5 Best Water Sports Helmets - May 2026

A sturdy water sports helmet with a plush interior liner for maximum comfort.

Check Price Check Price

PROS

Consists of closed-cell EVA foam and a high-density ABS shell.
Foam liner is covered in luxurious fabric and uses a Velcro fastener for easy removing and washing.
Drains water efficiently to prevent discomfort and odor.
Available in 2 colors and 4 sizes.

CONS

Doesn't include earflaps.
Neck strap can be challenging to lock.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

Vihir

Water Sports Helmet with Ears

Budget-Friendly

A great beginner's pick, this inexpensive helmet comes in 3 sizes and 6 colors to fit your taste.

Check Price Check Price

PROS

A versatile pick rated for skateboarding, biking, scooters, and water sports.
Features cold-molded EPS impact foam and a flexible, one-piece waterproof liner.
Outer shell is hard ABS plastic.
Equipped with ample venting and removable ear flaps.

CONS

Some users noted inconsistencies in sizing.
Outer plastic isn't as robust as some models.

WRSI

Kayak Helmet

Outstanding Protection

With its bountiful impact protection and comfy liner, this is a top pick in protection and comfort.

Check Price Check Price

PROS

Recognized by the Whitewater Research and Safety Institute.
Features a thick EVA foam liner and ABS plastic shell.
Has 3 ventilation/drain holes.
Available in 3 sizes and 5 colors.
Interconnect Retainment System holds helmet securely under hydraulic forces.

CONS

No earflaps.
Expensive and on the heavier side.

Tontron

Helmet with Magnetic Buckle

Clever Features

This helmet has an eye-catching design and an ergonomic buckle, but doesn't skimp on safety.

Check Price Check Price

PROS

Comes in 3 striking colors, including Matte Black, Matte Black Fiber, and Matte White.
Magnetic buckle allows you to easily lock the strap with one hand.
Features removable ear protection and 11 vents.
ABS outer shell and EVA interior can stand up to abuse.

CONS

Some customers found the padding a bit thin.
Only 2 sizes available.

NRS

Chaos Full-Cut Water Sports Helmet

Full Coverage

With its full-cut design, this water sports helmet offers the best head protection possible.

Check Price Check Price

PROS

Protects your head and ears with a single, solid piece.
Impact foam is EVA and the shell is ABS plastic.
Utilizes an intuitive ratchet dial to adjust the straps quickly.
Comes in 5 sizes and 5 colors.
Affordable when you consider the quality.

CONS

These helmets run small, and customers noted the ear covers are fairly tight.

Why trust BestReviews?

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews

How We Tested

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights

First Reviewed

September 25, 2021

Models
considered

Hours
researched