does not tell you how a helmet performed in the lab. Compare STAR scores within the same riding style, then check the exact model and fit.
The STAR score sums up the concussion risk Virginia Tech measured when it hit the helmet in its lab. Lower is better. A helmet scoring 8 did better in those tests than one scoring 12.
Replace it after any crash where your head hit something, even if it looks fine. The foam is made to crush once. Also replace it if the shell, foam, straps or buckle are damaged, and follow the manufacturer's advice on how long it lasts.
More on when to replace a bike helmet and how to size and fit one.
Every price on this page is what the helmet cost when Virginia Tech tested it, and some of those tests go back to 2018. Prices change, and older models get replaced. Check the current price and the exact model name on Amazon before you buy, and make sure it fits.
See our best bike helmets by style, compare two helmets head to head or browse every rating.
Source: Virginia Tech Helmet Lab bicycle helmet ratings.
TestedHelmets