(Last Updated: April, 2024)
What Changed?
- Added Sena 20S-01
- Removed discontinued products
- Updated pros and cons on Freeconn TCOM-SC
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If you're like many riders, it's probably occurred to you to wear earbuds or headphones during a ride. Like other riders who have attempted this, you've probably realized it's often a sore and uncomfortable disappointment.
The headphones you wear during a run or while working at the office just aren't designed to deliver the best sound quality when you're trying to fit them under your motorcycle helmet. Then you find yourself dealing with not only an uncomfortable fit but poor audio performance if you can even hear your music at all. Fully integrated motorcycle helmet speakers with bluetooth technology are the answer.
According to our tests, the best motorcycle helmet speaker is the SENA 20S-1. It's an advanced model that features bluetooth 4.0 with a range of up to 1 mile, and allows you to connect to up to 8 other riders. It works with a variety of helmets too, so you can keep it as you upgrade helmets.
>> You May Also Like: Best Motorcycle Helmet
5 Best Motorcycle Helmet Speakers / Bluetooth Headsets
1. SENA 20S-01
More About The SENA 20S-01
This Sena speaker is an advanced model akin to a home theater upgrade with big gains in sound quality, only it’s for your motorcycle helmet instead. You've probably realized the struggles of balancing actually hearing your music with the background noise of your bike. That's why this pair delivers super clear high definition audio with special ambient noise control technology and cancelling features.
It's pretty easy to use, no matter where you are (intuitive comes to mind). Add to that super multitasking abilities and you've got a win. You can listen to music, talk with your riding buddies, switch to radio, or consult your GPS, simultaneously.
The intercom helmet communication system allows you to communicate with other riders that are up to a staggering 1.2 miles away, making it one of the best helmet communication systems currently on the market for group riders.
These bluetooth speakers can be used on half helmet, or full face helmets without issue and allows you to use your phone's native voice commands to make calls, start and stop music, adjust volume, follow GPS and more.
>> Related Content: Best Modular Bluetooth Helmets
Pros
Cons
Shop Related Products | |
|---|---|
UCLEAR Drop In Speakers  | ALLROS T10 Bluetooth Intercom  |
Headwave TAG – Loudspeaker For Helmets  | Slimbuds Under-Helmet Headphones  |
More About Lexin LX-B4FM
This speaker is great for more than just using it to listen to music, it's also a really good communicator and a great alternative to buying a bluetooth helmet. If your device has Bluetooth, this speaker can connect to it. You'll be able to chat and keep everyone on the same page too if you choose to take advantage of its ability to connect you with up to four of your fellow riders at once. This hardworking helmet speaker gives you high performance even at high speeds with bad weather.
The waterproof design means you don't have to change your plans just because the weather does. For long trip fans, check out the battery: it lasts longer than you'd believe.
>> You May Also Like: Best Motorcycle Helmet Cameras
Pros
Cons
Shop Related Products | |
|---|---|
UCLEAR Drop In Speakers | ALLROS T10 Bluetooth Intercom |
Headwave TAG – Loudspeaker For Helmets | Slimbuds Under-Helmet Headphones |
More About The BE headwear Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset
This handy helmet speaker set is a super thin multitasker in its own right. So, if you like to bring your music, or your phone calls, on your rides and with you during other sports and activities, you’ve found an inclusive solution in this helmet headset. It’s designed to go with any type of helmet, including a variety of sports and motorcycle helmets, turning them all effectively into bluetooth helmets.
Don’t let the thin form and light weight of these speakers fool you: they’re waterproof and ultra durable. They deliver heavy impact volume without sacrificing audio quality, or functionality. In fact, they’re not just popular for motorcycle riders, they get great reviews from being used in snowboard helmets too.
Pros
Cons
Shop Related Products | |
|---|---|
UCLEAR Drop In Speakers | ALLROS T10 Bluetooth Intercom |
Headwave TAG – Loudspeaker For Helmets | Slimbuds Under-Helmet Headphones |
More About The Cardo Scala Rider PACKTALK
These Cardo motorcycle helmet speakers really deliver what motorcycle riders idealize when they start their search for their perfect pair of speakers. First off, let’s talk about the range on this set. It meets Bluetooth within range of up to 5 miles easily. So don't worry if you want to speed ahead of the pack.
The built-in radio can play your music, or you can stream it from your phone or any other Bluetooth device. While you're doing that, feel free to chat with your friends, or get directions from your GPS all at the same time.
