PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is very important on any project. From work gloves to work boots and reflective vests, there are several pieces that you need to be safe as you work. One of the most important pieces of PPE is the hard hat. It helps too, among other things, prevent injuries to the head as you work.
As it is very important, it is no surprise that there are so many models available on the market today. We have taken the time and effort to review the scores of this product to offer you the best options.
In this post, we provide you with a review of the 11 best hard hats on the market right now. Read on to find out our top picks and check out the buying guide at the end of the post as well.
Best Hard Hat Comparison Chart 2022
Product | Weight | Size Adjustability | Our Rating | ||
 |  Pyramex Ridgeline Full Brim Hard Hat | 13.2 ounces | 6 1⁄2" to 8" | ||
 |  Evolution Deluxe Full Brim Hard Hat | 1.00 lbs | 6 1⁄2" to 8" | ||
 |  MSA Natural Tan Skullgard Hard Hat | 15.84 ounces | 6 1⁄2" to 8" | ||
 | Lift Safety DAX Hard Hat | 415 grams | 6 1⁄2" to 8" | ||
 | Honeywell SuperEight Hard Hat | 12.8 ounces | 6 1⁄2" to 8" | ||
 | Pyramex Safety SL Series Hard Hat | 12.7 ounces | 6 1⁄2" to 8" | ||
 | MSA Hard Hat | 1.12 pounds | 6 1⁄2" to 8" | ||
 | 3M Hard Hat | 13.0 ounces | 6 1⁄2" to 8" | ||
 | Pyramex Ridgeline Hard Hat | 13.2 ounces | 6 1⁄2" to 8" | ||
 | DAX FULL BRIM HAT | 0.1 Pounds | 6 1⁄2" to 8" | ||
 | ACERPAL Full Brim Hard Hat | 13.3 ounces | 6 1⁄2" to 8" |
11 Best Hard Hats On The Market of 2022
1. Pyramex Ridgeline Full Brim Hard Hat
Looking for an excellent hard hat to invest in? Then look no further than our top pick, the Pyramex Ridgeline. It is an excellent hard hat that comes with virtually all the things you require in a hard hat. The first thing you will likely observe in this hat is the construction. Of all the models we tested, this option comes with the best build.
First, despite the immense protection that it offers, it is still lightweight. Therefore, you can wear it for extended periods without feeling pain in your head or feeling heavy.
Aside from protecting you from heavy impacts and injuries to your head, this hard hat comes with electrical protection. It is therefore very safe, and you can rest assured that you won’t be electrocuted via the hat.
It comes with a low profile design that not only looks good but also provides excellent coverage which in turn improves the protection enjoyed. It comes with adjustable straps that improve the fit of the hat. You can, therefore, wear it and still feel very comfortable.
From my testing, I observed that it comes with an excellent suspension system. This also enhances the overall fit and comfort enjoyed by the hat.
If there is a downside to this hard hat, it is that the paint peels off easily and you might end up with a hard hat with patches.
Other than that, the strong ABS construction is lightweight, the design provides excellent coverage, and electrical protection is a plus. I, therefore, recommend it as one of the best options on the market.
2. MSA Natural Tan Skullgard Hard Hat
Up next is a similarly impressive hard hat from MSA. It comes with several useful features that make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a protective hard hat. Right out of the box, I observed that this hard hat comes in a very appealing design and form.
But it isn’t just about aesthetics. I also love this hard hat for the truly impressive level of protection that it provides to the wearer. If you work in a dangerous environment, I am pretty sure that this hard hat can improve your safety.
One of the main reasons why this hat ranks so high and is loved by thousands is that it is excellent to wear in hot working conditions. As the name implies, it comes with a skull guard. This design means you have an extra layer of protection for your head. It is designed to keep you relatively comfortable and safe in temperatures of up to 359 degrees Fahrenheit.
Aside from these features, it is one of the most comfortable hard hats you can wear. It is lined with a soft interior that improves comfort. Due to its unique design, you can use this hard hat in a wide variety of working conditions and professions.
As with our top choice, the suspension system is excellent and makes it easy to wear the hard hat and still feel comfortable.
Breathability is the problem with this otherwise perfect hard hat. It gets quite warm in very hot working environments.
Aside from that, it is one top choice when it comes to hard hats to buy right now.
3. Evolution Deluxe Full Brim Hard Hat
This particular offering is an excellent choice which will leave you feeling safe and comfortable. It is the hard hat of choice for many workers; to no surprise. It is made from high-grade polyethylene plastic. Therefore, this material ensures durability as well as safety throughout the period you are using it.
I love the plastic because it seems to be one of the most durable materials you can use in making hard hats. It is built to withstand bumps, falls, impacts, and other hazards common in the workplace.
I love the design as well. Due to the design, you can use it in different environments without compromising on safety and comfort. The full-brim design means that it covers the entire head.
