Mostly on line, I'm a creature of habit. I also replace them every 3-4 years.
For the "try it on" comment, the first 3 things to look for in a helmet are fit, fit, and then FIT.
If it don't fit or have the right head shape it will either hurt, or be so big it will be an outright safety issue or not be there in the proper way when needed.
Head shapes vary and the makers are still somewhat in denial as to heads being different. I don't wear the top two Japanese lids because they are over priced IMHO, but more so because they don't fit well.
Is a $500 helmet better than a $150-$200 helmet? Well, any more it depends. Pretty equal in protection, but the more expensive will vent better and have a nicer lining. That gap has also narrowed to near non-existent except for the most discriminating. Farkles have also narrowed in the gap.
Get a real fitting. Not trying them on under the not so watchful eye of a sales clerk in the helmet department that is more interested in social media. Decide the level of protection you want (SNELL, DOT, ECE22.05) then find the visors, ear wells for intercoms, etc. Ever wonder why so many XXL, and XXXL helmets are "needed" or wanted. There are some big heads out there, but most folks find something they like or is cool (and it probably is) and it doesn't fit. So, what do they do? They go up in size until it stops. Not such a good idea.
Get a fitting, decide what is out there for you, figure out the accessories you want, and buy. Any and all effort to find a competent shop for said fitting is worth its weight in gold. If they aren't grossly overpriced, buy it from the folks that educated you on your head shape and proper size, it can be as pricey or a frugal purchase. Point is it has to be there when and if you need it. If it hurts, you won't wear it.
Cheers