Recommended

Versatile	Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds 4.5 High-performance earbuds with personalized sound, noise cancellation, and hearing-enhancing features.	Check Price on Amazon
Full-Featured	Cardo Packtalk Pro 5.0 The King of motorcycle intercoms and Bluetooth headsets, the Pro comes with every top of the line feature Cardo offers and their stellar 45mm JBL speakers, the best helmet speakers money can buy.	Check Price on Cardo

Versatile

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds

4.5

High-performance earbuds with personalized sound, noise cancellation, and hearing-enhancing features.

Check Price on Amazon

Full-Featured

Cardo Packtalk Pro

5.0

The King of motorcycle intercoms and Bluetooth headsets, the Pro comes with every top of the line feature Cardo offers and their stellar 45mm JBL speakers, the best helmet speakers money can buy.

Check Price on Cardo

No Relationship With Cardo

Before we dive deep into this review, it’s important that I disclose my relationship with Cardo, the company that makes the Freecom 2x. There is no relationship. I bought this headset with my own money.

What I Expected vs. Reality

Going into this, I had a few unconventional thoughts about what motorcycle communication systems promise versus what they deliver, and my experience with the Freecom 2x only reinforced some of them.

First, spending more money on a Cardo unit primarily buys you more features (like wider intercom range or more riders), not necessarily a significant bump in core audio hardware quality like microphones or speakers.

Second, some useful functionalities, like accessing your phone’s virtual assistant (Siri or Google Assistant), seem locked behind higher-priced tiers for reasons that don’t appear to be technical limitations of the hardware itself.

And third, achieving usable audio quality for both music and phone calls while also adhering to common rider practices like using earplugs for hearing protection and potentially having louder aftermarket exhausts presents a significant challenge that, for me, the Freecom 2x didn’t fully overcome, despite many online reviews suggesting otherwise.

The Cardo Lineup Explained

Choosing the right Cardo can seem a little daunting at first, but let me try to make it real simple for you. When looking through the Cardo lineup, they use ladder tactics to get you to spend as much money as possible. The unit below the Freecom 2x is the Spirit. They list the Spirit as having a 600-meter intercom range compared to the 800-meter range of the Freecom 2x. Any unit above the Spirit is going to have the Live Intercom feature.

Live Intercom means that the headsets are automatically going to reconnect if you get disconnected out on the road. The step up from the Freecom 2x that I bought is the Freecom 4x, which has a 1200-meter range with the ability to connect to four riders, while the lower tier models are only able to connect to two riders. Spend even more money, and now you start getting the ability to be in a group of up to 15 riders with the Packtalk models.

It can be tempting to spend more money thinking that you’re going to get a bump up in microphone quality or speaker quality, but the fact is that the microphone and speakers on this thing are about as cheap as they come.

Software Limitations

My main problem with this is when software upgrades are locked behind a paywall. The worst example of this is when you try to use Siri or the Google Assistant. You don’t get the ability to use these assistants through the Cardo until you get up to the Freecom 4x.

I don’t believe there’s any reason why the Spirit or the Freecom 2x aren’t capable of using your virtual assistant other than Cardo is preventing that function from working. On top of this, ever since I installed the Cardo app, the Google Assistant doesn’t work right on my phone anymore. I can’t call certain people and all of a sudden certain functions just don’t work as well as they used to.

And don’t even get me started on the Packtalk Custom.

Why I Bought It Anyway

That being said, the two most popular options for making and taking calls while you’re riding a motorcycle are Cardo and Sena. I wanted that secret sauce, so I ponied up the $230 for the Freecom 2x.

I got it from Amazon on next day delivery. I wanted to use Amazon because the reviews online are pretty mixed, and I wanted to buy it from somebody with a good return policy.

Unboxing and Setup

The unboxing experience definitely inspired hope. They have good-looking packaging and pretty clear instructions on how to set it up. First, you charge your unit up. It’s a pretty small device with a small battery, so charging happens fast. Once it’s charged, you connect it to your phone and update it through the app. The app is nothing special; it has superfluous features that I would rather just leave for my phone to handle. If I had it my way, I would use the app to update your headset and nothing else.

Installing the Headset

Installing the unit is as simple as removing the cheek pads on your helmet. If you have an Arai like I do, then it’s going to be pretty easy. The unit attaches to the left side of your helmet with a very strong clip, and I never worried about it slipping off. You also have the option to use adhesive to attach the headset, but I ain’t sticking that to my helmet after I just paid $800 to get that beautiful flake. You think that’s peeling off clean? I doubt it.

Speaker and Mic Placement

Now you’re going to take the velcro for your speakers and place it in your ear pockets on your helmet. Don’t try to put them exactly where you think your ears are going to be. They need to be in the ear pocket where the helmet padding is going to be thinnest. They only give you one set of velcro, so you better get it right the first time. I recommend picking up some extra velcro at the same time so you can play with your speaker placement a little bit.

Now place the velcro for your mic and install your microphone. Make sure that it’s directly in front of your mouth. You should be able to make duck lips and touch this thing. Anything else is going to be basically unusable. Route your wires over to the left side of the helmet and put your cheek pads back. Be careful not to fold your wires too tightly because these wires are really thin, and you have quite a bit of excess. This is especially true for the microphone wire.

Overall installation is only as painful as your helmet makes it.

Fit and Controls

The first thing I noticed after installation is that my helmet was a little tighter in the ears than before. This can be a positive or a negative; it just depends on how your helmet fits.

The buttons on the Cardo are very nice. They’re mushy, but the most important thing is that you have these little tabs that stick up so you can tell when you’re on the button or not. I’m not a fan of the control scheme that they went with, but I’m going to give it a pass because it’s nothing too crazy and I can get used to it.

Battery Life Experience

Cardo claims a 13-hour battery life on the Freecom 2x. I don’t know where they get this number from, but I’m at about 50% battery after 2 hours of listening to music on full blast. If you had a different experience, leave it in the comments down below. In any case, if you plan on taking these on trips, you better plan on charging on the fly.

Audio Quality Disappointments

The audio quality on the Freecom 2x is where everything starts to fall apart for me. The speakers don’t get loud enough. At full blast, I’m not able to hear anything coming out of the speakers when I’m driving normally, and if I’m on the freeway, you can forget about it.

This is in stark contrast to what everyone else is saying on YouTube and to what many people say in reviews online. I have a few theories on why other people may be getting better results.

Number one, they have stock pipes. I don’t recommend anybody ride with stock pipes. The human brain has enough trouble recognizing a motorcycle driving down the road as it is, but if they suddenly hear a thunderstorm out of nowhere, many people start looking for the motorcycle that they don’t see. Loud pipes have saved my life countless times, and their importance can’t be overstated.

Number two, the people that are having positive results aren’t wearing earplugs. If you don’t wear earplugs while you’re riding, then you’re either ignorant or stupid. Even with stock pipes, wind noise will damage your hearing, and damaged hearing doesn’t come back. You owe it to the people in your life to prevent hearing damage as much as you can. When you willingly don’t prevent hearing damage, you put a greater burden on the people around you, and you set a bad example to the younger people in your life that look up to you. Do better.

Number three, maybe I have defective speakers. I sent an email to Cardo telling them that I couldn’t get the volume loud enough to hear through my ear plugs, and they didn’t say anything back. So if I do have defective speakers, I’m on my own to get another set. And the fact is, they don’t sound that good anyways.

Considering Alternatives

One solution I’m looking into are custom molded in-ear monitors. Basically, headphones with a custom little ear thing so that they fit tight enough to give you hearing protection. But now we’re talking about a huge extra cost that most people are not willing to stomach.

That being said, I am willing to stomach that cost if it weren’t for the next problem. When I make phone calls, the call quality isn’t even close to the quality I’m used to with my LG Tone Platinum. Everyone I call says that I cut in and out, and even when they can hear me, it just doesn’t sound that good.

Again, is this because my mic is defective? Is it because my pipes are too loud? I can’t tell, and customer support isn’t responding. I just wish that there were other options offered by Cardo for higher-end microphones, but unlike the standard connector for the speakers, the connector for the microphone is proprietary.

Final Thoughts

So now I have a glorified Bluetooth receiver with no call capabilities that I can’t hear through my earplugs for 230 bucks. What’s the point?

I’ll just use one of these Bluetooth dongles connected to some custom in-ear monitors if I want to have music. It costs way less money, and I don’t have to scuff up the paint on my nice helmet. I just tuck it in my shirt pocket and I’m good to go.

Recommended

Versatile	Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds 4.5 High-performance earbuds with personalized sound, noise cancellation, and hearing-enhancing features.	Check Price on Amazon
Full-Featured	Cardo Packtalk Pro 5.0 The King of motorcycle intercoms and Bluetooth headsets, the Pro comes with every top of the line feature Cardo offers and their stellar 45mm JBL speakers, the best helmet speakers money can buy.	Check Price on Cardo

Versatile

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds

4.5

High-performance earbuds with personalized sound, noise cancellation, and hearing-enhancing features.

Check Price on Amazon

Full-Featured

Cardo Packtalk Pro

5.0

The King of motorcycle intercoms and Bluetooth headsets, the Pro comes with every top of the line feature Cardo offers and their stellar 45mm JBL speakers, the best helmet speakers money can buy.

Check Price on Cardo

Not Recommended Due to Poor Audio Quality and Mic Issues

(But Your Experience May Vary)

Cardo Freecom 2X Headset

Bluetooth motorcycle headset with JBL audio and rider-to-rider intercom, designed for everyday riding.

Pros:

• JBL speakers deliver decent clarity
• Wireless software updates
• Waterproof and weather-ready

Cons:

• Audio too quiet with earplugs or loud pipes

Check Price on Revzilla Check Price on Amazon

We may earn commissions if you make a purchase. This keeps our site ad-free and never sponsored.

The post Cardo Freecom 2x Review: Audio Quality Fail? first appeared on It's Better On The Road.

But then, things shifted.

Cardo, who had always been around, really stepped up their game. They gained a significant following, and now, these two brands are at the forefront, going head-to-head.

So which is better? I put them head to head to find out.

The First Question to Ask Before Buying

Now, before we dive deep into the specifics of the Sena 50S and the Cardo Packtalk Edge – the top-of-the-line units I’ve been testing (a Sena 50S on my LS2 Vector 2 helmet and a Cardo Packtalk Edge on my RXT D4) – I need to underpin everything with one absolutely crucial question you must ask yourself before buying either:

Which one do your mates have?

Seriously, you can have the objectively ‘best’ unit, but if your riding buddies have a different brand, the connection experience is going to be annoying. It will lead to a worse riding experience and just won’t be as fun. So, figure that out first.

If you’d rather watch this review, here’s my original video on the topic:

Key Takeaways from Real-World Testing

Based on my time using both of these units side-by-side, trying to be as impartial as possible point-for-point, here are three key takeaways that might not be immediately obvious when you’re first looking into these devices:

1. Real-world range doesn’t match the box: Both brands claim impressive mesh range (Sena 1.9-2 km, Cardo 1.6 km), but in my testing, neither unit consistently hit those numbers. Expect something closer to 900 to 1200 meters in typical conditions.
2. Water resistance isn’t equal to waterproofing: Despite both claiming some level of water protection, Cardo’s IP67 rating gives a concrete guarantee against dust and water ingress, whereas Sena’s “water resistant” claim, while seemingly okay for the unit itself, has a potential weak point at the base station connection that can malfunction in heavy rain until it dries out.
3. The ‘better’ app depends on your priority: While Cardo’s app offers more detailed customization and settings, Sena’s app feels a bit slicker, looks nicer, and connects to the unit more reliably and quickly in my experience.

Group Ride Favorite	Editor’s Pick
Sena 50S Harman Kardon Mesh Intercom	Cardo Packtalk Edge Motorcycle Intercom
Primary Rating: 4.6	Primary Rating: 4.8
Description: Premium Bluetooth intercom with Harman Kardon speakers and Mesh 2.0 tech for crystal-clear group communication and top-tier audio quality.	Description: The Gold Standard in motorcycle communication units. Simple to use, rugged and reliable, with premium sound and long battery life.
Check Price on Revzilla	10% Off (Code: BTR)
Check Price on Amazon	Check Price on Revzilla

Group Ride Favorite

Sena 50S Harman Kardon Mesh Intercom

Primary Rating:

4.6

Description:

Premium Bluetooth intercom with Harman Kardon speakers and Mesh 2.0 tech for crystal-clear group communication and top-tier audio quality.

Check Price on Revzilla

Check Price on Amazon

Editor’s Pick

Cardo Packtalk Edge Motorcycle Intercom

Primary Rating:

4.8

Description:

The Gold Standard in motorcycle communication units. Simple to use, rugged and reliable, with premium sound and long battery life.

10% Off (Code: BTR)

Check Price on Revzilla

Range and Real-World Use

On the surface, both the Sena 50S and the Cardo Packtalk Edge perform similar core functions. They both offer multiple Bluetooth connections, Bluetooth intercom, mesh connectivity, and FM radio. Both also claim some form of water protection, although as I mentioned, that’s a point of contention we’ll get into.

What really sets both apart from other cheaper Bluetooth units is mesh connection technology. Sena calls it Mesh or Mesh 2.0, and Cardo calls it DMC, or Dynamic Mesh Communication (sometimes also referred to as connection). They’re essentially the same concept, allowing for a self-healing network where everyone is connected to everyone, unlike the old chain-like Bluetooth connections that would break if one rider dropped out.

Perhaps the most talked-about feature is range, and it’s what you’re going to rely on most when riding in a group. Cardo states 1600 meters (1.6 km) on the back of their box. Sena suggests a bit further, around 1.9 to 2 km. In my actual use, putting these claims to the test, neither brand reached their stated maximum range consistently. I found both units performed more in the 900 to possibly 1200-meter range.

It’s critical to remember that these claimed ranges are for ideal conditions – perfect line of sight, optimal atmospheric conditions, etc. When you introduce real-world obstacles like trees, hills, or the twisties that break the line of sight, the range will drop significantly. Both units are generally pretty good, and I’ve rarely felt truly limited by their range in typical riding scenarios, but once you lose that line of sight, they can drop out quickly.

One area where Cardo seemed to have an edge was in reconnection speed. If the connection dropped when line of sight was lost, the Cardo unit seemed to reconnect faster than the Sena unit. However, a major benefit of both the DMC (Cardo) and Mesh (Sena) systems is their self-healing nature. This means the network automatically reconfigures itself when riders drop out and rejoin, keeping everyone connected without needing manual intervention. This is a huge advantage over older Bluetooth intercoms where a dropped connection could break the entire chain.

Waterproofing: A Key Difference

Next up is waterproofing, and this is a significant difference between the two units. Cardo boasts an IP67 rating. IP stands for Ingress Protection, and the rating tells you how well the device is sealed against dust and water. IP67 specifically means it’s rated 6 (the highest level) against dust ingress and 7 against water ingress, which means it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. Cardo is confident enough in this rating that they state they will replace the unit if it dies due to water ingress.

Sena, on the other hand, is not IP rated at all. They describe the unit as water resistant. In my personal use, the main Sena unit itself has generally been water resistant and hasn’t died from getting wet. However, the vulnerability lies in the connection point between the main unit and the base station mounted on the helmet. If water gets into this connector during a particularly heavy downpour, it can cause the unit to malfunction.

This has happened to me – the unit malfunctioned, and I needed to stop somewhere (like a cafe for a coffee) and dry out the connection point. Once it dried, it worked perfectly fine again. This is not a problem I have ever experienced with the Cardo Packtalk Edge or the Packtalk Bold that came before it. Not ever. This gives Cardo a clear advantage in this area, especially for riders who frequently encounter or expect to ride in the rain and want the peace of mind offered by a certified waterproofing standard.

Specs Comparison at a Glance

Here’s a quick run-down of some key stats for both units:

Installation and Mounting Differences

When it came to installation, I found the Cardo unit slightly easier to get set up. The Sena was a bit more fiddly, mainly because it uses small Allen key grub screws to attach the clamping plates or adhesive mount to the base station. You also need to potentially undo screws to swap out microphone cables and such.

In contrast, the Cardo system’s wiring loom for the speakers and microphones comes out the bottom of the base station and terminates in easily accessible plugs. You can simply unplug the boom mic and plug in the wired mic, or swap headphones, just by unplugging and replugging.

Furthermore, the design of the Cardo mounting hardware felt more versatile. The unit detaches from the base station using a magnetic clip. To switch the base station from an adhesive mount (like the one I used on my helmet) to a clamp mount, you just release a little tab, slide one out, and slide the other in. It’s quick and tool-free for that part. The Cardo base station itself is also quite compact, similar in size to the unit.

My experience with the Sena was different. When you take the main unit off its base station, you’re left with this larger chunk of hardware that needs to be mounted. This base station, which houses hardware and the microphone connection, needs to be installed on the bottom lip of the helmet in a specific spot. This makes the Sena potentially less versatile in terms of where it can be mounted on different helmet designs. The main Sena unit itself is also noticeably larger than the Cardo counterpart. Overall, in terms of mounting ease and versatility across various helmet types, I’d have to give the nod to Cardo. They’ve really nailed it there.

Mesh Connection Features

Where the Sena does offer something unique compared to the Cardo is its approach to mesh connection. Sena provides two types of mesh. You can set up a direct mesh connection, which is a private group for four or five of your friends where you all join the same channel. This is similar to Cardo’s DMC group. However, Sena also offers open mesh, which provides nine available channels. This operates more like a traditional RT radio – anyone on that specific open mesh channel can hear you and join the conversation. I quite like this feature; I think it’s a good option for larger rides or events where you want more open communication.

Adding to the Sena’s capabilities is the MeshPort Red accessory. This allows you to pair the mesh audio to a camera, making it easy to get a group recording of the conversation happening on your open mesh channel.

Cardo, on the other hand, primarily focuses on point-to-point connections for groups through their DMC. You gather your mates, hit connect, one person manages the group, and that’s your conversation. You can add more people to this group, but it’s a manual process to join the specific DMC session. There is no equivalent to Sena’s open mesh channel system.

Bridging Sena and Cardo Groups

At the time I’m recording and writing this, it is possible to bridge a group of riders on a Cardo mesh system with a group of riders on a Sena mesh system. The way you do this is by having one rider from the Cardo group and one rider from the Sena group establish a Bluetooth bridge between their individual units. This bridge then allows everyone in the Cardo mesh group and everyone in the Sena mesh group to talk to each other through that single Bluetooth connection.

The limitation here is that those two specific riders creating the bridge need to stay relatively close to each other, generally within a couple of hundred meters, for that Bluetooth connection to remain stable. If that connection drops out, the bridge is broken, and the two mesh groups can no longer communicate.

Cardo’s system does have a feature where the unit will attempt to automatically reconnect the Bluetooth bridge for up to five minutes if it’s lost, which is quite a thoughtful touch. It suggests Cardo is trying to make the integration between the two different systems more fluid and easier to manage for riders who might have mixed-brand groups.

However, despite the technical possibility, in my experience, this bridging process is still a bit fiddly. It’s not something I see most people doing regularly. This sort of on-the-fly connection management needs to be dead simple, ideally just a couple of button presses or a quick app interaction with minimal waiting or messing around. Riders are usually geared up, on the side of the road, and keen to get going. If connecting the groups is complicated, you likely just won’t bother.

Firmware Updates

Both units offer over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates through their respective smartphone apps. This is a great feature because it means you don’t have to take the unit off your helmet, plug it into a computer, and run update software. You can do it all wirelessly via your phone. In my testing, the Cardo OTA updates have worked flawlessly every time. The Sena OTA update function, however, didn’t work for me initially.

When I first got the Sena out of the box, I saw the option in the app, but it wouldn’t connect to perform the update. I had to plug the Sena unit into my computer to get the initial firmware update done. It’s possible this was just due to the unit shipping with factory firmware and subsequent updates would work OTA, but I can’t confirm that. What I can confirm is that out of the box, the Cardo OTA worked, and the Sena’s didn’t.

Sena does include a USB Wi-Fi dongle with the 50S. You plug this into a power source and the unit, connect the dongle to your home Wi-Fi network, and it can perform automatic updates that way. Cardo does not offer a similar dongle.

Apps and Usability

Speaking of the apps, I personally think Sena’s app looks a bit nicer and is slightly easier to navigate and use. It feels more intuitive. Cardo’s app can sometimes feel a bit trickier to use, and I’ve had occasional issues with it not connecting to the unit easily on the first try. However, Cardo’s app generally offers more functionality and more detailed options for customizing the settings and the overall listening experience. If you’re someone who likes to tweak every possible setting, Cardo’s app provides more depth. If you prefer a cleaner, more straightforward interface and quick, reliable connection, Sena’s app might appeal more.

Sound Quality

The sound quality from both units is generally good. They both use 40mm speakers made by reputable audio companies – Harmon Kardon for Sena and JBL for Cardo. To be completely honest, in real-world riding conditions, I couldn’t discern a significant difference in sound quality between the two speaker sets. The biggest factor impacting the sound experience wasn’t the speaker brand, but rather the specific helmet I was using and how well the speakers fit into the helmet’s speaker pockets and how close they were to my ears.

Cardo JBL 45mm Audio Set for All Bluetooth Headsets

$89.96

Pros:

• Booming sound
• No tinny highs
• Clear for intercom, music, GPS

Check Price on Revzilla Check Price on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

For the best sound quality, it’s crucial that the speakers are positioned correctly, right by your ears. You can have a couple of millimeters gap, and that’s usually fine, but if they’re too far forward, too far back, or not perfectly centered over your ears, the sound quality will be diminished. Comfort is also key. If the speakers are pressing uncomfortably against your ears, it can ruin your riding day.

You can often use included spacer pads to adjust the fit and get it just right for comfort and optimal speaker placement. But in my experience, running both units on different helmets, they both sounded great when installed correctly. The acoustics and construction of the helmet itself seemed to have a bigger impact on the bass, clarity, and overall sound experience than the specific speaker brand.

Controls and Voice Commands

Both units rely on combinations of physical buttons on the unit for various functions (volume, changing modes, initiating intercom, etc.). Remembering these combinations can take a little practice, but if you’re primarily using just one unit, you’ll likely get the hang of it quickly. And if you don’t want to memorize button sequences, both units can be largely controlled via their smartphone apps once they’re turned on, so you really only need to remember how to power them up. I can’t definitively say one unit’s button interface is “better” than the other; it’s just a different layout and different combinations to learn.

Both units offer voice command control, allowing for hands-free operation. They often refer to this as natural voice operation. This includes triggering your phone’s virtual assistant (like Siri or Google Assistant) and also having internal voice commands specific to the unit itself (like “Hey Cardo, Volume Up” or “Hey Sena, Music On”).

In my testing, the Cardo voice commands worked reliably, including triggering the virtual assistant on my phone and the internal unit commands, right out of the box. The Sena unit’s voice commands were a bit less consistent for me. While I could trigger the virtual assistant on my phone, the internal voice commands (like “Hey Sena, volume up”) never seemed to work as expected, and I couldn’t figure out which setting might need changing to make them functional. So, for voice control, the Cardo felt more polished and functional out of the box.

Battery Life

Battery life is another important consideration, especially for longer rides. Sena claims up to 14 hours of talk time on mesh, while Cardo claims up to 12 hours on DMC. Both units charge via USBC and support fast charging, which is a great convenience. In my actual use, testing the battery life under similar conditions (a mix of intercom use, music streaming, and standby), I found the performance was quite close.

I easily got 12 hours out of the Cardo and actually managed about 13 hours, which exceeded the claim. With the Sena, I also got around 13 hours, which was one hour less than its claimed 14 hours. So, while Sena claims slightly more, in my experience, the real-world battery life was very similar, around 13 hours for both.

Final Verdict

After putting both the Sena 50S and the Cardo Packtalk Edge through their paces, riding with them for commuting and occasional group rides, it boils down to this: both are good pieces of gear. Both units do the job they’re designed to do, and mostly, they live up to their advertised features.

But which one is “better”? For me, personally, I have to lean towards the Cardo Packtalk Edge. There are a few key reasons for this.

First, the fit and form factor. The Cardo’s more versatile mounting options mean it fits a wider variety of helmets easily, and the unit itself is smaller and less bulky, which I feel reduces wind resistance on the side of the helmet.

Second, and this is a big one for me, is the waterproofing. I don’t want to be out on a multi-day ride, see a storm brewing on the horizon, and start worrying about whether my communicator is going to survive a heavy downpour or if the connection point is going to malfunction. The Cardo’s IP67 rating provides a solid level of assurance, and knowing that Cardo stands behind it by offering replacement if water ingress causes failure gives me peace of mind. Sena’s “water resistant” claim just isn’t strong enough to alleviate that concern for me.

Third, while the apps and voice commands had slight differences in my experience (Sena’s app nicer, Cardo’s voice commands more reliable), the core functionality of mesh intercom, music, and GPS navigation worked well on both when installed correctly.

It’s a tough call because both deliver on the core promise of keeping you connected and entertained on the road. What I want from a communicator is reliability: when I’m commuting, I want it to connect instantly to my phone for turn-by-turn directions, music, or podcasts. When I’m riding with friends (which for me might only be five times a year, max), I want it to connect quickly and reliably to their units. I find myself reaching for the Cardo more often than the Sena.

