Best Football Helmets of 2025

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Football helmets are an essential piece of equipment for any player, whether they are a seasoned veteran or just starting out. These helmets are designed to protect the player's head from potential injury while on the field. They are made from durable materials such as polycarbonate and feature padding on the inside to absorb any impact from hits or collisions. Many helmets also come with additional features such as face masks and chin straps to provide even more protection. With a wide variety of options available, players can find a helmet that fits their needs and provides the necessary protection to keep them safe on the field.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Riddell SpeedFlex Youth Football Helmet Cover #TOP 1
Riddell SpeedFlex Youth Football Helmet
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Schutt Youth F7 LX1 Helmet Cover #TOP 2
Schutt Youth F7 LX1 Helmet
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Riddell Victor Youth Helmet Cover #TOP 3
Riddell Victor Youth Helmet
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Football Helmets

Riddell SpeedFlex Youth Football Helmet

8055150
White
Large
Riddell SpeedFlex Youth Football Helmet Cover
Riddell SpeedFlex Youth Helmet, White, Large

The Riddell SpeedFlex Youth Football Helmet is designed to provide superior protection for young players. Its patented side impact protection reduces the forces from side impacts, while the Flex system built into the helmet's shell, face mask, and face mask attachment system with hinge clips reduces impact force transfer to the athlete. The Ratchet-Loc chin strap attachment system allows for easy adjustments. This varsity helmet uses a shell made of polycarbonate material and features an occipital lock.

What We Like
Patented side impact protection
Flex system reduces impact force transfer
Ratchet-Loc chin strap attachment for easy adjustments
#TOP 2

Schutt Youth F7 LX1 Helmet

2087004002201
White
Medium
Schutt Youth F7 LX1 Helmet Cover
Schutt Youth F7 LX1 Football Helmet, EGOP NB VC Facemask Attached, Medium, White

The Schutt Youth F7 Helmet is designed with safety and performance in mind. It has received a top safety rating from Virginia Tech, ensuring you can trust its protective features. The helmet features a carbon steel facemask, which is the most commonly used material in football, providing durability and strength. With advanced TPU cushioning, it absorbs impacts effectively, making it suitable for various weather conditions. Additionally, the innovative Tektonic Plates allow for independent movement, enhancing protection against rotational forces, helping you stay safe on the field.

What We Like
High safety rating
Durable facemask material
Advanced impact absorption
Improved rotational protection
#TOP 3

Riddell Victor Youth Helmet

8055157
White
Extra Large
Riddell Victor Youth Helmet Cover
Riddell Victor Youth Helmet White, Extra Large

The Riddell Victor Helmet is designed with your safety in mind. Its patented side impact protection reduces the forces experienced during side impacts, helping to keep you safe on the field. The fitted liner system ensures a snug fit, providing comfort during play. Additionally, the removable and moisture-resistant liner cover helps to keep the helmet clean and dry while offering stability. With these features, you can focus on your game, knowing you have a reliable and comfortable helmet on your head.

What We Like
Enhanced side impact protection
Comfortable fitted liner
Moisture-resistant cover
Stability during play
#TOP 4

Schutt F7 VTD Collegiate Football Helmet

Molded Gloss White
Medium
Schutt F7 VTD Collegiate Football Helmet Cover
Schutt F7 VTD Collegiate Football Helmet, ROPO NB VC Facemask Attached, Medium, White

The Schutt F7 Football Helmet is a top choice with a 5-star safety rating, carbon steel facemask, and TPU cushioning for superior impact absorption. Its innovative 3-Dimensional Movement Tektonic Plates provide additional cushioning and rotational force protection. The larger jaw pad configuration and Helmet Stabilization System offer comfort and a secure fit, ensuring you feel locked in during play.

What We Like
5-star safety rating
Carbon steel facemask
TPU cushioning
#TOP 5

Schutt Youth Vengeance A11 Football Helmet

Black
X-Large
Schutt Youth Vengeance A11 Football Helmet Cover
Schutt Youth Vengeance A11 Football Helmet, VROPO TRAD Facemask Attached, X-Large, Black

The Schutt Vengeance A11 Helmet offers top-notch safety for young players. It boasts a 5-star safety rating from the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings, ensuring you can trust its protection during games. The helmet features a carbon steel facemask, providing durability and security on the field. With advanced TPU cushioning, it absorbs impacts effectively, which helps reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, the non-inflatable liners create a snug fit, while the securely attached jaw pads prevent any shifting, allowing you to focus on the game without distractions.

