Choosing the right football helmet is very important to know that you’re safe from injury when on the field. You don’t want to get hurt, miss your next football, or even the entire season from injury. Looking for and investing in a top-quality football helmet should be a top priority so you are protected from high impact tackles on the field.

There are a lot of football helmets on the market and thus choosing one can often be challenging and even confusing. With so many choices of football helmets, you have to make sure you consider all of the features to ensure the helmet you choose is the best choice for you.

Football helmets are protective accessories which are worn on the head to protect football player’s head during the game. They have a hard shell with interior padding to give extra protection to the head when the player makes a tackle or falls. There are several features on a football helmet that make them very important for protecting the head. The outer hard shell helps to deflect some of the impact from the head. The inner lining and padding work as a shock absorber. And the facemask protects the face and teeth. Football helmets have been mandatory in the National Football League since 1943.

Protection is the main reason why there is such a big market and need for football helmets. Most football players and teams make a big investment in top quality helmets to ensure they are fully protected on the field. Impact and collisions are some things every football players will experience. By wearing good quality football helmets, you can reduce the risk of getting severely injured from football collisions on the field. Football helmets can also help to minimize the risk of more serious injuries including concussion and brain-skull collisions.

Football helmets are also a great accessory and a way to show off your style and team colors. Many players enjoy wearing their helmet and choose to wear them to show off their personality or team spirit. Players also report that it makes them feel and look good on the field. With so many on the market, players can choose from a wide range of colors, styles, and designs.

Features to consider in Good Football Helmets

With so many football helmets on the market, you must know which features you should consider making sure you get the right helmet for you. There are several important features that a helmet must have to provide the protection a player will need to be safe on the field. These features include if there is a facemask with the football helmet, size, construction, bumper and chin strap. Other features and considerations which can help you make your decision include the color, design, heat vents, age and skill level, brand and price.

The Best Football Helmets 2024

1. Schutt Sports Vengeance VTD II Football Helmet

Performance

The Schutt Sports Vengeance VTD II Football Helmet is one of the highest quality helmets out there. You can be sure to get the full protection and comfort you need to play your best on the football field. The interior features ‘dual-compression technology’ which offers a dual-layer of durometers which absorb shock and protect the head from impact hits and forces of all measures. The single-layer pads make this football helmet very lightweight and comfortable. The facemask attachment on this helmet is quick and easy for users to attach and remove visors and facemasks.

Price

The Schutt Sports Vengeance VTD II Football Helmet is one of the best on the market and has been voted as the best by many customers. This is because of its ability to absorb all impact whilst still being comfortable and lightweight to wear. The Schutt Sports brand has a unique twist release system which makes it easy for users to attach and remove a faceguard. You will be able to choose from a great selection of colors to suit all players styles or match your team’s colors. The helmet is available on Amazon in a variety of colors, in sizes small to extra large from $184.37 – $299.99. This is a very good value for a football helmet that is of such good quality from a leading brand.

2. Schutt Sports Varsity AiR XP Pro VTD II Football Helmet

Performance

The AiR XP Pro VTD II from Schutt Sports is a great fit for all players. The VTD TPU cushioning absorbs impact, helping to protect players in strong tackles. The classic helmet features fast curves and is very lightweight. The SUREFIT airliners which add extra support, comfort and provide a perfect fit for players of all sizes. The helmet also has an SC4 hard cup chinstrap and jaw pads which are attached to the shell and provide extra support and customizable sizing. Although there is no faceguard with this football helmet, you can easily purchase one and attach to the helmet which has its twist release system.

Price

Customers can get this helmet in sizes from small to extra-large, in a great selection of colors including gold, dark green, navy, white and black. Choose your favorite color or the color that represents your team. Available on Amazon for $234, this is a good middle of the range price for a football helmet. It is good value in comparison to some other helmets without compromising on features, design or protection levels. If you’re looking for a top-quality football helmet, from one of the leading brands at a reasonable price, this is a great option.

