Communicating freely or entertaining yourself while you’re riding a bike can make a difference, especially when you go on long trips. You can actually do that if you use a multifunctional Bluetooth helmet intercom. With this device, you won’t need to get off your bike to make phone calls. Also, you can listen to music to stave off boredom or sleepiness.
There are currently many helmet communication systems available on the market that can be a bit overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. This article lists some brands that you can consider buying. Here you’ll read product features as well as a buyer’s guide.
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5 best Walkie Talkies for Motorcycle Helmets
#1 Fodsports M1-S Pro
If you’re looking for an affordable helmet communication brand that can compete with the best intercoms on the market, go for Fodsports M1-S Pro. The product allows you to talk normally with up to eight people. Its high sound quality and the noise-canceling feature can make you communicate with them even at speeds above 75 mph.
A box of M1-S Pro contains two microphones. There’s a boom or hard microphone for an open face or convertible helmet and a button or soft microphone for a full-face helmet. You can detach and replace the microphone yourself. If you want to listen to music while using the intercom, you’ll need an audio cable.
One of the greatest things about the M1-S Pro is its battery’s large capacity, which surpasses most brands. It’s perfect if you’re going to ride for a whole day because the intercom time is up to 12 hours, and the phone call time is up to 20 hours. You can use it too while charging, so there’s no need to worry about your battery dying out when you go on a long road trip.
Specifications
- Brand: Fodsports
- Range: 2,000 meters (maximum distance)
- Communication System: Up to 8 riders
- Battery: 900 mAh
- Battery Life: 20 hours
- Charging Time: Up to 3 hours
- Dimensions: 16.54 x 9.45 x 2.36 inches
- Item Weight: 1.25 pounds
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros of the M1-S Pro
- It’s equipped with Bluetooth 4.1 version.
- The buttons are big.
- It supports up to 8-people communication.
- The walkie-talkie suits all kinds of helmets.
- The M1-S Pro is easy to set up.
Main Plus: High Compatibility
The high-performance Bluetooth chip of Fodsports M1-S Pro makes the pairing with other devices quick and convenient. It’s compatible with all mobile phones and most Bluetooth devices as well as brands of intercoms available on the market. You can connect three Bluetooth devices with one M1-S Pro.
Cons of the M1-S Pro
- The sound quality of speakers might be affected on windy days.
- There’s no built-in voice prompt function.
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#2 Yideng BT-S2
You can’t go wrong with Yideng BT-S2 for the functions it provides at a price it’s offered. BT-S2’s Bluetooth version is 3.0 + EDR. It’s a three-way intercom but only two riders can talk via the system at the same time. The intercom and media functions can’t also be used simultaneously, but it’s easy to switch them.
BT-S2’s noise suppression and echo cancellation technology make the intercom and phone calls clear with great audio quality. However, you have to ensure that the receiver is close to your ear for adequate volume. The intercom’s range is up to 1,000 meters if there are no obstacles, and the ideal speed is up to 70 mph with great signal.
The product also comes with an FM radio that has a good reception and audio streaming (A2DP). It can let you hear traffic information, news, and music. Changing the songs is easy because of the buttons on the device.
Specifications
- Brand: Yideng
- Range: 1,000 meters
- Communication System: Up to 3 riders
- Battery: Lithium polymer (stand-by time is 10 days)
- Battery Life: 8 hours
- Charging Time: 3.5 hours
- Dimensions: 7.4 x 4.5 x 3.1 inches
- Item Weight: 0.3 ounces
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros of the Yideng BT-S2
- It has an FM radio.
- The device’s layout is simple.
- It’s easy to set up.
- The Yideng BT-S2 has GPS voice instructions.
- It can be paired with other intercom products.
Main Plus: Affordable
Compared to other communication systems, Yideng BT-S2 is cheaper. If you’re after a simple device that has basic functions, BT-S2 is a great buy. It allows you to make phone calls, do intercoms with your pillion passenger or another rider, and listen to music at a fraction of the cost of bigger brands.
Cons of the Yideng BT-S2
- You can only talk with one rider at a time.
- Locating the buttons with gloves on is hard.
