It's no secret that it's not only illegal but also incredibly dangerous to drive while on the phone. If you're a motorcyclist you know that this danger is even more real for you. Which is why if you want to talk on the phone while riding your motorcycle, you should only do so with a Bluetooth headset.
Here's your complete guide to Bluetooth headsets for motorcyclists, and the 10 best ones on the market right now.
Consider This When Shopping for Bluetooth Headsets
Technology today allows for a plethora of options when it comes to finding a Bluetooth headset for your motorcycle. There are Bluetooth headphones, earpieces, helmets and even inserts that you can easily slip into your motorcycle helmet. Here are some things you should look for in your Bluetooth device.
Is It Waterproof?
To ensure that your device consistently works, you want it to be waterproof, especially with the unpredictable chance or rain or snow. Bluetooth microphones and speakers are usually able to handle moisture and condensation, especially with the humidity that develops inside your helmet. Making sure your devices are waterproof just ensures that they'll last longer and can handle any condition.
Is It Easy to Use?
You want to make sure your device makes it easy for you to shuffle music, adjust the volume, and switch between calls with an ease that doesn't distract you from keeping your eyes on the road. Some helmets have voice control, so you can keep your hands on your bike.
Style
Make sure the style and manufacturing is high quality and will last look. If you are buying a Bluetooth helmet, make sure the helmet also properly protects your head. Helmets painted with double lacquer and metallic paint, tend to last longer.
Bluetooth Range & Compatability
You want to make sure your new device is compatible with what you already have. Meaning it should be able to easily connect with your phone.
Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmets vs. Bluetooth Motorcycle Headphones
If you're debating between a Bluetooth motorcycle helmet or headphones, here are some things to consider.
Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmets
Bluetooth Helmets, while pricier than headphones, offer more features like easy hands-free communication and usually GPS navigation. These helmets also eliminate noise from traffic and the wind and typically come with voice controls that make these helmets interactive and more efficient to use.
Bluetooth Motorcycle Headphones
Headphones, on the other hand, can also block out wind noise, allow you to listen to music, make and receive phone calls, and some more high tech headphones allow for voice control.
You also can buy custom molded earbuds that perfectly fit into your ear which can cut down wind noise making your calls clearer and sharper. There's also S-shaped earbuds that go deeper into your ear canal making it easier to take your helmet on and off.
Here are some of our top 10 favorite Bluetooth headphone and helmets.
1. Shure SE215-K Sound Isolating Earphones
These earphones have clear sound and effective noise reduction when riding. They also have sound isolation technology which stops other outside noises from interrupting your call or music. These earphones are lightweight and easily fit into your ear smoothly.
This device is also not that expensive as it costs under $100 on Amazon.
2. Westone W30 Triple-Driver
These earphones are specifically designed for music lovers. The W30 has a great design which delivers amazing comfort for any active lifestyle. This device comes in different exchangeable faceplates in black, blue and red so you can switch out depending on your style and mood or to simply match your helmet.
The W30 also is robust and comes with a replaceable EPIC cable for better audio. This device also comes with an MFI G2 cable, comfortable tips, mini-monitor vault, cleaning tool and a 2-year warranty. These are a little pricer based on their quality and cost almost $400 for a pair.
3. Westone UM Pro 20
Westone offers a slightly less expensive pair with their UM Pro 20 that only costs $150, compared to the W30 $400. These earphones deliver clear sound quality in an ergonomic package. You can easily attach these headphones to your helmet for an incredible musical experience.
These headphones come with Up and Over cable routing that helps stop microphonics and will keep your earphone in place. There's also 25db noise reduction for ambient noise. Not only are these headphones great for your motorcycle, they're also highly recommended for singers, guitarists, and any music lover.
Each set comes with EPIC replaceable cable, premium comfort tips, a mini-monitor vault, cleaning tool, and a two-year warranty. And they're available in five sizes to properly fit your ears.
4. Shure SE425-CL
These earphones are pretty much designed for motorcyclists. Each set comes with a remote and microphone and can easily connect with your iPhone, iPad, iPod or Samsung devices. These headphones are great for calls or listening to music. The Shure SE425-CL comes with sound isolation technology that blocks any external sounds.
You can choose between two different color tones, and each pair costs about $300. This device also uses a tweeter and woofer to deliver clean and balanced sound. It also comes with a detachable cable for a secure and comfortable fit. There's also Sound Isolating sleeves that deliver up to 37 dB of sound isolation.
These headphones have even been roadtested by pro-musicians and they love the sound. The SE425 was engineered with high-quality audio for live performances or simply personal listening. The speakers are Dual High-Definition MicroDrivers, and you can choose from clear or metallic silver headphones.
The SE425-CL are lightweight and come with a sleeve fit kit, adapter, carrying case, cleaning tool, user guide.
5. Sena 20S-01
If staying connected while riding your motorcycle is important to you, then the Sena 20S-01 is the right fit for you. This device's Bluetooth technology lets you connect to your smart devices easily. The earphones have crystal clear HD audio and even advanced noise control that blocks those unwanted background noises up to a level that you decide.