Ultimately, the price point for these top-tier units is basically the same. Given the similar core performance, the difference in waterproofing and the mounting versatility of the Cardo push it slightly ahead for me.

But remember that fundamental question: what do your mates run? If everyone you ride with has Sena, getting a Sena 50S is probably the pragmatic choice, despite the points I’ve raised here. A slightly less-favored unit that connects seamlessly with your group will almost always provide a better overall riding experience than the technically superior unit that leaves you isolated.

Group Ride Favorite	Editor’s Pick
Sena 50S Harman Kardon Mesh Intercom	Cardo Packtalk Edge Motorcycle Intercom
Primary Rating: 4.6	Primary Rating: 4.8
Description: Premium Bluetooth intercom with Harman Kardon speakers and Mesh 2.0 tech for crystal-clear group communication and top-tier audio quality.	Description: The Gold Standard in motorcycle communication units. Simple to use, rugged and reliable, with premium sound and long battery life.
Check Price on Revzilla	10% Off (Code: BTR)
Check Price on Amazon	Check Price on Revzilla

Group Ride Favorite

Sena 50S Harman Kardon Mesh Intercom

Primary Rating:

4.6

Description:

Premium Bluetooth intercom with Harman Kardon speakers and Mesh 2.0 tech for crystal-clear group communication and top-tier audio quality.

Check Price on Revzilla

Check Price on Amazon

Editor’s Pick

Cardo Packtalk Edge Motorcycle Intercom

Primary Rating:

4.8

Description:

The Gold Standard in motorcycle communication units. Simple to use, rugged and reliable, with premium sound and long battery life.

10% Off (Code: BTR)

Check Price on Revzilla

If you’re just looking for a communicator for solo riding – music, GPS, phone calls – or if the price of these top-of-the-line mesh units is a bit steep, there are many other, more cost-effective options out there. Some of them still offer Bluetooth intercom and core features you might need.

Read another opinion on switching from Sena to Cardo:

The post Sena 50S vs Cardo Packtalk Edge Communicator Comparison first appeared on It's Better On The Road.

In this review, we’re going to break down if the Packtalk Pro is truly a game-changer or just another hyped-up gadget. Stick around, because we’re not just talking features; we’re putting Cardo’s groundbreaking crash detection to the ultimate test – an actual crash.

Here are three things that might surprise you about the Packtalk Pro:

• Effortless Power: Imagine your headset knowing when you’re ready to ride. The auto on/off feature isn’t just convenient; it’s a game-changer for battery life and rider experience. No more dead batteries because you forgot to switch it off!
• Safety Net: Crash detection isn’t just a bullet point on a spec sheet. It’s a potentially life-saving feature that could automatically alert your emergency contacts if the unthinkable happens. We put this to the test, and the results were eye-opening.
• Subtle, Yet Significant Upgrade: While it might look like a Packtalk Edge in disguise, the Pro packs some serious enhancements, particularly in audio and user-friendliness, that elevate the riding experience in ways you might not expect.

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes this headset tick.

Packtalk Pro: Specs and Features – Edge on Steroids?

At first glance, the Packtalk Pro might seem like a cosmetic refresh of the Packtalk Edge, but under the hood, there are some significant upgrades. You still get all the top-tier features that made the Edge a favorite:

• Solid 13 hours of talk time
• Robust Mesh communication for large groups
• IP67 waterproof rating that can handle pretty much anything Mother Nature throws at it
• Super convenient magnetic mount
• Voice command operation
• Hassle-free over-the-air software updates.

Aesthetically, it’s rocking a cool, all-blacked-out design that looks sleek and understated on any helmet.

But what makes it new and noteworthy?

Cardo Packtalk Pro

The King of motorcycle intercoms and Bluetooth headsets, the Pro comes with every top of the line feature Cardo offers and their stellar 45mm JBL speakers, the best helmet speakers money can buy.

Pros:

• 15+ rider intercom over Mesh (even Senas)
• Magnetic air mount
• Auto on-off
• Crash detection and emergency call
• 45mm JBL speakers in the box (the best)

Cons:

• Costs as much as a mid-range helmet

Check Price on Cardo Check Price on Revzilla

We may earn commissions if you make a purchase. This keeps our site ad-free and never sponsored.

Upgraded JBL Speakers: Bigger Sound?

The first key difference you’ll notice on paper is the speaker size. The Packtalk Edge boasts fantastic 40mm JBL speakers, but the Pro cranks it up a notch with beefier 45mm JBL speakers. Holding them side-by-side, the size difference is definitely visible.

After riding with the Packtalk Pro for a couple of months, I can say the audio upgrade is noticeable, though not earth-shattering. You do get a bit more volume, which is great for battling wind noise at higher speeds, and there’s a touch more bass response, giving your music a richer feel.

However, if you’re already rocking a Packtalk Edge, the speaker upgrade alone probably isn’t enough to justify an upgrade. It’s an improvement, for sure, but it’s more of a refinement than a revolution in audio quality. But, hold tight, because the next two features are where the Packtalk Pro truly starts to shine and might seriously tempt you to make the switch.

Auto On/Off: Pure Convenience

This feature right here is pure genius: auto on and off. Seriously, how many times have you hopped off your bike, walked away, and then realized hours later you left your headset on? Dead battery. It’s happened to all of us, and it’s incredibly frustrating when you’re ready to ride and your comm system is flat. Cardo has solved this problem elegantly with the Packtalk Pro.

Let me show you how slick this is. Right now, the headset is on and connected. I take my helmet off, set it down… and that’s it. There’s a sensor, I believe a microphone near the speaker, that detects when the helmet is off your head. After about 60 seconds, it automatically powers down.

Pick up the helmet, and it automatically turns back on.

The tech behind this is smart. It’s not fully off, but in a super low-power standby mode. Cardo claims it sips battery so slowly you can leave it in standby for ages without draining it. This auto on/off is hands down one of my favorite features. It works flawlessly, and the sheer convenience is incredible.

Now, I have noticed a tiny quirk. Sometimes, when I pick up the helmet, it might play the startup sound two, three, maybe even four times in a row. It seems like a minor software glitch, and it doesn’t happen often enough to be a real annoyance. It’s a small price to pay for such a fantastic feature.

Crash Detection: A Potential Lifesaver

Alright, let’s talk about the feature that could genuinely be a game-changer, potentially setting a new standard for motorcycle headsets and, more importantly, maybe even saving your life. Cardo has integrated crash detection into the Packtalk Pro.

Here’s how it works: The headset itself is designed to detect if you’ve been in a crash. If it senses an impact, it triggers a notification on your connected smartphone. If you don’t cancel that notification within a set timeframe, the system automatically sends a text message to your pre-selected emergency contact. This message includes your location information, pulled directly from your phone’s GPS.

For this to work, obviously, your Packtalk Pro needs to be paired with your smartphone. You can also disable the crash detection feature in the app if you choose, but honestly, why would you? This is a potentially life-saving safety net.

Crash Test Time: Does It Actually Work?

The big question is, does this crash detection actually work in the real world? Time to find out. I devised two tests to put the Packtalk Pro through its paces.

Test 1: The Low-Speed Fall

For the first test, I’m going to wear the helmet with the Packtalk Pro, do a slow speed U-turn, and intentionally drop the bike. Basically, simulate a low-speed tip-over to see if the crash detection triggers.

In the tip over, I didn’t get any notification. My phone didn’t register anything. So, a slow speed drop doesn’t seem to trigger it. Let’s move on to the more… “dynamic” test.

Test 2: The Helmet Toss

For the second, more extreme test, we’re going to mount the Packtalk Pro on my wife’s helmet (thanks, honey, for your sacrifice to science!). I’m going to get up to around 25-30 mph on the bike and… well… toss the helmet off to simulate a higher speed impact. Don’t try this at home, folks.

Now we’ve got “Crash Detected” on the Cardo app! It took 10 seconds or so, a little bit longer than I expected.

It says it sent the text message… Boom! There it is. “Joe may be involved in an accident and requires your location.” And there’s the geo-location link to my exact location on the map.

Final Verdict: Game Changer?

I’m genuinely impressed: the crash detection is not a gimmick; it actually works. And I’m also seriously impressed that the Packtalk Pro stayed mounted to the helmet throughout those… rigorous tests. That magnetic mount is no joke; it’s seriously secure. My wife’s helmet has seen better days, sporting a few new scrapes. She needs a new one anyway!

In my opinion, the Packtalk Pro is worth the extra money, especially for that peace of mind. If you ride alone a lot, knowing that this crash detection feature is there as a backup, potentially alerting your emergency contacts if you’re in an accident, is invaluable. It could genuinely save your life.

Now, I’ve got a helmet to go buy…

Cardo Packtalk Pro

The King of motorcycle intercoms and Bluetooth headsets, the Pro comes with every top of the line feature Cardo offers and their stellar 45mm JBL speakers, the best helmet speakers money can buy.

Pros:

• 15+ rider intercom over Mesh (even Senas)
• Magnetic air mount
• Auto on-off
• Crash detection and emergency call
• 45mm JBL speakers in the box (the best)

Cons:

• Costs as much as a mid-range helmet

Check Price on Cardo Check Price on Revzilla

We may earn commissions if you make a purchase. This keeps our site ad-free and never sponsored.

The post Cardo Packtalk Pro Review: Crash Detection & Auto On/Off Tested first appeared on It's Better On The Road.

Here are three key takeaways from our experience that might challenge what you think you know about motorcycle communication systems:

1. Even top-of-the-line flagship units from major brands aren’t necessarily waterproof, which is surprising given their exposure to the elements.
2. Updating the software on these units can still be surprisingly outdated and clunky.
3. A solid communication system can greatly simplify moto-vlogging by removing the need for external mic setups.

Let’s dive into why we ditched our old setup and became Cardo converts.

This article is based on the video below.

Starting Out: Our Sena SMH10R Days

For around five or six years, we used the Sena SMH10R. It was a low-profile, affordable headset that got us through rain, snow, heat—you name it. We transferred it between helmets and put it through a lot, and it never let us down.

Sena SMH10R Bluetooth Headset - Dual Pack

A sleek, low-profile Bluetooth 3.0 headset for riders who want discreet communication, music, and GPS audio with clear intercom up to 900 meters. Dual pack ideal for two riders.

Pros:

• Sleek, low-profile fit
• Clear intercom audio
• Pairs with any Bluetooth headset

Cons:

• Tricky to install
• Hard to press buttons with gloves
• Average music sound

Check Price on Revzilla Check Price on Amazon

We may earn commissions if you make a purchase. This keeps our site ad-free and never sponsored.

These units were basic, sure, but they just worked.

Time for an Upgrade: The Sena 50S Experience

Eventually, the SMH10Rs started wearing out, and we decided to upgrade. The Sena 50S seemed like the logical next step: premium Harman Kardon speakers, mesh intercom, advanced noise control, multi-channel audio, and long-range communication. We picked up a dual pack at around $700.

Sena 50S Harman Kardon Mesh Intercom

Premium Bluetooth intercom with Harman Kardon speakers and Mesh 2.0 tech for crystal-clear group communication and top-tier audio quality.

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality (Harman Kardon)
• Long-range Mesh 2.0 intercom
• Easy-to-use jog dial

Cons:

• Expensive
• Setup can be tricky
• Shorter battery life on Mesh mode

Check Price on Revzilla Check Price on Amazon

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

At first, everything seemed great. But about a month in, we rode through a rainstorm—and everything changed. Both units started acting up. They’d power off randomly, fail to turn back on, and one even started cycling through menus on its own. Water had gotten inside, and drying them didn’t help. It was frustrating, especially since our older, cheaper SMH10Rs had endured much worse.

The Shocking Reality: Water Resistance vs. Waterproofing

That experience led me to dig deeper into the 50S. That’s when I realized it didn’t have an IP waterproof rating. It’s marketed as “water resistant,” but that’s not the same thing. IP ratings—like IP67—clearly define protection against dust and water. No IP rating means no verified protection. Worse, Sena doesn’t cover water damage under warranty.

It’s baffling that a premium, helmet-mounted device isn’t fully waterproof. Rain, road spray, even cleaning your helmet—these are all normal conditions for any rider. Having your $700 unit fail after one storm just doesn’t cut it.

Making the Switch: The Cardo Packtalk Edge

Fortunately, Cycle Gear gave us a full refund. Instead of just walking away, we put that money toward the Cardo Packtalk Edge.

At the same price point, the Cardo instantly won us over with one key word on the box: waterproof. The Edge is IP67-rated, meaning it’s built for the elements and covered under warranty if it fails due to water.

The Cardo also packs in all the premium features you’d expect—mesh comms, noise control, and solid range—but with better usability.

Comparing the Details: Sound, Updates, and Vlogging

Let’s dig into some of the other comparisons and features we’ve found with the Cardo units.

Sound Quality:
Cardo’s JBL speakers deliver noticeably better performance when it comes to listening to music. The audio is richer, more balanced, and doesn’t distort at higher volumes like some other units we’ve tried. Bass is deeper, treble is crisp, and it actually makes riding with background music enjoyable rather than tolerable. While intercom voice clarity is on par with the Sena 50S—both are more than adequate for rider-to-rider conversation—music lovers will appreciate the extra audio refinement the JBL system brings to the table, especially when riding at highway speeds where engine and wind noise compete with your tunes.

Software Updates:
One of the more frustrating aspects of the Sena 50S was its convoluted update process. You had to use a separate Wi-Fi dongle, ensure it had power, connect the headset, make sure both were on the same network, and wait for them to sync. It felt more like updating an old printer than a modern Bluetooth device. In contrast, Cardo nails the user experience.

Their mobile app allows you to check for updates and install them right from your phone—no cables, no dongles, no confusion. Updates are quick, wireless, and pain-free. This convenience means you’re more likely to actually keep your device updated, which is critical for performance and stability improvements.

Audio Recording for Vlogging:
Previously, we had to run an external mic through a GoPro Media Mod just to get halfway decent audio while riding. It involved extra wires, gear, and setup time—not to mention audio levels that weren’t always consistent. With Cardo’s built-in recording feature in the app, all of that goes away. You can record intercom conversations and your own voice seamlessly, which is a game-changer for motovloggers or anyone who wants to document their rides. The audio is clean and wind-resistant. In fact, sometimes it’s so clean that I have to reintroduce ambient sounds like the engine or road noise during post-editing to make the footage feel more authentic. But that’s a good problem to have.

Mounting System:
Cardo also impresses with its mounting system. The magnetic mount is secure, easy to use, and makes switching between helmets incredibly fast. You just click it in place—no fiddling with clips or brackets. And if you have multiple helmets, Cardo sells accessory kits that include everything you need: the mount, speakers, and mic. It’s a plug-and-play system that allows your main unit to travel with you from helmet to helmet. That kind of flexibility is perfect for riders who swap between different helmets for different types of riding or seasons.

Overall Satisfaction and Looking Ahead

The Cardo Packtalk Edge has checked all the boxes for us. Great sound, easy updates, vlogging-friendly features, and most importantly—waterproofing that actually holds up. We’ve already ridden in the rain with no issues.

It’s disappointing that the Sena 50S didn’t meet expectations, especially at its price point. But switching to Cardo has been a game-changer, and we’re excited to keep riding with gear that truly performs.

This isn’t a sponsored post. We bought the Cardo units ourselves. But if you’re on the fence, we genuinely think the Cardo Packtalk Edge is a better system.

Thanks for reading, and ride safe!

Cardo Packtalk Edge Motorcycle Intercom

$359.96

The Gold Standard in motorcycle communication units. Simple to use, rugged and reliable, with premium sound and long battery life.

10% Off (Code: BTR) Check Price on Revzilla

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The post Sena 50S VS Cardo Packtalk Edge (Why We Switched) first appeared on It's Better On The Road.

Unlike other devices that overpromise and underdeliver, the Packtalk Edge delivers on its claims flawlessly. Whether it’s streaming music, providing GPS directions, or keeping a group of riders connected through its Mesh intercom, the Edge is a silent workhorse that simply gets the job done without drama.

Let me explain why this little communicator has become a non-negotiable part of my riding gear, and why I can’t imagine hitting the road without it.

I really use this device on the daily – here’s my video review.

DEAL: Use code BTR to get 10% OFF Cardo EDGE, Neo, Spirit and Freecom line devices on Cardo’s shop.

Cardo Packtalk Edge Motorcycle Intercom

$359.96

The Gold Standard in motorcycle communication units. Simple to use, rugged and reliable, with premium sound and long battery life.

10% Off (Code: BTR) Check Price on Revzilla

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Down below, we will get in to:

• Using GPS, music, through the device
• Durability and weatherproofing
• Managing connections with a group of riders
• Voice commands (like mute/unmute)
• Battery life (and charging while using)

My Journey with Cardo

My relationship with Cardo began in 2022, when I embarked on a cross-country tour on a Harley-Davidson with a Cardo Spirit strapped to my helmet. I cruised through mountain passes, across wide open plains and up the Pacific Coast Highway with the V-twin rumbling between my legs and my music coming through the speakers of that Cardo Spirit. That little device weathered everything I threw at it: searing heat, bone-chilling cold, and torrential downpours.

Fast forward a year, and I made the leap to the Packtalk Edge. Not just for myself, but for my entire tour company. I purchased two Packtalk Edge units and six of the similar Packtalk Customs with my own money. This review is not a paid sponsorship, not even a discounted deal. In fact, Cardo wouldn’t match a better offer I found on Amazon! But here we are, and I don’t regret a single penny spent. 

These devices have been through the wringer: jungle rides with eight riders connected via Mesh, day-long tours in unpredictable weather, and countless solo trips where the Edge has been my connection to music, navigation, and more. I won’t ride without it now.

Let me take you through everything that makes the Cardo Packtalk Edge a must-have for me, and we’ll see if it’s a must have for you (or if the Cardo Spirit makes more sense!)

Why I Love the Cardo Packtalk Edge

It Just Works

Let’s start with the simplest and most compelling reason I love the Cardo Packtalk Edge: it just works. From the moment you turn it on, everything happens seamlessly. The unit powers up, connects to your phone, and as soon as you switch your music on it starts playing through the included 40mm JBL speakers.. 

Creating a Mesh group for a ride takes no more than 30 seconds. You hold a button on each device, and just like that, you’re connected – whether you’re a pair or a pack of 10. Better yet, if a fellow rider in your group powers their unit on mid-ride, they join the Mesh network automatically, with zero interruptions to the rest of the group.

Like I said, it just works. Down to the little things.

Every detail has been designed with the rider in mind. When you turn the unit off, it announces the remaining battery life—a thoughtful feature that saves you from guessing. During a ride, it automatically adjusts the volume based on exterior noise, raising it during acceleration and lowering it at stoplights. No need to frantically lower your volume when your death metal seems to be reaching out into your eardrum with a sword.

Need to hear GPS directions or the voice of a fellow rider? The Edge smoothly lowers your music volume so you never miss critical directions or jabs, then raises it right back up when the other audio ends. 

And with a 3-year warranty to back it up, it’s clear that Cardo has absolute confidence in their product. That said, in my experience, if it works the first time you power it up, you’ll probably never need to use the warranty.

The Cardo Packtalk Edge is a companion I rely on, ride after ride.

Clear Audio and Mics

Music sings directly to the soul the same way a good ride does. That said, a bad set of helmet speakers can turn a symphony into a screeching pack of hyenas.

The Cardo Packtalk Edge stays on the right side of that divide with its 40mm speakers, developed in partnership with JBL. These provide a rich, full soundscape (from treble to bass) that stands up to the challenges of riding. Whether you’re streaming music, listening to GPS directions, or chatting on the intercom, the audio quality is crystal clear. From the thumping bass of your favorite rock anthem to the crisp highs of a podcast narrator’s voice, the sound remains impressive at all ranges and volumes.

The microphones are equally remarkable. Designed to handle the roar of wind and engine noise, they provide exceptional clarity for calls and intercom chats. One memorable example: I was on a busy highway when I took a call from my wife – when I started randomly complaining about someone coming in my lane without a turn signal, she asked me why I was watching cars from the coffee shop. She had no idea I was out riding! The noise-canceling technology is that good.

I can hear you now: But the WIND NOISE! I hear this complaint so often about using communicators. If you’re not hearing your music because of the wind noise, with a high end set of JBL 40mm drivers by your ears, this is NOT a problem with the Bluetooth unit. It’s a problem with the fit and/or quality of your helmet.

A few quick fixes for wind noise: 

1. Earplugs: a good set of earplugs will cut down a lot of the wind noise and allow your speakers to pipe the audio you want more clearly into your ears. 
2. Wired Earbuds: The Packtalk Edge (and all Cardo units!) feature a standard 3.5mm audio jack to connect the speakers to the unit. This means you can plug in a cheap set of in-ear earbuds that will seal out a lot of external noise. I ride regularly with a $10 pair from 7-11~

When it comes to sound, the Cardo Packtalk Edge leaves no room for compromise. It ensures every ride is accompanied by the soundtrack or conversation of your choosing, delivered in stunning clarity (as long as your helmet fits right!

Intercom Range [Safety Issue]

One of the standout features of the Cardo Packtalk Edge is its intercom range – I challenge you to test it as I have. 

On my tours we often have 8-10 riders spread across several miles, snaking through mountainous jungle roads. Often we are not in visual contact with even the rider in front or behind, let alone across the entire group, for hours at a time. Tight switchbacks, dense foliage, and solid earth often separated us entirely. It’s common to be completely out of cell tower range. 

But, each rider is equipped with a Cardo Packtalk Custom or Edge. 

Without the Cardos, this would be a safety hazard. If someone went down, the lead rider would have no way of knowing until they arrived at the next stop and realized some didn’t make it. 

However, with the Mesh intercom on the Packtalk Edge and its ludicrous 1.6 km / 1 mile range between each rider, we were never out of touch. This reliability isn’t just impressive—it’s invaluable, especially when riding in challenging terrain where communication can make or break the experience.

Another huge win for the Packtalk Edge is its cross-brand compatibility. Thanks to Cardo’s newly introduced universal pairing feature, you can connect the Edge to devices from other brands, like Sena. 

Whether you’re syncing a single non-Cardo unit or integrating a full Sena Mesh group into a Cardo Mesh network, the process is smooth and intuitive. For riders in mixed-brand groups, this feature removes a major pain point, ensuring everyone stays connected regardless of the communicator they use. Here’s a great video from Cardo demonstrating how to set up cross-brand pairing. 

Cardo “just works.”

Helmet Fit (and Switching)

In the box with the Cardo Packtalk Edge come two mounts (clamp and sticky) and two microphones (boom and “button” style). This allows you to install the Edge in just about any helmet, whether it’s full-face, modular, or open face. And for half helmets, you can buy a special kit with a long boom mic. 

I personally prefer using the clamp mount that comes with the Edge, as it feels more secure and durable. However, the sticky mount is an excellent option for helmets that don’t accommodate a clamp. I use the sticky mount on my Nexx helmet, and it’s held up perfectly through countless rides.

I’ve also tried the half helmet kit for a rider on one of my tours; it fit easily on his half helmet with the clamp mount. 

Switching the Edge between helmets is remarkably easy thanks to its magnetic “air mount” system. And, pro tip, you don’t even need to buy Cardo’s second helmet kit for $130 to set up a second lid. 

All you need is an extra cradle for $30 and a second set of speakers ($80) or a cheap pair of standard in-ear wired earbuds. Just use the mic and clamp from your original purchase that you aren’t using in your first helmet. You can also get extra mounts, mics, and more directly from Cardo. 

Survivability (Battery and Water!)

When it comes to durability, the Cardo Packtalk Edge is built like a tank. With an IP67 waterproof rating, this communicator has weathered everything I’ve thrown at it—heavy rains and muddy trails—without missing a beat.

One caveat: on a past tour, we encountered a hiccup with a Packtalk Custom, where water managed to infiltrate the USB-C connector. Fortunately, the Packtalk Edge’s design minimizes such vulnerabilities. Its magnetic charging contacts are cleverly concealed beneath the unit, leaving no USB-C port exposed to the elements. This design reduces the “attack surface” for water to get in and screw things up. 

Beyond its rugged weather resistance, the Edge’s battery performance is equally impressive. Cardo advertises 13 hours of usage on a single charge, and I’ve found that claim to be spot-on. On tours where I ride 3-4 hours a day with music, GPS, and intercom active, I typically go three days without needing a recharge. When you do need to top it up, the fast-charging feature is a lifesaver—just 20 minutes of charge gives you several hours of runtime.

And if you’re really pressed for time, the Packtalk Edge allows you to charge while in use. Just plug in any battery to its USB-C port and you’re set. 

Voice Commands [that Work]

I am not a fan of voice commands in general; maybe it’s PTSD from Siri being so absolute garbage for so long, but I usually never mess with voice commands for anything. 

Until I tried them on the Edge. 

The unit responds to them quickly, hears me in varying environments, and when I’m riding they really do save a lot of hassle from messing with the unit itself. 

Here are my favorite voice commands to use when riding: 

1. Volume up / Volume down
2. Next track
3. Mute/Unmute microphone **
4. Hey Siri / Hey Google… [take me to XYZ] [call my wife] etc ****

** This is an absolute LIFESAVER on group rides. There is always that one guy with a mic that keeps going hot, throwing wind noise into everyone’s ears. That rider can easily mute and unmute themselves with a voice command. 