3. Riddell SpeedFlex Youth Helmet

Performance

This helmet has many excellent features which will help keep parents mind at rest knowing their children are protected on the football field. The Patented Side Impact Protection helps to reduce force and impact from side hits. The helmet has durable pads which absorb energy and reduces impact. The pads adapt well to players head shape for the ultimate comfort and fit.

Price

You can get this youth helmet in several different colors and sizes to suit youth players of all preferences. This means your child’s helmet can also match their favorite color or schools team colors. Available for $304 on Amazon, this is rather pricey however provides parents with the peace of mind they need when their child is playing a contact sport.

4. Schutt NCAA Replica XP Football Helmet

Performance

You can collect a helmet for all of your favorite teams. Choose from over 120 teams and support your team with a replica football helmet. The helmet includes a faceguard, chin strap, and jaw pads to ensure the helmet looks like a replica. Since it looks exactly like the football helmets worn on the field, the Schutt NCAA Replica XP Football Helmet is a great option for your home football display or office. The helmet has great quality graphics which feature the logo and colors of your favorite team.

Price

Available on Amazon for around $100, this is a little pricey for a replica football helmet. However, if you’re looking for a top-quality replica helmet with the same features as an on-field helmet for your display, this is worth a purchase. It would also make a great gift for a football fan in your life.

5. Schutt Sports Adult Vengeance DCT Football Helmet

Performance

This football helmet is a great choice for those looking for a quality helmet from one of the leading brands in the middle of the range price. The helmet has a strong shell and high gloss finish to look good on the field. Inside the helmet, you will find reinforced padding using the airflow technology found in all Schutt helmets including the Dual Compression Technology. The SUREFIT Air Liner adds extra protection and the air vents help to keep your head cool throughout the game.

Price

Although this football helmet doesn’t come with a faceguard, Schutt offers a number of their brand faceguards at great prices and should be used with this helmet for the best results. This particular helmet is available from $250 on Amazin which is a good price for a quality football helmet. You must choose a good quality football helmet to ensure you are safe on the football field.

6. Rawlings Momentum Plus Youth Football Helmet

Performance

This football helmet from Rawlings features a customizable fit linter which is inflatable so it can be adjusted easily. The rear cushion inflates so youth players can get a better fit. The heat exchange technology helps keeps players cool during games by removing any built-up heat. Although there is no facemask with this helmet, you can buy one easily and it can be attached to this helmet quick and hassle-free.

Price

Perfect for little ones getting into football, the Rawlings Momentum Plus Youth Football Helmet is an affordable football helmet. Available from $86 on Amazon, you get a quality football that provides the protection and comfort you need on the field. Parents will be able to relax knowing their child is protected well with this football helmet from Rawlings.

7. Schutt NCAA On-Field Authentic XP Football Helmet

Performance

Although this football helmet has all the features to be an excellent helmet on the field, this helmet should not be worn when playing. They have been made to be authentic replicas of the real helmets worn by professionals, for fans to have at home on display. If you want a football helmet for your football trophy display, football club collectibles or for your office that replicates what players wear on the field, this is a great choice.

Price

Available for $182 on Amazon, this is a purchase for a passionate football fan. Remember that this football helmet is for decoration only and cannot be worn on the field. If you’re looking for the best addition to your fans merchandise or the best present for a football fan, this is it.

8. Riddell SpeedFlex Adult Football Helmet with Facemask

Performance

This football helmet from Riddell offers top quality, professional performance. The helmet uses the Patented Side Impact Protection (PISP) to help reduce the impact on side hits. The rest of the helmet uses a ‘flex system’ in the shell, facemask, and clip to reduce impact force. Players can wear this football helmet on the field and feel confident knowing they are supported by a safe helmet. The helmet comes with a facemask so you don’t have to worry about finding and attaching one after purchase. The facemask also features the flex system to help reduce the force of impact in head-on tackles.

Price

Available in a great selection of colors, you won’t have a problem finding your favorite color to suit your style or match your team’s colors. Although it is rather expensive ($530 on Amazon), most customers would agree that it is worth the price for its high-quality protection and safety and comfortable fit. You also get a facemask with this helmet which is why this helmet is more expensive. By getting a facemask with purchase, you will save time on looking for a good quality facemask and attaching it to your new helmet.

