Armor and apparel are one of the most diverse attributes of Fallout 4. There are dozens of armor sets to choose from, along with many single pieces of clothing such as unique hats and masks. Most apparel grants some sort of stat bonus or effect that sets it apart from other armor pieces.
You'll encounter tons of different headgear throughout your adventurers in the Commonwealth, on the Island of Far Harbor, and inside Nuka-World, so you'll need this list to figure out the best of the best helmets that you can equip, and where you can find all of them.
10 Mascot Head
The Mascot Head is one of the most fun pieces of headgear in Fallout 4. It offers the head of a bear from an old mascot costume, but it's partially destroyed, so it's possible to see the side of your face while wearing it if you're looking at the right angle.
Unfortunately, despite the Mascot Head's cool design, it doesn't offer much in the way of protection. You gain two damage resistance while wearing it, but nothing else. You'll find the Mascot Head on Bosco in the basement of the D.B. Technical High School.
9 Mining Helmet
The Mining Helmet is another headpiece that doesn't offer a lot of protection, as it only grants the wearer three damage resistance. However, it has a unique feature that makes it worth wearing in certain situations. You can activate the Pip-Boy's built-in light to instead use the light attached to the Mining Helmet.
If you're sick of your flashlight being connected to your character's arm, then the Mining Helmet is a great choice to wear in the dark. It can be found in many locations, but it's easiest to find at Dunwich Borers due to the surplus of mining equipment.
8 Tricorn Hat
One of the most unique hats in Fallout 4, the companion John Hancock wears the Tricorn Hat proudly throughout his adventures in the Commonwealth. Although it's the not the most protective piece of apparel available, it grants you an extra point of Charisma.
However, getting the Tricorn Hat is somewhat tricky, as you either need to pickpocket it from John Hancock in Goodneighbor, or recruit him as a companion and take it from his inventory. You can find a guide for John Hancock here.
7 Synth Field Helmet
The Synth Field Helmet offers exceptional protection from the dangers of the Commonwealth. While wearing it, you get nine damage resistance and eleven energy resistance, which is quite a lot for a single piece of armor. It doesn't offer any radiation resistance though, so you'll need to get that from a different source.
Synths throughout the Commonwealth have a chance to be wearing the Synth Field Helmet, so keep an eye out for them during your adventures. There are many Synth enemies during the second half of the main questline, after you initially enter the Institute.
6 Captain Ironside's Hat
Captain Ironside's Hat is a unique piece of apparel you can earn in Fallout 4. It doesn't offer any protection, but it does grant you a one point bonus towards the Perception and Charisma stats, which is quite powerful compared to other hats in the Wasteland. It also only weighs half a pound, so it's easy to carry around without filling up your inventory.
You get Captain Ironside's Hat as a reward upon completion of the "U.S.S Constitution" quest. Captain Ironsides gives you his hat as a gift after siding with him during this mission.
5 Assault Gas Mask
The Assault Gas Mask is one of the best looking pieces of gear that you can wear to reduce incoming radiation damage. While wearing this mask, you gain 15 bonus radiation resistance, as well as one damage resistance. For headgear, you can't go wrong with the Assault Gas Mask, both for radiation resistance and the aesthetic quality.
You can obtain an Assault Gas Mask by defeating raiders throughout the Commonwealth or purchasing it from vendors in the Wasteland. Armor merchants are likely to carry this item.
4 Commando Helmet
The Commando Helmet is a unique variant of the Combat Armor Helmet, which is one of the strongest armor sets in Fallout 4's base game. By default, this armor piece grants you 16 damage resistance and energy resistance, but it also has a legendary effect that grants you ten percent cost reduction in VATS.
If you enjoy using VATS, then the Action Point cost reduction is a fantastic option for your build. You can get the Commando Helmet by purchasing it on the Prydwen from Proctor Teagan. The price of the helmet will vary based on your Charisma stat and perks.
3 Mechanist Helmet
Not only is the Mechanist Helmet a shiny piece of armor, it also has a ton of great advantages over other helmets in Fallout 4. By wearing it you'll gain a one point buff to both your Intelligence and Charisma stats, along with 13 damage resistance. These resistances and stat bonuses make the Mechanist Helmet hard to match, even with other DLC helmets.
You earn the Mechanist Helmet by completing the main questline in the Automatron DLC, so it's quite difficult to compare it to other helmets in the game. However, it's all worth it for the unique appearance and powerful advantages that you gain with the Mechanist Helmet.
2 Disciples Bladed Helmet
The Nuka-World DLC is fantastic for many reasons, one of which is because of its unique selection of new armor sets. The Disciples Armor is one of the most powerful gear sets in Fallout 4, and the helmet is no different. The Disciples Bladed Helmet grants you 14 damage resistance and 16 energy resistance.
If that isn't enough to convince you, then you can also take a look at its unique appearance, something akin to what an Uruk-hai would wear. Nisha in Nuka-World wears this helmet, so you can get it by defeating her and picking it up off her body.
1 Recon Marine Helmet
The Marine Armor is exclusive to the Far Harbor DLC. It has an exceptionally unique look, but it also grants a lot of resistance. The Recon Marine Helmet is a unique piece of Marine Armor, and it gives you 14 damage resistance and 14 energy resistance. Additionally, you gain a point of Perception and Agility when you wear the Recon Marine Helmet. But the best part about it is that you can look like Doom Guy.
You can purchase the Recon Marine Helmet from Brooks in the town of Far Harbor on the Island. The price may change if you have a high Charisma stat or certain perks relating to bartering.