**** I was shocked how seamless this is in 2025. Make sure you allow “Use Siri when locked” in Siri’s settings if you’re using an iPhone. 

Here’s a quick demo of me using “Hey Siri” to call a friend. 

And all the commands available on the Edge. 

What Sucks about the Cardo Packtalk Edge

Honestly, sometimes I wish it broke down more so I could learn all the settings and buttons. 

KIDDING. Thank you Cardo for making such a reliable device that just works. 

My only very slight complaint is with the magnetic “air mount”. I love how easy it is to attach the unit to the helmet – you literally just drop it in the mount.

But getting it back out again… that’s a bit tougher. You have to muscle this very stiff piece of plastic down just far enough so that you can slide the unit forward, where it runs in to the finger you’ve used to hold the plastic piece down. 

That said, it’s a minor gripe. 

Comparisons

How does the Cardo Packtalk Edge stack up vs competitors, and more importantly: which unit is better for who? 

VS Cardo Spirit

The Cardo Spirit is far less functional than the Edge. It only connects to one other rider, over Bluetooth, with much worse range. Basically if you’re out of line of sight (like around a bend), the intercom will cut out. Annoying. 

The regular Cardo Spirit is also packaged with 32mm speakers which are awful – trust me, I put some miles in with them. Get the Cardo Spirit HD for bigger 40mm speakers (though not the JBL ones).

Where the Cardo Spirit wins is on price, with the HD unit at about a third of the price of the Edge. 

If you’re only planning to ride solo and just want music and GPS directions, the Spirit will do the trick. But if you ever see yourself talking to another rider, just get the Edge. 

DEAL: Use code BTR to get 10% OFF Cardo EDGE, Neo, Spirit and Freecom line devices on Cardo’s shop.

Cardo Spirit HD Bluetooth Comms System	Cardo Packtalk Edge Motorcycle Intercom
Great for rider-passenger or going out with a buddy - as long as you're always near each other. Excellent, high-value comms unit.	The Gold Standard in motorcycle communication units. Simple to use, rugged and reliable, with premium sound and long battery life.
Affordable Waterproof Music, Intercom, GPS work flawlessly	Waterproof Music, Intercom, GPS work flawlessly Large group intercom with long range
Max 2 Intercom Participants Short range (600m)	Pricey
10% Off (Code: BTR)	10% Off (Code: BTR)
Check Price on Revzilla	Check Price on Revzilla

Cardo Spirit HD Bluetooth Comms System

Great for rider-passenger or going out with a buddy - as long as you're always near each other. Excellent, high-value comms unit.

• Affordable
• Waterproof
• Music, Intercom, GPS work flawlessly

• Max 2 Intercom Participants
• Short range (600m)

10% Off (Code: BTR)

Check Price on Revzilla

Cardo Packtalk Edge Motorcycle Intercom

The Gold Standard in motorcycle communication units. Simple to use, rugged and reliable, with premium sound and long battery life.

• Waterproof
• Music, Intercom, GPS work flawlessly
• Large group intercom with long range

• Pricey

10% Off (Code: BTR)

Check Price on Revzilla

VS Cardo Packtalk Custom

I’m a big fan of the Cardo Packtalk Custom, and I use it in my tour company as the standard device for communication. It’s basically a Packtalk Edge, but with subscription packages to unlock some features like Bluetooth connectivity to Bluetooth-only communicators and non-Cardo communicators like Sena units. You get similar sounding 40mm “HD” speakers, mics, and mounts in the box – however the base plate where the unit snaps in is not the same “air mount” as the Edge. 

If you’re only ever riding with people using Cardos, this is a decent option.

Cardo Packtalk Custom Upgradable Mesh Motorcycle Communication System

$199.99

Pros:

• 15+ rider intercom over Mesh
• 10+ hour battery life
• Half the price of similar units
• Connects to phone for music, GPS

Cons:

• Upgrade required for Bluetooth intercom (only when connecting to old units or Senas)

10% Off (Code: BTR) Check Price on Revzilla

We may earn commissions if you make a purchase. This keeps our site ad-free and never sponsored.

Cardo Packtalk Edge Motorcycle Intercom

$359.96

The Gold Standard in motorcycle communication units. Simple to use, rugged and reliable, with premium sound and long battery life.

10% Off (Code: BTR) Check Price on Revzilla

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

VS Sena 60S

To be perfectly honest, I haven’t had a chance to get my hands on a 60S and don’t know anyone who has one yet. I recommend Cardo to too many people!

Sena has stepped up their game in recent years with their Harman Kardon partnership for speakers and mics and mesh intercom tech that matches what Cardo has. It does seem their single unit pack is also packed with speakers and mics for two helmets, which is pretty awesome. 

Aside from that, you basically get the same specs as a Cardo Packtalk Edge (even a magnetic mount) with a gimmicky flashlight and customizable “RideGlow” LED on the side of the unit. 

If you have any experiences with the Sena 60S, please let us know in the comments!

Best Deal on the Cardo Packtalk Edge

Whether you’re riding on-road or off, solo or in a pack, I highly recommend the Cardo Packtalk Edge. Or really any unit from Cardo. I use the Edge on my solo rides and both the Packtalk Edge and Packtalk Custom on my tours. 

So where can you find the best deal?

DEAL: Use code BTR to get 10% OFF Cardo EDGE, Neo, Spirit and Freecom line devices on Cardo’s shop.

Cardo Packtalk Edge Motorcycle Intercom

$359.96

The Gold Standard in motorcycle communication units. Simple to use, rugged and reliable, with premium sound and long battery life.

10% Off (Code: BTR) Check Price on Revzilla

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The post The Cardo Packtalk Edge: The Most Boring (and Best) Motorcycle Gadget I Own first appeared on It's Better On The Road.

Riders are angry, thinking this subscription model is just a sneaky attempt to wring extra cash out of riders. 

But what Cardo really offers with the Custom is more flexibility, which should be hailed as a great thing. 

Instead of buying a cheaper Cardo Spirit or Freecom and being out of luck when wanting to connect to bigger groups over a mesh network, or buying a pricey Packtalk Edge just to rarely use the premium features, Cardo is offering something in the middle with the option to pay for those premium features only when you need them. 

The Cardo Packtalk Custom is a fantastic choice for the right type of rider – the only question is: Are you the right type of rider for the Cardo Packtalk Custom? 

Read on to find out, but I also explain all my experiences and knowledge on these units after three years using them in my video review below.

I’ll cut to the chase first, and you can read on if you want the full rundown and “why” behind my thoughts: 

The Cardo Packtalk Custom is a fantastic choice for these types of riders: 

• Cardo Maximalists: All your riding buddies are using Cardo DMC Mesh units. 
• Occasional Group Riders: You only go on a handful of group rides a year
• Seasonal Riders: Your riding season is only 3-4 months a year, and you don’t use your Bluetooth unit outside of that season. 

If that’s you and you’re satisfied, you can pick up the Cardo Packtalk Custom below. Keep reading for my why. 

Cardo Packtalk Custom Upgradable Mesh Motorcycle Communication System

$199.99

Pros:

• 15+ rider intercom over Mesh
• 10+ hour battery life
• Half the price of similar units
• Connects to phone for music, GPS

Cons:

• Upgrade required for Bluetooth intercom (only when connecting to old units or Senas)

10% Off (Code: BTR) Check Price on Revzilla

We may earn commissions if you make a purchase. This keeps our site ad-free and never sponsored.

DEAL: Use code BTR to get 10% OFF Cardo EDGE, Neo, Spirit and Freecom line devices on Cardo’s shop.

What it Does and Doesn’t Do

The Cardo Packtalk custom is a very powerful unit right out of the box. No subscription needed. You get everything you’d expect from a basic helmet unit for solo riding: speakers and mic that connect wirelessly to your phone for music, GPS, calls and FM radio. 

You also get Cardo’s DMC Mesh intercom protocol, completely unlocked, ready to roll without any subscription payments. So if your whole crew is rocking Cardo units that run their DMC Mesh protocol, you’re set, no subscription necessary. 

Side note: This is why the Custom is the workhorse of our tour company, Ride of Passage. Every rider gets kitted out with a Custom, so we can all stay connected throughout the ride. No hassles connecting everyone together, and we carry all the spare parts to fix any problem on the road. 

Cardo’s DMC is incredible, but I’ll get into that later. 

Subscription Gated Features

The subscription controls a bunch of premium features, but three stand out to me:

1. Bluetooth Intercom: Allowing you to set up an intercom with communicators that don’t use Cardo’s DMC Mesh protocol: Cardo Spirit or Freecoms, or other brands like Sena. 
2. Voice Commands: Personally I find being able to use Siri and mute/unmute my mic or change the song with just my voice is a super nice capability. 
3. Second Bluetooth Connection: Allowing you to connect another device to your Custom other than your phone: for example your bike’s entertainment system, or a GPS unit. 

Here are all the features gated by the subscription, at each tier. Silver is $2.99/month, Gold $4.99, Platinum $6.99.

And subscriptions are month to month at those prices. You can also pay annually for a slight discount. 

I’ve played with the other features like Audio Profiles and Eco Mode. I’d be fine without them. 

Highlights

Mesh Connectivity Standard

Cardo’s DMC Mesh comes standard on the Custom, without any subscription package necessary.

Mesh allows you to connect up to 15 units together for seamless communication – there is no “group leader” and there is no riding order, riders can move around and even drop out of range to seamlessly reconnect when back in range. 

We use the Cardo Custom as the standard comms device for our tour company because there is nothing else on the market quite as easy to use, durable, and affordable. It takes literally 30 seconds to connect every unit together: turn them all on and hold down one button on each for 5 seconds, and they’re instantly connected. 

Then every morning we all power up and boom, we’re able to communicate. When everyone is quiet we enjoy our music and the scenery. When there’s something to talk about, just speak and the audio comes through clearly. 

These units have a range of 1 mile (1.6 km) between each rider, and that’s fairly accurate in my experience using these on tours. We’re often all out of line of sight, carving tight mountain roads with thick earth between us, and the lead is always in communication with the tail. 

Without these units, making sure everyone is staying together on a tour of this size (let alone bigger) would ruin the fun of riding these roads. If you’ve ever had to rely on a less robust intercom, you’ll know the frustration of losing contact as soon as the road takes a twist or a hill rises between riders. The PackTalk Custom eliminates that headache.

Rider-Centric Design

Cardo knocks it out of the park on the small details with this unit (and all their units, to be honest). The controls and operation are simple; another reason I use these on my tours. Just power them on, they connect up immediately and music+GPS will automatically play through them. Simple scroll wheel for volume. 

And speaking of volume, this unit has adaptive volume that not only lowers music volume for GPS directions or intercom conversation, it raises and lowers the volume depending on external noise. Hit the onramp and accelerate to cruising speed? Your music will rise to the occasion. Pull off and hit a stoplight? Your music will lower to a comfortable volume. 

For group rides or when navigating through dense environments, this makes a noticeable difference in maintaining clear communication and just enjoying the ride without the constant need for manual volume adjustment.

And of course the Packtalk Custom is IP67 waterproof rated, meaning the unit can handle a beating from the elements. Plus, if it does suffer water damage, Cardo will replace it within their 2-year warranty period for the Custom. 

Stellar Battery Life

Cardo advertises the Custom’s battery life as 13 hours. 

That’s actually accurate. 

I own 7 of these units and regularly use them on tours in all kinds of conditions, with intercom, music, and GPS going at once. With 3-4 hours of riding a day, they will last 2-3 days. 

Solid endurance on that battery. 

Crisp Sound

Clear communication is the backbone of any good intercom system, and the PackTalk Custom delivers. Whether you’re having a quick chat with a fellow rider or taking an important call, the sound quality is crisp and clear over the 40mm “HD” speakers Cardo includes in the box. 

But the microphones are the real star of this setup: the noise cancelling in the microphones is so good I’ve had callers surprised to hear that I’m talking to them while riding a motorcycle. 

Speaking of wind noise, the PackTalk Custom (and other Cardo units) has a trick up its sleeve. The speaker connector for the unit is a standard 3.5mm audio jack, meaning you can swap in your own earbuds or helmet speakers. When I’m riding in a loud helmet (like my Nexx X.Wed3 Adventure helmet) I often ride with a $10 pair of in-ear headphones from 7-11, which reduces wind noise massively. 

Seamless Integration with Any Helmet

No matter what kind of helmet you ride with, the PackTalk Custom will fit it. It’s compatible with full-face helmets, half-helmets, and everything in between, with clamp and sticky mounts so you can find the right fit. 

The inclusion of both boom and button microphones in the box also gives you flexibility depending on your riding style or helmet setup. And, the option to run one unit in two helmets without too much trouble switching the unit!

I can run the Cardo Packtalk Custom on two helmets with just the kit included with one unit. 

Things to Consider: Subscription and Beyond

Subscription Model – Right for You?

I’ll be honest, I’ve found myself frustrated with the Custom’s subscription model at times. It’s not a great feeling when you’re all geared up and go to twist the throttle, only to find you need to claw your phone out of a bag and put in your card details so you can connect to your buddies over Bluetooth. 

That said, if you understand what you’re getting, the Cardo Packtalk Custom can be a great value. 

For instance, let’s say you ride seasonally, just three months in the summer. You could buy a Packtalk Edge for $400, or you could buy the Custom for $270 and spend $7 per month – $21 for your year – to get very similar features from the Custom. 

It would take over 6 years for the Custom plus its subscription payments to push you past the $400 up front cost for the Edge, and by that time you’d probably want a new unit anyway! 

Of course if there are “premium” features you’re going to need often, like Bluetooth intercom (for say, connecting to a buddy’s Sena) or connecting to a second Bluetooth accessory like a GPS unit or your bike’s entertainment system, the Custom may not be right for you. 

The subscription costs range from $3 to $7 per month depending on the tier, and it’s a month-to-month model, which gives you flexibility. That said, if you don’t mind spending a bit more upfront for a more feature-packed unit, the PackTalk Edge could be a more straightforward alternative. With the Edge, you won’t need to worry about paying for upgrades as all the premium features are included right out of the box.

Cable Connector Issues

The only gripe I have with the Cardo Custom is the cable connection mechanism. That little USB-C port on the back means 1) you can’t charge while the unit is in use and 2) water getting in there might screw up your music or intercom (temporarily).

I had this issue on a tour, and while I’m not certain it was water, I’m confident. On the second day of this tour we hit a lot of rain, and identified that one unit was causing some very irritating feedback that everyone could hear in the intercom group. Everyone’s units were soaked, and my suspicion is that water caused the issue. We never experienced it again on the ride after that day. It could very well have been a one-off situation or an issue with a faulty cable.

The Packtalk Edge Air Mount is a much better design.

Comparisons

VS Packtalk Edge

The Packtalk Edge has everything you could ask for from a Bluetooth comms unit aside from the Crash Detection available on the Packtalk Pro! 

No subscription required, you can set up intercom over Bluetooth or Cardo’s DMC Mesh, you get voice commands, a super convenient magnetic Air Mount, dual-channel Bluetooth accessory connection, and more. 

But of course you pay much more for this unit, around $400 vs $270 for the Packtalk Custom. 

If you’re more budget conscious and don’t think you’ll use Bluetooth intercom, the second Bluetooth accessory channel or other “premium” features all that much, get the Custom. Put the money you saved towards a better helmet!

If you’re going to need those premium features more than half the time, the Edge might be worth it. I’ve loved the voice commands on it even when riding along (which are part of the Custom’s subscription). 

DEAL: Use code BTR to get 10% OFF Cardo EDGE, Neo, Spirit and Freecom line devices on Cardo’s shop.

Cardo Packtalk Edge Motorcycle Intercom

$359.96

The Gold Standard in motorcycle communication units. Simple to use, rugged and reliable, with premium sound and long battery life.

10% Off (Code: BTR) Check Price on Revzilla

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

VS Cardo Spirit 

The Spirit is Cardo’s entry-level model, and I love it – I took this unit on a solo ride across the USA, putting it through Southern rains in May and Nevada deserts in July. 

The Spirit does all the basics of music, GPS and calls super well, and allows for connection to one other rider over Bluetooth, albeit with a short range of 0.4 miles (600 meters). That said, it doesn’t perform well when your buddy is out of line of sight (lots of dropped connections). 

If you’re absolutely never going to want to do a group ride where you’d be connected with other riders in an intercom group, the Spirit is a good option. 

But if maybe, just maybe, you’ll do that group ride: get the Custom. Then you won’t have to buy a completely new unit just to join up with a larger intercom group. 

Cardo Spirit HD Bluetooth Comms System

$143.96

The Cardo Spirit HD Bluetooth Communication System is an excellent choice for riders seeking a reliable and feature-rich intercom without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Waterproof
• Music, Intercom, GPS work flawlessly

Cons:

• Max 2 Intercom Participants
• Short range (600m)

10% Off (Code: BTR) Check Price on Revzilla

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

VS Sena Spider ST1 & RT1

The Sena Spider ST1 and RT1 are essentially Sena’s version of the Packtalk Custom, but without the upgradability that Cardo offers with their subscription models. The ST1 has a jog dial and removes from its mount, whereas the RT1 has three buttons and velcros right to the helmet (annoying to remove). 

The Spider units are mesh only, meaning no ability to connect to other intercoms over Bluetooth – only other Sena units over Sena’s proprietary Mesh protocol. 

Additionally, the Spider units have a lower IP65 rating for water and dust protection, which means these units are only water resistant, not waterproof – so Sena is not obligated to replace them for water damage under warranty. Cardo, on the other hand, does have to replace the Custom due to its IP67 waterproof rating if the unit suffers water damage. 

The proprietary speaker connector means no 3.5mm jack that you can put any set of helmet speakers or earbuds into. The Spiders do have voice commands but they’re very limited: just speed dial and asking the battery level. 

I would say go for these only if your riding crew is already all using Senas. Otherwise, set the standard for your crew with the more flexible Cardo Packtalk Custom or another in that series, like the Edge or Neo. 

Jog Dial	Buttons
Sena Spider ST1 Motorcycle Mesh Comms System	Sena Spider RT1 Low Profile Motorcycle Mesh Comms System
Jog dial and two button layout Mesh-only (no Bluetooth comms) Removable from helmet to charge and update	Simplified layout with 3 buttons Mesh-only (no Bluetooth comms) Fastened to the helmet - can't remove to charge
Check Price on Amazon	Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Revzilla	Check Price on Revzilla

Jog Dial

Sena Spider ST1 Motorcycle Mesh Comms System

• Jog dial and two button layout
• Mesh-only (no Bluetooth comms)
• Removable from helmet to charge and update

Check Price on Amazon

Check Price on Revzilla

Buttons

Sena Spider RT1 Low Profile Motorcycle Mesh Comms System

• Simplified layout with 3 buttons
• Mesh-only (no Bluetooth comms)
• Fastened to the helmet - can't remove to charge

Check Price on Amazon

Check Price on Revzilla

Flexibility

The Cardo Packtalk Custom should be loved by riders for its flexibility. 

I think it’s just misunderstood, and that’s why I wanted to lay out all the details in this article and my video below, so you don’t accidentally buy the wrong unit for you. 

If you know what you’re getting into, the Custom can save you a lot of dough!

DEAL: Use code BTR to get 10% OFF Cardo EDGE, Neo, Spirit and Freecom line devices on Cardo’s shop.

Cardo Packtalk Custom Upgradable Mesh Motorcycle Communication System

$199.99

Pros:

• 15+ rider intercom over Mesh
• 10+ hour battery life
• Half the price of similar units
• Connects to phone for music, GPS

Cons:

• Upgrade required for Bluetooth intercom (only when connecting to old units or Senas)

10% Off (Code: BTR) Check Price on Revzilla

We may earn commissions if you make a purchase. This keeps our site ad-free and never sponsored.

The post Cardo PackTalk Custom Review: Premium Flexibility without the Price Tag first appeared on It's Better On The Road.

But your reality might be like mine, before I bought the best helmet speakers (the Cardo JBL 45mm kit): Your helmet speakers are turned up to 11, yet you’re not catching melodies or lyrics, you’re catching tinny screeches screaming in to your ears in vain against the wind, road and engine noise. Is this a playlist of dial up internet tones?

I’ve lived that life on a ride across America, and it was awful.

Now I use the Cardo JBL 45mm speaker set for every ride, plugged in to my Packtalk Edge. And thanks to my deal with Cardo, you can get 10% off most Cardo units with code “BTR“. I’m upgrading to the Packtalk Pro soon, since it comes with those legendary 45mm speakers in the box as well as auto on/off and crash detection.

The investment in that new speakers set was worth every penny. The difference between low-end, small speakers and professional, big woofers is night and day in any motorcycle helmet speaker system.

But spotting that difference from a checkout page? Next to impossible.

This list of the best motorcycle helmet speakers comes from many hours getting an earful of pain. I’ve also personally tested all the sets on this page, and a few more.

That and a few conversations with other riders, and we have five helmet speakers that deliver beautiful sound no matter your speed. Here are the rankings from top to bottom:

Best Overall	Cardo JBL 45mm Helmet Speaker Set The best of the best, this collaboration with audio giant JBL gives you a set of speakers that's always booming and crisp, never tinny. 5.0	Check Price on Revzilla Check Price on Amazon
Biggest Drivers	UClear Digital HDX 47mm Helmet Speakers The biggest drivers (47mm) currently on the market in any helmet speakers, bumping out high volume and deep bass. 4.8	Check Price on Motosport Check Price on Amazon
Budget	HDS10X 40mm Diameter Speakers by UClear A solid set of 40mm speakers from a brand that's known for high value speakers and audio for riding. 4.2	Check Price on Motosport
Super Budget	IASUS XS2.1R Helmet Speakers with 3.5mm jack These 40mm speakers are a solid upgrade from the standard speakers (often 30mm) shipped with most budget intercoms, at a price that can't be beat. 3.6	Check Price on Amazon

Best Overall

Cardo JBL 45mm Helmet Speaker Set

The best of the best, this collaboration with audio giant JBL gives you a set of speakers that's always booming and crisp, never tinny.

5.0

Check Price on Revzilla

Check Price on Amazon

Biggest Drivers

UClear Digital HDX 47mm Helmet Speakers

The biggest drivers (47mm) currently on the market in any helmet speakers, bumping out high volume and deep bass.

4.8

Check Price on Motosport

Check Price on Amazon

Budget

HDS10X 40mm Diameter Speakers by UClear

A solid set of 40mm speakers from a brand that's known for high value speakers and audio for riding.

4.2

Check Price on Motosport

Super Budget

IASUS XS2.1R Helmet Speakers with 3.5mm jack

These 40mm speakers are a solid upgrade from the standard speakers (often 30mm) shipped with most budget intercoms, at a price that can't be beat.

3.6

Check Price on Amazon

I’ve been using the Cardo + JBL 45mm helmet speakers for over three years now, and I can confidently say they are the best value on the market and sound better than speakers twice their price. Plus, you can use them with any motorcycle headset that supports a 3.5mm headphone jack. I first used these with the Cardo Spirit on part of that motorcycle trip across America.

In fact since the Cardo external units are waterproof, you could even use a Cardo Spirit plus the 45mm JBL kit for extreme sports like skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling – though the speakers themselves are not waterproof.

If you’re out there skiing or snowboarding, really shredding it and want an entirely waterproof setup, take a look at the Syphon SoundPro. Those speakers themselves are also waterproof, the cords are reinforced, and the unit is easy to slip in and out of different helmets. Perfect system for extreme sports, just not the best option for motorcycling specifically.

The Best Bluetooth Speakers for Motorcycle Helmet

Use any of these options below to bump tunes in your helmet from your phone, through a Bluetooth communicator like a Sena or Cardo unit. Just make sure you have a quiet helmet to put them in, or the wind and engine noise from your ride will overcome even the most powerful set of speakers.

JBL and Cardo 45mm Motorcycle Audio Kit

It’s time for my personal favorite. My daily driver. The one and only. The glorious love child of JBL and Cardo.

JBL is a big brand with a big reputation. Their portable speakers like the CHARGE 6 are the most contagious thing in gadgets these days.

You can’t walk through a park in America without spotting at least one JBL speaker punching out bass above its weight class.

Bluetooth motorcycle headset brand Cardo was smart enough to knock on JBL’s door for help with speakers. They teamed up to create a set of motorcycle helmet speakers that could keep you enjoying music and podcasts in any environment, and boy did they succeed.

The top spec unit they produce is the 45mm Audio Set.

It’s not much to look at: but the sound quality is like Avatar in Dolby audio at the IMAX theatre. You could be riding in a hurricane: this unit will deliver GPS directions, your kid’s voice on the phone, soft-spoken podcasts, other voices over intercom, and heavy metal clearly and reliably through wind noise and more whether you’re in a full face helmet or half.

I have personally run this set through:

• High winds on the I-70 interstate on a 103ci Ultra Limited
• Bangkok city traffic on a straightpiped supermoto
• Torrential rain in Tennessee on that 103ci Harley
• Redlining a CBR650

I’ve tested everything from murder podcasts to Chicago hip hop to the voices of my buddies riding behind me. At medium volume, this unit created a recording studio around me.

