We are happy to know that you’re taking an interest in motorcycle Bluetooth headsets. Maybe it’s your first time or you’re already using one but the importance of a Bluetooth headset will remain the same for both.
You know why?
Because this is the only thing that makes it possible to talk to other riders over an intercom and talking over the phone without stopping on the roadside. This, in fact, leads to the primary reason for having a Bluetooth motorcycle headset, i.e. having audio options in your helmet while riding, whether you use it for communicating with fellow riders, making and receiving calls, audio GPS guidance, or listening to music while riding. On top of that, having a Bluetooth motorcycle headset in your helmet doesn’t require you to take off your helmet and you have a plus point to be able to call someone in case of an accident or other emergencies. In addition, it won’t distract you while riding on the road.
This is why we are here today, to discuss the best motorcycle Bluetooth headsets and how you can choose the right Bluetooth headset for you and your helmet. You know, it’s not easy to choose among the Bluetooth headsets that are available on the market right now. You will see plenty of brands, features, and designs; all varying in cost.
Read Also: Best Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmets Review of 2020
List of Top 10 Motorcycle Bluetooth Headsets
Best Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset Reviews 2020
So, if you’re planning to buy a Bluetooth headset for your motorcycle, make sure you don’t just pay for the brand only. If that’s the case, then you must go through the information we’ve provided for you in this guide. This will help you in choosing the right Bluetooth headset for your motorcycle. In doing so, I believe you will also understand its importance.
But, before that, we’d like to show you the Best Bluetooth Motorcycle Headsets of 2020, which we’ve chosen for you. Plus, you’ll get a general idea about Bluetooth headsets which are currently in trend.
Sena 30K Bluetooth Headset Review
The Sena 30K motorcycle Bluetooth headset is the headset from an entirely different league. It’s not the Sena 20S EVO or SMH10-11 Bluetooth headset. In short, it’s not a Bluetooth headset but an adaptive-mesh communicator or as the company says, ‘the future of wireless communication’.
Have you ever gone on a group ride?
If yes, then you must know how difficult it is to maintain the pace when riding in a group, especially when there are other moving vehicles on the road. It makes it even more difficult to enjoy and communicate when riding in a group.
But, with the Sena 30K motorcycle Bluetooth headset you will never miss a single thing.
Under normal circumstances, when someone is left out of the group, it is difficult to re-join with that person. Honestly, the Bluetooth technology wasn’t that advanced until now.
The Sena 30K Bluetooth headset has made group connectivity so simple. It works on the Mesh Intercom technology, which is a 2.4GHz frequency that keeps the rest of the group in seamless communication. If by chance, any rider is left out of the group, riding with the Sena 30K will actively search to reconnect with the other riders.
The Sena 30K Bluetooth headset is not only a 4.1 Bluetooth headset like the Sena 20S-01 and EVO but also an adaptive mesh-networking device that works simultaneously to fulfill all your communication and entertainment needs. The headset utilizes two antennae and two separate, and dedicated processors, so that you can actually focus on the most important thing, i.e. safely riding the motorcycle, or should I say, enjoying your ride.
The Sena 30K Bluetooth headset is equipped with an audio Multitasking technology, which allows you to have a smooth conversation via the adaptive mesh-networking technology, while at the same time enjoying the music, taking or making a phone call, or following the audio of the GPS Navigation without any interference.
In short, the Sena 30K Bluetooth headset will give you the smoothest, uninterrupted listening experience of your life.
The Sena 30K Bluetooth headset also has another special feature, i.e. the private group mode.
According to the company, one can pair the 30K Bluetooth headset in full dual communication with up to 16 riders in the same range of up to 1.2 miles, just as the rest of Sena headsets. But, with the 30K you can add an endless amount of users (or riders) tuned to listening-mode only.
But, don’t be disappointed. Because if you have a small group of 5 or 6 riders then you can connect to each other within a range of up to 5 miles. Furthermore, when you use Sena’s RideConnected Mobile App you can connect with your buddies irrespective of which country your buddies are in, via your mobile network.