A favorite feature has to be its multitasking technology that allows you to have a clear phone conversation while listening to music, FM radio or checking in on your GPS notes. The headphones also come with hands-free voice control command capability, so you really can focus on the road.
A pair of Sena 20S-01 will set you back $254, but it's a perfect fit for your motorcycle helmet. It comes with Bluetooth 4.1 and a universal intercom to connect you up to 1.2 miles. These earphones also have motion sensor technology that allows you to pair Bluetooth devices with simply a shake.
6. Sena 20S EVO Bluetooth Headset
The Sena 20S EVO Bluetooth Headset crosses off all the boxes in your Bluetooth wishlist in terms of its capabilities, price, and simple to use features. Not to mention it's incredibly reliable, which explains why it's a favorite of tech-savvy riders worldwide.
You can easily install this headset into your helmet with the Sena 20S Helmet clamp kit. The adapter cable has a multi-pin DIN plug that can connect audio systems so you can listen to FM radio, MP3 music, intercom, your phone, and GPS navigation.
There's also an integrated shark fin antenna that enhances the signal giving a 1.2-mile range to strengthen intercom stability. The Sena 20S EVO runs at about $269.10.
7. Cardo Freecom 1
The Cardo Freecom 1, runs on the less expensive side of the other devices mentioned as it only costs $126. This device is a great fit for riders who want to get into helmet augmenting but don't know where to start.
It's easy to plug, play and use this device and it also easily connects to your phone with Bluetooth. Which means you can quickly and easily connect without spending a ton of time or money. The Cardo Freecom 1 has a sleek and aerodynamic design so you can use it with pretty much all helmet types.
It's also not only waterproof but also dustproof, so you'll still be able to hear everything clearly, even in harsh weather conditions. The sound is also incredible, due it's new 40mm ultra-thin HD stereo speakers that have an improved battery life that lasts up to 13 hours before you need to recharge it.
There are also 2 Bluetooth channels, making this great for multitasking. You also can even connect two separate devices to each channel, like your phone and a GPS system. The Cardo Freecom 1 also comes with A2DP music streaming and the volume automatically adjusts based on your background noises.
It also comes voice activation technology (VOX) so you can safely answer calls hands-free. This device is compatible with both iOS and Andriod phones.
8. Sena Momentum Bluetooth Integrated Helmet
If you want the best of what Bluetooth has to offer, with all of the features, the Sena Momentum Bluetooth Integrated Helmet is perfect for you. This helmet is streamlined to keep you riding without any difficulties.
The helmet has built-in Bluetooth communication and state of the art speakers that let you be handsfree without any clamps or annoying wires. You can talk on the phone, connect with other riders, listen to music on access FM radio with this helmet.
Of course, all these states of the art features come with a price, as each helmet is $500.
9. Cardo SmartPack Headset
This headset has both DMC (Dynamic Meshwork Communication) and Bluetooth abilities. This headset is not only trusted, but also considered to be one of the best. It comes with a 4-way intercom to up to a 3-mile range with 4 or more riders.
The Cardo SmartPack is considered to be a world leader in communication for motorcyclists. Cardo has been connecting riders since 2004 as it's DMC and Bluetooth 4.1 can work at the same time. This headset also allows for universal pairing to any Bluetooth headset.
It also comes with parallel audio streaming technology so you can have an intercom conversation and listen to music, FM radio or GPS at the same time. It's also waterproof, dustproof, has self-adjusting volume, music sharing, and comes with a remote control and voice recognition. The Cardo SmartPack headset costs $316.
10. Buyee GPS Interphone
This device can work for a skier or a snowboarder as well as a motorcyclist. It's an affordable device that lets you stay in touch on the open road or slopes. In other words, it's easy to use no matter where you are.
The Buyee GPS Interphone has voice navigation, an 800 intercom range, and cell phone range up to 10 meters. There's also bike to bike intercom capabilities for the rider and passenger or two separate bikes up to 800 meters.
This interphone also comes with up to 10 hours of talk time when it's connected to a cell phone and up to 6 hours of talk time when it's connected to the intercom feature. It also has up to 300 hours of standby.
It also allows you to call out, answer, reject or hang up on calls. You can receive calls automatically or dial the last number. You also can listen to the music on your phone through A2DP or connect your GPS.
When listening to music you can also easily go forward, backward, play or pause. There's also DSP echo cancelation and noise suppression technology with crystal clear voice quality at a high speed. The button panel is water and sun-proof with a durable design.
The Buyee GPS Interphone is also super affordable and only costs $55.
Find Your Bluetooth Headset Today
Now that you know what's out there, isn't it time that you start shopping for Bluetooth headsets for your bike. When it comes to riding your motorcycle, nothing is more important than your safety.
Advancements in Bluetooth technology have created an incredible state of the art Bluetooth headphones and helmets that can make your ride just that much more safe and enjoyable.
When it comes to finding your device be sure to consider factors like price, design, ease of use and how compatible it is with your phone and bike. Often but not always the more expensive the device, the better quality it is. For more information and reviews on devices be sure to check out our blog.