Everything came through with brilliant highs, booming lows, and clear mids. I could enjoy the ride without picking the ‘right’ music, blasting the volume, or turning it off altogether. Perfect sound quality.

You might be wondering – can you hear anything else??

The simple answer is yes. I can still hear road noise around me and the sweet sound of my pipes. However, it’s in the background behind whatever else I’m listening to. Just enough that I can hear it, but it’s not overpowering.

If you’re disappointed with these, I really don’t know what to say. You’ll just never be happy!

Order these, close your laptop, and get back on your bike. All your problems are solved, until your bike needs servicing again.

Cardo JBL 45mm Audio Set for All Bluetooth Headsets

$89.96

Pros:

• Booming sound
• No tinny highs
• Clear for intercom, music, GPS

Check Price on Revzilla Check Price on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

IASUS XSound 4 Helmet Speakers

At 125dB max volume, these are the loudest motorcycle helmet speakers on our list.

But did I say it’s the best? No!

For one, anything over 100 dB is causing more hearing damage than enjoyment, even at 120mph on the – uhh – track. 125dB is about like an air horn going off next to you right now.

If you’re wearing earplugs, that level of acoustic power will keep you hearing your music clearly in any conditions. It’ll make sure music, podcasts, phone calls, and intercom all come through loud and clear, so that’s a plus.

The other plus is the speaker design: for one, these speakers are just 9.9mm thick. That probably doesn’t mean much to you, but suffice it to say that’s incredibly thin for 45mm speakers (thinner than the Cardo JBL kit). Why do you care? That means no rubbing against your ears – a huge plus for me as I don’t have to take an exacto knife to the extremely expensive padding of a Nexx helmet again.

These speakers also come fitted with an “acoustic flex” cushioning around them for better sound isolation and a more comfortable fit. That cushion basically sits right up next to your ear to block other noises out and filter all the sweet goodness of whatever you actually want to hear right in to your eardrums.

With a Kevlar extension cord, you won’t have any wear issues like many experience with our next contender – the Uclear set. Kevlar can stop bullets; so it can handle anyone’s riding.

Upgrade the speakers in your existing Bluetooth unit or use the included extension cord to run these right to your phone.

High Def XSound 4 Helmet Speakers by IASUS

$159.00 $119.00

45mm drivers put out great sound, but the unique element with this set is the speaker design which cups the ears for better sound.

Pros:

• Unique design
• Powerful volume
• Includes extension cord

Check Price on Amazon

We may earn commissions if you make a purchase. This keeps our site ad-free and never sponsored.

06/07/2025 07:36 am GMT

UClear Digital HDS10X

With its 40mm drivers hitting an impressive max volume of 122 dB – more than a jackhammer or power saw – this set of speakers has the power to deliver sound at any speed.

Unfortunately, Uclear’s sound quality is where the “quality” ends with this set. Which is a shame considering they’ve had several years to work the details.

They get a few things right, as the sound quality is great and I love the long extension cord that allows me to plug that 3.5mm jack right in to my phone without any Bluetooth fuss.

However, everyone I’ve ever talked to says the cord breaks every six months, like clockwork. And the 20mm thick speakers are twice as thick as most others – crushing many people’s ears in a full face helmet.

Sure, the UClear Digital HDS10X costs less than the Cardo and JBL 45mm kit. And you can use the controls on the cord to skip songs instead of fumbling in your pocket at 85mph and flying off the interstate.

But don’t come crying to me when it’s impossible to listen to music due to a broken wire.

UClear Digital HDS10X 40mm Helmet Speakers

$53.70

Pros:

• High dB max volume
• Affordable

Cons:

• Low quality cord
• Thick speakers can push on ears

Check Price on Motosport Check Price on Amazon

We may earn commissions if you make a purchase. This keeps our site ad-free and never sponsored.

IASUS XSound 2.1 Helmet Speakers

The XSound 2.1 are the Toyota to the High Def XSound 4’s Lexus. While the 4 is powerful and luxurious, the 2.1 costs a heck of a lot less and will still cross the Sahara with you without skipping a beat.

These 40mm speakers pump out big sound at a fair price. According to a few contributors in our network who have tried these (and almost 1,000 Amazon reviews) these deliver strong bass and clear mids/highs. The listening experience isn’t quite what Cardo and JBL are putting out, but it’s decent sound quality.

The kit comes with an extension wire measuring a meter long, so you can pop these out of the box and get right on the road with your tunes. No Bluetooth setup or extra cord required, unless of course you want to intercom with other riders.

When you compare the XS2 to the Uclear speakers, you definitely get a better range across the bass, treble, and mids despite maxing out at 98 dB – similar to a car horn at 15 feet away. 

However, you may require more oomph if you’re regularly riding on the highway or confronting high winds and wanting to listen to music with clear sound quality. More powerful drivers like those in the JBL + Cardo set or the iASUS XSound 4 have you covered.

That said, the XS2 costs almost half what my favorite goes for, the JBL + Cardo 45mm set. So it’s worth picking up if you have a well-sealing helmet or aren’t riding in crazy loud conditions.

IASUS XS2.1R Helmet Speakers

$49.95 $39.95

Pros:

• Cheap as chips
• Decent max volume

Cons:

• Lacking sound quality

Check Price on Amazon

We may earn commissions if you make a purchase. This keeps our site ad-free and never sponsored.

06/07/2025 06:12 am GMT

Alternatives to Drop-in Speakers for Your Motorcycle Helmet

There’s always something to hate about anything you love.

So what do I HATE about my Cardo and JBL 45mm set?

They’re a pain to move from helmet to helmet!

What solves this?

EARBUDS!

A good set of earbuds will keep your music and podcasts with you everywhere, from rides to flights to drowning out your screaming kids.

The downsides? Fitting, falls, and no option to connect to a bluetooth headset.

Earbuds can be hard to fit inside a helmet, causing a lot of pain as they push on your ear canal. More pain, more PISSED, higher chance you do something stupid and land yourself in the hospital.

Earbuds are also prone to falling out of ears, never to be seen again. And they cost a pretty penny to replace!

If you can live with that risk, here are some of your options. 

AirPods

Say what you will about Apple, but the AirPods are nearly the perfect audio device.

• Clear sound without excessive volume
• No cords to snag on anything.
• Just put them in your ears and go – absolutely seamless connection to Apple products.
• Comfortable even in a tight helmet with their small size

All for around the price of a mid-range Bluetooth communicator and speakers. And you can use them off the bike, too.

Sign me up.

Now I burst your bubble. Aside from looking like a Pokemon, with AirPods in your helmet you’re at the mercy of your music’s shuffle. You can’t control your volume or skip songs.

Second, you might find your music cuts out mid-ride from a dead battery. These little beans only last about 4-6 hours, depending on how old they are.

4-6 hours is a lot less than the UNLIMITED hours you get from a wired set of speakers. Even a Bluetooth headset like the Cardo Packtalk Edge give closer to 13 hours of battery, and can be recharged in use. Plus, with a Bluetooth headset you have the ability to talk to your fellow riders over intercom.

However, if you don’t mind taking a break to pop these back in the charging case, they’ll last you for a day’s ride at least.

The sound quality really is in a league of its own versus helmet speakers. They’re a perfect audio option for most riders, and you can use them off the road too.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds

$249.00 $169.00

High-performance earbuds with personalized sound, noise cancellation, and hearing-enhancing features.

Pros:

• 24+ hours charge with case
• Active noise cancelling
• USB-C and Magsafe charging
• Works with Apple and Android

Cons:

• High price for casual users

Check Price on Amazon

We may earn commissions if you make a purchase. This keeps our site ad-free and never sponsored.

06/07/2025 08:05 am GMT

Beats Flex

As much as I love AirPods, I never would have lost that left AirPod had I used my Beats Flex.

They solved the whole disappearing bean problem by wiring the two earbuds together, just like old times.

I love riding with these because they have a set of controls conveniently located on my neck. Hate that song? Skip it. Dad calling? Pick it up.

What these buds lack in active noise-cancelling they make up for in bass. Beats has a reputation to live up to, after all.

The battery should last through a whole day of riding – the Sound Guys got over 10 hours of life out of them (11).

If cost is important for you, these are also significantly cheaper than AirPods with similar audio quality.

If you’re prone to losing earbuds or you can’t stand when that Taylor Swift album you (accidentally, I swear!) liked one time comes on shuffle, pick up the Beats.

Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds

$69.95 $49.00

Pros:

• 12 hour battery
• Built-in microphone
• Wire so you don't lose them

Cons:

• That wire...

Check Price on Amazon

We may earn commissions if you make a purchase. This keeps our site ad-free and never sponsored.

06/07/2025 04:50 am GMT

Testing Criteria

This article is based on initial impressions of all of these speaker sets, but we are working on a full test with the following methodology and specifications:

We are looking at each set across a number of dimensions:

1. Sound Quality
2. Volume (across the frequency range)
3. Comfort
4. Installation ease

To ensure consistency in results, we’re using the same head (mine) and the same helmet to evaluate each set of speakers: my Shoei RF-SR. Every test will feature the helmet speakers plugged in to a Packtalk Edge communicator connected to an iPhone 15 Pro playing music and podcasts through the Spotify app.

To truly see what each set of helmet speakers can do, I’ve compiled a playlist of music from across genres: Rock and country with clear vocals/instruments, electronic with high highs, classical for dynamic range, hip hop for deep bass, and pop for general balance. I will also listen to the same podcasts from How I Built This.

Baseline tests will be conducted in my office with the AC off (nearly silent), while riding tests will be conducted in tight city traffic (in Bangkok), small rural roads and larger highways at a variety of speeds and with the helmet’s visor both open and closed. Bikes used will be a Honda ADV160 and a Yamaha Tracer 9 GT.

FAQs

What are the best helmet speakers for music?

The best helmet speakers for music are the Cardo 45 mm JBL kit. These speakers belt out impressive volume and their 45mm size gives them a whopping 27% more surface area than the leading 40mm speakers from other brands: meaning more dynamic range from deep bass to popping highs. Whether you’re listening to crooning blues ballads or screeching Katy Perry, you’ll hear it all loud and clear on the Cardo 45mm JBL kit. I use these speakers myself every day.

Cardo JBL 45mm Audio Set for All Bluetooth Headsets

$89.96

Pros:

• Booming sound
• No tinny highs
• Clear for intercom, music, GPS

Check Price on Revzilla Check Price on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Are the Syphon SoundPro Ultra Thin speakers any good?

The Syphon SoundPro Ultra Thin speakers are controversial: I’ve heard them called the Syphon Scampro, but that might be going a bit far from what I’ve heard. Here’s what you need to know:

This set of speakers is more meant for helmet-mounted music than comms. They have no intercom capability and the microphone (set in one of the speakers) is next to useless for calls.

The pros are that the whole system is waterproof and the speakers are under 10mm thick (read: thinner than anything on our list) which means no pain from rubbing against your ears. The external wheel for music controls makes it simple to change songs and pick up calls without taking your mind off the road ahead.

A friend of mine in Idaho recently picked these up and says the audio quality is on par with the iASUS XSound 4 and Cardo JBL 45mm kits he has. That means clear sound in any conditions, from a wheelie on the highway to high winds on a bridge.

Known mostly in the extreme sports world, Syphon has recently taken the motorcycling world by storm with the SoundPro.

What’s the big kicker?

The PRICE. It’s way out of whack. At $200, it’s $30 more than buying a Cardo Spirit WITH JBL’s epic 45mm speaker kit, but Syphon’s kit won’t connect to other Bluetooth headsets for intercom or work with your phone’s voice assistant. You could also pick up the PackTalk Outdoor if you want this set for skiing or another outdoor activity.

For ski and snowboard riders the rugged Syphon SoundPro makes sense, but for motorcycle riders like us a Cardo unit is a much better investment.

What are the loudest motorcycle helmet speakers?

The Cardo 45 mm JBL speakers are the loudest motorcycle helmet speakers, reaching 120 dB similar to a loud rock concert. But decibels aren’t everything — clarity also matters, and this is where the JBL-designed speakers shine. The extra 5mm driver size over the Cardo Packtalk Edge’s 40 mm JBL speakers means a better range of frequency from deep bass to clear mid and highs. I use these speakers myself on the daily and absolutely love them.

Here’s an actual test with my 1 year old 45mm JBL speakers, hooked up to a PackTalk Custom and blasting some 90s country music at full volume. Still hitting 90+ decibels, which is plenty. I ride at about half volume, so add on wind and engine noise and I am probably at about 90 decibels during rides sans earplugs.

Check the chart as well – exposing your ears to 100+dB sound for prolonged periods is not good for your hearing! After a year of daily use these speakers are still pumping out sound as well as the day I opened the package.

Cardo JBL 45mm Audio Set for All Bluetooth Headsets

$89.96

Pros:

• Booming sound
• No tinny highs
• Clear for intercom, music, GPS

Check Price on Revzilla Check Price on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Are motorcycle helmet speakers legal?

Motorcycle helmet speakers are generally legal, and treated similarly to speakers mounted on your motorcycle. But it all depends on your state’s laws.

Using earbuds or headphones is more likely to be illegal in your area. A motorcycle helmet speaker system does not seal to the ear, so they skirt around those laws.

What if even helmet speakers are illegal in your area? Mount some speakers on your motorcycle. Boss Audio Systems can help.

How do you connect speakers to a motorcycle helmet?

Speakers connect to the inside of your helmet with velcro stickers. Every speaker set we’ve looked at comes with both sides of the velcro you need.

First, you’ll stick one side down to the insides of your helmet, in the recesses that sit over your ears. Then you’ll stick the other velcroto the back of each speaker.

Put the left speaker on the left side and right on right. Adjust accordingly so the speakers sit right over your ears with the helmet on.

You’re good to go. Enjoy the concert hall in your helmet!

And fun fact: some newer Bluetooth units and motorcycle cameras can connect to allow recording your intercom conversation right with your ride video. Sleek.

What’s the best motorcycle helmet with bluetooth speakers?

The best motorcycle helmet with bluetooth speakers in 2023 is the Sena Stryker, hands down. The Sena Stryker is an all-in-one smart helmet bringing you the top-of-the-line Sena entertainment and mesh networking system in to your helmet, with no dangling wires or units hanging off the side. This helmet has Sena’s 40mm speakers integrated which were built by Harman Kardon, the legendary car audio system manufacturer. It also includes an integrated tail light and boasts a whopping 17+ hours of battery life.

Sena Stryker Mesh Intercom Helmet

Top of the line Sena intercom, sound by Harman Kardon, sun visor, even a tail light... what's not to love?

Pros:

• Mesh & Bluetooth built-in
• Harman Kardon speakers and mic
• Drop-down sun visor
• LED tail light
• 18 hour battery life

Cons:

• Can't upgrade the communicator

Check Price on Revzilla Check Price on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

How can I improve my helmet speakers?

Most Bluetooth headset come with awful speakers – buy one from iASUS or Cardo + JBL to instantly improve that sound.

Installation is easier than putting on pants in the morning: just unplug your old ones and plug in the new ones.

Just need a volume boost? Pick up the Neoteck Portable 3.5mm Amplifier.

Bose motorcycle helmet speakers – are they any good?

Unfortunately Bose does not make helmet speakers for us to enjoy while we’re riding our freedom machines. However, the Cardo 45mm JBL kit comes about as close to a Bose home theater as you can get inside a motorcycle helmet.

In all seriousness, I’ve never encountered a Bose product that made sense to wear on a motorcycle. Bose shines when you’re sipping champagne in first class on your flight to Zurich listening to Mozart.

Leave it to JBL or iASUS when you’re gripping the handlebars of your stage four bagger for dear life on an Appalachian mountain road. Bose just isn’t made for this world.

The post Best Motorcycle Helmet Speakers with Bluetooth, Tested (Sound, Volume) first appeared on It's Better On The Road.

After reading this guide, you and your crew will never again be those poor souls finicking with your devices on the side of the road. That’s my promise. If I fail at it, please tell me how with an email at evan@itsbetterontheroad.com.

How to Connect Sena and Cardo

If you have a modern unit like the Sena 50S or Cardo Packtalk Edge (long term review here), here’s how to connect Sena to Cardo step by step. You will need to set up a bridge between Cardo’s DMC Mesh and Sena’s Mesh systems. This will allow multiple Cardo riders and Sena riders to communicate in one group.

First you’ll need to pick one Sena and one Cardo to be the “bridge” for your group. These riders will have to stay close to each other, within about 100 yards. For the Cardo, you’ll need a Cardo Packtalk Pro, Edge, NEO, or Custom with Gold or Platinum package. The Sena unit will need to have Bluetooth intercom capability as well as Mesh, like the 50 series or 60S.

Then…

1. Open Cardo Pairing: Put your Cardo unit in to Bluetooth intercom pairing mode.
2. Open Sena Pairing: Put your Sena in Bluetooth intercom pairing mode.
3. Wait up to 2 minutes: The lights will flash blue, signaling the Bluetooth connection is set up. You should be able to talk between these two units.
4. Switch back to Mesh on both units: Switch from Bluetooth mode back to Mesh on both the Cardo and Sena units.
5. Activate the Bridge: On the Cardo unit, tap the intercom button (the top one) 3 times to turn on the bridge.

Now all of the units in the Cardo Mesh group are talking with all the units in the Sena Mesh group.

The connection will remain as long as the Cardo and Sena units that just paired (the “bridge” units) stay within 100 yards of each other. Those two units are connected via Bluetooth, so it’s important they stay close to keep the “bridge” intact.

If the paired Sena unit and Cardo unit separate and lose the connection, the units will search for each other for 5 minutes before giving up on the bridge.

This won’t affect your phone connection to your Cardo or Sena devices, by the way. You can still connect to two Bluetooth devices (like your phone, motorcycle, or GPS unit) for both the Cardo and the Sena used in the bridge.

This is a great video walkthrough of the process:

Still struggling? Tap the button in the bottom right or swipe left on your screen to pull out the Table of Contents and find the right section for the units you’re trying to pair.

Can Sena Pair with Cardo?

You can pair Sena with Cardo headsets, but if you have a new Sena model (30 or 50 series, or 60S) there’s a more finicky process to follow. 

Older iterations of Sena motorcycle headsets came with universal connections, which meant they would pair with any other Bluetooth headset. Anything in the 20, 10, or 5 series of Sena headsets will easily pair with Cardo.

However, the newer 30 and 50 series (and newest 60S) from Sena dropped the universal connection feature. This has made it more difficult – but not impossible – to pair new Sena models with anything made my Cardo. Some of the newest units from Sena and Cardo can even connect to your motorcycle camera to record your voice and intercom audio.

The good news is that all Cardo headsets have the universal intercom feature, from the cheap Spirit and Freecom to the newest products like the Packtalk Custom, Edge, and Pro (long term reviews here and here). This is thanks to the Cardo 3.2 firmware update, which added Mesh compatibility allowing for Sena Mesh groups to join a Cardo Mesh group with a Cardo unit as a bridge. Still, the easiest experience will be if everyone in your group is on the same brand.

Connecting Cardo Packtalk and Sena 30, 50S, 60S (With or Without an App)

There is an easy workaround to pair all Cardo (even older Packtalk Bold units) and Sena headsets, even a Sena 30/50/60S series device. However, it comes with range limitations, as you’ll be connecting the two units over Bluetooth. You won’t get that mile long range of Mesh connections, it’ll be more like a few hundred feet.

An easy way to make this all happen is to download the Cardo Connect app to your iPhone or Android phone using App Store or Play Store. 

Pairing using the Cardo Connect App

1. Turn on both the Sena and Cardo units
2. Put your Sena device in to phone pairing mode – usually done by holding down the rear button. If it’s already connected to a phone, make sure you’re in the pairing mode for the second device slot so the Cardo doesn’t replace your phone. If your Cardo is a newer one (Pro, Edge, Custom, Neo) you can put the Sena in normal intercom pairing mode.
3. In the Cardo Connect app, tap the “Intercom” tile. Make sure you’re on the Bluetooth tab at the top. You should see a number of slots here.
4. In the Cardo Connect app, tap “Pair” on one of those intercom slots and select “non-Cardo device” if prompted.
5. Wait for both devices to confirm they paired successfully.
6. On the Cardo, tap the intercom button (usually the top one) just once to confirm the connection. Tapping it twice will disconnect the headsets.

Now they’re paired on normal Bluetooth mode. If you want to carry the Sena over to the Cardo’s DMC Mesh group so everyone can talk together, switch the Cardo over to the DMC Mesh mode (in the Intercom section of the app with the tabs at the top, or hold the top and bottom buttons for a few seconds) then tap that top button on the Cardo once. Now the Sena is connected in the Cardo’s Mesh group and can talk with the other up to 15 riders in that Mesh group!

Pairing without an App

1. Turn on both the Sena and Cardo units
2. Put your Sena device in to phone pairing mode – usually done by holding down the rear button. If it’s already connected to a phone, make sure you’re in the pairing mode for the second device slot so the Cardo doesn’t replace your phone. If your Cardo is a newer one (Pro, Edge, Custom, Neo) you can put the Sena in normal intercom pairing mode.
3. Switch your Cardo to Bluetooth Intercom mode: For most Cardos you can switch between Bluetooth and DMC Mesh mode by holding the top and bottom buttons for a few seconds. It will announce on the speakers which mode it’s in.
4. Switch your Cardo to Pairing mode: Hold down the Intercom button (the top one) for a few seconds, and then press the phone button (the bottom one) once.
5. Wait for both devices to recognize each other and finish pairing.
6. Complete the bridge by pressing the intercom button (the top one) once. Wait a few seconds and…

You’re set! To carry the Sena over to Cardo’s Mesh group, switch the Cardo over to the DMC Mesh mode by holding the Cardo’s top and bottom buttons for a few seconds, then tapping that top button on the Cardo once. Now the Sena is connected in the Cardo’s Mesh group and can talk with the other up to 15 riders in that Mesh group!

For newer Cardo devices (Packtalk Pro, Edge, Custom, Neo, etc)

For older Cardo devices (like Packtalk Bold)

It’s worth noting that one Cardo headset can only bring in up to two Senas into your mesh network. If your group has few people with both brands, you should be able to add a couple of Senas to each Cardo to get everyone into your pack. 

This won’t affect your phone connection to your Sena device, by the way, but it will take one of your two slots. The Cardo is technically in one of the phone pairing mode slots of the Sena.

If you have an older Sena device, you’re in luck because you have universal intercom, which makes the process a bit easier.

Pairing Cardo Spirit HD with any Sena

Thanks to Cardo’s universal pairing updates, this is a cinch.

1. Power on the Cardo and Sena units
2. On the Cardo Spirit, activate Bluetooth intercom pairing mode by holding down the back button
3. On the Sena unit, activate Bluetooth intercom pairing mode (usually by holding down the jog dial)
4. Wait for them to pair.

Done! Now you can open and close the intercom connection from either side, as if either were connected natively to a device of the same brand.

Video walkthru here:

Pairing Sena 20, 10, or 5 Series with an older Cardo Device

If you have a newer Cardo (Pro, Edge, Custom, Neo), your units can be connected just by using the native Bluetooth intercom connection mode on both units.

It would be possible to use Sena as your primary unit to make the same connection we’ve just covered, but only if it has universal pairing. This means you can only do it if you have a 20, 10, or 5 series device. 

It’ll work in the same way:

1. Set your Sena device to universal pairing – check your user guide to confirm how.
2. Set your Cardo device as if you were pairing it with a phone.
3. The connection should be established through Bluetooth intercom.
4. Switch the Sena device over to the mesh network to bring the Cardo in. 

It can be easier to remember the process to pair Cardo with Sena using Cardo as the primary device since all Cardo headsets have universal connection while not all Senas do. 

Done with the hassles?

Just get your whole group on one train, either Cardo or Sena: I recommend Cardo. If everyone in your group is using the same units, they’re going to seamlessly connect.

I personally use a mix of Packtalk Edge and Packtalk Custom on adventure tours in Thailand with 10+ riders, and they are so easy to use they often become an unexpected highlight of the trip.

Being able to call out road hazards, joke with each other, and enjoy the thrill of the road together when on tour just transforms the whole experience. I first noticed this when my dad and I used lowly Cardo Spirits on a tour from Denver to Phoenix. They made the whole trip much easier and more fun for us both.

I recommend you pick up a Cardo Packtalk Pro or Packtalk Custom – both have 15 person intercom on Cardo’s DMC Mesh included standard, with 12+ hour battery life. The Pro even has auto on/off and Crash Detection. They’re rugged and fully waterproof – and I’ve put them through punishing conditions like 100+F with 100% humidity, heavy tropical rains, mud and dust.

But if you’re still undecided, find out whether Cardo or Sena is better for you with our guide.

DEAL: Use code BTR to get 10% OFF Cardo EDGE, Neo, Spirit and Freecom line devices on Cardo’s shop.

