In this article: We'll look at some of the best wireless communication and Bluetooth devices that you can use to enhance your ride on your motorcycle and stay in touch with fellow riders on the road. These devices can add to a rider's safety and make every day riding more fun.
Wireless communications devices are an excellent way to enhance your safety and get the most from rides with friends and loved ones. Rather than relying on hand signals and predetermined routes that never work out, a wireless comms system allows you to easily communicate with others. While there are many products on the market, most of them have some serious limitations that make the product not work as well as you’d like. We’ve found a selection of the best wireless communication devices for motorcycle riders on the market. Below, we will break down how they work so you can decide what the best options for your ride are.
Not all motorcycle communications systems are worth buying though. The ones we have picked all have great reputations with some excellent features that help them stand apart from other devices around.
Best Wireless Comm Devices for your Helmet
Best Overall Pick: Sena 20S Evo
Key Features
- Available individually or as a two-pack
- Updated and improved intercom system
- Connects up to 8 riders
- Distances up to 1.2 miles
- Bluetooth connection
- HD audio quality
Latest Prices
Sena 20S Evo Review
The Sena 20S Evo is considered to be the bench-mark for all other designs. It uses a Bluetooth connection to provide HD-quality audio connections for up to eight riders. The Evo model is the newest version that uses an upgraded antenna design that improves intercom stability to make sure that you don’t drop connections with other riders on the road.
The Sena 20S Evo uses a 40mm speaker that offers crystal-clear sound even when riding at highway speeds. A boom microphone allows easy communication and comfort. The Sena 20S Evo uses the same mount as other Sena products which ensures your device is secure.
Pros
- One of the most well-regarded and widely-used designs in the industry
- Excellent connectivity and clarity, though not intended for listening to music
Cons
- Not as waterproof as some competitor designs
- Somewhat bulky when attached to helmets, particularly lighter-weight designs
Cardo PackTalk Bold
Key Features
- Available individually or as a two-pack
- Dynamic Mesh Communication System
- Up to 15 riders
- 1 mile range
- Two microphones available
- Works with GPS, audio, and communications
- Voice commands
Latest Prices
Cardo PackTalk Bold Review
Nearly as popular as the Sena 20S Evo above, the Cardo PalkTalk is one of the more well-respected designs available. The Bold is the newest design, and it incorporates some unique features you won’t find anywhere else, starting with patented Dynamic Mesh Communication that outperforms Bluetooth.
The PackTalk Bold connects up to 15 riders at once and offers clear sound from a 40mm JBL speaker. Two types of microphones are available to suit full face or open face helmets. The device is perfect for use with GPS, audio streaming, and of course, communicating with other connected riders. It even uses voice commands to allow activation of up to 20 different functions.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality and functionality using voice control
- Incredible ability to stay connected
Cons
- Some riders had problems getting proper speaker placement
- Some connectivity issues when using iOS
Best Tech Pick: Eyelights EyeRide
Key Features
- Incorporates wireless communications with a HUD
- Works with any helmet
- Allows access to the most popular apps without taking eyes off the road ahead
- Includes speakers and a boom mic
Latest Prices
Eyelights EyeRide Review
Eye-Lights combines an excellent wireless communications system with a fascinating combination of space-age technologies to create one of the most unique rider safety products we’ve ever seen. The EyeRide incorporates the world’s smallest full-color OLED display to produce a stunning Heads-Up Display that lets riders see GPS, incoming calls and texts, and access to their favorite apps without ever taking their eyes from the road.
The EyeRide incorporates a helmet-mounted controller with speakers and a microphone boom to give you the most comprehensive solution for safety. It installs easily into any helmet and works perfectly for keeping you in touch with other riders and aware of where you are headed. You’ll find that it makes every ride seem like you’ve just jumped into the cockpit of your own personal fighter plane.
Pros
- One of the coolest gadgets we’ve ever seen for motorcycle riders
- Ideal way to incorporate hands-free functionality while riding
Cons
- Not widely available
- High-end cost reflects the exclusive nature of the product
FreedConn R1
Key Features
- Connects to six riders
- Incorporates a dash cam with a wireless comms system
- Bluetooth 5.0
- 1500 mAh Lithium Ion battery
- IP65 rating
Latest Prices
FreedConn R1 Review
Eye-Lights combines an excellent wireless communications system with a fascinating combination of space-age technologies to create one of the most unique rider safety products we’ve ever seen. The EyeRide incorporates the world’s smallest full-color OLED display to produce a stunning Heads-Up Display that lets riders see GPS, incoming calls and texts, and access to their favorite apps without ever taking their eyes from the road.