Sena 30K Bluetooth Headset
Pros: Bluetooth 4.1, Mesh Intercom technology, Audio Multitasking technology, Noise cancellation, Private group mode, 16 riders, 2 km range
Cons: Connection issues
Sena 20S EVO Bluetooth Headset Review
The Sena 20S EVO motorcycle Bluetooth communications system is the upgraded version of Sena 20S-01 motorcycle Bluetooth headset. First, we haven’t given much thought to the Sena 20S EVO because it’s just newly launched and the Sena 20S-01 had already been amongst the most popular Bluetooth headset available on the market. But, a while back one of our readers asked us: why haven’t we mentioned the Sena 20S EVO instead chose the Sena 20S-01 over it?
Well, I have to admit – It was a mistake not to add the Sena 20S EVO in the list of best motorcycle Bluetooth headsets. But, we’ve corrected it now.
The communication system is amazing.
Check out the review of Sena 20S EVO motorcycle Bluetooth headset and find out why you should have it during your motorcycle ride.
When the Sena 20S-01 was first introduced on the market, the industry was already struggling with designing a decent motorcycle Bluetooth headset. But, this all changed when it was first introduced. The Sena 20S-01 showed riders how to communicate when riding. It was the first dual Bluetooth module communication system.
So, when it comes to upgrading the communication system, it was very challenging for the Sena development team to represent a level of refinement that wouldn’t disappoint riders. After in-depth research, innovative technology, and hard work the proven market leader Sena, finally, designed the 20S-EVO Bluetooth headset.
It is a state-of-the-art motorcycle Bluetooth communication system, which has a very sleek and aerodynamic design and offers ease of use for motorcycle riders. The Sena 20S-01 was a pinnacle in the industry of Bluetooth headset. Thus, it was extremely difficult to find areas of improvement but the proven market leader found a way and upgraded those areas where it was lacking.
For instance, the Sena 20S EVO comes with the same 1.2-mile range as the 20S but offers a stronger and more powerful shark fin integrated antenna for strengthening the signal in order to provide enhanced audio quality with less interference. This is one hell of an improvement that Sena 20S EVO has over its predecessor.
The Sena 20S motorcycle Bluetooth headset was the first dual-module, Bluetooth communication system; however, the Sena 20S EVO is the second generation dual-module, Bluetooth communication system that works on the same 4.1 Bluetooth technology. The dual Bluetooth modules are recognized for the increased flexibility of functionality, reliability, and performance since they entered the market.
The Sena 20S EVO motorcycle Bluetooth headset is the definition of dual Bluetooth modules, where a rider can take advantage of simultaneous communication by running multiple applications at the same time and seamlessly switch back and forth with ease.
Advanced wind-noise cancellation is a given but this Bluetooth device is equipped with an innovative, advanced multitasking audio management of intercom, FM radio, music, and phone, etc. This multitasking feature was added to the Sena 20S EVO after replacing the previous interruption-based audio functions.
This high-tech technology has created the closest-to-natural audio sound when running multiple audio functions simultaneously to ensure you get audio clarity like never before.
The intercom feature in the Sena 20S EVO enables you to communicate with eight riders at once over a distance of up to 2 km. It is a universal intercom system that allows you to seamlessly use with other Sena Bluetooth communication devices and other non-Sena headset devices available on the market.
Since you’ll be riding on the road and won’t compromise with any distractions because of your Bluetooth communication headset thus, the Sena equipped the 20S EVO with intuitive voice commands to ensure you won’t be distracted while riding.
If you get a call from someone, then you won’t need to put one hand to your Bluetooth headset to receive the call, instead, you can use voice commands to receive the phone call. Furthermore, you can use it to control music playback and for other purposes.
It’s very annoying when your headset takes a long time for pairing. But, with the Sena 20S EVO Bluetooth headset, you can instantly speed up the process by decreasing the pairing time between your phone and Bluetooth headset.
Well, the credit goes to the – NFC (Near Field Communication) technology.
Even for the mounting instructions, you’ll find it very easy to mount the Sena 20S EVO motorcycle Bluetooth headset system to your motorcycle helmet. The Bluetooth headset has an all-in-one clamp for flexible mounting. Each clamp mount has an Earbud port built into it.
