While some motorcyclists prefer the silence and solitude of riding – in fact, that's the draw for many – some swing the other way and like to be connected to their smartphones to make and take calls, listen to music, hear sat-nav directions or speak with their pillion or other riders in the group. If you're the latter, then you need a motorcycle intercom.
Generally comprising a pair of speakers, a microphone, a brain and a battery, these effectively replicate a wireless headset for phones and operate on Bluetooth, so you can also control your phone directly from the intercom. Most also allow for voice control to make operation safer while on the go, and they can also trigger your device's voice control as well.
Intercoms can either be universal or integrated fit; they are either designed to fit any helmet and generally sit a control unit outside the shell, or they can be integrated, designed specifically for one or two helmets and fit inside the lid in custom-made apertures. Which you choose is down to you and how often you change your helmet or how many you use.
We've tried numerous intercoms, and these are what we reckon are the top ones.
Best motorcycle intercoms:
1. Cardo Packtalk Edge Mesh
Best for top sound quality
Description
The Cardo Packtalk Edge is top for sound quality thanks to its JBL speakers. Audiophiles will be
2. Sena 20S Evo
Description
**Read our full [Sena 20S Evo motorcycle
3. Cardo Packtalk Bold
Description
**Read our full [Cardo Packtalk Bold
4. SENA SMH5-FM Bluetooth Headset and Intercom
Best bluetooth intercom headset with built-in FM radio
5. Cardo Freecom 4X Headset
Description
**Read our full [Cardo Freecom 4X
6. Sena SRL2
Best for being top integrated
Description
The SRL2 system, produced by Sena, is designed to fit seamlessly within three helmets from Shoei -
7. AGV ARK Bluetooth Intercom System
Best for AGV helmets
Description
If you own an [AGV
8. Sena RC3 Remote Control
Description
This handy device can take all the fiddling out of finding the buttons on your headset intercom.
9. Jabra Elite 75t
Best top alternative
Description
While not specifically designed for motorcyclists, these Bluetooth earbuds from Jabra will work
10. Motorcycle Helmet Bluetooth Headset
Best budget option
Description
It's no big-budget multi-rider system, but this budget intercom has to be worth a punt for less
How do motorcycle intercoms work?
Intercoms will generally connect to phones and sat navs via Bluetooth and also to other intercoms. For speaking to pillions, this is fine and generally, for close groups, it's OK too. Bluetooth intercoms have a range of 1-1.5 miles quoted usually, depending on the antenna and can handle conversations with multiple riders. Though, for greater numbers or range, MESH technology can be useful.
This is an automatic system that seamlessly pairs and remembers groups of rides so that, should one become disconnected from the group, they will automatically reconnect when they come back in range.
If you want advice on how to install an intercom, check out our guide.
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