9. Riddell Speed Icon Adult Football Helmet

Performance

The helmet uses Riddell’s Quick Release Face Guard System which allows you to release the facemask with one touch of the button. The liner can be adjusted to fit all sizes and provides excellent comfort and security on the field. The Nubuck over liners is also removable and has a moisture-resistant cover. And for extra breathability and comfort throughout the game, there are ventilation holes to keep you cool.

Price

Buy the Riddell Speed Icon Adult Football Helmet from Amazon for $300. This is a very reasonable price for a superb quality helmet that offers the protection players need on the field. You can choose from several different colors and sizes to suit your preference.

10. Xenith Youth X2E+ Football Helmet with Mask

Performance

The helmet uses shock absorber technology “adapts to the hit” which gives players optimal response to strong impact and forces. This protects players head and neck from injury. The helmet also has a shock suspension system where the helmet and shell move independently helping to reduce rotational forces. As one of the only football helmets providing both the facemask and chin strap with purchase, players will get a custom fit with no pumps needed. The silicone band helps easily fit different head shapes and sizes, providing a customizable fit for everyone.

Price

You can buy this football helmet from Amazon for $308. This is middle of the range for a football helmet from a top brand. This particular football helmet includes the facemask and chin strap, unlike many others on the market. And so, it is important to remember that this price includes those extras which you won’t have to buy.

Guide to Buying the Best Football Helmets

Buying a good quality football helmet with all the features needed for safe protection on the football field requires you spend a decent amount of money. Because of this, you must choose the right football helmet for you. A football helmet must have several features that are very important to ensure they will protect your head when making a tackle, or falling when getting tackled. There are also lots of extra features that may suit your playing style which can help you decide which football helmet to purchase.

Facemask

One thing to consider when choosing a facemask to purchase is if it comes with a facemask. A number of the top brands sell football helmets without facemasks. This means you have to make a big purchase on a football helmet and spend extra money on a facemask. There are a couple of deals where you get a football helmet with a facemask included. If you’re looking to get a helmet with no fuss, try to purchase one with a facemask included so you know it will fit the helmet well (since it will be made for that helmet, from the brand).

Size

Choosing the right size is vital. A football helmet will not provide the support and protection you need on the field if it does not fit. When ordering your football helmet online, the brand will provide measurements for the available different sizes. It is advised that you measure your head to ensure you get the right size.

Youth vs. Adult

There are lots of football helmet available on the market. You can get football helmets to fit youths or adults. Youth football helmets are often just a small version of an adult football helmet, providing the same features but in a smaller size. This allows players of all ages to play football safely. Some large youth sizes can also work well for adults who are small and have very small head measurements. You must check whether you’re buying a youth or adult helmet as it is easy to order the wrong one by mistake.

Color

The color of your football helmet is another feature to consider. Choose your favorite color or team colors to look cool and stylish on the field. Many brands and models offer a wide selection of colors so you can find the perfect color for you.

Exterior Material

The exterior material of the football helmet is also very important. This will provide the first point of protection for you on the field and also determine how heavy or light the helmet is on your head.

Interior Pads

Interior pads provide the soft support inside the helmet. These help to absorb shock to decrease impact and force on your head in strong tackles. The pads will also make the helmet more comfortable to wear.

Chin Strap

A chin strap is worn to keep the helmet in place and either has velcro or a buckle to fasten. They an important feature to look out for when you’re choosing a football helmet to buy.

Heat Vents

Several football helmets have heat vents on them to help keep players cool during long training sessions and games as well as in hot conditions. They are a great feature to look for when choosing a football helmet if you know you get hot quickly or will be playing in hot conditions.

Replica

There are lots of replica football helmets on the market. These are duplicates of football helmets that are worn by football players on the field and make for decoration and ornament only. It can sometimes be different to figure out if a football helmet is a replica or not so make sure you read all the information to ensure it is a football helmet that you can wear on the field or not.