If you've ever wanted to have audio on your motorcycle like you can in most cars, including listening to music, getting GPS instructions, or even making hands-free phone calls, a motorcycle headset could be the right choice. Our ultimate motorcycle headset guide will cover all the key features to help you make the right choice.
Additionally, motorcycle headsets can provide intercom functionality, allowing you to speak with your passenger or other riders in your group. We’ll cover all of these features later in the article.
We’ll also cover the various ways to mount your headset to your helmet and the brands and models you can choose from.
Headset vs Speakers
If you own a full-dress touring bike that has built-in speakers, you might be thinking, I don't need a headset; I’ve already got speakers. While it's true that you have speakers, almost any headset will have better audio quality than motorcycle speakers. It has nothing to do with spending big bucks on the speaker or the head unit; instead, it's the practical nature of the speakers fighting against wind and road noise. Any clarity the speakers are capable of is lost against the cacophony of external sounds.
The built-in speakers only sound better when the bike is stopped with the engine off. This is not the most common situation, though, so a good headset will provide better-quality audio for most riders.
Of course, many riders aren't on a full-dress touring bike, so external speakers don’t come with their bike. Even mounting a speaker on your handlebars won’t be an improvement; you’d have the same limitations as the built-in speakers of a touring bike.
Headsets have the advantage that they don’t have as many of the same wind and road noise challenges as speakers. But if you are used to a hands-free system in your car, many of the abilities of headsets for motorcycles will seem familiar.
Features
GPS Audio
If you use a GPS on your motorcycle, you might be able to get turn-by-turn audio instructions from the unit. This works on dedicated GPS units like the Garmin Zumo XT, phone-based GPS like Rever, or even a hybrid like the Beeline Moto 2.
Since the headset’s speakers are directly over your ears inside your helmet, the impact of wind and road noise is minimized. Pairing them with tuned earplugs can help eliminate the remaining wind and road noise while allowing the audio instructions to come through clearly.
Music
Perhaps one of the most popular songs that bikers have called their anthem is Born to be Wild. It speaks of looking for adventure on the highway. The song is so iconic for its connection to motorcycles that many scenes in movies play it as bikes pull out onto the road.
For many of us, having tunes while we ride can accentuate the experience. Whether you blast Born to be Wild or other songs, the ability to have your music coming into your ears can improve your ride.
I certainly can enjoy having music that matches my ride. Because headsets also have microphones, you can use the assistant on your phone to control which music you listen to, either by songs or playlists you’ve already created. I do this with Siri on my iPhone and pick the music I want by asking my phone to play it.
Phone calls
If you have a hands-free setup in your car, you know you can make a phone call, have the audio come through the speakers, and use the microphone above the driver’s head. This works on a headset for motorcycles, just like a Bluetooth headset like the AirPods. You can make and receive phone calls even while riding a bike. If you are solo riding and need to let friends you are meeting know your ETA, it’s easy to do without needing to pull over and take your phone out.
Intercom
An intercom is one of the unique features of motorcycle headsets compared to car hands-free setups. Because your passenger may not be able to hear you over the road and wind noise, a headset allows you to communicate very effectively. If you are riding two-up, this is a great benefit.
But motorcycle headsets also allow intercoms between bikes! If you are in the back of your group, you could ask the ride leader to find a gas station. No more racing up to the front of the group and frantically pointing at your gas tank. Say, “I’m starting to run low on gas; could we stop at the next station.” How much less stressful is that?
Today, there are two major versions of intercoms. The first is the older system, which relied on Bluetooth. This has a limited range and may require pulling over and reconnecting if you lose connection with another rider. The newer is called mesh. Mesh creates a network across all the participating devices. They can seamlessly add and remove riders from the group self-healingly. Additionally, because each device can rebroadcast the other units’ signals, your effective range can be much more extensive. If you regularly ride with more than a few riders, mesh is the best option.
Mounting
Microphone variants
Most headsets offer one of two microphone options. The simplest is a thin wire connected to the microphone, which is installed with double-sided tape or Velcro on the front chin guard of your full-face helmet right in front of your mouth. This can provide the best audio quality as the mic won’t pick up extraneous sounds.
