; Full face : A full face helmet covers the entire head, with a rear that covers the base of the skull, and a protective section over the front of the chin. Such helmets have an open cutout in a band across the eyes and nose, with a plastic face shield (which may be clear or tinted) that generally swivels up and down to allow access to the face. Many full face helmets include vents to increase the airflow to the rider. The significant attraction of these helmets is their protectiveness; critics dislike the increased heat, sense of isolation, lack of wind, and reduced hearing that such a helmet makes inevitable.

; 3/4 face : This helmet's rear also covers the back of the skull, but lacks the lower chin armor of the full face helmet, as well as the face shield. Many offer visors of selectable length, some opaque, some tinted, which may be used by the rider to block out sunlight or headlights. A 3/4 face helmet provides the same rear protection as a full face helmet, but little protection to the face, even from non-crash events. Bugs, dust or even wind to the face and eyes can cause rider discomfort or injury. As a result, it is not uncommon for riders to wear wrap-around sunglasses or goggles to increment eye protection with these helmets.

; 1/2 helmet : With essentially the same front design as a 3/4 face helmet, but a raised rear, the half helmet provides the minimum coverage generally allowed by law in the US. As with the 3/4 face, it is not uncommon to augment this helmet's eye protection through other means.

All of these types of helmets are secured by a chin strap, and their protective benefits are greatly reduced if the chin strap is not fastened.

There are other helmets - often called "beanies" - which are not certified and generally only used to provide the illusion of compliance with mandatory helmet laws. Such helmets are often smaller and lighter than DOT-approved helmets, and are at best untested for crash protection.