>>You May Also Like: Best Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmets
Pros
Cons
Shop Related Products | |
|---|---|
UCLEAR Drop In Speakers | ALLROS T10 Bluetooth Intercom |
Headwave TAG – Loudspeaker For Helmets | Slimbuds Under-Helmet Headphones |
5. Freedconn TCOM-SC
More About The Freedconn TCOM-SC
This set of helmet speakers puts a whole new spin on the term ‘ease of use.’ With a super convenient LCD screen, you can get all the information and access to functions you need, making using it easy, and fun. It doesn’t stop there either: you can get traffic information, weather updates, and news while you’re driving (and of course your favorite riding soundtracks).
Bonus feature: you can use it in your other helmets too. Wherever you go, you’ll be able to get tunes, directions, and keep in touch with at least three friends at once.
>> Related Content: https://theridersmarket.com/best-dirt-bike-helmet/
Pros
Cons
Shop Related Products | |
|---|---|
UCLEAR Drop In Speakers | ALLROS T10 Bluetooth Intercom |
Headwave TAG – Loudspeaker For Helmets | Slimbuds Under-Helmet Headphones |
How to Choose The Motorcycle Helmet Speakers For You
Choosing the right bluetooth speakers isn't as easy as selecting what your buddy has or buying any speaker within your price range. The choices you make when purchasing your speakers is going to affect the speakers' functionality, sound quality, and especially your comfort.
It's better to look at these factors before you purchase a set, because you'll end up with a better experience overall during your ride. Here's what to look for, and how to choose the right motorcycle helmet speaker:
Size
There is no one size fits all when it comes to helmet speakers, even if the package claims it. The size of your speakers (diameter, thickness, and overall size including any connectors and components) is really important in making your selection. If you prefer a looser fitting helmet, you won’t likely have issues with a larger speaker model. However, if your helmet is more on the snug side, a smaller or thinner speaker is going to be a better investment.
If you choose helmet speakers that are too thick, you’re going to end up with less audio quality, and a lot more discomfort. That’s because the speakers will be pressing into your ears thanks to an already snug fitting helmet. If the diameter is too large, you can end up losing volume and audio quality due to fit.
Whenever possible, it’s best to measure the speakers and interior thickness of your helmet to get a good idea for proper fit. A speaker that’s too thick will be close to as thick as, or thicker than your helmet interior.
Battery Life
It would be a shame to get a brand new set of motorcycle helmet speakers only to have them go dead in the middle of your ride. Make sure you check the manufacturer's information to see how long the speakers' battery will last, and how long it will take them to fully recharge.
If you don't take very long rides, you can get away with a little less battery capacity if that's the deciding factor between one set of speakers and another.
If you take longer trips, make sure that the battery can last, or that there are backup power source options.
Audio Quality
Just like with any other pair of speakers, you should be interested in the sound quality motorcycle helmet speakers can deliver. True enough, just about every brand is going to claim they set the bar (you will never see a set of speakers claiming ‘Almost as good as Brand X').
The best way to figure this one out is by doing an in-person demo if possible. Otherwise, you can also turn to other knowledgeable, trusted riding buddies to try theirs, or for recommendations.
Ease of Use
Depending on what functions you’d like your helmet speakers to include, there can be a lot of different things that factor into your personal ease of use with your speakers. Are you looking for wireless or wired speakers? Should they be able to function with multiple devices?
Consider these factors, but also think of how easy or difficult it will be to use the speakers while you’re riding. The easier it is to change songs, modes, or volume while you’re on the road, the better.
FAQs
While we’ve talked a lot about the different features and models of motorcycle helmet speakers that are available, there’s still a good amount of questions regarding these bluetooth devices. Here are the top frequently asked questions that come to us about helmet speakers, and our answers:
So they work for music, right?
Pretty much. Some speakers are meant only to be used for communication or GPS use, so make sure you check the product before you buy it.
Are the Bluetooth waves bad for me?
No, the waves aren’t harmful. If you’re comfortable using your phone, don’t give it another thought. Bluetooth speakers do create waves, but that are significantly weaker than cell phone signal waves.
How can I increase the lifetime of my helmet speakers?
What you're looking for is really a symptom of good maintenance in a lot of cases. Thankfully, the speakers are made to be easy to install, and as a result, easily taken out.
That means you can regularly inspect them for damage, degradation, and issues, no excuses included. Because wear and sweat can damage these bluetooth devices, make sure you check them out and give them a good wipe down regularly.
If your headphones are corded, make sure you use quality cords with thick insulation and don't wind the cords up when you're done. Next, make sure you keep the volume reasonable. Just like any other speaker, forcing it to produce near max volume for long periods of time will wear them out and result in crackling and poor audio.
Conclusion
Choosing the right motorcycle helmet speakers can make all the difference in how you experience your rides. Just remember that there really isn’t any one size fits all solution. Use this guide to help you find the speakers that will deliver quality and comfort to upgrade your trips.