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#3 Yaconob BT-S3
The full-duplex communication technology of Yaconob BT-S3 supports the pairing of two other devices for the intercom feature, but only two people can talk simultaneously. One device can pair with one phone for calls, music, and other notifications. When the Bluetooth is connected to the phone, it can answer calls, hang up the phone, and support the last call redial.
BT-S3 has a DSP noise reduction feature that ensures clear sound quality at speeds up to 120 km/h, but the speakers should be placed directly on your ears to hear the sound clearly. Riders can communicate through the intercom up to 1,000 meters without barriers. You can also use the communicator even on snowy and rainy days, thanks to its waterproof design.
The BT-S3 can be paired easily with other BT-S intercoms. The professional tips for this product include pairing two intercoms first before pairing with a phone, and to do that, turn off the phone’s Bluetooth to avoid reconnecting.
Specifications
- Brand: Yaconob
- Range: 1,000 meters (barrier-free)
- Communication System: 2 to 3 riders
- Battery: Lithium ion (500 mAh)
- Battery Life: 10 hours
- Charging Time: 3 hours
- Dimensions: 3.15 x 1.65 x 0.87 inches
- Item Weight: 1.19 pounds
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros of the Yaconob BT-S3
- The Yaconob BT-S3has a great price.
- The sound is loud enough when riding.
- It easily matches with other BT-S products.
- The motorcycle helmet walkie-talkie is durable.
- It’s easy to install and remove.
Main Plus: The Built-in FM Radio
If one of your main purposes in buying a helmet walkie-talkie is to listen to music, consider getting BT-S3. Its FM function selects the best acceptable frequency automatically, so you won’t have a hard time searching for programs when you’re on the road. For its price, the BT-S3 is quite a steal.
Cons of the Yaconob BT-S3
- The microphone isn’t removable.
- It’s limited to three users.
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#4 Yideng BTS3
A good thing about Yideng BTS3 is it’s a budget-friendly device that provides an excellent communication and entertainment experience. It supports intercom function up to 80 mph and 1,000 meters. Three people can connect to the system but only two people can talk through the intercom at the same time.
Any full-face helmet and most half-face helmets are compatible with Yideng BTS3. It’s easy to install and can be removed from the helmet for charging. It has bigger buttons that are easy to push even when the user wears gloves.
You can use the device for phone calls for at least 8 hours, 6 hours for intercom, and 10 hours for music time. Its standby time is up to 300 hours. A pro tip for this product is to store it in a dry and cool place if it’s not used for a long time. The battery should be charged every three months to avoid depleting it.
Specifications
- Brand: Yideng
- Range: 1,000 meters
- Communication System: Up to 3 riders
- Battery: Lithium polymer (450 mAh)
- Battery Life: 8 hours
- Charging Time: 3.5 hours
- Dimensions: 7.4 x 4.5 x 3.1 inches
- Item Weight: 1.06 pounds
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros of the Yideng BTS3
- The Yideng BTS3 has a slim speaker.
- It supports audio transfer.
- It has A2DP for wireless music streaming.
- The GPS voice navigation can be transmitted to the intercom headset.
- It’s a cheap alternative to expensive helmet communicators.
Main Plus: Better than BT-S2
Yideng BTS3’s sound is clearer than that of BT-S2. Depending on certain factors like the bike you ride or helmet you use, you can use this device up to 80 mph. It also looks more aesthetically pleasing than BT-S2. What’s more, its light shines bright at night.
Cons of the Yideng BTS3
- You can’t use the headset when charging the device.
- There’s not much improvement on the range.
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#5 FreedConn TCOM-VB
The intercom feature of FreedConn TCOM-VB is three-way up to 800 meters and allows two people to talk simultaneously. It’s ideal for getting for your pillion passenger. The headset uses DSP echo cancellation and noise reduction technology, so you can hear each other clearly when traveling. It can be used with any helmet and for other adventurous activities like skiing and boarding.
TCOM-VB has a hard microphone cord for a half or modular helmet and a soft cord for a full-face helmet. It lets you connect to your Bluetooth-enabled music player, GPS device, and mobile phone. Also, it’s compatible with most Bluetooth-enabled devices like iPhone and MP3, but it cannot be paired actively with other helmet intercom brands.