The EyeRide incorporates a helmet-mounted controller with speakers and a microphone boom to give you the most comprehensive solution for safety. It installs easily into any helmet and works perfectly for keeping you in touch with other riders and aware of where you are headed. You’ll find that it makes every ride seem like you’ve just jumped into the cockpit of your own personal fighter plane.
Pros
- Excellent combination of a camera and communications device for rider safety
- Good weather-proofing that keeps the device going even in inclement weather
Cons
- Not as popular as some devices so it may be less useful in your riding group
- Only mounts on the left side of the helmet
Best Budget Pick: Lexin G16
Key Features
- Connects to 16 riders (8 is optimal)
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Connects to GPS, audio, and hands-free calls
- Built-in CVC and DSP noise cancellation
- Universal pairing
- 40mm speaker
Latest Prices
Lexin G16 Review
The Lexin G16 is a great low-cost option that lets up to 16 riders connect at once using a wireless Bluetooth connection. A high definition 40mm speaker lets you hear every detail clearly and without disruption. It even has a built-in headlight that helps drivers see you more clearly to enhance safety and it works even further great for checking out your bike, saddlebags, or other riders in the dark.
The design is basic and doesn’t waste a lot of energy on special features, giving the 850 mAh battery a good service time of up to 15 hours. The G16 is a great way to get GPS, music, and other useful features in your helmet without spending tons of money on one of the higher-end devices.
Pros
- Low-cost option to get hands-free functionality on your next ride
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- Range might not reach advertised distance
- Not waterproof
SCSETC S-9
Key Features
- Connects to 6 riders at once
- Uses a Bluetooth 5.0 connection
- Wireless GPS, audio, hands-free calls
- Easy set up
- Universal pairing with other devices
Latest Prices
SCSETC S-9 Review
Most budget options are not worth the hassle. The SCSETC S-9 is a good-quality hands-free communication device that you’ll be able to count on for connecting with up to six other riders and gaining the advantage of wireless GPS and calling. It offers an IP65 water and dust proofing that keeps it working when the weather turns.
While this one will not be the equivalent of some high-end units, it will work well for most riders and unlike many of the cheap units, it will pair up nicely with other devices and offers excellent sound quality when you just want to listen to some tunes while you ride. It’s a great deal and comes in a two-pack.
Pros
- Low-cost option that has excellent sound quality
- Noise cancellation is better than expected
Cons
- Inconsistent range
- Volume buttons can be a bit wonky
What to Look For When Buying a Wireless Comms Device
There are a few features that set some devices apart from others and most often, you’ll be better off spending a little more money on a good quality device rather than trying to shave off a few bucks.
Range
One of the first features you’ll want to look at is the range of a wireless communications device. Most of the products out there use Bluetooth to connect to a smartphone, then some combination of another technology that will enhance the range. Common methods of extending range include Frequency Modulation (FM), Family Radio Service (FRS), and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). These technologies allow the comms unit on your helmet to function much like a walkie-talkie while extending range up to about two miles in perfect conditions.
Noise Cancellation
When you are riding at higher speeds, the sound of the bike, wind, and noise interferes with your ability to hear the conversation. Noise canceling technology will reduce the outside noises and enhance the audio from your speakers to make conversations easier to hear.
Hands-Free Calling
Some devices will allow for hands-free calling by integrating the comms unit with your smartphone and connecting it via Bluetooth. These systems will typically mute audio and comms while you are making a phone call. Many devices will require that you press a button to return to normal comms mode or to restart audio playback.
Microphone
Open face helmets will require a boom-type microphone to function properly, while enclosed helmets can use stick-on microphones. One of the newer trends in the industry is the development of helmets that are designed to work with comms systems or even have built-in microphones and speakers.
Weather Resistance
Some devices will include a rating known as an IP-rating. This is a system that is used in the electronics industry to define how well a device resists water and dust. The rating typically includes two numbers with the first relating to dust and the second being water. Higher numbers indicate better resistance. You’ll sometimes see the letter X in place of a number. This indicates the device has not been tested for resistance.
Conclusion
Adding a communications device to your ride is one of the things that you’ll do and wonder how you lived without. These devices improve every ride, whether you are soloing, have a rider on the back, or are linking up with your friends for a day on the road. A good quality comms unit gives you access to GPS data, hands-free calling, and is one of the best ways to listen to music while riding. Most importantly, these devices help add another layer of safety by enabling you to communicate with other riders, hear alerts and messages, and reduce distractions.
Our top picks have proven themselves in the real world and are among the most popular devices you’ll find. We really enjoy seeing some of the newest technology that is being incorporated into a comms device for motorcycles such as dash cams and HUDs. If you are shopping on a budget, we gave a few good examples, but you should be cautious as many of the low-cost options on the market are not useful.