The other option uses a boom mic attached to the central unit with a bendable arm that positions the mic near your mount. This is the only option for 3/4 helmets, as there isn’t a chin guard to mount the microphone. The downside of those helmets is all the wind noise can make it harder for those you are speaking with to understand you. Boom mics are also commonly used with modular helmets, as the position of the chin bar can move as you open and close the helmet.
Several helmets offer full integrated headsets. These can be an advantage over other units in that the speakers, microphone, and even the antenna are integrated cleanly into the helmet. The unit and controls can also be integrated in a way that doesn’t detract from the helmet’s lines.
Most helmets that offer fully integrated headsets will be either a full-face or modular design (flip lid). Modular helmets offer many advantages for headsets in that the neck roll can be tighter to reduce wind noise even further, offering an experience that more closely approximates the sealed environment of a car for clean audio.
Sticky mount
Sticky mounts can be positioned on almost any full-face helmet, even on many 3/4 helmets. The unit holding the brains and controls is attached to the helmet with double-sided sticky tape to give it a very clean appearance. A few wires run down to the edge of the helmet to connect to the speakers and microphone you mount inside the helmet.
Many modern helmets already have cutouts for adding the speakers right next to your ears. This can help make it very comfortable, as you can peel out some space for the speakers, and they won’t intrude on the internal helmet space, ensuring your helmet fit stays the same.
Clamp mount
A clamp mount will typically grab the lower edge of the helmet and clamp between the internal lining and the hard shell. Tightening the screws of the mount keeps it securely mounted. Like the sticky mount, you run the wires to your speakers and microphone.
These can work with almost any full-face helmet and many 3/4 helmets. Novelty helmets or brain buckets won’t typically work, as there is nothing to clamp onto, and the speakers cannot be mounted. Also, clear audio would be complicated since your ears are exposed to the wind.
Brands and Models
The two leading brands making headsets for motorcycles today are Cardo and Sena. Cardo is the older brand, having been producing motorcycle headsets since 2003. Sena started producing motorcycle headsets in 2010, though its history of producing Bluetooth communication systems dates back to 1998.
Both brands produce high-quality units and are even OEMs of several fully integrated systems helmet manufacturers offer. I’ve owned both brands and can recommend either system to any rider.
If you plan to take advantage of the intercom functionality, it may make sense to pick the brand that most of your riding buddies use, as that will give the most compatibility. Both brands offer mesh units, so there isn’t a distinct advantage between one and the other today. Most Cardo units utilize Bluetooth 5.2, a benefit over most Sena units, usually 4.0. The added bandwidth of 5.x and reduced power needs. This means audio quality can be less compressed, and battery life can be extended. However, Cardo units tend to be priced a bit higher, so we’ll cover many options in each brand to find the one that is right for you.
Cardo
The Cardo Spirit Headset targets solo or two-up riders on a single bike. It’s a basic setup that allows music, GPS, and phone calls, similar to the Sena SF1. But it can do a short-range intercom to a passenger, too. At <$100, it’s a good value, but the audio quality is limited because it is trying to hit a price point. I recommend this unit if you are primarily looking for a solution for GPS or phone calls. Music quality will have more of an AM radio character. It is also available in a two-pack if you need one for a passenger for less than buying two individual units.
The Spirit HD Headset is a contender if you want better quality audio to listen to music while still keeping to a tight budget. Just like the Spirit Headset, this basic headset offers GPS, phone calls, music, and the same bike intercom. However, with larger 40mm drivers in the speakers, the audio quality is improved, making it more viable for listening to music while riding. Priced at <$150, it is a premium over the more price-point-conscious basic Spirit. I would compare this with the Sena SF1, as the functionality is nearly identical. The advantage of the Cardo is if you ride two-up, you can intercom with your passenger, while the SF1 is rider-only. It is also available in a two-pack if you need one for a passenger for less than buying two individual units.
