Best motorcycle intercoms as chosen by MCN | Keep your group ride connected or yourself entertained

Motorcycle intercoms tend to divide opinion: 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 and listen to music, especially if they spend a lot of time grinding motorway miles or full days on touring bikes.

Even if you find all that distracting, you can use them to hear sat nav directions or speak with their pillion or other riders in the group.

What you need to know about intercoms

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.

Latest: Cardo Packtalk Pro review

Intercoms can either be universal or integrated fit; they are either designed to fit any helmet and generally sit as a control unit outside of 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.

Depending on whether you are a solo rider or you like to ride in a large group, you will need to look at how many riders can connect to the system. Another thing to consider is whether the intercom you are considering connects to other manufacturer versions or is it limited to that particular brand. Some units will offer voice activated functionality, while others will be button operation only, it’s up to you which you prefer.

We’ve tried numerous intercoms, and these are what we reckon are the top ones.

Other intercom deals and offers:.

The best motorcycle intercoms at a glance:

Best motorcycle intercoms:

Tested by Ben Clarke for 1 month/500 miles

"The Packtalk Pro takes all the best bits and added extras of previous Packtalks, so you get magnetic cradle attachment, 45mm JBL speakers, top spec Mesh connectivity and FM radio included as well as the new tech.

"I’ve used a few different intercoms now and the main area they fall down for me is the sound. I ride in earplugs and combined with road and wind noise, this usually renders them next to useless above 30mph. The Pro, however, with its extra-large 45mm JBL speakers works for me. I have to run it at full volume and I can’t listen to, say, a quiet podcast on the motorway still, but music and phone calls cut through and are audible.

"The Mesh connection set-up is really easy. On a group ride with other journalists at the product launch, we simply held two of the buttons down simultaneously on each of our units and they synced immediately. Then it’s just a case of chatting away as the channel is constantly open."

Read our full Cardo Packtalk Pro review

Pros

  • Easy to fit to your helmet
  • Loud, clear sound
  • Voice command controlled
  • Really easy Mesh connection for group rides
  • Crash detection system that messages for help

Cons

  • Need to use specific voice commands
  • Buttons hard to locate in gloves
  • Have to pre-program phone number favourites
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Sound
    4.0
  • Ease of fitment
    5.0
  • Ease of use
    3.0
  • Value
    3.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Waterproofing IP67
Mounting Magnetic
Speakers 45mm JBL
Charge time 2 hours
Talk time 13 hours
  • Up to 15 riders
  • Automatic crash detection
  • Smartphone app interface
  • Voice operation
  • FM radio
Price: £289.99 (was £356.95)
Tested by Adam Binnie on a European tour

"Installing the Packtalk Edge was straightforward. It took about an hour to mount using either a sticky pad or a clip, depending on your helmet type. Once mounted, the unit clicks onto the helmet with magnets, which is convenient. Pairing it with my phone and updating the software was seamless.
 
"I put the intercom to the test on a four-day road trip through the Black Forest. The Packtalk Edge delivered excellent audio quality from its 40mm JBL speakers, even though the quality slightly degraded with earplugs and at higher speeds. The connection was reliable, quickly pairing with my phone and my friend's unit every time we used it. The voice controls were a pleasant surprise, working well for answering calls and controlling music.
 
"Voice quality was best at lower speeds and shorter distances. The mesh connectivity worked well, maintaining communication even on windy forest roads. There were minor issues with messages dropping out, but these could likely be fixed by adjusting the sensitivity settings in the app. On highways, it was harder to understand speech due to wind noise, but the intercom was loud enough to be usable.
 
"The battery life was as advertised, lasting about 13 hours on a full charge. We managed to drain both units on a long day of riding, but a 20-minute fast charge provided an extra two hours of use, which was handy.
 
"There were a few minor downsides. The unit can be fiddly to remove from the helmet while wearing gloves, and I had trouble remembering the functions of the three buttons, though most tasks can be handled by voice commands. The battery life announcement could be more precise, as it only indicates 75%, 50%, or 25% remaining.
 
"The Cardo Packtalk Edge is highly recommended for its ease of use, reliable connection, and excellent audio quality. For the best experience, invest in a quiet helmet and experiment with earplugs. This intercom is perfect for long trips where distraction-free communication is crucial."

