Klein Tools vs MSA:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, Klein Tools had more branded searches than MSA among hard hat brands worldwide. Klein Tools had about 165,000 branded searches, while MSA had 18,100. Klein Tools made up 24.9% of all hard hat brand searches we track, and MSA accounted for 2.7%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about hard hat brands, MSA appeared in four of the five answers and Klein Tools in three. MSA was mentioned before Klein Tools in three out of four answers.
Who do people search for more?
Klein Tools, about 9 searches for every 1 for MSA
Who does AI mention more?
MSA, mentioned in 4 of 5 answers, Klein Tools in 3
Who does AI recommend more?
MSA, named ahead of Klein Tools in 3 of 4 answers
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Top hard hat brands in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, MSA was mentioned in four out of five: in all three ChatGPT answers and in one of the two Google AI Overviews. Klein Tools was mentioned in three out of five: in all three ChatGPT answers, but not in either of the two Google AI Overviews. MSA was listed before Klein Tools in three out of four answers.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
- MSA4 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
- Klein Tools3 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
Pyramex3 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
3M Peltor2 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
Honeywell0 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
Protector0 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
See every answer about hard hat brands
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which hard hat brand should I buy?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best hard hat brands?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best hard hat brand for jobsite protection?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“best hard hat”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“construction hard hat”
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in the United States on October 21, 2026.
Is Klein Tools or MSA more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for Klein Tools and MSA by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all six hard hat brands we track, month by month, from English-language searches worldwide.
Share of searches by month for Klein Tools, MSA. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Honeywell | Klein Tools | 3M Peltor | MSA | Pyramex | Protector |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 74.8% | 18.4% | 3.2% | 3% | 0.6% | 0.01% |
| Nov 2025 | 75.2% | 18.5% | 3.3% | 2.5% | 0.6% | <0.01% |
| Dec 2025 | 68.5% | 25.1% | 3% | 2.8% | 0.67% | <0.01% |
| Jan 2026 | 74.8% | 18.4% | 3.2% | 3% | 0.6% | <0.01% |
| Feb 2026 | 71.3% | 21.4% | 3.1% | 3.5% | 0.7% | 0.01% |
| Mar 2026 | 74.8% | 18.4% | 3.2% | 3% | 0.6% | <0.01% |
| Apr 2026 | 70.8% | 21.2% | 3.7% | 3.5% | 0.69% | 0.01% |
| May 2026 | 71.3% | 21.4% | 3.8% | 2.9% | 0.7% | <0.01% |
| Jun 2026 | 75.2% | 18.5% | 2.7% | 3% | 0.6% | <0.01% |
| Jul 2026 | 71.7% | 21.5% | 3.1% | 2.9% | 0.7% | <0.01% |
| Aug 2026 | 67.6% | 24.8% | 3.6% | 3.3% | 0.66% | <0.01% |
| Sep 2026 | 68% | 24.9% | 3.6% | 2.7% | 0.67% | <0.01% |
How has the Klein Tools and MSA comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- Klein Tools was ahead of MSA in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Klein Tools’ share of searches among hard hat brands worldwide moved from 18.4% to 24.9%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 135K to 165K.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, MSA’s share of searches among hard hat brands worldwide moved from 3% to 2.7%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 22.2K to 18.1K.
How did search popularity change for hard hat brands worldwide in September 2026?
2 changes
In September 2026, MSA lost share of searches among hard hat brands worldwide, from 3.3% to 2.7%.
Klein Tools’ share of searches among hard hat brands worldwide has gained ground for 3 months in a row, from 18.5% to 24.9% in September 2026.
How are branded searches counted?
2 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Klein Tools’ and MSA’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Klein Tools
1 branded search term
- klein tools
MSA
1 branded search term
- msa safety
Other head-to-heads among hard hat brands
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