Best	Upgradeable	Budget
Cardo Packtalk Pro	Cardo Packtalk Custom	Cardo Spirit HD
Best for riding in big groups, or if you want all the features.	Best if your group has all latest-gen Cardo units.	Best for solo riders, pairs and passengers.
15+ rider intercom over Mesh (even Senas) Magnetic air mount Auto on-off Crash detection and emergency call 45mm JBL speakers in the box (the best)	15+ rider intercom over Mesh 10+ hour battery life Half the price of similar units Connects to phone for music, GPS	Affordable Waterproof Basic music and intercom functionality
Pricey	Upgrade required for Bluetooth intercom (only when connecting to old units or Senas)	Only intercom with 1 other rider Low quality speakers (can upgrade) No voice commands
10% Off (Code: BTR)	10% Off (Code: BTR)	10% Off (Code: BTR)
Check Price on Revzilla	Check Price on Revzilla	Check Price on Revzilla

Best

Cardo Packtalk Pro

Best for riding in big groups, or if you want all the features.

• 15+ rider intercom over Mesh (even Senas)
• Magnetic air mount
• Auto on-off
• Crash detection and emergency call
• 45mm JBL speakers in the box (the best)

• Pricey

10% Off (Code: BTR)

Check Price on Revzilla

Upgradeable

Cardo Packtalk Custom

Best if your group has all latest-gen Cardo units.

• 15+ rider intercom over Mesh
• 10+ hour battery life
• Half the price of similar units
• Connects to phone for music, GPS

• Upgrade required for Bluetooth intercom (only when connecting to old units or Senas)

10% Off (Code: BTR)

Check Price on Revzilla

Budget

Cardo Spirit HD

Best for solo riders, pairs and passengers.

• Affordable
• Waterproof
• Basic music and intercom functionality

• Only intercom with 1 other rider
• Low quality speakers (can upgrade)
• No voice commands

10% Off (Code: BTR)

Check Price on Revzilla

Can Cardo and Sena Pair with Different Brand Headsets?

As popular as these two brands of Bluetooth motorcycle headset are, they’re not the only horses in town. There are alternative Bluetooth headset brands that you or your riding buddies might have and you’ll still want to be able to communicate with them. 

Let’s start with a good rule of thumb. When you connect two devices together, one needs to be in universal connection mode – called “gateway” mode on Cardo devices – and the other needs to be in phone pairing mode. 

Since Cardo and Sena have their own Mesh technologies, it’d be worth using either of these as the primary unit so the other one can be taken into the Mesh. Remember though, not all Senas will connect outside of the brand. 

Another good rule to remember when you’re setting up your connections before a ride: Make the mesh connections between the brand with the most units in the set up, then add the other headsets in on phone slots.

Here’s an example: 

• You’ve got six riders; four with Cardos, one with a Sena, and one with a Fodsports.
• First, connect all the Cardos together on DMC following your normal process.
• Next, add the Sena to one of the Cardos using one the phone slots on the Sena.
• Then, add the Fodsports headset to another Cardo using one of the phone slots.
• Once the Sena and Fodsports are connected, the Cardo headset can change from Bluetooth to DMC mode and the extra headset will drop into the network, too. 

All the headsets will still work with their standalone functions. That means that you’ll still be able to take a call or play your favorite playlist without everyone listening to what you want for dinner or your Meatloaf collection again. 

And you’ll still have the exceptional range of each headset and Mesh networking.

Golden Rules for Pairing

Sena Headsets with Universal Bluetooth

We’ve covered the slightly annoying and really frustrating fact that the newer Sena headsets don’t support universal pairing. 

It seems like Sena sneaked it under the radar – the only way you’ll notice is if you very carefully read the product descriptions on Sena’s site. 

Connecting Sena 50S to Cardo Packtalk

Thankfully the Sena 50S will connect to the Cardo Packtalk Edge and NEO, thanks to Cardo’s universal connection feature released in late 2023. Here’s how to do it:

1. Begin Pairing on the Cardo: Open the Cardo Connect app on your phone and put your Cardo unit in to Bluetooth mode.
2. Begin Pairing on the Sena: Put your Sena unit in to Bluetooth mode.
3. Wait up to 2 minutes: When the Bluetooth connection is done, the lights will flash blue.

Now you can turn the connection on and off again from both the Cardo and Sena sides.

Here’s a video walkthrough:

Sometimes you’ll get told specifically that pairing is Sena to Sena only, like on the Sena 50S product page (1) it says, “Traditional four-way Bluetooth Intercom mode continues to be an option for connecting other Sena Bluetooth-enabled users within a 1.2-mile range.” you’ll find pretty much the same words on the 50C product page, just a slightly shorter range (2). 

When it comes to the 50R, we’re making the assumption it doesn’t have universal connectivity because if it was a feature they’d be sure to tell us about it. Instead, Sena’s website just says (3):

“All riders and their ever-changing riding scenarios will surely benefit from the incredible flexibility and technology engineered into the 50R Mesh and Bluetooth intercom modes.”

You should still be able to pair a Sena 50 series headset to a Cardo using the Cardo universal connection feature, but Sena or Cardo might cut off this ability at any time.

The Sena 30 Series: Can it Connect?

The Sena 30K cannot connect to a different brand for Bluetooth intercom, although the workaround to put the Sena in another unit’s phone slot and then transfer over to the Mesh network should still work.

The Sena rider be able to connect into an established mesh network through a Cardo headset that the Sena pairs to, but if that Cardo rider drops out of the Cardo DMC (“Mesh”) network, the Sena rider will too. 

Earlier Sena Models

The Sena 20S Evo does come with universal intercom! Although not noted in the description, you can see it’s a highlighted feature:

Other Sena products that note the universal intercom feature are (5):

• Sena 10R
• Sena 10S
• Sena 10C Pro
• SMH 10

You may get some lower specs on these headsets like a shorter Bluetooth range, but if universal pairing is important to you, it may be a compromise worth making. Or just get a Cardo.

Cardo Headsets with Universal Intercom

The Cardo line is much simpler to understand; all Cardo units in the Spirit, Packtalk and Freecom ranges have universal connectivity. This means any headset from Sena or another brand can pair to a Cardo and be involved in the intercom or DMC network between riders. 

Since these are the two most common motorcycle Bluetooth headset brands on the market, even if your Sena doesn’t have universal connection, your friends’ Cardo headsets should fix pairing issues. 

The Cardo headsets with universal intercom are:

• Packtalk Pro
• Packtalk Edge
• Packtalk Neo
• Packtalk Slim
• Packtalk Black
• Packtalk Bold
• Packtalk Slim
• Freecom 4+ / 4X
• Freecom 2+ / 2X
• Freecom 1+
• Spirit (and HD)

How to Pair Sedici Helmet Bluetooth

So you decided to purchase a Sedici helmet, and you’re wondering how to pair it. Maybe you’re struggling with Sedici Strada 3 bluetooth pairing.

Pairing Sedici helmets to a phone is simple – just open your phone’s Bluetooth settings, put the helmet in pairing mode and select it when you see it pop up in your phone’s Bluetooth device list.

Sedici helmets make use of a newer Sena DWO-7 unit, which only supports Sena’s Mesh intercom protocol and not Bluetooth pairing, so you cannot connect to Cardo units or units of other brands.

It’s a shame because Sedici helmets used to have universal pairing over Bluetooth, like the older Strada with the DWO-5 unit.

Why do Cardo and Sena not pair together?

You’d hope that since every phone can connect to your headset that every headset can connect to each other, but that’s not quite the reality. Through years of experiences with these magic little devices and too much time on Reddit I’ve put together this guide to make syncing up easy for you and your crew. Hopefully it shortens your set up time so you can get on with the ride!

The post How to Pair Cardo with Sena and Get Back to Riding first appeared on It's Better On The Road.

There, I said it. And I have personally put in the hours necessary to make that statement.

I’ve used the Cardo Spirit HD almost daily for years. Why? It’s easy to use, low cost, and tough as nails. It performs just as well while thrashing two stroke dirt bikes in the jungle as it does cruising the high plains of Kansas on a bagger, no matter the helmet or the riding style.

The Cardo Spirit is the perfect helmet Bluetooth unit for solo riders and those with a pillion or one riding buddy. And you can get 10% off one with code “BTR” here. However…

This unit is not right for everyone. There are much better units on the market for not much more in price, with way more features. I’ll get in to those later.

Also, I had to make one crucial change to the standard Cardo Spirit setup to take this unit from bearable to fantastic. 

Let me explain…

Quick Verdict: Who is the Cardo Spirit for? 

The Cardo Spirit ideal for riders who only ride with one buddy, a passenger, or as lone wolves who only need music and GPS directions to keep them company. 

The Cardo Spirit HD and regular Spirit units are offered at such a steal of a price because they sacrifice two things: intercom participants and range. With both units you’re limited to two riders connected to the intercom, over a range of 0.4 miles (600 meters) for the Cardo Spirit HD and 0.25 miles (400 meters) for the regular Cardo Spirit. 

That is (almost) where the downsides to the Cardo Spirit end. The other issue is the 32mm speakers included with the cheaper standard Cardo Spirit (non-HD version), which are tinny beyond belief. However, these are easy to swap out as the connection is just a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. You could use your own earbuds, or opt for the Cardo JBL 45mm speaker kit which I use and love. More details on that below.

If you do think you’ll ever be chatting with a large group, you’re better off with a Cardo Packtalk unit, like the new Packtalk EDGE covered here that supports 15 rides in a conversation.

DEAL: Use code BTR to get 10% OFF Cardo EDGE, Neo, Spirit and Freecom line devices on Cardo’s shop.

Cardo Spirit HD Bluetooth Comms System

$143.96

The Cardo Spirit HD Bluetooth Communication System is an excellent choice for riders seeking a reliable and feature-rich intercom without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Waterproof
• Music, Intercom, GPS work flawlessly

Cons:

• Max 2 Intercom Participants
• Short range (600m)

10% Off (Code: BTR) Check Price on Revzilla

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Where the Cardo Spirit HD Wins

Tons of motorcycle gear for some reason completely misses the mark when it comes to the needs of actual riders.

The Spirit is something different. It shows that Cardo is listening to riders. 

The first way that shines through? How easy the Cardo Spirit is to use. 

So Easy a Caveman Can Use It

This right here is the biggest reason I use this unit every day when I’m riding around town on my bike. 

Having some phone connection issue with your Bluetooth unit? Not a huge deal if you’re using it 5 times a year for big group rides. 

But if you’re having that issue every day? You’ll want to gouge your eyes out. 

The Cardo Spirit has no such issues, with its Bluetooth 5.2 chip pretty much instantly connecting to my phone for music, maps and calls as soon as the unit powers up. From there it’s just dead simple. You get easy 4 button controls that are simple to feel and use with a gloved hand. Worth noting you don’t get voice commands with this unit like you do on the much more expensive Cardo PackTalk Edge.

All the commands are easy to find in the Cardo Spirit Manual, and the ones I find myself using most often are:

• Press front button once: Skip track
• Press front button twice: Previous track
• Press front and bottom button: Pause / Play music
• Press back button: Pickup / End Call
• Top and Bottom buttons: Volume up and down

Volume automatically adjusts based on road noise around you, and lowers while you or your intercom-connected buddy are talking. You can also charge the unit while you’re using it… which is a feature even some $300+ units missed. 

The Cardo Spirit is just plain easy – connect your phone to it once, and for every other ride you just turn it on and go. Music, GPS directions, FM Radio (on the HD) and calls automatically route right to your helmet. 

Battery Life for a Long Trip

You get 13 hours of battery life (10 with the normal Spirit) and a charge time of just 2 hours to full. In my testing on a trip across the USA, that’s a pretty accurate number. Even when I was using the Spirit for intercom, music, and GPS on the stretch from Denver to Phoenix that I rode with my dad (on another Harley), we only had to charge our units ever 3 days after riding 3-4 hours per day.

And that was through cold and wet high altitude riding as well as blistering hot, super sunny desert cruising. I wouldn’t advise riding in Arizona in July, folks.

Range for Two Riders, Flat Ground

If it’s just you and one riding buddy or a passenger, the Cardo Spirit does everything you need. You won’t notice the difference between this $100 unit and a $500 high end Mesh unit.

You might balk at the 0.4 mile (600 meter) and 0.25 mile (400 meter) range of the Cardo Spirit HD and regular Spirit, respectively. 

Sure, these look like rookie numbers on paper. But after testing this unit on multiple trips spanning several continents and terrain types, I’ve learned that the Cardo Spirit’s range is probably a bit further than advertised, as long as you are within visual range of the other rider. I took a pair of these on a trip with my dad from Denver to Phoenix, and even when we were spread out on long mountain roads we had no problems with connection.

However, if you’re going to be in mountainous areas where you might be separated by literal earth between you, I’d upgrade to a Cardo Mesh enabled unit like the Cardo Packtalk Custom or Cardo Packtalk Edge. In my experiences riding in Northern Thailand, where tight mountain roads mean there’s often a thick layer of earth between you and your riding buddy, the Spirit loses signal a lot whereas the Cardo DMC Mesh units never have issues, even when out of visual range.

Simple to Set Up

Not only is the Cardo Spirit easy to use, it’s simple to set up. Cardo puts a solid clamp mount and sticky mount in the box, along with a sturdy boom mic and low-profile wired mic.

I’ve set up the Spirit in both full face and modular helmets; it’s easy, quick, and long-lasting in both. The boom mic also holds its position very well, making it ideal for modular helmets where the chin bar might be brushing past it often. 

Waterproof and Durable

Cardo bills the Spirit as fully waterproof. Why should you trust them? 

Well for one, I’ve battled tested this baby through monsoons. Short of going scuba diving with it, I’ve put it through its paces weather-wise. There’s no corrosion on the unit anywhere, and it still works flawlessly. Like it just came out of the box. 

I hear reviewers pointing to that rubber flap over the charging point and yelling from their armchairs: “Water will get right in there and RUIN everything!”

Calm down; it’s just not true. I’ve literally been soaked by six foot wave after six foot wave of water kicked up by semi trucks on a flooded highway during rainy season in Thailand. This unit was completely unfazed.

And even if your unit does break down: Cardo certifies it as waterproof, so they’ll stick by their two year warranty and replace the unit for you even if it’s water damaged. 

Oh So Low Price

All of this durability, functionality, and get-out-of-my-way-so-I-can-ride ease of use comes in the Cardo Spirit for a QUARTER of the price of high end units that do…

Nothing more? 

That’s right. If you only need to intercom with one other person, you’re throwing away money by buying a Cardo Packtalk or Sena 50S. Just get the Cardo Spirit. 

But there is one upgrade you’ll need to make first…

The Cardo Spirit’s Catch: Sound Quality

So here is where I give you the bad news – followed by a quick fix. 

The 32mm speakers packed in the Cardo Spirit might be best described as glass crushing machines designed to scratch through your eardrums with a cacophony of horrid screeches. Now the Spirit HD makes up for it… I’ll get to that later.

BUT! Cardo was smart enough to make the speaker connector to the main control unit a plain old 3.5mm headphone jack… meaning any headphones or helmet speakers will work here. 

And if you’ve read my helmet speakers review you know what comes next…

Save the Cardo Spirit with This One Trick!

All you need to do is upgrade those speakers…

Thankfully, Cardo teamed up with the audio experts at JBL to design a custom helmet speaker set made for motorcycling. Their wonderful love child is the Cardo JBL 45mm speaker kit.

I use this set daily, and in my Shoei RF-SR it pumps out clear sound, strong bass, and comfortable treble even when turned up to 11 on the highway. 

The Cardo Spirit HD, however, is packed with non-JBL 40mm speakers that, I have to say, are pretty dang good. Depending on the helmet they’re in, I can’t tell the difference between those “HD” speakers and the JBL 40mm speakers packed with the premium Packtalk Edge unit.

It’s also worth mentioning that the volume control for Cardo units works like any set of headphones for your phone – there is only one volume. So you don’t need to set your phone volume to max before you go riding.

However, if you have a noisy helmet, no amount of speaker size is going to help you hear clearly without blowing out your eardrums. 

If your helmet isn’t quiet enough, either get a quieter helmet or pick up these awesome earbuds from Amazon. They’ll plug in to the Cardo Spirit’s 3.5mm headphone jack and sit nicely in your ears without any pain, given their low profile. Don’t worry too much about sound reduction – it’ll reduce overall noise levels, but not specific noises like oncoming cars. 

Now that I’ve saved your ears, let’s move on to how to install the Cardo Spirit HD. It’s a cinch. 

Installation in Any Motorcycle Helmet

Installation for this unit couldn’t be easier. First, you have a few choices to make.

Sticky mount or clamp mount? I prefer clamp, just because it’s easier to slide off and reuse, but still sturdy enough that I never worry the unit will fall off. 

Boom mic or wired mic? Generally wired makes more sense in a full face helmet, while boom is your only option for open face and modulars. 

Now you’ll want to pull the padding out of your helmet and get to work with the sticky pads. Stick the speaker sticky pads to each speaker first. Then, play around with the helmet on to make sure you seat the speakers right over your ears – if they’re just a bit off, you’ll lose a lot of volume and fidelity in your music. 

Once you’re confident where the speakers should go, stick them in. Set the wires along the foam inside your helmet so they’ll be tucked away when you snap all the padding back in. 

Slide the clamp mount on (or stick on the sticky mount) to the left side of the helmet, and connect the speakers with the 3.5mm headphone jack. Then put the mic in place, sticking it to the inside of your chin bar (for wired) or over your left cheek on the inside of your helmet (for boom). Connect the mic to the main unit. 

Snap all your pads back in, and you’re ready to rock. 

Need a visual guide? Here’s a video I found helpful that goes through installation for any helmet type. 

Comparing the Cardo Spirit HD to the Cardo Spirit

Hung up on whether to splurge the extra dough for the Spirit HD? Here are the differences.

	Cardo Spirit	Cardo Spirit HD
Box
Range	0.25 miles (400 meters)	0.4 miles (600 meters)
Included Speakers	32mm (upgrade to 45mm)	40mm (upgrade to 45mm)
FM Radio	❌	✅
Battery Life	10 hours	13 hours
Charge While Using	✅	✅
Intercom Participants	2	2
Controls	4 buttons	4 buttons
Included Mounts	Clamp, Sticky	Clamp, Sticky
Included Microphones	Wired, Boom	Wired, Boom
Auto Volume Control	✅	✅
Voice Assistant	✅	✅
Over the Air Software Update	✅	✅
Cardo Connect App	✅	✅
Universal Connectivity	✅	✅
Waterproof	✅	✅
Two Year Warranty	✅	✅
Check Amazon’s Price	Cardo Spirit – Amazon	Cardo Spirit HD – Amazon
Check Revzilla’s Price	Cardo Spirit – Revzilla	Cardo Spirit HD – Revzilla

Verdict and Alternatives

I’ve had the chance to test the Cardo Spirit HD as a daily-use item for several years now, and also compared it to my experiences with various higher-end Cardos like the Packtalk Edge and Custom.

My verdict? If you’re a solo rider, or you like to ride with a passenger and you want to chat with them, the Cardo Spirit is the right comms unit for you. It’s super easy to use and does the basics of music, GPS, and phone calls exceptionally well.

Cardo Spirit HD Bluetooth Comms System

$143.96

The Cardo Spirit HD Bluetooth Communication System is an excellent choice for riders seeking a reliable and feature-rich intercom without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Waterproof
• Music, Intercom, GPS work flawlessly

Cons:

• Max 2 Intercom Participants
• Short range (600m)

10% Off (Code: BTR) Check Price on Revzilla

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

However, if you do think you might, once in a while, want to connect with a group for a ride, get one of the more premium Cardo units like the Packtalk Edge. Plus, I find the voice commands are the Edge super convenient, despite never really wishing for them while I was riding with the Spirit for many years.

DEAL: Use code BTR to get 10% OFF Cardo EDGE, Neo, Spirit and Freecom line devices on Cardo’s shop.

Cardo Packtalk Edge Motorcycle Intercom

$359.96

The Gold Standard in motorcycle communication units. Simple to use, rugged and reliable, with premium sound and long battery life.

10% Off (Code: BTR) Check Price on Revzilla

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Can I use one Cardo Spirit in two helmets?

You do get two mics and two mounts included in every Cardo Spirit box, so can you use one unit in two helmets? 

Unfortunately not. For one, you’d need another set of speakers. However, if you can get a second set of speakers (or buy the Cardo JBL 45mm kit I have) then Cardo does sell the Spirit cradle you need – then you’d be able to use a boom mic and sticky mount in one helmet with the wire mic and clip mount on another, for instance.

You could also just buy a dual pack of the Cardo Spirit HD (sold here) for a bit of savings. Then you get double everything – mics, speakers, mounts – so your second helmet can be perfectly outfitted to your taste as well (and usable by guest passengers!)

The post Cardo Spirit HD Review: The Best Bluetooth Headset? first appeared on It's Better On The Road.

Turns out there are gadgets made for just this – motorcycle bluetooth headsets that let you chat with your fellow riders, hear GPS directions, listen to music and make phone calls seamlessly from your helmet. 

Choosing the right motorcycle bluetooth headset for your needs is not an easy task, however. That’s where we come in: we’re here to help you understand the different Bluetooth communicators on the market and the best ones for different needs. Most reviewers write as if you have a PhD in motorcycle Bluetooth communicators and communication systems – but we break it down for you in terms any rider can understand. 

How do I choose the right motorcycle bluetooth headset for me? 

When it comes to motorcycle bluetooth headsets, there are a ton of options all lumped into the same category. Would you be better off with a Sena 30K, or a 50R? How about a Cardo Freecom 2+ or a Packtalk Edge? Some devices are really best suited to one specific use case, like bluetooth communication or music. 

We’ll go through a few of the most key use cases served by the humble motorcycle bluetooth headset today and let you know the top picks for each.

Best Bluetooth Headset for…

More on why we made these choices below…

Best Motorcycle Helmet Communicator: Cardo Packtalk Pro

Communication with your fellow riders is really the original intent of these Bluetooth devices, so you’ll find a lot of options in this category from the big manufacturers – Sena and Cardo – and other smaller brands. For this category, we looked at intercom qualities most closely: intercom range, total participants supported, connection quality and stability, and sound quality during conversation. 

These devices are the cream of the crop of motorcycle Bluetooth headsets, coming with the best-of-the-best technology and features in every way – smooth voice control, strong intercom signal, good sound quality and multiple mic options. 

Over personal experience and a deep reading of other expert reviews on the web, we can say with confidence that the best motorcycle helmet communicator for group communication is the Cardo Packtalk Pro. With the Packtalk Edge (10% off at that link, with code “BTR”) being a close second.

Cardo Packtalk Pro

The King of motorcycle intercoms and Bluetooth headsets, the Pro comes with every top of the line feature Cardo offers and their stellar 45mm JBL speakers, the best helmet speakers money can buy.

Pros:

• 15+ rider intercom over Mesh (even Senas)
• Magnetic air mount
• Auto on-off
• Crash detection and emergency call
• 45mm JBL speakers in the box (the best)

Cons:

• Costs as much as a mid-range helmet

Check Price on Cardo Check Price on Revzilla

We may earn commissions if you make a purchase. This keeps our site ad-free and never sponsored.

What are the highlights of the Packtalk Pro and Edge that make them the best group communication devices? 

To summarize, each will allow you to communicate with 15 other riders over Mesh networking, meaning no device is tied to any other device. Everyone can move around each other and still stay connected, seamlessly. Range is amazing at over 1 mile allowable between riders, and if a rider exits the group they’ll automatically re-enter when they come back in range.

Of course you also get the best helmet speakers on the market, Cardo’s 45mm speakers made in partnership with JBL, that pump out clear and crisp sound across the spectrum from low bass to high trebles. That means clear intercom, music and navigation as well as phone calls even if you’re wearing earplugs. And all of this is controllable via voice commands, even Siri and Hey Google.

Everything about this device is rider-friendly: simple interface, waterproof, rugged, can charge while riding, and the magnetic air mount makes it easy to slap the unit on even if you forgot to attach it before you put your lid back on.

Cardo Packtalk Pro and Edge Highlights

Best-in-Class Noise Cancellation

For one, the noise cancellation on the microphone is best-in-class. For a headset in a helmet, wind noise is an ever-present issue. All the top units on the market today will lower the volume of your music and other audio when you speak into the microphone, but if the system mistakes wind for your voice, you get a pretty choppy experience. The mic will wire wind noise to your speakers, over your music. Not great.

The algorithm Cardo uses to identify and block out wind noise while speaking is simply magical. I have no other words to describe it. It just works, automatically lowering the music volume when I or anyone else in the intercom group speaks, and raising it back up again when they’re done. No engine noise or wind affects this.

I’ve personally used Cardo products for years without any microphone issues, even in high wind situations where I was riding in to heavy crosswinds and rain.

Seamless Voice Commands

The voice commands of the Packtalk line of motorcycle Bluetooth headsets make hands free operation simple, and even give you access to your phone’s voice commands. No fiddling with your headset while you’re riding – keep your hands on the bars. 

Hey Siri and Hey Google work flawlessly, even at highway speeds.

The most useful voice command feature? Muting your mic. You see on a group ride there’s always that one guy with a mic that keeps going hot. With the Edge, he can just say “Hey Cardo, mute mic” and he’s muted. He wants to talk again? “Hey Cardo, unmute mic” and good to go.

