Sena vs Cardo - MCN's guide to choosing the best helmet headset brand to keep you connected

If you’re trying to pick your first Bluetooth motorcycle headset and have done some research, you’ve probably noticed that two brands keep coming up: Sena and Cardo.

The two companies have oddly similar backstories—both started by making non-motorcycle-related products and were run by motorcycle enthusiasts who saw an opportunity to adapt their technology for riders.

Both brands produce universal headsets that can be fitted to almost any full-face motorcycle helmet (with adapters also available for modular helmets) and both use some form of Mesh Bluetooth technology for connectivity.

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If you’re considering integrated helmet intercoms, there’s a good chance you’ll end up with a Sena system. Many helmet manufacturers’ Bluetooth systems are often rebranded Sena units with similar hardware and the same operating systems. One exception is the new Ruroc system, which is built by Cardo.

Are Sena and Cardo compatible with each other?

Cardo vs Sena intercoms

One of the biggest considerations if you plan to use your intercom to talk with other riders or a passenger is compatibility. This used to be an issue, and the usual advice was to buy the same brand as your friends—but not anymore.

As of 2023, connecting across brands is now almost as easy as connecting same-brand units. I’ve personally connected my Cardo Packtalk Pro and Sena 50S units without any problems.

What if I ride with earplugs?

Both Cardo and Sena offer premium speaker options: JBL for Cardo and Harman Kardon for Sena. Both are loud enough to hear through earplugs, but neither stands out as superior in my experience.

Sena 50S helmet speakers

The earplugs and helmet you choose will make a bigger difference than the intercom brand, so select them carefully. Sport-touring helmets or helmets designed for sporty riding tend to be more aerodynamic and quieter.

If you want to use an adventure-style helmet with a peak, consider a more road-oriented model like the Arai XD 5 rather than something like the Bell MX-9 ADV, which is excellent but drafty.

Basic foam earplugs, the kind you might find at work, do a great job of protecting your hearing. However, reusable options filter out damaging frequencies while letting other sounds through, making it easier to hear music or phone calls.

In my experience, Loop Experience 2 earplugs work better with intercoms than most other options:

Expert rating:

5.0
Tested by Ben Clarke

"Loop has become well-known for its noise-reducing earplugs that come in a variety of colors and offer different levels of sound reduction.

"The recommended option for riders is the Experience, which reduces noise by 17dB, protecting your hearing while still allowing you to hear traffic and your intercom speakers."

Pros

  • Stylish product that works well
  • Available in various sound attenuation levels
  • Reusable and easy to clean

Cons

  • New colors may not appeal to everyone (but other options exist)
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Sound quality
    5.0
  • Overall
    5.0
SNR 17
  • Four bud sizes
  • Available in various colors
  • Multiple sound attenuation levels

What’s the difference between Sena and Cardo?

Cardo Packtalk Pro fitted to a motorcycle helmet

I’ve used both Sena and Cardo intercoms, including integrated Sena systems and various Cardo universal options, and there isn’t much difference between them.

Despite the claims about sound quality from both companies, with 115dB of wind noise and earplugs between your speakers and eardrums, you won’t be amazed by the bass or clarity. The goal is to be heard, and both brands achieve that, especially with their upgraded speakers.

Both brands require you to learn the button controls by touch unless you use voice commands. I found the button layout on Cardo units easier to navigate than Sena’s, but opinions vary—it’s a matter of personal preference.

Sena 50S fitted to Bell MX9 ADV

Both brands offer voice command capabilities and are compatible with Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri, but I find them both a little hit-or-miss. That can be frustrating and distracting. I generally leave an infinite playlist running that I can pause and resume depending on the riding conditions and my mood. Phone calls can be answered using the buttons.

I used Sena’s handlebar-mounted remote control with a Sena 10U integrated unit and found that having control buttons both within easy reach and where I could see them, if needed, was a real improvement to the experience.

Do Sena or Cardo intercoms look better?

Attaching a plastic device to the outside of your helmet will never look sleek, but in my opinion, Cardo units are less bulky and noticeable compared to the large Sena devices.

Sena 50S fitted to helmet

This seems odd since Sena dominates the market for integrated units, meaning they should know how to fit all the necessary components into a smaller space.

The Sena mounting bracket for my 50S is a heavy piece of metal that hangs far below the chin bar of the helmet. While it hasn’t hit my shoulder or snagged on my clothing, it’s definitely worth noting.