The headset’s dual microphone enhances the user experience. One microphone is inside for the intercom function and the other microphone is outside for listening to the sounds of the environment around you.
Some additional features include a built-in FM radio tuner with a feature that allows scanning and saving the stations. If you ever come across rain or wet weather, then you don’t have to worry about anything. The Bluetooth headset is water-resistant, which provides a fair advantage in inclement weather.
Sena 20S EVO Bluetooth Headset
Pros: Bluetooth 4.1, Audio Multitasking technology, Noise cancellation, Shark fin antenna, 8 riders, 2 km range
Cons: A little too expensive, Sound clarity could be better
Sena 20S-01 Bluetooth Headset Review
You won’t believe it now, but there was a time when the industry was struggling to design a good motorcycle Bluetooth headset. There were a lot of drawbacks and disappointments in the headsets that were available back then. But, then Sena launched the 20S-01 motorcycle Bluetooth headset, which became the pinnacle of the Bluetooth headset industry. Even now it hasn’t faded away. On the contrary, there are only a few Bluetooth headsets that can compete with this marvelous technology from Sena.
The Sena 20S-01 is a headset that works with Bluetooth version 4.1, which is really advanced. I mean, LITERALLY! It was the industry’s first dual Bluetooth module communication system. It allowed users to take advantage of simultaneous communication by running multiple apps like music, GPS, intercom, and mobile phones.
Audio Multitasking is an innovation and a brand new feature that practically replaced the interruption-based audio functions, which were very spontaneous in previous models. Now, with this, you can hear multiple sounds simultaneously without any interruption.
Intercom is another top-notch feature of Sena’s 20S-01, which offers a 2 km range to talk with your riding buddies. The HD quality audio will make sure you hear everything crystal clear. Plus, the universal nature of intercom allows communicating with Sena and other Bluetooth headsets that are available on the market.
You see, that’s a huge advantage because there are only a few headsets available on the market that have an intercom range of up to 2 km in such HD voice quality. Apart from this, the voice commands of the Sena 20S-01 do not require your hands to let go of the handlebar to operate it. Instead, you can use voice commands to operate functions such as phone calls, music playback, and intercom connections, etc.
If you are using a Bluetooth headset for motorcycle riding other than Sena then you already understand how difficult it is to set up the device with a phone or intercom. It takes too much time. But, with Sena’s NFC (Near Field Communication) in the 20S-01 you can do this very quickly by decreasing the time to pair the devices.
Well, we are not finished yet.
The Sena 20S-01 has a built-in FM radio tuner with station scans, water-resistant properties, and Bluetooth protocol support: HSP, A2DP, PBAP, HFP, and AVRCP, etc.
And last but not least, the two-year warranty will give you peace of mind.
Sena 20S-01 Bluetooth Headset
Pros: Bluetooth 4.1, Audio Multitasking, Advanced Noise Control, Motion sensor, 8 riders, 2 km range
Cons: A little too expensive, Not really waterproof
Sena SMH10-11 Bluetooth Headset Review
If your Bluetooth headset requirement is slightly lower than Sena’s 20S-01 then you don’t need to explore other brands because Sena has designed the SMH10-11 Bluetooth headset, which has the 3.0 version of Bluetooth along with EDR Class 1 Stereo headset that you can connect to other Bluetooth devices supporting HSP/HFP (Headset Profile/Hands-Free Profile) and A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile). HSP/HFP and A2DP are very common in Bluetooth enabled cell phones and MP3 players respectively.
So, don’t worry about the compatibility mode.
The SMH10-11 Bluetooth Headset has quite a long range of 900 m which you can use to talk with your fellow riders. Its Multi-Pair function allows intercom functionality for 4 persons, which, by the way, is half of Sena’s 20S-01 but still a good range to keep in touch with your friends.
The Sena SMH10-11 comes with a universal microphone kit that includes a boom mic and a wired mic for helmet installation.