What We Like
5-star safety rating
Durable carbon steel facemask
Advanced impact absorption
Secure and comfortable fit
#TOP 6

Schutt F7 VTD Football Helmet

208800500299302
Molded Gloss White
Large
Schutt F7 VTD Football Helmet Cover
Schutt F7 VTD Collegiate Football Helmet, EGOP NB VC Facemask Attached, Large, White

The Schutt F7 Helmet offers top-notch protection for football players. It has received a 5-star safety rating from Virginia Tech, ensuring you can play confidently. The helmet features advanced TPU cushioning, which effectively absorbs impacts, making it suitable for various weather conditions. Additionally, the innovative 3-Dimensional Movement Tektonic Plates enhance safety by moving independently to counteract rotational forces during play. With a larger jaw pad design, the Helmet Stabilization System provides a snug fit, giving you the comfort and security you need while on the field.

What We Like
5-star safety rating
Advanced impact absorption
Improved rotational force protection
Comfortable fit
#TOP 7

Schutt F7 VTD Helmet with Facemask

Matte Black
Large
Schutt F7 VTD Helmet with Facemask Cover
Schutt F7 VTD Adult Football Helmet with Facemask

The Schutt F7 VTD Helmet is a top-of-the-line football helmet designed to provide maximum protection and comfort. With its unique 3D movement system, the helmet features Tecktonic plates on the crown that offer multi-layered protection. The Radian Diffusion System liner allows for independent movement from the shell, providing better protection against rotational forces. The TPU cushion and inflatable liner offer advanced impact absorption and a customizable fit. The Helmet Stabilization System, along with the internal and external cheek stabilizer, ensures a locked-in feel for the wearer. Additionally, the helmet comes with an unattached black carbon steel facemask and a black Schutt Elite Hard Cup chinstrap, making it a complete package for any football player. Experience the ultimate combination of protection and performance with the Schutt F7 VTD Helmet.

What We Like
Maximum Protection
Customizable Fit
Complete Package
#TOP 8

Riddell Victor Youth Helmet

8055156
White
Large
Riddell Victor Youth Helmet Cover
Riddell Victor Youth Helmet , White, Large

The Riddell Youth Helmet is designed with your safety and comfort in mind. It features a fitted liner system that ensures a snug fit, allowing you to focus on the game. The patented side impact protection system helps to minimize the forces experienced during side impacts, giving you peace of mind on the field. Additionally, the removable moisture-resistant liner cover adds to your comfort by keeping sweat at bay while providing stability. With these thoughtful features, you can enjoy playing football with confidence and security.

What We Like
Comfortable fitted liner
Side impact protection
Moisture-resistant cover
Stable design
#TOP 9

Schutt Vengeance Pro LTD II Helmet

Black
Medium
Schutt Vengeance Pro LTD II Helmet Cover
Schutt Vengeance Pro LTD II Adult Football Helmet with Facemask

The Schutt Vengeance Helmet is designed with a classic low-profile shell that not only looks great but also helps reduce wind resistance. Its single-layer TPU construction enhances impact absorption, ensuring you stay protected in all weather conditions. The new Helmet Stabilization System jaw pads provide a more secure fit, so you can focus on the game without worrying about your helmet shifting. Additionally, the inflatable lateral liner and non-inflatable crown liner work together to offer a comfortable and snug fit, enhancing your overall experience on the field.

