Best Motorcycle Intercom Systems

Most of us ride motorcycles with our buddies or maybe a passenger. What do you do when you wish to communicate with them? You certainly can’t stop every few minutes to discuss the route. Heck, even hand signals aren’t that effective for easy-flowing communication. Even the most old-school, technophobic motorcyclist will have to admit that trying to hold a conversation with your pillion passenger or your riding companions while on the move is usually a litany of misunderstood words and gestures, leading to mass confusion and frayed tempers.

This is where motorcycle intercom systems come in. Modern technology might not be to everyone’s taste, but there’s no denying that it is making life a lot easier and less stressful. That is the case with intercoms: they help make two-way communication easier and effortless, while also giving you the ability to listen to music or the satnav instructions. Motorcycle intercom systems work by transferring signals via Bluetooth and usually come in a bundle that includes a wireless transmitter, mic, and speaker. Since there are a lot of systems in the sea of intercom devices, here is our pick of ten of the best.

UPDATE: 2024/03/20 00:53 EST BY UTKARSH SOOD

With newer and even more progressive intercoms coming out every year, we have updated this article to keep our readers up to speed with all the latest info. We have included the latest prices to date and specs for each of these intercom systems to make sure all information is timely and relevant to our readers.

In order to give you the most up-to-date information possible, the data used to complete this article was sourced directly from the manufacturer’s website alongside authoritative sites. The models are listed in terms of their MSRPs, from the lowest to the highest.

MSRP: $64.99 (single unit)

If a range of up to 800 meters and the capability of connecting four riders is average, then the real selling point of this system is the incredibly clear, high-definition audio via the intelligent noise reduction. Not only are the voices in your head very clear, but your music will never have sounded as good while on the move, even at speeds up to 70 MPH. It will multitask, enabling you to listen to music, answer and make calls, and take satnav voice commands simultaneously. 120 hours of standby time and 8 to 10 hours of talk time are acceptable, if not class-leading, and it is waterproof and dustproof while being easy to install. All for under $70!

Specifications

9 Yideng BT-S2

MSRP: $99.99 (pack of two)

Communicate with two other riders with this set, with a range of 800 to 1000 meters. The real benefit of this set, however, is its ability to deliver crystal clear comms at speeds of up to 75 MPH, using DSP echo cancellation and noise suppression, which works for both incoming and outgoing comms. All the usual features – making and receiving calls, satnav voice commands, and listening to the built-in FM receiver – are what you would expect, and it’s also 100% waterproof. It comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, too.

Specifications

8 UClear AMP Go 2

MSRP: $129.95

This is a really good basic Bluetooth communications unit, with a range of about 800 meters. It is essentially an update to the previous Go model, with twice as much tech, although it will only connect with one other unit, so, again, perfect for rider and pillion or one other rider. You can still link your smartphone and satnav at the same time and the battery will last for up to 12 hours, which is longer than your bottom can stay in the saddle anyway.

The in-helmet speakers are good, if not spectacular: more than clear enough for speech, but not the best for music, although they are by no means terrible. Will accept voice commands and, most importantly, won’t break your wallet when buying. A great budget option!

Specifications

7 Fodsports M1S Pro

MSRP: $139.99

Another great budget intercom that lets you connect to seven other riders across a range of 2,000 meters. It would be easy to think that audio quality will suffer over such distances, but the sound definition is excellent. An incorporated CSR chip deals with external noise, canceling it effectively, as well as keeping your voice free from interference when speaking into the mic. All the usual Bluetooth connectivity with phones and satnavs and excellent music playback sound is also part of the package. Plus, it’s waterproof and dustproof with an incredible battery life of a whole week on standby and 20 hours of talk time, so it’s perfect for Iron Butt rides.

Specifications

6 Sena 5S

MSRP: $159

Another entry-level unit, but Sena’s entry level is way above other manufacturers’ top-line efforts. If it only handles a two-way intercom, it will also pair and remember up to three other SENA or other manufacturer units. The range is good at around 700 meters and another handy feature is an LCD on the main control unit, so you can check pairing status, battery life, and so on with the helmet off.

The speakers are of good quality and the kit comes with both a boom and a button mic, so it can be used with both full-face and open-face/modular helmets. As it’s 2024, there is a Sena smartphone app, giving you access to every setting in the firmware. Small, easy to install, easy to use, and not expensive by Sena standards.

Specifications

5 LEXIN G16

MSRP: $169.95

Lexin is a brand that burst onto the scene thanks to its entry-level offering, the LX-R6, which lets a whole of 16 riders pair together – all for under $100! Now, the G16 is a device that builds on that ‘economical’ tag and takes it forward. It uses Bluetooth v5.0 and comes with two choices of microphones; boom and Lavelier for your comfort.

It is compatible with any type of helmet and, although the exact range isn’t specified, it should be good for short-distance communication. For a budget set, the speakers are great for both speech from your fellow riders and music, with a battery life of 15 hours. If you and your friends are on a budget, and there happen to be sixteen of you riding together, this is the set for you.

Specifications

4 Sena SMH10

MSRP: $209

Sena are old hands at the motorcycle intercom systems game, and the SMH10 is one of the best on the market. Using v3.0 Bluetooth technology, it gives crystal clear natural sound, with a built-in Advanced Noise Control (a form of noise-canceling similar to that found on headphones). Up to four riders can be connected, as well as pairing it with your smartphone and satnav. Two universal microphone kits – a boom mic and a wired mic – come with the pack, giving versatile helmet installation. It also has a user-friendly interface. The range is about 900 meters.

Specifications

MSRP: $229.95

According to Cardo, they’ve been manufacturing Bluetooth comms systems longer than anyone else, so you’d expect the product to be one of the best. The Freedom 2x is their budget entry, the ‘2x’ referring to the fact that it is a two-way intercom. So it’s perfect for rider and pillion communication. Cardo also offers the ‘4x’, the number relating to the number of unit-to-unit connections.

The Freecom 2x is super slim, has a one-touch pairing facility, and comes with sound supported by a JBL audio system. It is also certified to be waterproof, meaning you could ride into a very deep puddle, and it would still work even if your voice won’t. The range for rider-to-rider is around 800 meters or about half a mile.

Specifications

2 UClear Motion 6

MSRP: $229.95

You have to do something right to be considered twice on this list. Another UClear comms unit that is not just powerful but also allows you to pair with up to five other riders for a full, six-way chat/argument while you’re riding. Range is a useful 1,200 meters but, with multi-hop technology, the lead bike can be out of range of the rider at the back, but their signal can reach the last rider by hopping to the next rider up the road, who might be in range of the leader. As you would expect, the speakers are crystal clear and the system uses twin-button microphones to ensure perfect voice quality, no matter the level of wind noise. You could also opt to save some money by going for a dual kit for two devices, which costs $429.95.

Specifications

1 Sena 50C

MSRP: $549

This one from Sena is a serious big-hitter in the comms game. This set has all the latest Bluetooth and open mesh communication systems, allowing you to switch between nine different channels. An almost infinite number of users can be supported by open mesh within a 5-mile radius.

But wait, this is way more than a traditional comms unit. The premium device has a built-in camera that is prepared to record each moment of your trip. Capture 12MP static, burst, or time-lapse images, or record 4K video at 30 frames per second. Additionally, there is superb sound produced by Harman Kardon speakers.

Specifications