Best Motorcycle Helmet Speakers: Ride to Your Rhythm
Time to expand your helmet’s arsenal.

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We have an ever-increasing dependence on navigation systems, so although motorcycle helmet speakers aren’t a necessity, they’re not far from it. These devices aren’t just about practicality. They breathe new life into the already wondrous world of motorcycling. Those random thoughts that only arise when you're on the road with a clear mind can now be shared with your riding buddies, and these headsets also allow you and your passenger to share the anthem of your road trip. Thankfully, there are many products to choose from, depending on the type of riding you do.

Cardo Packtalk Edge
- Bluetooth V5.2 and second-generation mesh technology
- JBL 40 mm stereo speakers
- Great digital sound processing
- Sleek design
- Upgraded natural voice technology
- Slightly expensive
- Charging port cover could be better
Lexin B4fm
- Great value
- Bluetooth V5.0
- Advertised range of 2,000 meters
- 15 hours of talk time
- Poor quality speaker system
- No mesh technology
Sena 50S
- Bluetooth and mesh technology
- Harman Kardon speakers and microphone
- Bluetooth V5.0
- Three-year warranty
- Rapid charging
- Firmware updates can be annoying
- Mobile app is tricky to use
Our Methodology
To choose the best motorcycle helmet speakers on the market, I employed The Drive’s comprehensive research methodology and evaluated dozens of pairs of helmet speakers before choosing the top contenders. Although I haven’t personally tested these products, my selection is informed by consumer testimonials, expert reviews, discussions on relevant online forums, and my institutional knowledge of the automotive industry. I visited the Motorcycle subreddit to get a more informed opinion of what motorcyclists felt about the products on the market and RevZilla to see what the experts had to say after their hands-on tests.
Best Motorcycle Helmet Speakers Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Cardo Packtalk Edge
Best Budget: Lexin B4fm
Honorable Mention: Sena 50S
Best Camera and Headset: Sena 50C Harman Kardon Intercom and Camera
Best Mesh-Only Headset: Sena Spider ST1
Best for Small Groups: Cardo Freecom 4X
Specs
- Brand: Cardo
- Model: Packtalk Special Edition
- Mesh technology: Yes
Pros
- Bluetooth V5.2 and second-generation mesh technology
- JBL 40 mm stereo speakers
- Great digital sound processing
- Sleek design
- Upgraded natural voice technology
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Manual controls are a bit small
Specs
- Brand: Lexin
- Model: LX-B4SP
- Mesh technology: No
Pros
- Great value
- Bluetooth V5.0
- Advertised range of 2,000 meters
- 15 hours of talk time
Cons
- Poor quality speaker system
- No mesh technology
Specs
- Brand: Sena
- Model: 50S
- Mesh technology: Yes
Pros
- Bluetooth and mesh technology
- Harman Kardon speakers and microphone
- Bluetooth V5.0
- Three-year warranty
- Rapid charging
Cons
- Firmware updates and mobile apps aren’t intuitive
- Only water resistant
Specs
- Brand: Sena
- Model: 50C
- Mesh technology: Yes
Pros
- Bluetooth and mesh technology
- Harman Kardon speakers and microphone
- Shoots in 4K at 30 fps
- 10-megapixel sensor
- Boom and sticky microphones included
Cons
- Can't use EIS when recording in 4K
Specs
- Brand: Sena
- Model: Spider ST1
- Mesh technology: Yes
Pros
- 11.5 hours of talk time
- Bluetooth V5.1
- High-quality 40-mm stereo speakers
- Most affordable mesh-technology headset
Cons
- No Bluetooth rider-to-rider communication
- Only IP65 rated
Specs
- Brand: Cardo
- Model: Freecom 4X
- Mesh technology: No
Pros
- Decent value
- Bluetooth V5.2
- Waterproof guarantee
- 40-mm JBL speakers
- Fast charging via USB-C
Cons
- Won’t work as well with other headset brands
- Not IP67 rated
Our Verdict
The Cardo Packtalk Edge is unmatched in terms of audio quality, voice recognition technology, and digital sound processing. This headset also has one of the sleekest designs on the market. Anyone who’s working off a tight budget should consider the Lexin B4fm Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset, as it’s a good entry point into the world of motorcycle helmet speakers.
Consider Secondhand