Read our full Cardo Packtalk Edge review

Pros

  • Easy to use on the move
  • Slim design is subtle on your helmet
  • High audio quality

Cons

  • Several buttons for you to learn and remember
  • Voice sensitivity needs setting up
  • Ease of installation
    4.0
  • Sound quality
    4.0
  • Ease of use
    4.0
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Dimensions 46 mm x 84 mm x 23 mm
Weight 47 g
Speakers 40 mm
Connectivity Bluetooth 5.2, dynamic mesh
Range 1.6 km/1 mile
Battery life 12 hours
  • Air mount
  • 2nd generation mesh Dynamic Mesh Control
  • Natural voice operation
  • IP67 waterproof
  • JBL audio
  • Over the air software updates
  • 3 year warranty
  • Connects with any other brand
Price: £226.20 (was £333.00)
Tested by Richard Newland for 3 months and 3100 miles


"There are some primary ‘must-haves’ for me when it comes to intercom units: The sound must be clear and loud (I wear earplugs); the buttons must be chunky; it must be intuitive to set up and use; and it must have a decent battery life. Audio integrity and button pressability aside, ease of use and battery are key for me, because I’m not an overly eager intercom user.

"But when I do actively use it – as opposed to it simply being ‘on’ in case someone rings – the 50R is impressive. I’ve previously used a Cardo Packtalk Bold, and I’d say the Sena is (marginally) the easier to use, and certainly better in the button department, while the Cardo’s JBL speakers do boast cleaner audio.

"In terms of functionality, it does everything from voice commands to app support, is Bluetooth 5 and Mesh 2.0 enabled, charges in just an hour, boasts an FM radio, and supports multi-bike Mesh intercom at up to 1.2 miles. Battery life is superb and the unit itself is compact enough not to feel like you’ve glued a brick to your helmet."

Pros

  • Simple to set up
  • Easy to use
  • Loud and clear audio quality

Cons

  • People can ring you when you're riding...
  • Ease of installation
    5.0
  • Sound quality
    4.0
  • Ease of use
    5.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Dimensions 97mm x 48mm x 27mm
Weight 65g
Speakers Harman and Kardon
Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0 and Mesh
Range 1.2 miles
Battery life 13 hours
Charge time 2.5 hours
  • FM radio
  • Noise cancellation
  • Mesh connection to 8 other riders
  • Hands free operation
Price: £165.94 (was £243.00)
Tested by Jim Blackstock

"Installing the 20S Evo is straightforward, thanks to its universal design. The mounting bracket clamps securely to the lower edge of the helmet, and the intercom unit slides on and off easily for charging. It includes both an adhesive microphone for full-face helmets and a boom microphone for flip-front helmets. Pairing the device with a smartphone is simple: just hold down the main button, select pairing, and find the device on your phone.

"I tested the 20S Evo on various rides, including a day-long tour and a four-hour motorway journey. The intercom paired seamlessly with another headset, providing crystal-clear voice clarity up to half a mile away. The redesigned sharkfin antenna greatly enhances signal quality. The speakers, though standard 40mm, deliver good sound quality, making music and calls clear and enjoyable.

"The 20S Evo extends all smartphone functionalities to the helmet, allowing you to listen to and control music, receive sat-nav instructions, and make or take calls. The large central dial is easy to use, even with gloves, though changing music tracks by holding the button and rotating the dial can be tricky at speed. The unit also supports voice control and can be managed through the Sena smartphone app, which offers additional settings and functionalities.

"The sound quality of the 20S Evo is impressive, though not audiophile-level. It's sufficient for enjoying music and maintaining clear phone calls. The built-in FM radio is a nice addition for those who enjoy listening to the radio while riding. The voice control feature works well, and for Apple users, Siri integration enhances hands-free control.

"The battery life of the 20S Evo is robust, easily lasting through a full day of riding. During my test, the intercom showed no low battery warnings even after eight hours on standby, one hour of calls, and three hours of music and sat-nav instructions.

"One minor downside is that the mounting bracket hangs lower than many other intercoms, potentially generating some external noise. However, this is negligible compared to the overall noise from the road. Additionally, the mechanism for changing music tracks could be more user-friendly, especially at higher speeds.

"Overall, the Sena 20S Evo is a highly recommended motorcycle intercom. It is reliable, easy to install, and offers excellent sound quality and battery life. With its extensive features and ease of use, it is well-suited for most riders, whether you're traveling solo or in a group. The added functionality through the smartphone app and voice control makes it a versatile choice for enhancing your riding experience."

The Sena 20S is also available as a dual pack

Read our full Sena 20S Evo review

Pros

  • Universal fitting for any helmet
  • Connects with eight other units
  • Bluetooth 4.1 architecture

Cons

  • Requires a £99 adapter to run mesh
  • Fairly large external presence on the helmet
  • Ease of installation
    4.0
  • Sound quality
    4.0
  • Ease of use
    4.0
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Dimensions 94.7 mm x 48.3 mm x 25.5 mm
Weight 61 g
Speakers 40 mm
Connectivity Bluetooth 4.1
Range 2 km / 1.2 miles
Battery life 13 hours
Charge time 2.5 hours
  • Bluetooth 4.1
  • Audio Multitasking
  • 8-Way intercom
  • Voice command
  • Group Intercom
  • HD Speakers
  • Universal Intercom
  • Advanced Noise Control
  • Remote control compatible
Price: £174.99 (was £243.95)
Tested by Jim Blackstock

"Installing the Freecom 4X is straightforward. It fits universally on almost any helmet, and the controls, although small, are easy to use even with gloved hands. The thumb wheel is convenient for adjusting volume, though skipping tracks requires remembering button combinations. However, the voice control system simplifies this, allowing you to execute commands like "Music on/off," "Next/previous track," and "Answer/Ignore/End call" by simply speaking.