Effortless Pairing and Reconnection

The Packtalk Pro supports up to 15 riders in its Dynamic Mesh Communication mode with easy pairing. Once initially paired with your regular riding buddies, the Cardos seamlessly connect on every ride with literally zero configuration via Mesh intercom. When a rider goes out of the 1 mile intercom range, the headset automatically reconnects when they come back into range. These units also come with Bluetooth communication as well to connect to other devices, like Senas – and Cardo built a “bridge” to allow Sena mesh groups to bridge in to Cardo mesh groups.

Waterproof, not Water Resistant

The Cardo Packtalk Pro and Edge are also fully waterproof, with an IP67 rating. Most high end units are at least water resistant, which usually does the trick practically, but only offering water resistance means the manufacturer warranty won’t cover water damage. Many riders complain about this from Sena – which just started offering waterproofing on their latest flagship headset – but only that one!

Sound by JBL

Cardo partnered with the audio pros JBL to build the speakers shipped with the Packtalk Pro and Edge, both of which are as high fidelity as in-ear earbuds in my experience. I’ve used both the 40mm (shipped with the Edge) and 45mm (shipped with the Pro) kits and found clear intercom, calls, GPS directions, and music of all types (seriously I bounce between hip-hop, country, electronic, and Motown) to sound fantastic and clear. Even with earplugs in, even in the rain, even going 100+ on the highway.

Differences between Packtalk Pro and Packtalk Edge

The differences between the Packtalk Pro and Edge come down to those 45mm (Pro) vs 40mm (Edge) speakers (significant difference in volume) and a few critical features. What are those features?

Auto on/off and crash detection.

If you’ve knocked your head around a little bit in your years (like I have) I bet you forget to turn your devices on and off. Nowadays with all the gadgets we have, it’s a part time job just charging all of them.

The Packtalk Pro does you a solid by turning off automatically when it senses you’re not riding any longer. Then when you come back to the bike and pick up your helmet again, voila, it turns itself back on. Absolutely brilliant little feature that sounds small and insignificant, but in daily life on two wheels is so helpful.

You also get crash detection, which our friends over at Joe Goe Motorcycle Adventures tested by tossing a motorcycle helmet off a moving bike. Works like a charm for alerting emergency services if you’re in a wreck.

Best	Great
Cardo Packtalk Pro	Cardo Packtalk Edge
Description: The King of motorcycle intercoms and Bluetooth headsets, the Pro comes with every top of the line feature Cardo offers and their stellar 45mm JBL speakers, the best helmet speakers money can buy.	Description: The gold standard in motorcycle communication units before the Packtalk Pro came along. Simple to use, rugged and reliable, with premium sound and long battery life.
Pros: Everything in the Edge plus... Auto on-off Crash detection and emergency call 45mm JBL speakers in the box (the best)	Pros: 15+ rider intercom over Mesh (even Senas) Easy voice commands Magnetic air mount 40mm JBL speakers
Check Price on Cardo	10% Off (Code: BTR)
Check Price on Revzilla	Check Price on Revzilla

Best

Cardo Packtalk Pro

Description:

The King of motorcycle intercoms and Bluetooth headsets, the Pro comes with every top of the line feature Cardo offers and their stellar 45mm JBL speakers, the best helmet speakers money can buy.

Pros:

• Everything in the Edge plus...
• Auto on-off
• Crash detection and emergency call
• 45mm JBL speakers in the box (the best)

Check Price on Cardo

Check Price on Revzilla

Great

Cardo Packtalk Edge

Description:

The gold standard in motorcycle communication units before the Packtalk Pro came along. Simple to use, rugged and reliable, with premium sound and long battery life.

Pros:

• 15+ rider intercom over Mesh (even Senas)
• Easy voice commands
• Magnetic air mount
• 40mm JBL speakers

10% Off (Code: BTR)

Check Price on Revzilla

Specs of Cardo Packtalk Pro and Edge

Runner Up: Sena 50R and 50S

Our runner-up for best motorcycle bluetooth headset is the Sena 50S and 50R, the evolution of the older Sena 30K unit. There are several reasons we didn’t like this unit, even though it does have many of the top of the line features you’ll find on the Packtalk series. 

For one, some are still giving the low battery warning just minutes before shutting down, a problem also observed on the Sena 30K and still not fixed. However, the Sena units do give a bit more hours of talk time: closer to 17. 

Looking to compare the top motorcycle comms head-to-head? Don’t miss our full breakdown of the Cardo Packtalk Edge vs Sena 50S.

The Sena units also have the latest bluetooth versions and next generation Mesh technology supporting basically limitless participants, and new Harman Kardon premium sound speakers with great bass response – however, they don’t measure up to the sound quality of the JBL speakers in many Cardo units.

Best Bluetooth Headset for Music and Passenger Communication: Cardo Spirit

Some riders just like to fly solo – on many mornings, I myself am one of those riders. In this case, a top of the line headset and communicator system has far too many features and carries too high a price. All I want to do is play music the road.

Thankfully, there are many options at a lower price range for listening to music, making phone calls, and tuning in to FM radio. These units often come with the ability to chat with a passenger as well. 

Priorities for these types of riders are good speaker quality, decent mic quality, and easy buttons or voice commands for operating their phone and the unit easily. Motorcycle intercom range and number of participants, as well as the latest Mesh technology, are less important.

The best bluetooth device for listening to music and chatting with a passenger is the Cardo Spirit.

The Spirit is the least expensive of Cardo Bluetooth communicators, but it comes with all the features and reliability you’ll need for talking to a passenger or even one other rider as long as you’re within line of sight.

The Spirit is meant for a rider and passenger to communicate, while the Freecom 2+ and Freecom 4+ are meant for 2 and 4 riders to communicate with each other. There is also a Spirit HD version that allows the rider to manage sound profiles and includes 40mm HD speakers, instead of the standard 32mm. Or you could pick up the 45mm JBL kit for an audio experience that is nothing short of beautiful.

What makes the Cardo Spirit our top pick for riders who just want to listen to music and chat with a passenger? 

Cardo Spirit Highlights

Build Quality

Owners of the Cardo Spirit rave about its easy installation and simple interface on a very slim unit. It’s also fully waterproof, a feature that’s unfortunately rare on motorcycle bluetooth headsets. 

The mechanism to clip the unit to the mount is sturdy and easy to operate, even with a gloved hand. I’ve had this unit for years, through rain and scorching sun, and never had a single problem with the clip mount. The unit comes with both a sticky mount and a clip mount, both of which work very well – trust me, I’ve taken them to places you probably don’t want to ride.

Great Sound Quality

Reviewers mention 32mm speakers on this unit can lose clarity at high volumes, but upgrading to the Spirit HD with 40mm speakers fixes this. Plus, Cardo offers JBL speakers as an add-on unit. Get the best price on that here. The noise cancelling on the mic on these Bluetooth communicators also rivals Sena’s Advanced Noise Control. 

Killer Features: Audio Sharing, Call to Intercom, Charge while you Ride

Cardo Systems has really leaned into customer needs with their latest Bluetooth communicators, consistently evolving their products to address some of the common outstanding pain points in motorcycle bluetooth headsets. Battery life on the Spirit series is stellar at 10 hours (13 for the Spirit HD), but in case you forget to charge, you can charge this unit while you ride. 

You can also share the music you’re listening to with your passenger’s Cardo unit, and route incoming calls to both of you. Want to tune into the radio? No problem – this motorcycle bluetooth headset has a built-in FM radio with 6 preset stations. 

Specs of Cardo Spirit

Best Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset for Riders on a Budget: THOKWOK BT-S3

After you’ve bought your top of the line bike, invested in a good helmet, jacket, gloves and boots for riding, and filled up your tank, it’s understandable to be a bit dismayed when Sena tries to charge you $400 just for a communication system to chat with your pack. 

Especially when a pair of wired headphones sells for $20, we wanted to make sure we picked a unit in this round up for those riders on a budget.

To find the best one, we looked for motorcycle bluetooth headsets under $100 that sported decent intercom range, talk time, and hands free voice control features. You won’t find Mesh technology on these units, but you will find the basics and decent battery life.

That search led us to our pick for the best motorcycle bluetooth headset for riders on a budget: the THOKWOK BT-S3. 

What makes the THOKWOK BT-S3 our top pick for riders who want a budget motorcycle bluetooth headset? 

THOKWOK BT-S3 Highlights

Insane Value

With a name that sounds like an experimental Star Wars battle droid, you might be surprised to hear this headset sells for just $50. This bluetooth communication headset packs quite a lot for that small price tag as well – including group intercom for 3 riders with a half mile range, voice control, FM radio, and a waterproof housing. 

Decent Sound Quality

This headset features DSP echo cancellation to cut down on wind noise and amplify voices over intercom, making both your conversations and your music come through more clearly even at high speeds. The bluetooth communication standard on this unit is a bit outdated, but as long as you stay close to your pack, it should do just fine. 

Waterproof Housing

I certainly suspected that a bluetooth headset for under $50 would have a few exposed wires, but this unit comes in a fully waterproof housing. Feel free to ride in the rain confidently. 

You don’t need to sell your other gear just to afford a bluetooth headset – and this unit is proof. 

Specs of THOKWOK BT-S3

Best Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset with Integrated Camera: Sena 50C EVO

Whether you’re a moto vlogger or just like to post clips of your rides on Instagram, having a camera attached to your bike or helmet is a must. Thankfully, some bluetooth headsets not only sport an intercom system but cameras – even 4K cameras! Even better, these units are often cheaper than buying a camera and intercom system separately.

Our pick for the best bluetooth motorcycle headset with a camera just came out with Sena’s Quantum lineup: the Sena 50C EVO.

What makes the Sena 50C EVO our top pick for riders needing a camera on their rides? 

Sena 50C EVO Highlights

4K Video and Lens Rotation

The Sena 50C shoots video in 4K at 30FPS or 1080p at 60FPS with image stabilization, and the lens rotates up to 30 degrees to level your shots. In photo mode, you’ll shoop 12MP 4:3 photos and bursts up to 8 shots per second. In Time-Lapse mode, you can choose between shooting a frame every 1, 2, 5, or 10 seconds.

Easy Audio Voiceover on Video

With a separate bluetooth headset and camera, like a GoPro, narrating audio can be a huge pain often involving a second mic installation. The 50C EVO allows your voice to go straight into the video recording using the existing intercom system microphone. 

Record the Past with Video Tagging Feature

Sena’s Video Tagging feature allows you to save 60 seconds of past footage along with 120 seconds of future footage with just one tap. Talk about convenient: this really nails the needs of a motorcycle rider that can’t be fiddling with camera controls and needs to focus on the road. This also cuts down on storage needs, capturing interesting moments without the dreaded “I forgot to pause” filling up your GoPro’s SD card with an hour of roadside lunch footage. 

Big Battery and Smart Battery Management

This headset sports a bigger-than-usual battery with 22 hours of talk time and 1.5 hours of video recording with only 2.5 hours to a full charge. Long battery life is a must for this unit to keep the camera going through long rides. Sena got even smarter with an auto-shutoff feature to ensure the headset doesn’t die while you’re out. 

Top Notch Comms Features

On top of all the great video recording capabilities in this unit, you get a fully capable communication unit with Bluetooth 5.0, Mesh 2.0, and Harman Kardon sound engineering for the speakers and microphone.

Specs of Sena 50C EVO

Best Pre-Integrated Bluetooth Helmet: Sena Stryker

You may not be aware that some motorcycle bluetooth headset makers actually sell pre-installed units inside helmets, saving you the hassle of installation and calibrating the placement of speakers and microphones for you. These helmets are actually very affordable, coming in at price points that rival buying a similar headset and helmet then doing the installation yourself. 

So if you want to skip out on installation and just go for a ride right after you take your helmet out of the box, take a look at our top pick for integrated bluetooth motorcycle helmet: the Sena Stryker. 

What makes the Sena Stryker our pick for best motorcycle bluetooth helmet? 

Sena Stryker Highlights

Feature-Packed

This helmet comes with top-notch Bluetooth 5.0, intercom supporting up to 4 riders, plus Mesh technology unlocking almost limitless connections and longer range in bigger groups. Of course you’ll get FM Radio, voice control, and Advanced Noise Control to keep your conversations and audio crisp. This helmet even features an integrated taillight!

Quiet and Snug

The build quality and sound isolation of the helmet itself, combined with the quality of the pre-packed bluetooth headset speakers, leads to a quiet and snug enclosure. Wind noise is blocked out even at high speeds, while music and voice sound quality over both bluetooth and Mesh intercom are further improved with Sena’s Advanced Noise Control technology. 

Integrated Form Factor

Since all the internals of the headset can be packed inside the helmet itself, Sena is able to achieve a very slim package while also boosting battery life up to an incredible 18 hours of talk time. Simple buttons on the outside allow for quick control of the bluetooth features while on your motorcycle.

Interested in other integrated bluetooth motorcycle helmets, like modular lids or even a half helmet? Check out our full guide to bluetooth motorcycle helmets here. 

Motorcycle Bluetooth Headsets: FAQ 

Motorcycle bluetooth headsets are not the easiest piece of tech to understand. We break down your most frequently asked questions here. 

How to install and mount a bluetooth headset in your motorcycle helmet? 

Installing a motorcycle bluetooth headset is similar for most bluetooth headsets, and it’s not as hard as you might think. Most headsets have a unit that clips on to the side of the helmet, a set of speakers, and a microphone to mount. Before you install the unit, turn it on and pair it to your phone to make sure all the components work – speakers, mic, voice control and all. That way, if something is broken, you find out before you go through the installation process.

The control unit can be clipped to the left or right side of the helmet’s outer shell. If you have a modular helmet, make sure you clip the unit far back enough that the modular part doesn’t mess with your device. 

To install the speakers, just unsnap and remove the cheek pads of your helmet. Some helmets have recesses for speakers which makes placement easier – otherwise, try to discern where your ears sit in the helmet and place the speakers right there. Use the included sticky pads to secure the speakers in place. 

Place the boom or wire microphone just below the speaker on the side where you’ll attach the bluetooth headset control unit. Use the included sticky pads to secure the microphone. The microphone end should come out right in front of your mouth. 

Plug everything into the unit on the side of your helmet, and you’re done!

Here’s a great video tutorial on installation – just 15 minutes. 

Can Cardo work with Sena? Are other brands compatible? 

Most bluetooth motorcycle helmets using similar Bluetooth or Mesh network standards should be able to communicate with each other – including Cardo and Sena. For example, a Cardo Freecom 4+ can pair with a Sena 30K over bluetooth. However, both Cardo and Sena’s Mesh standards are slightly different, so you’ll have the smoothest experience if everyone is on the same brand. 

Which is better: Sena or Cardo? 

The biggest name in the motorcycle bluetooth headset space used to be Sena, but Cardo (formerly Scala) and several other lower-cost makers are pushing the envelope and providing great technology at affordable prices. As with most technology gadgets, you often get what you pay for, with cheap units lacking the same range, reliability, and durability as those from Sena and Cardo. When it comes to these two brands, there are still some differences to note. 

Sena products are often the highest price for the features included, and some riders have gripes with the strength of their noise cancellation algorithm and general ease of use. They also don’t provide a truly waterproof headset, which is shocking considering they are the market leader in bluetooth headsets. However, they continually push the envelope with standards like Mesh 2.0 and a stellar line of pre-integrated bluetooth helmets.

Cardo is newer to the motorcycle bluetooth headset space, but I believe they make the best motorcycle Bluetooth systems around. Cardo certainly focuses heavily on usability and has addressed many of the gripes of Sena users. Most of their units are fully waterproof, for example, and they include convenient features like audio sharing and charging while in use that differentiate their units from other bluetooth headsets.

In my opinion, Cardo is starting to edge out Sena. However, the best choice for you is probably what your pack uses, as that will give you the best connection and intercom experience. 

What is the best Sena headset? 

The best Sena headset on the market today is the Sena 50R and Sena 50S. The sound quality from both these units is stellar through Sena’s new HD speakers, and they support both Bluetooth 5 and Mesh 2.0 for a range of intercom capabilities. You’ll get access to your voice-activated phone assistant (“Hey Google”/”Hey Siri”) as well as rapid charging and a choice of a jog dial on the 50S or 3 button setup on the 50R. 

What’s the best motorcycle bluetooth headset for a half helmet? 

Half helmets are a tricky proposition for motorcycle bluetooth headsets because of the increased wind noise – both around the mouth and ears. Most headsets with a boom mic will perform to a decent degree in a half helmet: the Cardo Packtalk EDGE is a good choice. However, you may also want a different sound output than the speakers included with a Bluetooth headset. Earplug-style earbuds could be a good choice.

Most bluetooth headsets include a headphone jack for inserting your own headphones. Given the wind noise around the ears while wearing a half helmet, you might want to buy a decent pair of in-ear headphones to use for your unit’s sound.

If you want the best sound quality experience in a half helmet, you might be able to find a Sena Cavalry still floating around. The Cavalry was a DOT-approved lid sold for under $200 with incredible voice and sound quality without a boom mic. Somehow, Sena achieved great sound quality by integrating microphones into the brow of the helmet. The Cavalry was discontinued by Sena in 2020 but you might be able to find it here on eBay for now.

Is it safe to listen to music while riding? 

As with anything involving a motor vehicle, being aware of risks and reducing distractions is paramount to ensuring the safety of everyone on the road, including you. 

Listening to music while riding can elevate your experience and actually make you less drowsy on long rides, but your music shouldn’t be so loud that it drowns out the sound of other vehicles. A good noise cancelling bluetooth headset can actually improve your ability to hear oncoming traffic or other hazards. That’s because these headsets are designed to cut down constant, ambient noise like wind without affecting one-off noise like the sound of tires and an engine approaching from behind. 

Cardo’s Automatic Volume Control and other noise cancelling algorithms – included on the Cardo PackTalk Bold, Cardo PackTalk Slim, and Cardo Freecom series – cut out ambient noises well without affecting other outside sounds. 

How do I improve the mic in a bluetooth motorcycle helmet? 

Improving the mic on a bluetooth motorcycle helmet or bluetooth headset is usually a matter of placement and sound isolation. A few tricks to try include moving the boom closer to your mouth, bolstering the size of your helmet’s chin mesh with some extra material, and switching out the mic you’re using (either boom or wire style). 

Some cheaper units may lack the quality of noise cancelling algorithm necessary to cut out wind noise as well, making your voice quality just plain bad. In that case, it might be time for an upgrade. 

Can you use Airpods while riding a motorcycle?

Absolutely! This is actually something I do regularly, especially when I’m trying on a new helmet or renting one and can’t install one of my motorcycle bluetooth headsets in it. If you simply want to listen to your music on shuffle, Airpods are a good alternative to a full-blown bluetooth headset. I recommend Airpods Pro, since the seal they create with your ears blocks out wind and exhaust noise very well. The noise cancelling is even better for highway rides – I found that it helped me hear traffic around me.

The post Choosing the Best Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset for Every Rider first appeared on It's Better On The Road.

Well the geeks have a solution for you: the bluetooth headset.

But picking the wrong one gets you right back to square one, yelling in to a microphone.

Me and my crew put together this list of headsets with you half helmet cruisers in mind. These picks all feature:

• Mics with great sound isolation (so your voice is heard, not the wind)
• Kits with long enough boom mics (most headsets just include a short boom mic suitable for modular helmets only)
• Powerful speakers without distortion (so your music and friend’s come through clear over wind and bike noise)
• Low profile battery units (so you don’t ruin your look with a helmet tumor)
• Included ear cups (to point sound from the speakers into your ears)

Skip to the bottom for our recommended one-and-done setup and one to avoid. I also dropped in alternatives like headphones down there.

Best Bluetooth Headsets for Half Helmets

So what ranks for half helmets? My crew and I think there are three top picks.

Small Groups: Sena SPH10HD-FM-01

If you ride in a group of four or less, this is your winner: The Sena SPH10HD-FM-01 (AKA Sena Mouthful^TM ). It comes from the best in the biz and is designed specifically for half helmets.

What does that mean? For one, this kit includes speaker pockets that fit any half helmet and hold the speakers right over your ears. Just slide the finger of the pocket between your helmet’s EPS foam and outer shell, and you’re set.

So it fits any half helmet. But what makes it so great?

Not only are the speakers held close to your ears, but they’re louder than your average headset. The intercom is voice activated, and does pretty well even with wind noise up til highway speeds (1).

Some wind noise coming through is to be expected with a half helmet headset. Sena solved that problem with this unit. You can quickly smack the jog dial to switch the intercom on and off. Voice activated up to 150mph would be nice, but you’re in a half helmet – you can’t ask for much more.

You can connect four motorcycle riders together wearing any brand of headsets over 3,000 ft distance (900 m), which should be enough for most. However, it’s not the best if you ride in a big group (more on that later).

Use this headset to listen to music on any Bluetooth audio devices (i.e. your phone) or via the built-in FM radio tuner. You can also take calls. Advanced Noise Control lets you adjust each speaker’s volume independently in case you have a bad ear on one side. All this will keep going for 7 hours of talk time with the integrated battery.

If you ride in a small group and want a Bluetooth headset tailored to the half-helmet ride, this is your winner.

For Big Groups: Cardo Packtalk Edge with Half Helmet Kit

The PackTalk Edge is Cardo’s best Bluetooth unit, with Mesh connectivity and range extending up to 5 miles between all riders. It’s incredibly easy to use, waterproof, and comes with great sound quality right out of the box. Even the speakers are made in partnership with JBL, so you get booming audio and clear intercom.

To make the Edge work for a half helmet, you’ll need to pick up Cardo’s half helmet kit. That’ll give you a mount point with a long boom mic that extends to your mouth.

Cardo units are my personal choice on group rides – they’re easier to work with than Senas and more seamlessly connected to everyone in the group.

Pick up the Packtalk Edge here:

And don’t forget the Half Helmet kit here:

Also for Big Groups: Sena 50S

The 50S is Sena’s top-notch Bluetooth unit, supporting up to 24 riders on a Group Mesh connection. In Open Mesh mode, you can chat with virtually limitless riders over a staggering 5 mile distance (if you’re all spread out). That’s incredible for big group rides.

This is one of the only units on the market that supports over 4 riders connected at once and ALSO includes a boom mic suitable for half helmets. Usually this unit is installed in full face helmets, but Sena was nice enough to include a boom mic for half helmet riders.

In Open Mesh mode you get NINE channels, like the old CB radio days. That means you don’t have to talk with every rider in your pack – you can switch to a less busy channel. The unit has universal intercom in Bluetooth mode as well, allowing it to connect to any other Bluetooth intercom device from another brand.

The sound quality on this unit is stellar, given Sena partnered with Harman Kardon for the mic and speakers on this unit. The 40mm speakers on this kit are bigger than most headsets, and the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile means solid sound at the low, mid, and high end.

Battery will last you 11-12 hours of talk time. Fast charging gets you 2 hours of battery life in just 20 minutes. Awesome.

This kit is perfect for riders in large groups who want to stay connected. The top notch speakers and mic from Harman Kardon put out the best sound quality. Voice controls are just a bonus.

Pick up a single or dual pack today and get back on the road.

All-In-One: Sena Cavalry

You might have heard of the Cavalry already. Sena built an incredible Bluetooth half helmet that achieved clear sound without a boom mic – by running mics in the brow of the helmet. Stereo headset in the ear slots too. It was a stellar product for cruiser riders.

However, Sena discontinued the Cavalry in 2022. There are some odd sizes still on the market at Amazon and Revzilla, but I wouldn’t hold your breath.

Want an even better setup than the Cavalry? See what I have for you below.

The Perfect Motorcycle Half Helmet Bluetooth Setup

Need a half helmet and a Bluetooth headset just as good as the Sena Cavalry?

Pick up the LS2 Bagger Helmet for under $100 and pop in either the Sena SPH10H-FM-01 or the Sena 50S. This LS2 lid has built-in speaker pockets and a neck skirt to keep your speakers on your ears and your neck warm. No extra ear pads necessary.

The look is a classic half-helmet style with small lip, just like the Sena Cavalry. It’s DOT approved with a quick-release chinstrap and light fiberglass shell. That peak is removable as well.

Comes in gloss white or black, matte black, and MURICA (black with a bald eagle on the side – I am not making this up). Both Amazon and Revzilla carry this lid.

After you have the lid, pick up one of the headsets I recommend for half helmets: the Sena SPH10H-FM-01 or the Sena 50S.

Alternatives to Bluetooth Headsets

Not happy with any of these options? If you don’t care about intercom and just want music, calls, and GPS directions right in your ears – headphones are a great option.

AirPods Pro

Say what you will about Apple, but AirPods are incredible. They work flawlessly with Apple devices, and the AirPods Pro have a noise control feature you’ll want to hear about… (more below)

You can wear AirPods on and off the bike, and the battery life is decent. You’ll get about 4-5 hours of battery in normal use, and popping them back in the case will charge them up in about an hour.

You do have the chance that one pod flies out on the road (been there, done that) but some ear pads should hold them in on the highway.

With the AirPods Pro, you get three levels of noise control. In normal mode, they’re just in-ear earbuds. In Active Noise Cancellation, they cut out a lot of wind and engine noise from around you. In Transparency mode, they bring in outside sounds to make it easier to hear people and cars around you.

Anecdotally I can say the sound quality of AirPods is unmatched. You just won’t get better sound quality with a set of speakers laying over your ears, like those that come with every Bluetooth headset. The microphones on the AirPods also work well for calls in a half helmet, at least in city speeds. On the highway, you start to lose a lot of clarity.