A FreedConn TCOM-VB package includes a Bluetooth headset, a hard microphone speaker, a clip with screws, a USB cable, a screwdriver, four Velcro pads, and the user manual. It doesn’t have an adapter because the device can be charged using any phone adapter.
Specifications
- Brand: FreedConn
- Range: 800 meters
- Communication System: 3 riders
- Battery: Lithium polymer (400 mAh)
- Battery Life: 10 hours
- Charging Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.7 x 1.8 inches
- Item Weight: 3.52 ounces
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros of the FreedConn TCOM-VB
- It’s easy to use.
- The build has a high quality.
- It’s budget-friendly.
- The sound quality is good.
- You can easily switch from intercom to Bluetooth music.
Main Plus: Music
You can control the music with TCOM-VB like pause, play, next song, and previous song through the AVRCP. Its audio multitasking technology allows users to enjoy listening to music, make hands-free calls and receive GPS voice instructions. Also, there’s a built-in FM radio.
Cons of the FreedConn TCOM-VB
- There’s no smaller microphone.
- There’s a delay when adjusting the volume.
How to choose the best Motorcycle Helmet Walkie-Talkies
We can’t emphasize enough the importance of communication when traveling. It’s especially a necessity when we go on long road trips. For bikers who ride in groups, it’s imperative that they can get in touch with one another to avoid leaving behind members and other possible mishaps, particularly when the weather conditions are bad.
Riders who travel alone can also find a helmet walkie-talkie beneficial. It allows them to use their phones hands-free and enjoy the ride while listening to music. The features you should look for in a communicator largely depend on your purposes. With various brands to choose from, you’ll need to consider some factors like the following.
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Battery Life
How long and often do you usually travel? An intercom that can last a day should be good if you don’t spend so much time on the road. However, if you’re constantly traveling, pick a product with long battery life or one that you can use while still charging. The last thing you’d want is to have an empty battery when you need your device the most.
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Hands-free Communication
Without a doubt, a hands-free communication system offers more benefits to riders. They don’t need to pull over to discuss or make phone calls, which can waste time. When buying a helmet walkie-talkie, it’s best to compare the specs and see which version will give you more advantages. You should also check the build of the device and speaker placement instructions.
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Sound
It’s important that you and the person you’re talking to on the intercom or phone can be heard clearly. The audio is definitely an essential factor to consider. Most of the brands on the market have noise-canceling technology. Ensure that you read the specifications of the product you’re planning to get and weigh the pros and cons.
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Range
Another thing you should think about when buying a helmet walkie-talkie is the distance it covers. If you usually ride with a group, it’ll be advantageous to pick a communicator that allows you to talk with your buddies up to long distances. When you drive alone most of the time, perhaps you only need an intercom that supports at least three-people communication.
Why should I use a Motorcycle Helmet Walkie-Talkie?
Anything can happen when you’re on the road. If you ride with a group, helmet walkie-talkies allow you to communicate without getting off your bikes. You can discuss or update each other and respond easily to a group member’s call for help when they hit a snag. When someone gets lost, you won’t have to chase them down.
In addition, traveling can get boring. At some point, you’ll need to break the monotony of the ride. You can talk for hours with your motorcycle buddies or your pillory passenger without losing your focus on the road. Another good thing about the device is it lets you listen to music.
You can also make and receive phone calls using the device. Sometimes you need to dial home or your office while still traveling. Because the helmet walkie-talkies are hands-free, you don’t have to push the buttons when you call physically. It’s an important consideration for your safety.
Conclusion – The 5 best Motorcycle Helmet Walkie-Talkies
It’s a safety measure for bikers to have a communication system on them while traveling. Whether they’re riding alone or with a team, they should have a way to contact people in case of an emergency. The versatility of a helmet Bluetooth intercom is extremely useful in that regard. Bikers can also use the device’s other features like listen to directions and music.
If you want to multitask safely while riding a bike, getting a helmet walkie-talkie will be advantageous. Opting for a hands-free intercom enables you to focus on the road while still allowing you to talk through the system or your phone. The right device doesn’t even need to be expensive. As long as it provides the services, you require and functions well, you should be good to go.
These five best motorcycle helmet walkie-talkies above are thus far the best we’ve found. So, if you’re looking for high-quality products with amazing features, check them out.