Battery life of Sena and Cardo units

The claimed battery life of Sena and Cardo units varies depending on the model and how they’re used, making it tricky to compare directly. However, I’ve never had a battery run out during normal rides—assuming I remembered to charge the unit beforehand.

If you use the Mesh function frequently and ride long distances, you’ll likely need to recharge daily. However, this is usually manageable during overnight stops.

Sena 50S microphone

For shorter commutes, like my hour-long ride to work, the units don’t require frequent charging. Advanced models with auto-standby features mean you’ll still have plenty of battery life for the return trip, even if you forgot to turn it off manually.

Advanced features

At the top of their respective ranges, Sena and Cardo begin to differentiate themselves. Cardo’s Packtalk Pro, released in 2024, introduced automatic crash detection.

This feature uses internal sensors and those on your smartphone to detect a crash. It provides a short window for you to confirm you’re okay before notifying a preselected emergency contact.

Sena 50S and Cardo Packtalk Pro intercoms

While I expected Sena to follow suit, their 60S model, released the same year, focused on improving connectivity. According to Sena, this unit has no range limit and can connect to an unlimited number of users.

The extended range is achieved by seamlessly switching between Bluetooth Mesh and cellular networks. In theory, this ensures riders remain connected to their group, even if they stray far from one another.

A group ride with Cardo Packtalk Pro intercoms

Cardo has responded with “Mesh Boost,” set to launch in early 2025. This update expands private group sizes to 31 riders and includes features like cellular connectivity.

Should I choose Sena or Cardo?

The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer an integrated system that fits neatly inside your helmet, Sena is your likely pick, as they dominate this market.

On the other hand, if automatic crash detection appeals to you, the Cardo Packtalk Pro is your only option, as no other intercom currently offers this feature.

Sena Stryker helmet

You no longer need to match the brand your friends use, as Sena and Cardo now connect easily. Both brands offer adequate speaker volume and upgrades for their budget models.

I find Cardo’s controls easier to remember and operate with gloves. Since crash detection isn’t a priority for me, I’d opt for their Freecom 4X ($260.96) and upgrade the speakers to the 45mm JBL ones ($89.96). That would bring the total cost just over $250.

If you’re set on Sena, you can currently get their 50S model with Harman Kardon sound for $287.20 (pricing accurate at the time of writing).

Intercom alternatives

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2

For a completely different option, I’ve recently started using Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earbuds ($179.99) under my helmet instead of a traditional intercom. If you mainly use the intercom for listening, you don’t need to worry about the microphone or Mesh connectivity. The sound quality is far better, and the noise-canceling technology lets you adjust how much ambient noise you hear for safety.

Several brands also offer custom-fit earplugs with Bluetooth or wired connectivity. Alternatively, you can combine the best of both worlds by plugging wired earphones into your intercom instead of using its speakers.


FAQs

Are Sena and Cardo intercoms waterproof?

In my experience, I’ve never had issues with water damage on intercoms from either brand, even during long rides in heavy rain.

Is Sena or Cardo better?

It ultimately depends on your preferences and the features you value most.

Can Sena talk to Cardo?

Yes, Sena and Cardo units can now connect to each other and are almost as easy to pair as same-brand devices.


How MCN tests intercoms

At MCN, our expert team has decades of experience and has logged hundreds of thousands of miles to provide trustworthy opinions and evaluations. We aim to keep you safe, enhance your riding experience, and help you look good while doing it!

We test products in real-world conditions rather than destroying them in controlled environments. This ensures our buying advice is reliable and applicable to everyday riders.

To make it onto our recommended list, intercom systems must be worn for thousands of miles, show no significant flaws, offer high sound quality, and provide good value for money.

Our reviewers assess intercoms on several factors, both subjective and objective, including sound quality, ease of use with gloves, and setup simplicity. We also evaluate build quality, voice activation performance, and how easily the units connect to others.

We compare devices directly with one another, building a knowledge base you can trust. If a product isn’t reviewed on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. Rest assured, we’ll provide reviews for any intercoms that we believe are relevant in the market.


What our star ratings mean

When we review a product, we assign it a score out of five. The ratings tab for each product may also include specific scores for individual performance categories to help you make an informed decision. Here’s what each score represents:

  • 1 star – Poor performance overall or in a specific category. Avoid products with this rating.
  • 2 stars – Basic performance. The product meets minimum standards but needs significant improvement.
  • 3 stars – Average performance. The product is adequate but not exceptional.
  • 4 stars – Above-average performance. The product surpasses expectations and delivers impressive results.
  • 5 stars – Outstanding performance. The product excels in all areas and is highly recommended. We’d spend our own money on it.

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