The Freecom series adds features such as app compatibility, a built-in FM radio, and universal connectivity (allows connection with other brand headsets like those from Sena). The Cardo Freecom 2X also has an automatic volume control, which adjusts the volume based on your road speed to keep audio clear. It also has a small control wheel, which is easier to navigate than the buttons on the cheaper units. This also has a USB-C connection, making charging easier to carry just one connector. Priced at ~$200, it is a slight bump from the Spirit line but allows for bike-to-bike intercom, FM Radio, and universal connectivity. It is also available in a two-pack if you need one for a passenger for less than buying two individual units.
While it can be used with a Sena, the intercom’s range is limited and only intended for riders and passengers or two riders side by side. Cardo claims a range of up to 1/2 mile.
Cardo Freecom 4X is the same unit as the 2X but with the support of up to 4 riders. The range is slightly improved to 0.75 miles for a modest increase to ~$260. If you have a small group of riders, you are with always; this can be a good option. It is also available in a two-pack if you need one for a passenger for less than buying two individual units.
The Packtalk Neo replaces the older generation Packtalk Bold. The focus with the Packtalk units is on audio quality with 40mm JBL drivers. I own the Packtalk Bold & chose it for the improved audio quality over an older Sena unit I had. Compared to the Freecom series, the Neo has several features that make the <$30 price difference worth it. The intercom supports up to 15 riders with a mesh system allowing seamless adding and dropping of riders automatically.
The Cardo Packtalk Edge is the next bump up from the Packtalk Neo. It has a magnetic mount versus the clip-in mount of the Neo and older Bold models. There is a more intelligent “Hey Cardo” system allowing you to control most functions of the unit by voice instead of fiddling with buttons while riding. At <$400, this is not a cheap option, but does tend to be the most popular Cardo unit.
Like the Neo, this has the same second-generation mesh intercom and supports universal connectivity for use with Sena riders. However, currently, the mesh systems of Cardo and Sena are incompatible, so riders on different brands will fall back to the more basic Bluetooth intercom with reduced range and no auto-healing.
The Cardo Packtalk Pro is the most expensive model in Cardo’s line. It has larger 45mm JBL drivers for improved audio quality. At <$500, it’s a significant bump from cheaper Cardo options or even the top Sena 30K model that is nearly $200 cheaper. The considerable features Cardo pushes with this are crash detection and emergency notification through an app on your phone.
Given that many phones today already have crash detection and the premium price, I have a hard time recommending this unit. The increased driver size will improve the speakers’ audio quality, but it’s a lot of money, especially compared to the top-of-the-line Sena 30K, which is nearly $200 cheaper.
Sena
If you know you will always ride solo or have no interest in the intercom features of higher-end units, and you can save some money by buying the Sena SF1 Bluetooth Headset. Priced at <$150, this is a cost-effective way to bring nav instructions, music, and phone calls to your helmet.
The Sena 10S is the cheapest unit from Sena that also enables intercom. Available for < $250, this has improved audio quality over the SF1 and some noise control to improve outgoing audio. A large wheel offers easy control of the volume of the unit.
It has a basic Bluetooth 4.1-based intercom system. The range for the intercom won’t be as good as that of a mesh system, with Sena claiming up to 1 mile in open terrain. While every manufacturer claims more range than you’ll see in the real world, this will work for up to 4 bikes riding in a reasonably close formation. If one rider gets too far away, though, they will likely drop out and may not automatically reconnect like a mesh system.
This system also works with the Sena app to manage the device, including setting up intercom groups.
Another step up from the 10S, the Sena 20S Evo improves audio performance even more with higher-quality speakers. It also has advanced audio multitasking, allowing multiple audio sources to be heard simultaneously. Most systems cut out your music for GPS instructions, making the switch less jarring. Priced at <$270, this should be compared to the Cardo Freecom 4X.
A new antenna design increases intercom range by up to 20% over the 10S. While Sena claims up to 1.2 miles of range in open terrain, it’s best to consider it useful for a reasonably close group of riders. It also bumps up the number of riders it supports to 8 riders. This is probably the best feature: it has a universal intercom, which allows you to connect with other brands of intercom headsets, like a Cardo. This is great for adding a rider or two who isn’t on a Sena, but the experience won’t be as easy as same-brand headset connections. It does support twice the number of riders of the competing Cardo Freecom 4X & claims more range, but in practical usage, the range is similar.