For top notch audio quality, the AirPods are your go-to. If you don’t care about intercom, you should look no further.

The Best Bluetooth Headset for Half Helmets

Bluetooth headset makers are unfortunately not very focused on the half-helmet market. It’s slim pickings out there for cruiser riders. That said, Sena has a few kits that nail the needs of a half helmet rider to a T, which we’ve covered above.

If you don’t care about intercom, AirPods or any in-ear Bluetooth earbuds are also a great option for music and calls.

Whatever you choose, remember to enjoy your ride.

The post Best Bluetooth Headsets for Half Helmets (Avoid One) first appeared on It's Better On The Road.

If you’re riding solo or in a group of riders using Cardo units, grab the Cardo Packtalk Pro and don’t look back. But if your whole crew rides with Sena? You’re locked into that ecosystem and the Sena 60S is your best option.

Here’s the straight-up TL;DR:

• Cardo is for 80% of riders. Their units match the needs of riders for a robust, reliable and user-friendly communications device. Packtalk Pro is the best.
• Sena is for those who already have friends with Senas. Cardo and Sena generally don’t play well together, so if all your friends are riding with Senas, fold in to the pack.
• A versatile comms unit will cost you $300+. The Cardo Custom (10% off at that link with code BTR) is a cheat code at its price, since it supports groups of 15 riders communicating together (if they’re all on Cardo units).
• On a budget? Comms units that support music, calls, GPS and even chatting with 1-2 other riders can be as cheap as $100-$150 (like Cardo Spirit – also 10% with code BTR).
• Don’t buy off-brand headsets: You get garbage audio, terrible connection, and irritating problems that just aren’t worth it. Stick to Cardo and Sena.

DEAL: Use code BTR to get 10% OFF Cardo EDGE, Neo, Spirit and Freecom line devices on Cardo’s shop.

Quick Take: Should I choose Cardo or Sena?

I say choose Cardo. Cardo consistently listens to customers: their units are easy to use, extremely durable, and simple to set up whether you’re riding alone or with a big group. So I’d say…

• Solo riders on a budget: Get the Cardo Spirit HD (read my 2 years of daily use review) – not the normal Spirit since the 30mm helmet speakers with that one are trash.
• Group riders: Get the Cardo Custom (reviewed here) – but your whole group will need to be on these
• Group riders wanting the best unit: Get the latest and greatest Cardo Packtalk Pro with crash detection and auto on/off. I reviewed the very similar Packtalk Edge unit I use daily now here.

Best	Upgradeable	Budget
Cardo Packtalk Pro	Cardo Packtalk Custom	Cardo Spirit HD
Best for riding in big groups, or if you want all the features.	Best if your group has all latest-gen Cardo units.	Best for solo riders, pairs and passengers.
15+ rider intercom over Mesh (even Senas) Magnetic air mount Auto on-off Crash detection and emergency call 45mm JBL speakers in the box (the best)	15+ rider intercom over Mesh 10+ hour battery life Half the price of similar units Connects to phone for music, GPS	Affordable Waterproof Basic music and intercom functionality
Pricey	Upgrade required for Bluetooth intercom (only when connecting to old units or Senas)	Only intercom with 1 other rider Low quality speakers (can upgrade) No voice commands
10% Off (Code: BTR)	10% Off (Code: BTR)	10% Off (Code: BTR)
Check Price on Revzilla	Check Price on Revzilla	Check Price on Revzilla

Best

Cardo Packtalk Pro

Best for riding in big groups, or if you want all the features.

• 15+ rider intercom over Mesh (even Senas)
• Magnetic air mount
• Auto on-off
• Crash detection and emergency call
• 45mm JBL speakers in the box (the best)

• Pricey

10% Off (Code: BTR)

Check Price on Revzilla

Upgradeable

Cardo Packtalk Custom

Best if your group has all latest-gen Cardo units.

• 15+ rider intercom over Mesh
• 10+ hour battery life
• Half the price of similar units
• Connects to phone for music, GPS

• Upgrade required for Bluetooth intercom (only when connecting to old units or Senas)

10% Off (Code: BTR)

Check Price on Revzilla

Budget

Cardo Spirit HD

Best for solo riders, pairs and passengers.

• Affordable
• Waterproof
• Basic music and intercom functionality

• Only intercom with 1 other rider
• Low quality speakers (can upgrade)
• No voice commands

10% Off (Code: BTR)

Check Price on Revzilla

I think the only reason to go with Sena is if all your fellow riders are using them.

I’ll be honest: I flat out don’t like Sena. They dropped universal intercom in all their units, making pairing a pain, and their units are only water “resistant” (read: Sena won’t stand by their durability).

Let’s get in to specifics – I will tell you why Cardo wins on all accounts.

Why I Changed My Mind About Helmet Comms

I thought comms were pointless until I used a Cardo Spirit on a ride from Denver to Phoenix with my dad. Music, GPS, check-ins, it made the ride better. And safer. Then I learned the hard way how brand mismatch can ruin that.

My own ignorance of the Cardo VS Sena debate nearly cost me a rider because I assumed Cardo and Sena would just work together.

This was on a tour I led through the mountains of Thailand. The roads were sketchy, and we needed to stay in constant contact to avoid trouble (communication was non-negotiable). Everyone in the group brought Cardo units that could connect together in a Mesh group.

Except for one guy, let’s call him Rob, who showed up with a Sena baked into his helmet.

“No big deal,” I thought. “We’ll just sync it.”

Except we couldn’t. I burned an hour in the sun trying every trick to make it work. Nada. That Sena unit wouldn’t connect to our Cardo mesh, and we were out of time.

So Rob rode solo, completely out of the loop. He missed warnings. He had to make blind passes. It was tense as hell.

Here’s the problem: Sena’s newer Mesh tech only connects with other Sena units. No cross-brand mesh support. Cardo can try to bridge one in over Bluetooth, but it’s flaky at best. Mesh-to-Mesh between brands? Doesn’t exist.

Lesson learned: Don’t assume “Bluetooth” means “compatible.” If you’re stuck trying to pair Cardo and Sena gear, check out my in-depth pairing guide here: Pairing Cardo and Sena Units – What Works, What Doesn’t. Choose your comms gear based on what your group uses, or risk more than just dropped calls.

Ignorance of the Cardo vs Sena debate is EXPENSIVE. For me, it almost cost a life.

There’s a right unit for every kind of rider – and I’m here to share what I’ve learned about which unit is right for you and the people you ride with (if any! These units are still nice when riding solo).

And if your group wants to rent a few motorcycles… either rent unique bikes direct from their owners on Rider’s Share (here’s $25 off your first rental) or get a bike from the tried-and-true EagleRider network across the USA (and beyond).

Feature Comparison: Cardo vs. Sena

You’ve seen my picks, heard my story, and hopefully dodged a pairing nightmare. But if you’re still on the fence, here’s how Cardo and Sena actually stack up side-by-side.

The first thing to note is that there is no one-size-fits-all Bluetooth device.

Like Goldilocks and her bed, everyone has their own perfect device. It all depends on what you want.

Need a way to talk to your passenger without burning a hole in your wallet? Or talk to 15 of your brothers as you cruise the streets together? Those two cases require completely different devices.

Cardo Packtalk Pro VS Sena 60S – Head to Head Comparison

Let’s take a look at what Cardo and Sena offer in four categories:

• Intercom Range – when will connection drop out?
• Connected Riders – how many riders can talk together?
• Speaker Quality – can you hear (and enjoy) music and conversation?
• Durability and Waterproofing – will these units survive a few rough rides or not?

We’ll review two of the top Cardo and Sena units: The Cardo Packtalk Pro and Sena 60S.

Cardo	Sena
Cardo Packtalk Pro	Sena 60S
The King of motorcycle intercoms and Bluetooth headsets, the Pro comes with every top of the line feature Cardo offers and their stellar 45mm JBL speakers, the best helmet speakers money can buy.	Sena's top-of-the-line Mesh and Bluetooth communicator comes with dual helmet kits, an integrated flashlight, Harman Kardon sound and WAVE Intercom with unlimited range over cellular.
Check Price on Cardo	Check Price on Revzilla
Check Price on Revzilla	Check Price on Amazon

Cardo

Cardo Packtalk Pro

The King of motorcycle intercoms and Bluetooth headsets, the Pro comes with every top of the line feature Cardo offers and their stellar 45mm JBL speakers, the best helmet speakers money can buy.

Check Price on Cardo

Check Price on Revzilla

Sena

Sena 60S

Sena's top-of-the-line Mesh and Bluetooth communicator comes with dual helmet kits, an integrated flashlight, Harman Kardon sound and WAVE Intercom with unlimited range over cellular.

Check Price on Revzilla

Check Price on Amazon

Longest Range

The more distance you put between you and other riders, the harder it is for an intercom system to stay connected. Shorter ranges mean more confusion and wasted time spent reconnecting devices instead of carving the open road.

We all know advertised ranges for these devices are not very accurate.

In terms of Bluetooth communications, the website for the Cardo Packtalk Pro says it has a Rider to Rider Range of 1 mile or 1,600 meters. However, on a clear straight road in cloudy weather, one tester was able to get 3,600 feet or 1,100 meters range for Bluetooth and mesh intercom on the Packtalk Edge (same electronics). Not bad, but not as advertised.

The same team – a British motorcycling group – did the same test on the Sena 50S (same innards as the 60S), which is advertised with a range of 1.2 miles or 1,900 meters. On Bluetooth intercom, it worked at over 4,000 feet (1,230 meters). On Mesh, connection fell off at 3,400 feet (1,030 meters).

However, Sena recently launched their WAVE intercom with the Sena 60S, which uses the cellular network on your phone to make intercom distance basically infinite…

So who wins out of Cardo and Sena on the longest range?

Between the top of the line Cardo and Sena units (the Cardo Packtalk Pro and the Sena 60S), we have to give the cake to the Sena 60S since that WAVE intercom feature breaks all the rules of traditional intercom connectivity.

That said, WAVE will only work with other Sena 60S units. If your whole gang are middle-aged dudes with money to blow, have at it and get a bunch of 60S units. But if not… stick with me. You’ll want to look at the other categories before making a call on Sena vs Cardo.

🏆 Winner for Range: Sena 60S (but only if everyone’s using it)

Most Connected Riders

Whether you just want to talk to a passenger or a pack makes a big difference here.

Just want to talk to a passenger or one other rider? Any unit from Cardo or Sena will do the trick.

Need to talk to a big group? Now we have a debate on our hands.

Both Sena and Cardo use Mesh technology to extend range and the number of riders who can chat together.

However, not all Mesh is equal. Cardo’s Mesh can connect up to 15 riders together, while Sena’s can connect almost limitless riders together.

Mesh can connect multiple riders through the devices of riders in between them. Each device is like a router, carrying traffic through to other devices. That means longer range with mesh networks extending up to FIVE MILES if enough riders are spaced out in between.

That’s a huge plus for big groups of riders that spread out on the road. And it’s only possible with Sena.

However, Sena hasn’t won yet. There’s also the question of connecting to other BRANDS.

See, there’s always that one rider in your group that HAS to do everything DIFFERENTLY.

Everyone has a Sena, but he just HAD to get a Cardo. Can you all sync up?

With Cardo devices, you’re in the clear. Cardo’s universal pairing means Cardo devices can connect to any number of Sena, Cardo, or other devices over Bluetooth, and even “bridge in” Sena devices which are connected to each other via Mesh.

Sena removed universal pairing over Mesh in all their models since the 20S. Bluetooth connections are still universal. But remember the range test? Bluetooth significantly limits your range compared to the FIVE MILES possible over Mesh.

So everyone needs to be on Sena, or you’re back to stone age Bluetooth connections. The Sena 30 Series and newer units can only use dynamic mesh communication with other Sena-brand gear. 

Unless you’re a prospect of your local Sena MC chapter, I’d say Cardo wins.

🏆 Winner for Flexibility: Cardo

Speaker and Sound Quality

Speaker quality is make-or-break here.

What use is a great motorcycle intercom system if you can’t hear a damn thing?

Bad audio quality or poor volume means missed turns, confused conversation, and annoying music all adding up to wasted money and a terrible ride.

A good set of speakers means a much more enjoyable ride.

So, both Cardo and Sena punch hard in this category – through partnerships.

Cardo put famous audio brand JBL in their corner. The Cardo Packtalk Edge unit includes the 40mm JBL speakers in the box that perform super well. They boom out clear sound and strong bass without creating any tinny highs or distortion at volume.

Cardo and JBL also sell the holy grail of helmet speakers: the Cardo and JBL 45mm kit. This is my daily driver, and it comes in the box with the Cardo Packtalk Pro.

Sena didn’t take this laying down, however.

In November 2021, Sena partnered with Harman Kardon, a renowned audio equipment manufacturer known for some banging car stereos. Harman Kardon’s speakers are now in the Sena 60S, 50R, 50S, 50C (with a 4K camera!) and Bluetooth helmets Impulse and Stryker.

Riders say they’re a big step up from Sena’s in-house speakers, but still not able to compare to Cardo’s top quality system. Cardo wins on the audio quality front. The Cardo JBL 45mm speaker kit is, I believe, still the best speaker unit money can buy for your Bluetooth headset.

🏆 Winner for Audio: Cardo

Waterproofing and Durability

If you’ve never been caught in the rain on your bike, do you even ride? 

Rain, road debris and tough conditions are part and parcel of life on the road.

You need a Bluetooth unit that won’t crap out from a shower. That’s like flushing $300 down the toilet. Sound fun?

Cardo and Sena units have been around for a while. There’s a reason they’re both popular with motorcyclists. That said, there are differences in durability – especially when it comes to waterproofing.

Every Cardo unit is advertised as waterproof. I can attest to this – I’ve never heard of a Cardo unit failing in the rain or even after swimming in a pool for a while (true story). Plus, making that claim means Cardo has to back it up if your unit does fail due to water damage.

However, Sena only claims their units are water-resistant. Very annoying.

They do have a habit of shutting down in heavy rain, likely due to water getting in between the bracket and the unit itself. However, Sena’s integrated helmets tuck away all the electronics and their connections – so no water issues.

Since Sena never says their devices are waterproof, you can’t come crying to them when your $400 Sena 60S craps out in a shower. What a shame. Sena – do better!

The waterproofing issue is a big one especially for off-road and adventure riders. It doesn’t even have to rain for you nutcases to get wet.

For waterproofing and durability, go with Cardo.

🏆 Winner for Waterproofing: Cardo

Cardo VS Sena: Recommendations By Needs

Yes, I clearly lean Cardo, but not out of brand loyalty. It’s based on rain-tested rides and real-world failures.

That said, here’s my unbiased breakdown of which unit fits best depending on how (and where) you ride:

Best Budget	Best Adventure	Motorcycle Club
Cardo Spirit HD Bluetooth Comms System	Cardo Freecom 4X	Sena 60S
Description: The Cardo Spirit HD Bluetooth Communication System is an excellent choice for riders seeking a reliable and feature-rich intercom without breaking the bank.	Description: The Cardo Freecom 4X is a premium Bluetooth communication system designed for riders seeking high-quality audio and reliable intercom capabilities without the complexity of mesh networks.	Description: Sena's top-of-the-line Mesh and Bluetooth communicator comes with dual helmet kits, an integrated flashlight, Harman Kardon sound and WAVE Intercom with unlimited range over cellular.
10% Off (Code: BTR)	10% Off (Code: BTR)	Check Price on Revzilla
Check Price on Revzilla	Check Price on Revzilla	Check Price on Amazon

Best Budget

Cardo Spirit HD Bluetooth Comms System

Description:

The Cardo Spirit HD Bluetooth Communication System is an excellent choice for riders seeking a reliable and feature-rich intercom without breaking the bank.

10% Off (Code: BTR)

Check Price on Revzilla

Best Adventure

Cardo Freecom 4X

Description:

The Cardo Freecom 4X is a premium Bluetooth communication system designed for riders seeking high-quality audio and reliable intercom capabilities without the complexity of mesh networks.

10% Off (Code: BTR)

Check Price on Revzilla

Motorcycle Club

Sena 60S

Description:

Sena's top-of-the-line Mesh and Bluetooth communicator comes with dual helmet kits, an integrated flashlight, Harman Kardon sound and WAVE Intercom with unlimited range over cellular.

Check Price on Revzilla

Check Price on Amazon

Best Budget Option: Music, GPS, Calls and Maybe a Friend

Let’s say you don’t want to sell a kidney to get some music in your helmet. You want to pick up a call once in a while, and maybe chat with a passenger or a rider. What you should go with?

The Cardo Spirit – and here’s why.

Cardo Spirit HD Bluetooth Comms System

$143.96

The Cardo Spirit HD Bluetooth Communication System is an excellent choice for riders seeking a reliable and feature-rich intercom without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Waterproof
• Music, Intercom, GPS work flawlessly

Cons:

• Max 2 Intercom Participants
• Short range (600m)

10% Off (Code: BTR) Check Price on Revzilla

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

DEAL: Use code BTR to get 10% OFF Cardo EDGE, Neo, Spirit and Freecom line devices on Cardo’s shop.

Cardo hit the market just right with the Spirit. For under $100, you get music, directions, FM radio, and voice assistant access in your helmet. The connection is reliable, and can link up to your phone plus another device like a GPS.

You can chat with one passenger or other rider up to a quarter mile away (400 meters). Ever been to a drag strip? That’s a quarter mile.

The battery life is long, up to 10 hours. I commute an hour a day with this device. It easily lasts me all week. And every time I turn it off, it reminds me how much battery is left.

The only downside of this unit are the weak speakers, but a quiet helmet or the Cardo JBL 45mm kit fix that. Here’s my full 10,000+ mile review of the Cardo Spirit.

Best Adventure Option: Riding Trails with a Group

This one is for you riders that are always covered in mud. You love the smell of two-stroke oil in the morning, and you daydream in the office about hitting the trails with a couple buddies.

Which unit from Cardo or Sena will handle the off road with you?

I’d recommend the Cardo Freecom 4x.

Cardo Freecom 4X

$260.96

The Cardo Freecom 4X is a premium Bluetooth communication system designed for riders seeking high-quality audio and reliable intercom capabilities without the complexity of mesh networks.

Pros:

• Waterproof
• JBL 40mm speakers
• Voice control & Live Intercom

Cons:

• No mesh support
• Limited to 4 riders

10% Off (Code: BTR) Check Price on Revzilla

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Why? It’s in the middle of the price range (spend what you save on a neck brace), but it has most of the features of Cardo and Sena’s high end units. Most importantly, it’s waterproof unlike any Sena devices. It’s also easy to control with glove-friendly buttons, jog dial, and voice assistant access.

Chat with up to four riders over 3/4 of a mile, over reliable Bluetooth. Hear music and your buddies clearly through the 40mm JBL speakers. And go all day with 13 hour battery life. The two year warranty might also save you if this unit craps out in the mud.

Best Motorcycle Club Option: Chatting with a Huge Gang

Now we’re in the big leagues. You want to talk to your wife on the back of your monstrously large bagger, as well as your 25 other friends cruising down the highway with you. What’s the right piece of gear?

Pick up a Sena 60S.

Sena 60S

Sena's top-of-the-line Mesh and Bluetooth communicator comes with dual helmet kits, an integrated flashlight, Harman Kardon sound and WAVE Intercom with unlimited range over cellular.

Pros:

• Mesh and Wave intercom (unlimited range with cellular signal)
• Harman Kardon 40mm speakers
• Long battery life (17–22 hours)

Cons:

• Mesh only connects with other Sena units
• Not fully waterproof

Check Price on Revzilla Check Price on Amazon

We may earn commissions if you make a purchase. This keeps our site ad-free and never sponsored.

Why is this the right unit for you?

Sena’s device can connect to unlimited riders over Mesh, whereas Cardo units all top out at 15 connected riders.

For one, Sena’s boom mic design makes the device work well in all kinds of helmets – including half helmets.

Sound by Harman Kardon through 40mm speakers means no scratchy sound or difficulty hearing – especially important if you ride with an open face or half helmet.

And you’ll be connected all day with a whopping 14 hours of battery life.

This unit also comes in a pre-connected dual pack (great for couples who ride together). Pick one up now and get back on the road!

Sena 60S Bluetooth Headset - Dual Pack

Comes ready for two helmets with Mesh 3.0, Wave Intercom, and Harman Kardon audio—perfect for couples or riders who gear up more than one lid.

Check Price on Revzilla Check Price on Amazon

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Final Verdict: Cardo or Sena?

It’s all up to what you need. Both offer a wide range of devices for different needs.

That said, I prefer Cardo devices. I like that they all stick by waterproof housing and universal pairing with other Bluetooth headsets. I think Cardo just has a better read on what the market wants.

That said, Sena is a worthy competitor. They put a freaking 4K camera in the 50C unit for recording your rides! Plus they offer some amazing helmets with pre-integrated Bluetooth.

Hard for Cardo to compete with that.

Sena’s Integrated Bluetooth Helmets: Worth a Look?

Speaking of Sena’s integrated helmets, they’re definitely worth considering if you’re already set on Sena gear. Many of these helmets pack electronics identical or very similar to Sena’s standalone units like the advanced 60S.

Take the Sena Phantom helmet – all the electronics are internal, battery life is measured in centuries, Harman Kardon home theater speakers, and both tail and BRAKE lights!

We have a comprehensive list of Bluetooth ready helmets, featuring some of Sena’s best models:

• Sena Impulse: Versatile flip-up helmet packed with advanced connectivity features.
• Sena Cavalry 2 : Perfect for minimalist riders looking for maximum connectivity.

Full Face	Modular	Half face
Sena Phantom	Sena Impulse	Sena Cavalry 2
Bluetooth 5.3 and Mesh 3.0 technology Built-in active noise cancelling and premium Harman Kardon audio	Mesh & Bluetooth integrated communication Simple button controls on the left side 18+ hours of battery life (better than any other Bluetooth headset)	Premium fiberglass shell with aerodynamic design Built-in speakers and hidden mic DOT approved, Bluetooth ready
Check Price on Revzilla	Check Price on Motosport	Check Price on Revzilla
Check Price on Amazon	Check Price on Amazon	Check Price on Amazon

Full Face

Sena Phantom

• Bluetooth 5.3 and Mesh 3.0 technology
• Built-in active noise cancelling and premium Harman Kardon audio

Check Price on Revzilla

Check Price on Amazon

Modular

Sena Impulse

• Mesh & Bluetooth integrated communication
• Simple button controls on the left side
• 18+ hours of battery life (better than any other Bluetooth headset)

Check Price on Motosport

Check Price on Amazon

Half face

Sena Cavalry 2

• Premium fiberglass shell with aerodynamic design
• Built-in speakers and hidden mic
• DOT approved, Bluetooth ready

Check Price on Revzilla

Check Price on Amazon

And some older (but still current) favorites: Sena Stryker and Sena Outforce, which share the DNA and electronics of Sena’s top standalone devices.

Got a favorite? Let me know what you’re using, shoot me an email at evan@itsbetterontheroad.com.

FAQs

Can Cardo and Sena connect to each other?

Sometimes, yes—but it’s complicated. Bluetooth pairing is possible for 1-to-1 chats, but Mesh networks don’t mix. If you need to stay in group comms, stick to the same brand.

Are these units waterproof?

All current Cardo units are fully waterproof. Sena units are only water-resistant—fine for a sprinkle, but risky in downpours.

Do I need Mesh intercom?

If you ride in big groups, yes. Mesh is way easier to connect and more stable over long distances. For small rides or solo trips, Bluetooth will do just fine.

Will I hear music through earplugs?

Yes—if you upgrade your speakers. Both JBL (Cardo) and Harman Kardon (Sena) kits punch through foam plugs. But helmet fit and earplug type matter too.

What’s the best comms unit for couples?

The Sena 60S Dual Pack is a solid pick—already synced, works in all helmets, and gives you premium audio in both lids.

What’s the cheapest way to get music and GPS in my helmet?

Get the Cardo Spirit HD. It’s waterproof, easy to use, and works great for solo or duo riders.

Learn More About the Brands

What is Cardo?

Cardo started out making those God-awful Bluetooth earpieces for office workers.

However, they soon got in to a cooler market when one of their employees had a bright idea. When he was riding his motorcycle to Cardo’s Texas office, he wondered how he could apply Cardo’s technology to his helmet.

Cardo claims it invented the first motorcycle Bluetooth headset in 2004, called the Scala Rider (1). They were there right from the start. And their product line shows it – Cardo understands the needs of riders well, from good sound to voice operation to waterproof devices.

Some other useful innovations from Cardo include:

• 2007 – First rider-to-rider motorcycle intercom released
• 2015 – First use of dynamic mesh communication (DMC) intercom that connected up to 15 riders
• 2019 – Launched a partnership with JBL to build helmet speakers for their headsets
• 2024 – Launched the Packtalk Pro with auto on/off and Crash Detection built in

JBL really took Cardo’s audio quality to the next level. Their 45mm speaker kit puts out music, GPS directions, call audio and intercom voices loud and clear, without hurting your ears.

What is Sena?

If Cardo is Yamaha, Sena is Honda.

This one is a rivalry for the ages.

Sena was founded in 1998 and is also based in the US, out of California. Just like Cardo they started with boring office bluetooth things.

