Here are the best Bluetooth helmets, but should you buy one or stick with a universal comms device?

Bluetooth connectivity has become a part of everyday life, whether we like it or not. From wearable tech like smartwatches to headphones, cars, speakers, motorcycles… the list goes on and on.

One of the common ways bikers use the tech is for helmet intercoms – a combination of speakers and a control unit that can be fitted to your lid and then used to communicate with a pillion, a fellow rider or anyone in your phone contacts on the move.

Jump to

• Bluetooth helmets vs intercoms
• Operating systems 
• Why aren’t there any Arai helmets here?
• The best Bluetooth helmets
• Universal intercoms to consider
• How MCN tests Bluetooth helmets 
• Frequently asked questions and tips

Universal intercoms can be fitted to almost any motorcycle helmet you choose, but some manufacturers take things a step further by integrating the tech with the helmet itself for a seamless and less externally obvious finish.

Bluetooth helmets vs intercoms

There is very little difference between what you might call a Bluetooth helmet and an intercom. In the UK especially, the intercoms are sold as separate items and are simply the same technology packaged in a way that fits with a given helmet.

Some helmets that offer integrated intercoms are also pre-wired (either with the cables ready to accept speakers and a microphone or with those components already installed), which will save you a slightly fiddly installation job, but it’s hardly a make or break addition. Fitting a universal intercom is a simple job that only takes a few minutes.

The biggest advantage of going for a helmet with intercom integration is that you don’t need to stick a big external control unit to the side of your helmet. Once you get riding, you forget they are there in most cases but they do look a bit clunky, especially if you have a sleek lid with a cool design.

You are also stuck with what you’ve got in a way. A helmet will last you five years and if a cool new intercom is launched in that time, you’ll either have to change helmet early or stick a universal unit onto the outside of your existing Bluetooth helmet – neither of which is ideal.

Operating systems

Another thing to bear in mind when choosing a helmet intercom is that most are made by either Cardo or Sena and if you have a preference then it could sway your choice of lid.

Merging the MESH system (the way many intercoms speak to each other in a group ride situation) between Sena and Cardo is no longer an issue – I’ve personally tried it – so you don’t need to be swayed by which brand your mates all have.

But if you prefer Cardo’s tech, then you won’t want to go for a Shoei helmet with integrated comms, for example, because their units are made by Sena. Unfortunately for Cardo fans, you won’t find many integrated units made by the firm, although their SmartH system was designed with HJC in mind A quick Google will give you the answer in most cases.

Why aren’t there any Arai helmets in the list?

Just like drop-down sun visors, ratchet chin straps and other features, Arai see internal intercom systems as a concession to safety and so they don’t accommodate them in their designs. In recent years, the Japanese firm have added speaker cutaways and a flat section on the chin bar of some helmets to host a controller unit – but even that used to be a step too far!

That being said, Sena do produce some units designed for specific helmets and then includes some Arai models so it’s worth taking a look.

The best Bluetooth helmets

Our favourite universal intercoms

Here are the range-topping universal intercom systems from Cardo and Sena, but you can also read our full list of the best motorcycle intercoms.

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How MCN tests Bluetooth helmets

At MCN, we want to make sure that you spend your money on the right kit and so we test as much as we can get our hands on.

Our team of expert journalists has a combined experience of decades and ride thousands of miles per year, so it’s easy to rack up miles in all the latest kit.

The helmets in this list have all been awarded four or five star reviews by MCN and are prepared for an integrated intercom. We may have used the intercom itself, or we might not, but we don’t believe that you should be prioritising audio over the quality of the helmet itself, especially when a universal intercom could be chosen instead.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.

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Frequently asked questions and tips 

What is the best Bluetooth motorcycle helmet for listening to music?

Full-face helmets are generally the best for listening to music due to their ability to block out road and wind noise. Even the best and loudest intercom systems are still only powerful enough to give you background music rather than an immersive experience, though, especially if you ride in earplugs. But there are alternatives such as Bluetooth ear buds and ear plugs with speakers built in, too.

Can you talk on the phone with a Bluetooth motorcycle helmet?

Yes, most intercoms will allow this. The question of whether you should or not is another matter and we’d always recommend that you consider pulling over, especially for in-depth phone calls that require concentration.

Can you add Bluetooth to any motorcycle helmet?

Almost. Universal intercoms will fit most but not all helmets. There needs to be a cutout section to house the speakers by each ear and a flat enough area for the control unit to fit on the exterior.

Are Bluetooth motorcycle helmets safe?

As of the advent of ECE 22.06, all helmets must be safety tested with any accessories fitted, which includes integrated intercoms. Whether or not you feel the tech would be distracting is down to the individual. I can listen to music or the radio, for example, but not an engrossing podcast.

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What our star ratings mean

1 star – Poor performance in this category or overall. A battery charger 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 battery charger with a two-star rating has managed to perform to a barely acceptable level, and there is much room for improvement.
3 stars – An average performance in this area or overall. A battery charger with a three-star rating has achieved a basic level of performance and is deemed adequate.
4 stars – A battery charger has performed over and above the accepted averaged in this category or overall. A battery charger with a four-star rating has surpassed expectation and delivered in a particularly impressive way.
5 stars – A battery charger has performed at the highest possible level in a particular category or overall. A battery charger 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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