The Sena 30K represents the upper end of the Sena headsets. This headset is a complete Bluetooth 5.0 headset compared to most of the other Sena units, which are 4.x. If you prefer earbuds over the speakers on most headsets, this also has a 3.5mm headset port to pipe audio directly into your ears. I’ve used this capability on some older headsets with a pair of Shure earphones with noise-reducing plugs instead of a standard set of earbuds. They can be very effective, but I find they are more likely to come out of your ears as you put on the helmet or take it off, so I use the speakers paired with high-quality earplugs. Priced at <$300, you should also consider the Cardo Packtalk Neo at a similar price.
The main reason to get the Sena 30K is if you want the best intercom experience. The 30K has a full mesh intercom, supporting up to 16 riders. Unlike Bluetooth-based intercoms, there is no need to stop and reconnect riders who have gotten too far away. The system will quickly reconnect those riders. It’s the most plug-and-play setup available. While the standard intercom will give a range of up to 1.2 miles, just like the 20S, if you have five fellow riders on the mesh network, the range can increase to as much as 5 miles as each unit can piggyback the signals. If you want the most range and ease of use, a mesh system is the way.
Like the 20S, the Sena RideConnected app allows you to manage the headset and intercom groups. The best experience will happen if all your riding buddies are on the same headset.
Schuberth SC2
While branded as Schuberth and made for their helmets, this unit is built by Sena
~$350 Revzilla
The Schuberth SC2 is an integrated headset for the Schuberth C5, E2, and S3 helmets. Made by Sena, this has a mesh system supporting up to 8 riders and is compatible with Sena’s mesh system. This is a good option if you use a Schuberth helmet and your riding buddies are on Sena headsets. The integrated design keeps the outline of your helmet smooth versus adding a headset stuck to the outside of the unit. Like the Sena 30K, this also has a universal intercom to work with Cardo units in a non-mesh network.
The system is unique in that much of it comes pre-installed in the helmets. You only need to add the remote controls and the central unit. Like most other headsets, the controls are mounted on the left side of the helmet. There is a dedicated spot for mounting the unit on the compatible Schuberth helmets. It is powered by a coin-style battery.
The central unit is mounted in the back of the helmet at the location already provided on the helmet. You connect the antenna cables to the ports already in the helmet to take advantage of an antenna running throughout the helmet.
This hybrid design, where the speakers are already installed, makes installation much quicker than other headsets.
The headset is intended to be charged while still installed in the helmet. This differs from most headsets, where the headset can be removed from the helmet for charging. I had a similar setup on my older Schuberth C3 helmet. Depending on how you store your helmets at home, this might be a more significant issue, but it just needs a USB-C charger and 2.5 hours to charge fully. I would charge my helmet when I got back home & then move it to my storage shelf.
The Shoei SRL3 headset is designed to be integrated into the GT-Air or Neotec 3 helmets. Sena makes it mesh-compatible, similar to the Schuberth SC2 system.
Unlike the SC2, installation is more involved with the SRL3. It is nearly the same as installing a regular headset, as the speakers and wires to the controls and microphone must be installed. The design still integrates cleanly with the helmet and doesn’t look as much of an afterthought as traditional headsets do.
There are also older SRL units for their older helmets, but they lack the mesh capabilities.
Other
The market has settled on Sena and Cardo as the market leaders in Bluetooth communicators for motorcycles. While you can find some other brands like UClear, especially if you want to integrate with other riders for intercom use, a Sena or Cardo unit is the best choice. At one time, UClear was a low-cost alternative, but with the Cardo Sprit and Sena SF1 options at similar or lower price points, that cost advantage is gone.
If you use a Nolan helmet, they make their own N-Com headset unit, which integrates with their helmets, like the Schuberth SC2 and Shoei SRL3. However, they work on the older Bluetooth 3.X standard, so I recommend installing a Sena or Cardo unit on those helmets.
Conclusion
Modern motorcycle communication units are vastly better than units even as recent as ten years ago. The audio quality and capabilities, especially the intercom over the mesh, can make these great options for every motorcyclist.