Despite the full coverage, it is very breathable and wouldn’t create discomfort even in warm or hot working conditions. One reason for the excellent breathability are the vents that lie on the hat. If you are picky about colors, you will love this option as it comes in a wide variety of color options.
The suspension system comprises of straps that feel very comfortable.
One problem with this hard hat is that the sweatband is too thin for my liking.
Other than that, it is an excellent choice and one of the best hard hats on the market.
4. Lift Safety DAX Hard Hat
The Lift Safety hard hat is another great option that I found to suit my needs. It comes with quite a number of excellent features that make it better than several other types of hard hats you can buy.
As is expected of high-quality hard hats, this model is highly protective. It is made from fiber-reinforced resin, which contributes immensely to the durability and resistance to damage.
This material is especially great at resisting impacts. This protection is taken up another notch since there is an EVA foam insert in the hat. Hence, your head is protected from the worst effects of impacts.
Due to its design and overall construction, it feels firm on the head while offering some level of comfort. For instance, it features an 8 point suspension system that allows you to wear and remove it very easily. It also comes with a dial that allows you to adjust how loose or tight it feels on your head.
Keeping up with the nice design, you will find out that you can grip the hat even while you are wearing gloves. With a microfiber liner, you will find it quite comfortable as it reduces sweat build up.
The flaw I found with this hard hat is the weight. It feels quite heavy, especially when compared with other options.
Despite the weight, it offers levels of comfort and safety not found in several other competitors.
5. Honeywell SuperEight Hard Hat
The Honeywell Full Brim Hard Hat is a budget offering that still offers better performance than even more expensive options on the market. Despite the relatively low price, you will find it a worthy investment as it delivers high-quality protection that you desire from your hard hat.
One main reason why this hard hat appears on this roundup is the variety of options that you have available. It comes in so many colors; thus, you can choose the color you want to wear. It doesn’t have the fancy features of more expensive options, but the basic features deliver all the protection you want.
Another reason is that it comes with a reflective strip that ensures that people will see you as you work; thus reducing the rates of accidents.
Aside from the appearance, it has other design features that make it stand out. For instance, the full brim design ensures more coverage for your head, which in turn improves safety.
It also comes with a layer of protection from UV radiation. Since it has a sloping top, any debris or objects that fall on it simply slides off. This design also makes sure that the force of the impact is spread and doesn’t do plenty of damage.
While it comes with so many positives, one problem I have with this hard hat is the lack of height adjustments.
Aside from the lack of height adjustment, it is an excellent hard hat for every worker.
6. Pyramex Safety SL Series Hard Hat
Our top choice is a hard hat from Pyramex, and it is not surprising that the manufacturer makes another appearance on this roundup.
Pyramex produces some of the best PPE for workers today, and this model is one of the best hard hats on the market. It comes at a low price, which, coupled with other features, makes it an attractive option.
Overall, I was very impressed by the quality on display here. It looks quite good, and although hard hats are practical gear, this model looks quite fetching.
The nice design and appealing look will inspire you to wear it more often and improve your chances of remaining safe as you work. It is convenient to wear and remove due to its low profile design and low center of gravity.
Protection is guaranteed with this hard hat since it is made of high-grade ABS plastic which is used in making the best hard hats.
Due to the design and build, it sits well on your head and feels very comfortable even after wearing it for extended periods.
Due to the low profile, it tends to spread out over your head and offers you greater protection.
The downside here is that the paint at the top peels off easily.
It is a great addition to your protective gear and will safeguard you from many types of dangers.
7. MSA Hard Hat
As with Pyramex, MSA also has another appearance on this list. This time, it is the MSA 475395 model. As with the first product from this manufacturer that I reviewed, this model comes with features like a nice design, high-quality materials, and others that make it an excellent pick.
It is a very versatile hard hat, and you will find it used in different industries, ranging from construction to agriculture and more. It might be a hard hat, but its flexibility in a wide variety of environments is nearly unparalleled.
Due to a phenolic design, you will find it to be a very breathable hard hat. Whether the temperature is warm or hot, you will have a safe and comfortable time wearing this hat. As it is made of quality materials, it is excellent for daily use as it can withstand the bumps, falls, and impacts from objects.
Comfort is a priority in the design of this hard hat, and that is evident in the ratchet suspension system. Using this system, you will be able to achieve the correct fit that will make you feel relaxed and safe wearing the hat.
Just as with many of the hard hats I have tested, it comes with its disadvantages. The major flaw here is that it is a bit rough around the edges.
Other than that, the design and solid construction of this hat makes it very impressive.
8. 3M Hard Hat
Our next product is another top choice that many buyers love and continue to leave rave reviews about. The 3M hard hat comes with several features, including a 4-point suspension system, amidst others, that make it a top choice on the market.
It does its main job well, protecting you from impacts due to falling debris, objects, or from bumping your head. It is a versatile hard hat that comes with the ability to be adjusted; however, you deem fit.