"The voice control system is reliable, responding accurately to pre-programmed phrases. Occasionally, it might confuse commands, such as turning the radio on instead of music, but these instances are rare. Pairing the headset with Cardo’s smartphone app allows you to tailor settings and preset speed-dial numbers, enhancing usability.

"The Freecom 4X boasts excellent sound quality, thanks to its 40mm JBL speakers. The bass is deep, the mid-range is clear, and the top-end is precise, providing a superb audio experience across various music genres. The call quality is also excellent, ensuring clear communication at both ends.

"The battery life is impressive, lasting through entire days of riding without running out. This longevity makes it reliable for long trips where constant connectivity is essential.

"The Cardo Freecom 4X is an exceptional Bluetooth headset for motorcyclists, offering excellent sound quality, reliable voice control, and easy connectivity to smartphones and sat-navs. Its ability to function as an intercom is a bonus, and the availability of a second-helmet kit adds to its versatility. Overall, it is a highly recommended device for riders seeking a comprehensive communication and entertainment solution."

Read our full Cardo Freecom 4X headset review

Pros

  • Exceptional sound quality
  • Reliable voice control
  • Availability of second-helmet kit

Cons

  • Can only connect to network of four devices
  • Ease of installation
    5.0
  • Sound quality
    5.0
  • Ease of use
    4.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Dimensions 48 mm x 78 mm x 20mm
Weight 37 g
Speakers 40 mm
Connectivity Bluetooth, live intercom
Range 3.6 km / 2.2 miles
Battery life 13 hours
Charge time 2 hours
  • Natural voice operation
  • Sound by JBL
  • Live Bluetooth
  • Connects up to 4 riders
  • Over the Air software updates
  • 2 year warranty
  • Connects with any other brand
Tested by Jim Blackstock on a Shoei Neotec 2

"The SRL2 intercom system is tailored to fit perfectly within the Shoei Neotec 2 helmet. The installation process is straightforward: the speakers slot into the helmet’s liner recesses, the control unit replaces a plastic section on the left side, the antenna fits on the right, and the battery sits at the base of the neck. The microphone fits neatly into a designated housing in the chinbar. Once installed, the SRL2 is almost unnoticeable and does not affect the comfort or feel of the helmet.

"The SRL2 uses a simple three-button control system: plus, minus, and a centre function button. These buttons manage all functions through various combinations of short and long presses. While it may take some time to memorize the controls, the system is intuitive once learned. For those who find the buttons difficult to use, especially with thick gloves, Sena offers remote controls to simplify the process.

"Like the 20S Evo, the SRL2 pairs easily with smartphones, allowing you to control music, make and take phone calls, and receive sat-nav instructions. It also pairs with up to eight other Bluetooth intercoms, offering a range of up to a mile. This feature is ideal for staying in touch with other riders or a pillion passenger.

"The integrated design of the SRL2 ensures it fits perfectly within the Shoei Neotec 2 helmet, without sticking out or generating additional turbulence or noise. The intercom system is unobtrusive and blends seamlessly with the helmet’s aesthetics. The battery life is solid, but since the battery is integrated, you need to charge the entire helmet.

"The Sena SRL2 is an excellent choice for riders using the Shoei Neotec 2 helmet. Its seamless integration, ease of use, and reliable performance make it a standout intercom system. The primary consideration is the commitment to using a helmet-specific intercom, which limits its use to the compatible helmet models. However, for those planning to keep their helmet for its service life, the SRL2 offers a flawless, unobtrusive communication solution."
 

Read our full Sena SRL2 intercom review

Pros

  • Integrated design fits perfectly
  • Uses Sena's existing well-known platform
  • Headset and intercom functionality

Cons

  • Integrated battery, so have to 'charge' whole helmet
  • Ease of installation
    5.0
  • Sound quality
    4.0
  • Ease of use
    4.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    3.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Dimensions Fully integrated to helmet
Weight 100g
Speakers 40mm Sena
Connectivity Bluetooth 4.1
Range 1.6 km
Battery life 10 hours
Charge time 2.5 hours
  • Integrates with certain Shoei helmets
  • Hands free operation
  • Noise cancelling tech
  • FM radio
  • Supports up to 8 riders

Sena intercom remote control

Price: $49.96
This handy device from Sena can take all the fiddling out of finding the buttons on your headset intercom. This is more convenient, but it's also safer as you keep your hands closer to the bike's controls.