Sena’s SMH10-11 Bluetooth headset has a Jog Dial feature for an intuitive user interface, which makes it very easy to control while riding. With this feature, you can care less about the controls and focus more on the road.
The Individual Adjustable Volume Profile is a feature that can save the volume levels of previously connected profiles. That means the phone volume, music volume, and intercom volume can be saved at their levels and return to the same level when the associated profile is reconnected. And you can increase and decrease the volumes of intercom, phone, and music by using Jog Dial. Apart from this, it has advanced Noise Control technology to cut down the background noise for both incoming and outgoing audio.
Overall, I can say that this is a good option for people who are looking for a high-quality Bluetooth headset for their motorcycle at a lesser price. It has many features common with the “All Mighty” Sena 20S-01 and many others that will work fine just the way they are. Most of all, you will be able to save a lot of money on this one.
Sena SMH10-11 Bluetooth Headset
Pros: Bluetooth v3.0, Advanced Noise Control, Individual Adjustable Volume Profiles, 4 riders
Cons: Low Intercom Range, A little too expensive
Sena 10S-01 Bluetooth Headset Review
You may be surprised to see so many different Bluetooth headsets of the same brand back to back. But, it shouldn’t be a surprise because when you compare these products with other Bluetooth headsets available on the market, then you will realize why we did this.
So, let’s check this device out and appreciate why it is one of the best motorcycle Bluetooth headsets out there.
The Sena 10S-01 and the other four models that we discussed above have a lot in common. Such as, you can use this Bluetooth communication system to call hands-free on your mobile phone, listen to music, and follow the audio instructions of GPS navigation with ease. It’s compliant with Bluetooth version 4.1 and supports HFP/HSP, A2DP, and AVRCP. It offers a range of 1.6 km, which is slightly lower than the range of Sena’s 20S-01 but far higher than the range of SMH10-11. You will have the benefit of Multi-way intercom for up to 4 connections.
But, remember, this range of 1.6 km is in open-terrain, which is clearly stated by Sena for this headset. The intercom feature is universal.
You know what that means, right?
It means you will be able to connect your headset with other Sena and non-Sena Bluetooth headsets available on the market. What is different with this headset is the Smartphone App for iPhone and Android, music sharing facility, and usage while charging for road trips.
This amazing feature allows you to charge your headset while talking to your friends.
If you like to listen to FM radio while riding, then you can use its built-in FM radio tuner that enables station scan and save it for listening later. And the advanced Noise Control technology of Sena will make sure you get the natural-audio sound without any background noise or interruption. If by chance, you’re caught in the rain, then don’t worry! The water-resistant property of the Sena 10S-01 will let you use it while raining or in inclement weather.
Yeah! It is quite expensive. I couldn’t agree more. But if you really need these features, then let’s just say, “Nothing is better at giving than the Sena 10S-01.”
Wait a second! We forgot to mention other important features – the intuitive voice commands and Jog Dial.
What can we say?
There is a lot for every rider to use in the Sena 10S-01.
Sena 10S-01 Bluetooth Headset
Pros: Bluetooth v4.1, Advanced Noise Control, Crystal-clear HD audio, 4 riders, 1.6 km range
Cons: A little too expensive, Connection issues
Cardo Packtalk Bold Bluetooth Headset Review
Some of you may already be familiar with Cardo, which is still a relatively new brand on the motorcycle Bluetooth headset market. They have previously released some devices, but the units didn’t offer some functionality such as a voice command. In 2018, Cardo released a brand new generation of Bluetooth devices that offer a lot of features, which makes them a direct competitor to Sena.
The Cardo Packtalk Bold is a high-end Bluetooth communication device that offers all those functionalities that you would expect from a premium Bluetooth headset. On top of that, it is relatively affordable.
As mentioned before, the Cardo Packtalk Bold headset offers a voice command technology, which will allow you control the device hands-free by talking to it. The voice activation will let you navigate through the device menu, control your smartphone, perform basic calling tasks or switch tracks while listening to music.