One of the main draws of this hard hat, as mentioned earlier, is the 4-point suspension system. This feature ensures that whenever you need to, you can make your adjustments super-quickly. It comes with a dial that can be loosened and tightened based on how much pressure you desire.
It also comes with a low profile design that provides your head with excellent coverage regardless of your working environment. Unlike some low profile hard hats that come with brims, the brim of this model is such that you can see above you. This makes it much safer to use.
Putting the straps into the correct slots is a hassle, and that is the main drawback of this hat.
However, once you master that, you will thoroughly enjoy this hard hat with all its nice features.
9. Pyramex Ridgeline Hard Hat
Another Pyramex Hard Hat? Yes! As I pointed out earlier, Pyramex is nearly unmatched when it comes to making quality PPE. This model is identical in every way to our top pick. The only difference here is the color. While our top choice comes in matte black, this model comes in matte white.
Since it is similar to the top choice product; it has nearly the same features and offers similar performance. It will keep you safe no matter where you are working. Due to the robust construction, this ABS hard hat can keep you safe from drops and impacts from objects.
In spite of the robust construction, it is very lightweight, and you will wear it for extended periods without feeling aches. It is electrically insulated, tough, and durable.
It has excellent adjustability, which means you can always get the right fit that will feel comfortable and safe as you work.
Sweatbands are great, but they are a cause for irritation for some folks. Thankfully, the sweatband found in this model can be washed and even replaced.
If there is a problem with this hard hat, it has to be that the paint peels easily, especially in hot working conditions.
Other than the paint that peels easily, it is full of useful features that workers across different industries will enjoy using.
10. DAX Carbon Fiber Hard Hat
Another bestseller and highly rated hard hat on the market is this option from Lift Safety. Lift Safety is a good manufacturer of quality hard hats, and this model is no exception.
It might not look like much, but it offers some of the best protection you will find from a hard hat. It is made from carbon fiber, which ensures your safety. Furthermore, it is one of the most comfortable hard hats you will find due to the excellent breathability.
It has a perforated Clarino leather dome that feels very comfortable, and when impacts occur, the EVA foam in the hat will absorb the bulk of the impact and keep your head safe from injuries.
Adjustments are easy and possible through its ratcheting fitment dial. Hence, you can rest assured that you will find the right fit for your comfort.
The drawback lies in the adjustment system. While it is easy to adjust and ensures comfort, I found it to be quite flimsy and prone to damage.
Other than that drawback, this is a near-perfect hard hat for every worker.
11. ACERPAL Full Brim Hard Hat
Our final product delivers similar protection as all the other quality hard hats on the market. It is very impressive in terms of build and overall construction. Made from carbon fiber, this hard hat will keep you safe from danger to the head.
It weighs just 0.83 pounds which means you will wear it conveniently for long periods. It is resistant to breakage and cracking, and due to the high-quality paint used on it, it won’t fade over time.
Adjustments are very easy to make on this hard hat as well. Additionally, while other hard hats might start to smell over time, the nice breathability and ventilation of this model ensure that no such thing happens.
A downside of this hard hat is the interior webbing that feels cheap.
Overall, though, I was impressed by the protection offered by the hat.
How To Choose A Hard Hat: A Buyer’s Guide
When looking for a hard hat to buy on the market, there are several factors that you simply have to consider. Now, let us consider each of them.
Suspension system
From our roundup above, you might have noticed that the suspension system is one important parameter we considered. This feature is very important as it will determine how comfortable your hard hat feels. The suspension refers to the part that is made from a soft material, usually cloth-like. The higher the points of the suspension system, the more versatile it is in terms of adjustability.
Size and Fit
Hard hats come in either big or small sizes. The size and fit of your hat is important since it will invariably affect your safety. If it is too big for your head, it might have too much slack. On the other hand, if it is too small, it might feel too tight. Either way, if an object falls on your head, the hat will not be able to absorb the force efficiently.
Thus, before buying a hard hat, ensure that it fits your head correctly; not feeling too loose or too tight.
Type of Material
As with many other products on the market, the type of material used in making your hat will determine how effective it is at keeping you safe. Many hard hats are made from plastic. This material is usually lightweight, resistant to electricity, have impressive impact resistance, and more, which makes it a good material.
There are other materials as well that are also quite effective. These include aluminum and carbon fiber.
Color
The color of the hat will affect visibility. Hence choose a hard hat that will be clear to see, which in turn might reduce accidents on the worksite.
If you are working for a company, the color depends on the color-coding of the company. However, if you are buying it for yourself, choose a hard hat easily visible to people.
Conclusion
Choosing your hard hat can be a challenge, and we hope this post will help to clear up any confusion. Our top pick, the Pyramex Ridgeline Full Brim Hard Hat, comes with features that you need in every good hard hat. It is sturdy, built to last, highly protective, and comfortable to wear.
Get your own hard hat from the products we have listed above and rest assured of safety and comfort.