What We Like
Secure fit with jaw pads
Excellent impact absorption
Comfortable inflatable liners
Low-profile aerodynamic design
#TOP 10

Schutt Youth F7 LX1 Football Helmet

2087005002201
White
Large
Schutt Youth F7 LX1 Football Helmet Cover
Schutt Youth F7 LX1 Football Helmet, EGOP NB VC Facemask Attached, Large, White

The Schutt Youth F7 LX1 Football Helmet, also known as the Schutt Youth F7 Helmet, is a top-of-the-line football helmet designed to ensure maximum safety and protection for young players. This helmet has earned a 5-star safety rating in the Virginia Tech Youth Helmet Ratings, making it one of the safest options available. It features a carbon steel facemask, which is the most popular and reliable material used in football facemasks. The TPU cushioning system in this helmet is the most advanced impact absorption system in football, providing superior protection and absorbing more impact across a wider range of temperatures. Additionally, the helmet incorporates 3-Dimensional Movement Tektonic Plates, which not only add extra cushioning but also improve the helmet's performance against rotational forces. The Flexural Resistance Shell Design enhances the strength and durability of the helmet, ensuring it can withstand the toughest hits on the field. With its cutting-edge features, the Schutt Youth F7 Helmet offers young football players the ultimate combination of safety and performance.

What We Like
5-star safety rating
Carbon steel facemask
Advanced impact absorption
Buying Guide Image

Sorting Out the Football Helmets That Are Right for You

Importance of Choosing the Right Football Helmet

As a football player, choosing the right helmet is one of the most important decisions you can make. A good helmet will not only protect your head from injury, but it will also provide you with the confidence and comfort you need to perform at your best. In this article, we will discuss some key factors to consider when choosing a football helmet.

Factors to Consider

  1. Fit: A properly fitted helmet is essential for optimal protection and comfort. A helmet that is too loose or too tight can be uncomfortable and may not provide the necessary protection. To ensure a proper fit, measure the circumference of your head using a tape measure and use the sizing chart provided by the helmet manufacturer.

  2. Safety ratings: It is important to choose a helmet that has been tested and certified by a reputable organization. In the United States, the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) is the organization responsible for testing and certifying football helmets. Look for a helmet that has been certified by NOCSAE and meets the organization's safety standards.

  3. Brand reputation: While it is important to consider safety ratings and fit, the brand of the helmet can also play a role in your decision. Some helmet manufacturers have a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable helmets, while others may not have the same level of reputation. Do some research and read reviews from other players to help you make an informed decision.

Types of Helmets

  1. Traditional helmets: Traditional football helmets are the most common type and are designed to protect the head from impact. They typically have a hard outer shell made of plastic or composite materials and are lined with foam padding to absorb impact. Traditional helmets also have a faceguard to protect the face and mouth.

  2. Air-filled helmets: Air-filled helmets are a newer type of football helmet that have gained popularity in recent years. These helmets are designed to provide additional protection by allowing the wearer to adjust the amount of air inside the helmet. This can help to customize the fit and provide a more comfortable experience.

  3. Hybrid helmets: Hybrid helmets combine the best features of traditional and air-filled helmets. They have a hard outer shell for protection and also feature air-filled pads for a customizable fit. Hybrid helmets are a good option for players who want the added protection and comfort of an air-filled helmet but also want the traditional look of a traditional helmet.

Conclusion

Choosing the right football helmet is an important decision that can affect your safety and performance on the field. Consider factors such as fit, safety ratings, and brand reputation to help you make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What's with the new football helmets?

Scientists at Stanford University have developed an innovative prototype for football helmets. The goal is to reduce the impact of hits to the head by at least one-third, minimizing the risk of concussions and severe brain injuries. The new helmet design aims to improve player safety and protect them during games.

2. Why does the NFL only allow one helmet?

In 2013, the NFL implemented a rule to enhance player safety. The rule requires teams to have only one helmet color, ensuring that players practice and play in the same helmet. This consistency helps maintain the proper fit and condition of the helmet. Although teams can now have a second set of helmets, they must be identical in make, model, and size to the player's primary helmet.

3. Why are NFL players wearing padded helmets?

NFL players have started wearing padded helmets called Guardian Caps. These caps are made of soft-shell layers and are designed to reduce the impact to the hard shell of the helmet. The NFL has found that players who wore these padded helmets during practices in 2022 experienced a significantly lower rate of concussions and general impact. The padded helmets provide an added layer of protection for the players.

Editor's Notes

During our football helmet research, we found 24 football helmet products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 8,965 customer reviews through our big data system to write the football helmets list. We found that most customers choose football helmets with an average price of $248.03.

The football helmets are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of football helmets, including Riddell, Schutt, Sports Unlimited. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.