When we start shopping for tools and products, we never overlook the secondhand market. In fact, it’s usually the first place I look. Whether you’re scrolling through Amazon’s Renewed section, eBay for car parts or tools, or flipping through the pages of Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, you have hundreds of thousands of used tools, parts, and gear ready to be shipped to your doorstep. Refurbished to like-new status, they’ll be willing to give you many more years of faithful service all while saving you money.
Secondhand Tips
To make your secondhand search easier, here are two tips to finding the best deals and making sure your new-to-you stuff wasn’t destroyed by the previous owner.
- Check that the headset can communicate with other headsets clearly and all functions work correctly.
- Check the battery life.
Things to Consider Before Buying Motorcycle Helmet Speakers
Communication System
Motorcycle headsets will either use Bluetooth or mesh technology to communicate, and high-end models will have both forms of communication. Mesh technology is undoubtedly the future and enables more riders to communicate over a greater distance. If you fall out of range and disconnect from your buddies, mesh technology also has the benefit of seamless reconnection once you’re back in range.
Bluetooth-only headsets are fine for people who ride in small groups and relatively close together. These headsets are less expensive and usually have better battery life. If you can afford it, I would spring for a headset that allows you to use Bluetooth and mesh technology.
Brand
Sena and Cardo dominate this niche. Unfortunately, the two don’t work very well with each other. A Sena headset will work with a Cardo but not as efficiently as it does with another Sena. If you’re using a Cardo Freecom 4X headset, for example, you can only connect it with one Sena device even though it has the potential to connect to three other devices. So, if most of your riding partners use a particular headset brand, it’s probably best to opt for that brand.
Voice or Manual Control
Not all headsets have natural voice-control technology. The ones that don’t feature this technology require you to use the buttons and dials on the side while you’re riding, which isn’t ideal. I would always pay extra for a headset that has voice control, so you can seamlessly make a call or change your route on the fly. Most agree that the best voice-control technology on the market comes from Cardo.
Microphone and Speaker Quality
Motorcycle helmet speakers that aren’t loud enough or are distorted aren’t much use for anyone. Likewise, if the headset’s microphone picks up too much wind noise, it’s a pain for other riders when you talk to them. Make sure that you buy a headset with high-quality speakers and microphones. You should also check that the headset package includes a sticky and a boom microphone so you can fit it to various helmet types.
Pricing
Headsets for $150 or less will be fine for listening to music and talking at low speeds but not much else. The $150 to $300 price range is where you'll find most helmet speakers. Devices in this range will use Bluetooth or mesh technology to communicate with other riders, can be used to make calls and listen to music, and generally offer better quality and performance than lower-priced models. If you spend more than $300, you’ll get a headset that features mesh and Bluetooth technology, a significant bump in audio and microphone quality, and natural voice recognition technology.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: Are motorcycle helmet speakers legal?
A: Yes, since helmet speakers don’t cover your ears, they're legal to use while riding. Helmet speakers are treated in the same regard as speakers that are mounted directly on a motorcycle.
Q: Can I use motorcycle speakers in other types of helmets?
A: Yes. Many motorcycle speakers will fit on different types of helmets, as long as the helmet has space in its padding for speakers.
Q: Are motorcycle helmet speakers waterproof?
A: It depends on the brand. Some of the best motorcycle helmet speakers are waterproof. It's best to keep them out of heavy rain to avoid ruining them.
Q: How long will my motorcycle headset last?
A: This depends on several factors, including the brand, the quality of the speakers, how often you ride, the conditions the speakers are exposed to, etc. If you purchase a high-quality, dependable brand and you take care of the headset, it should last several years.

Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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