The sound quality has also been improved compared to the previous generation of the device. The Cardo Packtalk Bold headset uses the Bluetooth 4.1 technology and it is waterproof and dustproof. The intercom device is equipped with the DMC Intercom mode and it will let you make party-calls with up to 15 different riders. The range of the device is 1600 meters and you will get up to 13 hours of talk time plus 1 week of stand-by time, which is all excellent.
The headset also has an FM radio and it comes with a pair of JBL 40mm stereo speakers that are very loud. Other than that, it is equipped with a noise-cancelling function and a self-adjusting volume technology.
Overall, the Cardo Packtalk Bold is a very good Bluetooth headset that in even better than Sena devices in some aspects. Unfortunately, there are frequent disconnects and sound quality issues. A lot of the times, the intercom cuts off and the voice command can also be unreliable at times.
But, if you are looking for something that is slightly cheaper than Sena’s top-tier headsets and that offers a lot of functions, then the Cardo Packtalk Bold might be the perfect Bluetooth headset for you.
Cardo Packtalk Bold Bluetooth Headset
Pros: Bluetooth v4.1, Noise-cancelling technology, Self-adjusting volume, Waterproof, 1.6 km range, 15 riders
Cons: Sound quality issues, Connection issues
FreedConn T-COMVB Bluetooth Headset Review
The FreedConn T-COMVB Bluetooth headset is really fantastic in its own way. It’s compliant with the Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR and works with most of the Bluetooth devices such as phones, MP3 players, and GPS. It has good sound quality; at least as good as the Bluetooth devices of this price range and you can control the music with its AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) feature. So, don’t hesitate to play, pause, forward, and rewind the music you are listening to. On top of that, the Advanced Noise Control feature of FreedConn, with its DPS echo cancellation and noise suppression technology, you will be able to enjoy the natural-like, clear audio and stereo music even at high speeds.
Speaking of high-speed, the FreedConn T-COMVB supports an intercom range of 800 m at a speed of up to 120 km/h, which, in my opinion, is superb. However, the range is quite short but as long as you can maintain the distance, you can reach a speed of 120 km/h and still communicate with your riding buddies.
According to FreedConn, the T-COMVB is capable of allowing 3 riders to pair and 2 riders to intercom at the same time.
You know what?
This is really amazing. I mean, you can’t get any better than this in this price range.
And yes, there are other features left to discuss.
Like, the FM Radio feature. It allows you to listen to stereo music, news, and traffic information while riding your motorcycle. So, you don’t miss any updates of weather, traffic, and other news while riding. The other feature that is quite surprising to see at such a low cost is Audio Multitasking Technology, which enables answering a call and listening to music or GPS navigation audio at the same time.
C’mon, man! Does it get any better than this?
Oh, yeah!
You want to know how?
Well, if you get caught in the rain by surprise, there’s no need to worry! You can use it in a little rain. Thanks to its water-resistant properties.
FreedConn T-COMVB Bluetooth Headset
Pros: Audio Multitasking technology, Noise-cancelling technology, Waterproof, Very affordable
Cons: Low Intercom Range, Bluetooth v2.1 only
How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Bluetooth?
As we said earlier, there are different reasons for people to use a Bluetooth headset with their motorcycles. Some use it for receiving and making calls, some use it as an intercom to communicate with fellow riders while riding and some use it for casual purposes like listening to music or audio GPS guidance. So, it is important to consider all your options when looking for a motorcycle Bluetooth headset in 2020.
What Is the Cost of the Device?
No doubt! The very first thing you must keep in your mind is the “COST” and just because a Bluetooth headset is expensive, it doesn’t mean that it contains all the features you require. Or, in other words, go for the Bluetooth headset that has all the features that fit your needs.
Whether it costs $50 or $500.
How Many Devices Can It Connect?
I believe, it is one of the most important things to consider. Because, you see, the price of any tech device increases with the number of features it is equipped with. The same goes for motorcycle Bluetooth headsets. One of its features that drastically increase its cost is the pairing function with multiple devices. There are only a few motorcycle Bluetooth headsets available on the market that can connect up to 6 devices.
Isn’t that great?