Read our full Sena RC3 remote control review

Pros

  • Lets you keep your hands on the bars
  • More convenient than helmet buttons

Cons

  • Just a controller

Intercoms we’re yet to test

Best for flip fronts

Price: £309.99 (was £489.00)
Bluetooth and mesh intercom with 1.2 mile range and smartphone connectivity for making calls and listening to music. Twin pack is ideal if you want to talk to a co rider or your pillion.

Full review coming soon

Pros

  • Dual pack
  • HD speakers
  • Uses Mesh system

Cons

  • Hard to hear at motorway speeds
Dimensions 102 mm x 56 mm x 27 mm
Weight 61 g
Speakers 40 mm
Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0, Mesh
Range 2 km / 1.2 miles
Battery life 11 hours
Charge time 2.5 hours
  • Mesh intercom
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • Multi-channel communication
  • Advanced Noise Control
  • HD speakers
  • Audio Multitasking
  • Voice command
  • Group Intercom

The rise of the motorcycle intercom

Intercoms have seen a big surge in popularity in recent years as the technology has become easier to use and increasing numbers of new bikes have included connectivity built into their dash. And since many bikers use PCP deals to keep themselves riding the latest bikes, more and more riders can take advantage of the tech.

It’s also become far more commonplace to use wireless headphones, tech that used to be prohibitively expensive but can now be bought for little more than a tenner at the budget end or come as part of your finance agreement on a new smartphone. That means people are generally more willing to embrace wireless connectivity tech and are used to the idea of being connected to their phone at all times.

It’s also easier than ever before to connect multiple headsets together thanks to Mesh systems that often work across brands (Sena and Cardo can now be connected at the push of a button) meaning you can stay in touch with your mates or pillion on the move without faffing around for an hour to make the tech work.

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 ranges, 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 a motorcycle intercom, check out our guide.


Frequently asked questions

Do I need to have the same one as the others I ride with?

Not always, no. As a general rule of thumb Mesh systems will only work with one brand but bluetooth units should work across brands. Mesh units allow users to connect without having to pair each headset, unlike bluetooth which will require pairing with each unit. It is of course easiest and guaranteed to work if you ensure you get the same manufacturer as your friends.

I want to have intercoms with my pillion, what’s the best option?

The best way to get communication with your pillion is to buy a dual pack system, where it comes with two units in the box, this is usually a cheaper option than buying two separate units and will also ensure that they are compatible with one another.

I’m a new rider, should I get an intercom unit?

This is really down to the riders confidence, an intercom could be helpful if you ride with a more experienced companion who could give pointers, however some new riders may find having an intercom with music or someone talking in their ear very distracting.

How MCN tests intercoms

At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles in order to provide you with opinions and evaluations you can trust, alongside news of the most significant developments in motorcycling safety gear. We want you to stay safe, enjoy your riding and hopefully look great while doing so! 

We don’t test our kit to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions.

That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on. To make it onto this list, intercom systems must have been worn for thousands of miles by our team of experienced testers, show no major flaws, provide quality sound as well as offering decent value for money. 

Each of our expert reviewers tests their intercoms for a variety of things, both subjective and objective. Factors assessed include the sound quality, ease of use with gloves on while riding and ease of set up.

However, we also assess their perceived build quality, how well additional features like voice activation work and how simple connecting to others is.

We cover thousands of miles with these intercoms and regularly compare them with one another in the office, so collectively we’ve built the sort of knowledge base you can trust.

If you can’t see a review against an intercom on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. These intercoms will only be included if we think they’re important and relevant in the market, and rest assured, we will be working on bringing you a review as soon as we’ve done the miles.


What our star ratings mean

When we review a product, we award it a score out of five. In the ratings tab of a given product, you may also find more specific scores for the different aspects of a product’s performance to help you make an informed decision. Here’s a guide to what each number score means:

  • 1 star – Poor performance in this category or overall. A product with a single star rating has fallen below the expected standard and should be avoided.
  • 2 stars – Basic performance in this area or overall. A product with a two-star rating has managed to perform to a barely acceptable level and there is room for improvement.
  • 3 stars – An average performance in this area or overall. A product with a three-star rating has achieved a basic level of performance and is deemed adequate.
  • 4 stars – A product has performed over and above the accepted averaged in this category or overall. A product with a four-star rating has surpassed expectation and delivered in a particularly impressive way.
  • 5 stars – A product has performed at the highest possible level in a particular category or overall. A product with a five-star rating has delivered to the highest possible level, impressing the tester with its performance. We would happily spend our own money on it.

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