It took a while for Sena to move into the motorcycle communication network field – the first Sena Bluetooth headset was the SMH10 in 2011. They took the field by storm, however.

Sena is the household name these days for Bluetooth headsets for motorcycles. Plus, they even have a line of helmets pre-integrated with their top Bluetooth tech.

Other company firsts have included:

• 2017 – The first ever half helmet with an integrated Bluetooth communication system was launched, the Sena Cavalry.
• 2017 – Sena included mesh intercom technology into headsets for the first time with the Sena 30K. Mesh allows intercom connection to unlimited riders.
• 2019 – The 10C EVO was launched as the first Bluetooth headset combining intercom and a 4K camera (5).
• 2021 – Launched the first actually decent smart helmets with the Impulse modular and Stryker, both featuring Sena’s best comms tech integrated in to the shell as well as integrated tail lights.
• 2024 – Refreshed their smart helmet line with the updated Cavalry half helmet, Surge open face helmet, and Phantom full face.

Just ask around, and you’re likely to find a lot of people carrying Sena devices.

How did Sena do it? For one, they make branded kits for Schuberth, Shoei, AGV, HJC and Klim helmets (and many more). Everything is perfectly sized for the helmet, right from the factory. That means less installation hassle and sometimes a slimmer headset. Some kits even hide the bulky battery inside the helmet itself.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, you probably care about getting your comms setup right, and you should. Whether you’re running solo or riding deep in a pack, a solid Bluetooth unit can make your ride smoother, safer, and way more fun.

Yes, I’ve got a clear preference for Cardo; they’ve earned it with better waterproofing, stronger group comms, and features that actually help riders. But Sena still has a place in the game, especially if your crew’s already riding with them or you want the clean, all-in-one helmet setup.

Bottom line?

Pick the brand that fits your group and riding style. And if you’re still unsure, shoot me a message—I’ll help you figure it out.

See you out on the road.
— Evan

The post Cardo VS Sena: on Waterproofing, Range, Battery, and More first appeared on It's Better On The Road.

The original Bluetooth 1.0 only worked across 10 meters (1), which is only a little more than cat-swinging distances. Nowadays, you can connect with your passenger, communicate at fairly long distances with a riding buddy, and even chat across a whole group ride. All praise to technology.

Whether you’ve got an integrated Bluetooth helmet or you’ve added Bluetooth to your lid yourself, you’ll know that Bluetooth / Mesh range can make or break the usefulness of your kit. It’s not going to affect listening to your own music or taking a call from home, but if you want to chat with your pack, you need range. Sometimes, plenty of it.

Range isn’t the only thing to consider; you want to make sure the people you ride with can all connect. At the lower end of the price scale, you’ll find Bluetooth helmets and headsets are locked to one brand, while higher-spec Bluetooth will connect to any brand. You’ll also find that cheaper units tend to overpromise and underdeliver in the range department. 

Want to understand the range of your Bluetooth helmet better? We’ve got all the information you need, including:

• The factors that affect your helmet’s Bluetooth range
• Which helmets and headsets have the best Bluetooth range
• When range specifications don’t measure up in reality
• How to understand Bluetooth range in real terms

And we’ll finish up with some of your burning Bluetooth questions.

What Affects a Bluetooth Helmet’s Range

It’s worth understanding how your helmet’s tech works so you can troubleshoot issues when you’re on the road. Can’t connect? Losing your riding buddy? You’re not going to have the user manual on hand so here’s what you need to know to understand why things go wrong. 

How Does Bluetooth Work?

Bluetooth is a system that sends information – 1s and 0s – between devices across specific wave frequencies.

Bluetooth signal is about 1,000 times weaker (2) than the signal your phone uses, though. It’s designed to connect devices directly to each other, rather than via cell towers.

Technology

Over the years, advances in Bluetooth have brought improvements in data transfer speed, reductions in power consumption, and extensions in the range it can function over. On the market nowadays, you’ll find devices working off different Bluetooth versions, like 3.1, 4.2, and 5.0. The higher the number, the more recent the version.

Compared to 4.2, Bluetooth 5.0 can:

• Transmit eight time more data
• Work at double the speed
• Connect over four times the range

Bluetooth devices need to make tradeoffs – one of the common ones being between signal strength and battery life. Some of the longer-range devices require bigger batteries, or simply offer less battery life than shorter-range devices. 

The sensitivity of the receiving device’s hardware will also be a factor for range – the more sensitive it’s tuned the weaker – or more distant – the signals that it can hear. 

At the highest power and tuned all the way up, you can expect theoretical Bluetooth ranges of:

Many Bluetooth motorcycle kits today can also support Mesh networking protocols in addition to Bluetooth. In a Mesh network, your helmet acts like a node in a network to let the rider behind you piggyback through your headset and communicate with the one in front of you, extending the range you can intercom across. 

Environment

Along with the tech, where you’re using your motorcycle helmet Bluetooth will also affect how far your chat can travel. 

If you’ve ever tried to make a phone call from an underground parking lot, you’ll know concrete walls can really cramp that connection. Since Bluetooth also uses radio waves to communicate, the same concept applies. 

Even when you’re out on a drive, issues like (3):

• Trees
• Hilly terrain
• Boulders
• Rock formations
• Electricity pylons

Can all get in the way of your signal. Even rain and humidity can affect the range of your Bluetooth headset since they can scatter the radio signals. 

Other radio signals can also screw around with your Bluetooth comms getting through. If a truck is on the highway using their radio or you’re close to a cell tower, you could see your range reduced temporarily. 

Because you’ll rarely be in absolutely perfect communicating conditions, you can expect your Bluetooth range to be lower that the numbers we quoted up top. The more recent the tech, the better the range should be. 

What Bluetooth Helmet Has the Best Range? 

Sena Stryker Range

The range of the Sena Stryker is advertised as up to 1.2 miles or around 2km. However, in practical terms, you’ll be able to communicate with someone who’s around half a mile to three-quarters of a mile away. 

The Bluetooth you get in the Sena Stryker – our pick for the best Bluetooth helmet on the market – is the same as the Sena 50S. After using the older Sena 30K (which boasts a similar range) for two years, one motorcyclist said that their hands-on experience of the range was about half a mile to three-quarters of mile – basically as long as he could still spot the other rider in the distance. 

He also said that going around corners in hilly or mountainous terrain would knock out the comms. However, Sena’s systems do auto-reconnect so that’s not a huge issue (4). 

Another rider did a proper test to measure the range of the 30K and got a range of 0.6 km or 0.37 miles with a clear line of sight in windy, damp conditions (5). Even Mesh communications still only work when riders are within line of sight, according to a group of five riders (6).

Make no mistake, for all the functionality and price point, we still reckon the Sena Stryker is the best Bluetooth integrated helmet. 

Sena Savage Range

The advertised range of the Sena Savage open-face helmet is 1 mile or 1,600 meters. In reality, you can expect to get about 400 meters or around 0.2 miles before comms cut out, according to the same tester as the 30K/Momentum Evo quoted earlier (5).

We should again point out that the testing was actually done using a Sena 10S, which is the same hardware that you’ll find in the Sena Savage. That hardware doesn’t support Mesh intercom so these numbers are the best you’ll get with this Bluetooth helmet. 

The Sena Savage was discontinued in 2022, but if you’d like to pick one up they are still selling on eBay – both new and used.

Torc T15B Bluetooth Integrated Mako Full Face Helmet Range

The Torc T14B range is much lower, at around 30 to 50 feet or 9 to 15 meters. This is enough for you to communicate with your passenger or someone riding right next to you, but not much else. 

The reduced range in the motorcycle Bluetooth has a lot to do with it being Bluetooth 3.0. It’s an entry-level Bluetooth helmet which is probably more suited to listening to music or making phone calls, although a few reviews point out that you won’t hear much over 40 mph. 

Fodsports M1S Range

The range on the Fodsports M1S doesn’t live up to the hype. The details from the manufacturer put the range at 2,000 meters in ideal conditions, but then further down the page backtrack that claim down to 500m (11). 

Reviews from buyers pull that number down even further, though. One buyer said, “Headset connection range is great to about 200 yards [180 meters] then it gets a little hard to hear” while another commented, “we ran the intercom at 300-400 yards for 6 hours no loss, no disconnect” (8). That’s around 350 meters of effective range. 

These numbers aren’t unexpected for Bluetooth headset ranges, as we’ve seen, but it’s probably the most dramatic difference from what the box says. 

The Fodsport is by no means awful:

• It’s the best priced Bluetooth 5.0 headset
• You get two mics in the box – boom and wired – so it’s super versatile
• Actual users say it’s got a great battery life, with 50% of the juice left after a seven hour ride

So don’t scratch it from your shortlist unless range is an absolute deal-breaker. 

Sena 50S Range

The Sena 50S shines when it comes to real-world tested range. While it isn’t available pre-integrated into any motorcycle helmet, you can install it in your own helmet. This headset uses Mesh technology in addition to Bluetooth, extending its range and number of participants greatly. 

The helmet-to-helmet range of the 50S is advertised as 1.2 miles or 1,900 meters. For Mesh, Sena claims to work over 1 mile or 1,600 meters between riders connected on the same Mesh network (12). 

One motorcycling group in the UK did some testing and found that on a long, straight road, the Sena 50S actually had a Bluetooth intercom range of 1,230 meters and a Mesh range of 1,030 meters. Testing the Mesh range between riders, they found a range of 960 meters between riders with three riders spaced out down a road (9).

Another rider did a similar review and found the Mesh connection between 50S headsets started to drop out around 400 meters. By 800 meters, it was disconnected (10). While that is short of what’s advertised for the 50S, it’s better than the competition.

Overall, it’s one of the more expensive Sena Bluetooth motorcycle helmet kits, but for the Mesh technology, universal Bluetooth connectivity, and overall ease of use, it might still be worth the investment. 

How Far is 1,000 Meters?

Most Americans don’t work in meters, yet Bluetooth manufacturers seem stuck on giving their motorcycle headset ranges using it. 

To put it into perspective:

• A blue whale is 25 meters
• An Olympic swimming pool is 50 meters
• An NFL field is 109.7 meters
• A running track is 400 meters
• The Grand Canyon is 1,829 meters deep
• Central Park in New York City is 4,000 meters long

If you were on a flat plain looking out at the horizon in perfect atmospheric conditions, you could see around 5,000 meters ahead of you. Putting it like that, the 1,200 meter range you get with the longest tested range, would mean the biker in front of you would be pretty much a dot on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Bluetooth helmet is best?

The best Bluetooth motorcycle helmet is the Sena Stryker. As well as having a very respectable ~600 meter Bluetooth range in real conditions, it works with Mesh technology and features Harman Kardon audio.

What Bluetooth helmet has the best range?

The Bluetooth helmet with the best range is the Sena Stryker. The best Bluetooth headset for range is the Sena 50S which has a tested range of up to 1,230 meters before it cuts out. You can add this Bluetooth headset to any motorcycle helmet. 

Can I extend my Bluetooth helmet range?

To extend the range of your Bluetooth helmet, you can upgrade the kit to one with Bluetooth 5.0, use a Mesh network, and drive in optimal conditions. It will also help for the person or people you’re communicating with to have Bluetooth 5.0 so their helmet can receive your signal from a far distance as well.

The post What’s the Range of a Bluetooth Helmet and Bluetooth Headset? first appeared on It's Better On The Road.

Sena and Cardo seem to think motorcyclists are made of money. Or maybe they realize whenever we do find money laying around, we spend it on our bikes!

I’m here to bring you the affordable Bluetooth headsets and intercoms. Not the crappy knockoffs that just don’t work, but the reliable equipment that just won’t bankrupt you.

I’ll cut right to the chase: the best option is the Cardo Spirit. I’ve owned one of these for nearly four years now and put it through hell. 12,000 miles across the USA and many trips through the Thai jungle later, and it’s still kicking. Here’s my review on it too.

Cardo Spirit HD Bluetooth Comms System

$143.96

The Cardo Spirit HD Bluetooth Communication System is an excellent choice for riders seeking a reliable and feature-rich intercom without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Waterproof
• Music, Intercom, GPS work flawlessly

Cons:

• Max 2 Intercom Participants
• Short range (600m)

10% Off (Code: BTR) Check Price on Revzilla

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Do me a favor and spend what you save on a better helmet. That is the best insurance policy against a nasty hospital bill.

To research for this article I spoke to my penny-pinching friends about the intercoms they’ve tried and loved that were priced under $200. Here’s what I have for you:

• Affordable headsets from the big two: Sena and Cardo
• Quality Bluetooth headsets from lesser-known brands
• High End Bluetooth headsets (for big groups)

You decide which is best for you based on battery life, number of intercom participants, sound quality, and cost.

New Option backed by Sena: Parani M10

New on the market is the Parani M10, a very affordable unit made by a company called Parani in partnership with Sena. It’s cheaper than any name brand (Sena or Cardo) unit but highly reviewed, and still supports 4 riders over Bluetooth intercom. You’re usually paying $200 for that privilege, yet this is 70% cheaper!

The one big drawback? This unit will only work with other Parani units – not with Sena, Cardo, or any other Bluetooth unit. So if you buy for your whole gang, you’re fine. But good luck linking up with anyone else! For that, you’ll have to hunt below.

If the Parani M10 sounds right for you, check it out here. It’s one of the cheapest units on our list.

Best Budget Bluetooth Headsets from Sena and Cardo

The absolute cheapest headset is your own voice, yelling in to the void. These picks from Sena and Cardo aren’t as cheap as that, but they’re close. And importantly, they’re actually reliable. I personally own a Cardo Spirit, and I have a few friends with the 5S who have used it for years without issue.

Music will not sound like a concert hall with these. Intercom will not reach to the moon and back. However, you’ll get the basics covered: decent sound quality, easy controls, and reliability.

Budget Bluetooth Headset from Sena: The 5S

Sena’s high end headsets sell for over $350. Who can afford that?

Thankfully their low end 5S headset doesn’t suck and can be had for around $150. While it’s not my favorite, some riders I know prefer it to a Cardo unit. I’ll get in to why down below.

The Sena 5S is basic, but still packs a lot of capability. You’ll be able to chat with one other rider or passenger up to 0.4 miles (700 meters) away.

Did you spend too much upgrading your bike, and now only one rider in your gang can keep up with you? This is the right headset for you.

You get Bluetooth v5 in this puppy, which is usually reserved for high end headsets. That means this small device gets 7 hours of battery life and can connect to any other Bluetooth headset. You can also charge this unit while in use which is amazing, and the charging port uses USB-C which is super common.

You also get an LCD screen on this unit. If you’ve ever set up a motorcycle Bluetooth unit, you know how annoying it is to not have a screen. It’s like hunting around in the dark for car keys. Almost no Bluetooth headsets come with a screen, so that’s a pretty nice feature.

That screen is one reason why a few of my friends prefer the 5S over every other headset on the market.

The second reason my friends love this headset? The audio quality punches above its weight. The unit is packed with 40mm speakers, which are right on with high end kits from both Cardo and Sena.

Controls are simple with a nice jog dial. You get voice controls too, however you do need to hit that red button on the back to activate them. The Cardo Spirit has voice activated commands! On the plus side, the 5S works with Sena brand controllers.

Two mics come in the box – a wired one and a boom for modulars and open face helmets. The clamp mic also makes it easy to attach this unit to a half helmet.

The 5S is a solid choice if you regularly ride with one person – whether that’s a passenger or another rider. You’ll get solid sound quality and a reliable intercom connection.

I’ll cover the Cardo Spirit next, which is my favorite budget Bluetooth headset.

Budget Cardo Bluetooth Headset: Cardo Spirit

Cardo might be less well-known than Sena in the Bluetooth headset game. If you ask me, they know the customers better.

Read the full comparison between Cardo and Sena here.

One simple reason I think Cardo gets us? All their units are fully waterproof. Including the cheap and simple Cardo Spirit.

First off, the Spirit is 78% CHEAPER than the Sena 5S, despite having similar features.

You get Bluetooth v5.2 (just had to stick it to Sena’s v5.0) that syncs up quick to your phone and other units. Range is a tad less than the 5S at just 0.25 miles (400 meters). I use this unit regularly, and as long as you’re within eyesight of the other rider the intercom never drops.

You can only connect to one other rider or passenger, just like the 5S. Battery life is improved over the 5S at 10 hours. You can also charge the unit while you’re using it. Charger is USB-C, super common.

Instead of the jog dial on the 5S, you get a couple simple buttons. Up and down for volume, rear for voice commands (“Hey Siri” or “Hey Google” work too), forward to skip song or pick up a call.

The only downside of this unit is the speaker quality. With 32mm drivers, they don’t output much bass and get tinny at high volumes. You can pick up a Spirit HD unit with 40mm speakers to put this on par with the Sena 5S. The HD unit is still cheaper than the Sena 5S.

The Cardo Spirit is a Staff Pick at Revzilla and I put over 10,000 miles on the road in one (here’s my full review). Pick it up at the links below:

DEAL: Use code BTR to get 10% OFF Cardo EDGE, Neo, Spirit and Freecom line devices on Cardo’s shop.

Cardo Spirit HD Bluetooth Comms System

$143.96

The Cardo Spirit HD Bluetooth Communication System is an excellent choice for riders seeking a reliable and feature-rich intercom without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Waterproof
• Music, Intercom, GPS work flawlessly

Cons:

• Max 2 Intercom Participants
• Short range (600m)

10% Off (Code: BTR) Check Price on Revzilla

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Lesser Known Budget Bluetooth Units That Don’t Suck

Sena and Cardo are the top dogs of motorcycle intercoms. But you pay top dollar to get the top dog. And some of us just don’t have that money to spend.

Well my friends and I could fill a two-car garage with the number of flimsy, fake, cheap Bluetooth units we’ve tried. Here are two that have stood the test of time.

THOKWOK BT-S3

Yes, the name sounds like a communicator for Wookies. No, you won’t sound like a Wookie over its intercom.

With a price around a third of the Sena 5S, the THOKWOK BT-S3 still delivers a great communicator.

With Bluetooth 4.0 you can do everything you can with the Cardo Spirit and Sena 5S: pair to a phone and GPS, and chat with other riders. This unit supports 3-way intercom with any brand devices, over a claimed half a mile.

Take the manufacturer’s numbers with a grain of salt though – a buddy of mine gets around 0.25 miles out of this unit before the intercom breaks up. Sound quality is good at city speeds. However, this unit has the same problem as the Cardo Spirit. Small speakers mean the sound distorts once you hit higher speeds and higher volume level.

The small, flush buttons are also hard to feel with a gloved hand – so you might hit the wrong button from time to time. Both the Sena 5S and Cardo Spirit don’t have this problem.

Battery life is decent at 8-9 hours, and you get a warning when the battery is low.

In the box you get a boom mic, screw-on mount and sticky mount.

For music while riding in a city or with a very quiet helmet, the BT-S3 is a great choice to save some cash.

Fodsports M1-S Pro

The M1-S Pro is for you if you ride with a big group but don’t want to spend $250+ on an intercom unit. The highlight of the M1-S Pro is that it supports 8 riders over intercom.

That’s FOUR TIMES what the more expensive Cardo Spirit and Sena 5S can support. It’s almost like Cardo and Sena are purposefully holding back a bigger group intercom from their cheaper units to force you to buy the more expensive ones…

The Fodsports M1-S Pro packs 40mm speakers as well for loud bass and clear sound at high volume. If you’ve tried the ones included in Sena’s 5S or the Cardo Spirit HD, you know they’re not quite as good. However, they’re much better than Cardo’s 32mm speakers at both volume and clarity.

The M1-S connects to all brands of Bluetooth headsets. How about range? Fodsports claims a whopping 1.24 miles, but in reality you’re looking at more like a quarter or half mile across clear terrain.

Battery life is great at around 10-12 hours, given this unit has a larger than average 900mAh battery. One downside is the charging cord is bespoke – if you lose it, you’ll need to replace it with another one from Fodsports. Dumb decision by the company if you ask me.

You get both a wired mic and a boom mic in the box, but only one mount: a clamp.

The unit is also waterproof, though I don’t know anyone that’s ridden through a storm with it. Not sure how far I’d trust the M1-S to go, since build quality is often the first thing to go when cutting costs!

That said, this unit is fantastic if you ride in a big group and don’t want to spend $250+ on a similarly capable unit from Sena or Cardo.

Pushing the Budget for a Motorcycle Headset

The cheaper end of Bluetooth motorcycle headsets does have a reasonable range of functionality and there are quite a few to choose from. However, sometimes you want motorcycle gear with all the bells and whistles and you’ve got the budget to accommodate that.

Sena 50S

At the top-end of Sena Bluetooth kits is the 50S. The features include:

• Bluetooth 5.0 with a range of 1.2 miles
• Connect with up to 24 other Sena Bluetooth kits for intercom when out riding, or connect with unlimited kits that are Mesh 2.0 enabled in an 8 kilometer range with at least six riders. 
• A boom mic and a wired mic in the box, so it should work for any motorcycle helmet you have. 
• Battery life for music of up to 14 hours or around nine hours if you’re using the Mesh 2.0 tech.
• HD speakers with good bass and volume to listen to music on a ride. 
• Hands free use – you can use voice commands with Siri or Google Assistant

Best of all, Sena recently put Harman Kardon speakers in this unit. Might as well be a home theatre in your helmet with the Sena 50S.

For audiophiles or those riding with big groups of people, this is a great motorcycle Bluetooth headset. IF you’ve got the cash to spend. 

It’s a Staff Pick on Revzilla as well.

Cardo Packtalk Edge

The top end of the Cardo line of Bluetooth headsets is the Cardo Packtalk Edge. With this headset you get:

• Bluetooth 4.1 with a range of up to 1 mile or 1,600 meters with connectivity for up to 15 riders (and private chat with just 1 member)
• Mesh 5.1 technology that should connect to any good brand of motorcycle comms kit. 
• A wired and boom mic so it should work no matter your helmet style. 
• Talk time of up to 13 hours. 
• Voice commands with “Hey Cardo”
• With 40mm JBL speakers, the sound quality and audio output at bass, mid, and high levels are outstanding, providing sound almost as impressive as the 45mm set!
• Waterproof and dustproof. Great for off-road adventures.
• Easy magnetic mount

This unit will last a whole day of riding and connect to your whole group.

Cardo also eliminated the hideous antenna they put on older models, with no affect on signal strength. No more looking like the 1920s idea of what the 2020s would look like. 

I use the Packtalk Edge and its cheaper cousin, the Packtalk Custom on my Ride of Passage tours (with 8+ riders) and my day to day riding and commuting – I LOVE all of these units, and have covered them extensively on It’s Better On The Road. Here’s my review of the Edge and the Custom.

You get what you pay for with the Edge: premium sound, effortless connection with a big group, and a durable device. If you have the money to spend, you can’t go wrong here.

UCLEAR Motion Infinity

While they don’t make anything that can fit in the budget end of the best Bluetooth headsets, UCLEAR do make good, top-end helmet communication products. The Motion Infinity comes with:

• Bluetooth 5.0 for phone connections and Mesh tech for intercom with unlimited connections between riders up to 0.75 miles (1,200 meters). 
• Dual-microphone set up so you don’t need a boom mic.
• A battery with up to 18 hours of talk time, depending how you use it.
• Motion sensors so you can make hand gestures to control the device – no fiddling with buttons.
• USAFE crash detection to communicate to your fellow riders if you’ve gone down.

This kit really is top-of-the-line, with all the features of the best Sena and Cardo units. The reviews are a bit patchy with issues in build quality – “2 of the buttons broke off within the first month” and “Had to make 2 warranty claims, one for the speakers being defective, the other for the top button tearing off” are just two worth noting (8).

If safety is your top priority, you might want to go with UCLEAR given its innovative crash-detection system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best budget bluetooth headset for a motorcycle?

The best budget bluetooth headset for a motorcycle depends on your needs. For the basic functions of calls, listening to music from your phone or through FM radio, getting GPS directions, and two-way Bluetooth intercom, the Sena 5S is best. The Fodsport MS1 Pro offers a longer battery life, more riders through intercom and a long battery life, but you don’t get the support of big-brand customer service. 

What is motorcycle intercom?

Motorcycle intercom is technology that lets motorcycle riders communicate wirelessly. It usually works through Bluetooth or Mesh technology, allowing a rider to push a button on a kit installed on their helmet and talk to one or more riders as they drive. 

Can I buy a helmet with Bluetooth integrated? 

Yes, there are a range of motorcycle helmets with Bluetooth integrated. You may find more Bluetooth-integrated helmets by Sena, expanding your options even further. However, our top pick among the Bluetooth-integrated helmets is the Sena Momentum EVO. 

How do Bluetooth motorcycle helmets work? 

Bluetooth motorcycle helmets work by connecting a device inside the helmet with a mobile phone, GPS device, or another Bluetooth helmet. Using this technology, music, phone calls, FM radio, and directions are sent to speakers inside the helmet and a mic inside the helmet picks up your voice to enable communication. 

Think of it like a Bluetooth headset for taking calls or a pair of earbuds, but designed to fit snugly into your helmet.

The post Best Budget Motorcycle Bluetooth Headsets on the Market, Reviewed first appeared on It's Better On The Road.