So, keep a keen eye out for this feature. Especially, when you only need a Bluetooth headset to pair with your single smartphone to listen to music and take calls without taking off your helmet. You don’t want to pay hundreds of dollars extra to pair it with 6 devices when you only need to pair one device.
Right? Plus, how often would you need 6 devices connected while riding?
I don’t know but it would be quite rare for me.
Sound Quality & Voice Control
It’s good to have a nice chat with your friends that are riding along with you over the mobile Bluetooth connection or receiving an important call even while riding your bike. But, sometimes, low audio quality and the rushing wind make it very difficult to hear the voice of the person on the other end of the phone. Not only that, but traffic also interferes with keeping conversations noise-free. So, we would recommend that you choose the motorcycle Bluetooth headset with the best audio quality and has advanced noise control technology to block out the ambient noise.
It’s very important, you know?
Whether you are listening to music, taking a call, or getting audio GPS guidance, everything requires a good sound quality, which makes it easy to hear everything with clarity.
Does It Have Voice Command?
Like pairing and sound quality, hands-free voice command is also one of the most important features that every motorcycle Bluetooth headset must have. But unfortunately, not all do. Anyways, you must consider this feature when looking for a headset because you won’t have to take your hands off the handlebar to use it. Instead, you can use a voice command to take calls even when you are on the road riding your motorcycle. This is a very convenient feature, which will let you ride safely with no worries.
Range of the Connection
If you ride in a group quite often, then you understand the importance of communicating with fellow riders while on long trips. An audio device like a Bluetooth headset simplifies this by making an intercom connection with your riding buddies within a certain range. And that “range” matters when you want a stable connection where you can communicate without any interference and voice break-up. And it is only possible when your motorcycle Bluetooth headset has a good range that allows you to communicate with ease.
It is a very important tech specification that you must count on when choosing a Bluetooth headset.
Warranty & Customer Service
This is “one thing” that really makes the shopping complete by providing you with peace of mind. So, don’t be shy about asking about the warranty replacement procedure or checking the user manual. Because warranties may not apply in all cases. It depends on various factors.
Plus, it gives us assurance and satisfaction of raising a complaint/request in case an issue occurs with the headset. If it falls under replacement, then the warranty will definitely be worth it.
Ease of Use
And lastly, make sure that the headset you choose is easy to install in a helmet and operates easily, even with motorcycle gloves on.
Final Words:
I hope this guide has helped you to understand the reason why there are so many motorcycle Bluetooth headsets available on the market in 2020. This could present a challenge for people that are looking for a Bluetooth headset to use with their helmet while riding. But, if you have gone through all the details of our buyer’s guide, then I believe, from now on you will no longer find it difficult.
Nevertheless, if you still have any questions in your mind or would like to share something with us, then please don’t forget to share in the comment section below.
I would say there is a bias toward Sena. There must be others as good? I use UClear and its phenomenal.
Thank you for leaving a comment on our blog. There is definitely no bias towards any brand. I have been personally using Sena’s devices for years without any issues, but definitely agree that there are so many other great motorcycle Bluetooth brands. It’s just impossible to cover them all.
agree. With 5 out of 7 ‘reviewed at top being Sena, reads as sponsored content? ;(
Why is there absolutely no mention of Cardo bluetooth systems in this list?
Given that there’s such a strong following and they’re considered in many cases to be the equivalent to, or better than Sena systems, it’s disappointing that there weren’t any reviewed.
Makes it pretty annoying for someone like me who’s trying to compare the two with articles like this.
I have the SENA 20S but it won’t pair with the iPhone X !! The iPhone won’t even see it come up sometimes and when it does and I click on it it just says it won’t connect. It’d be great if you could give some practical real world tips like that in your reviews.
In my experience iphones don’t pair with anything not made by apple.
In my experience, i’ve paired with countless bluetooth devices on my iPhone and NEVER had an issue. All my friends use iPhones with their Sena com systems and they love the integration. Especially with the Sena app. Check that your iOS is up to date and that your following the pairing instructions for that particular device.
Why did you recommend the 20s over the 20s EVO? I am trying to decide which one to buy and any help would be much appreciated!