Listening to music when on your motorcycle is an exceptional experience.
With the best in helmet speakers, you'll be staying in tune all the time.
Not only that, but the speakers also allow you to pick up calls and hold conversations with your loved ones.
I know there are plenty of options out there, but it would be hard if you just jumped to evaluate the quality without using them.
It's also a budget pain to try them all out.
So, to help you choose the right in-helmet speakers, I bought and tested a number of units. Surely you'll meet the one you need right here.
Here are the best in helmet speakers (Apr 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: 4 Cardo Motorcycle 45mm Audio Set
- Best for Extreme Cold Weather: Outdoor Tech Chips 2.0 Universal Wireless Bluetooth Helmet Audio
- Best for Small Helmets: Sena SMH5-A0307 Slim Speaker for Bluetooth Headset
- Best for Full-Face Helmets: UClear Digital Pulse Wired Drop-in High Definition Helmet Speakers
- Best for Longer Rides: Iasus Concepts Xsound 2.1 Motorcycle Helmet Speakers
| 5 Best In Helmet Speakers | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | 4 Cardo Motorcycle 45mm Audio Set | |
Best for Extreme Cold Weather | Outdoor Tech Chips 2.0 Universal Wireless Bluetooth Helmet Audio | |
Best for Small Helmets | Sena SMH5-A0307 Slim Speaker for Bluetooth Headset | |
Best for Full-Face Helmets | UClear Digital Pulse Wired Drop-in High Definition Helmet Speakers | |
Best for Longer Rides | Iasus Concepts Xsound 2.1 Motorcycle Helmet Speakers | |
Best Overall: 4 Cardo Motorcycle 45mm Audio Set
Perfect fit to helmets
Exceptional audio quality
Easy to upgrade and install
Cancel noise
Decent battery life
Not an intuitive app
Loose velcro backing
This is the JBL speakers being in the new Cardo PackTalk series. Backed by JBL, there is nothing to complain about the sound quality of this sound set. When it comes to hearing, these speakers appear to be more efficient.
Say you already have an original PackTalk, and you want to upgrade to this JBL partnership sound solution, this is the answer.
When you open the kit, you are going to find the speakers and accessories to attach to your helmet. There is an instruction that provides a sufficient guide for an easy installation.
I really want to mention the audio profiles that you can unlock to achieve a better sound quality. If you are installing this set on a Pack series, you'll get three audio profiles, including Standard, Base Boost, and Vocal.
Another thing is the face of 4.5 mm has a backside of a perfect circular that is super easy to go with your helmet.
So, all you need to do is unplug your old speakers, plug-in this new set, and upgrade the firmware. There is an app available on both iOS and Android.
| 4 Cardo Motorcycle 45mm Audio Set Specifications | |
|---|---|
Audio Jack Size | 3.5mm |
Cable Length | 45mm |
Driver Dimension | N/A |
Highlight Features | Fit any communicator. Firmware upgrade for any models of Cardo FREECOM and PACKTALK series |
Even if you don't use this set as an upgrade for a PackTalk or Freecom, you'll still get quality audio performance out of the headset.
61c1IctgMgL: Outdoor Tech Chips 2.0 Universal Wireless Bluetooth Helmet Audio
Never tangle
Function in cold weather
Can use with mits on
Clean sound with big bass
10-hour battery life
Take time to get used to
A bit hassle to use with gloves on
These are a great addition to a lot of different helmets on the market. The device has really been a game-changer thanks to the design.
Usually, wearing earbuds is too irritating because it gets tangled all the time. The Outdoor Tech Chips is a wireless gadget you can tuck inside the helmet.
One great thing is you can use the headset with gloves on. You can tab in the left or the right earpiece to use different functions. It does take a bit of time to get used to using. I did bring the manual along with me in the first couple of days to get familiar with the device.
You may need some time to learn how many taps to answer the phone call, get to the next song, pause, and so on. Once t things locked down, these things are money.
The biggest plus is the ability of the device to function in extremely cold weather. If you live in a low-degree area up to -20°C/-4°F, you don't have to worry about the set going bad. It is also sweat-resistant.
| Outdoor Tech Chips 2.0 Universal Wireless Bluetooth Helmet Audio Specifications | |
|---|---|
Audio Jack Size | Wireless |
Cable Length | No cable |
Driver Dimension | 40mm |
Highlight Features | Wirelessly function. Compatible with a large range of helmets. Sweat-resistant. Functional in extreme cold weather |
These in helmet speakers allow you to use them with mittens on, making them ideal for riding in the cold.
Best for Small Helmets: Sena SMH5-A0307 Slim Speaker for Bluetooth Headset
Slim design
Good and clear sound
Comfortably fit
No microphone
Tricky to set up
Girls with smaller helmets can find these speakers quite helpful. It is a set of earpieces and wires for you to install to the helmet.
These are slim speakers with a small diameter that won't cause any discomfort as they fit securely into a small helmet. And if you have a big head, no worries, these pieces won't occupy much room.
Other than that, the sound quality is acceptable with clear audio and good sound volume. I felt the treble is a bit heavier than the bass. However, it's not a big issue for me. You won't notice the difference in the standard.
The speakers come with velcro straps, which will stick to the sides of the helmet. There are large pads to ensure your comfort.
Another great thing is you can switch the set to another helmet just by simply unplugging the unit.
| Sena SMH5-A0307 Slim Speaker for Bluetooth Headset Specifications | |
|---|---|
Audio Jack Size | 3.5mm |
Cable Length | N/A |
Driver Dimension | N/A |
Highlight Features | Slim design fits securely in a small helmet. Paddings for comfortable snug fit |
With these in-helmet speakers, you don't have to worry about them slipping off your helmet because it's too small.
Best for Full-Face Helmets: UClear Digital Pulse Wired Drop-in High Definition Helmet Speakers
Very decent sound
Stick securely to the helmet
Decent balance of sound
Good bang for the buck
Thick foam spacers
These speakers stick right into your helmet. If you have a full-face helmet, the speakers do go loud over the wind noise. They work pretty well with exceptional quality sound, especially at slow speed.
What I appreciate here is the speakers' ability to drown out the noise. I can crank it up, hill off wind noise, and all.
The mounting is also relatively easy as you just need to line them up where you need to use the velcro on the two sides. I haven't had the pieces come loose or shifted around.
Voice calls on these speakers are pretty clear. It's got a decent balance of sound at medium volume. You don't actually have to turn it all the way up to hear.
The only thing is the foam spacer that is a little bit thick. But it's ok as you don't bring the speakers too closed to your ears. They are loud enough on the freeway.
Using these speakers with a full-face helmet, you will need to shift the toggle with the mic to your mouth pad for better voice calls.
| UClear Digital Pulse Wired Drop-in High Definition Helmet Speakers Specifications | |
|---|---|
Audio Jack Size | 3.5mm |
Cable Length | N/A |
Driver Dimension | 40mm |
Highlight Features | Provide HD quality sound. Installing the drop-in design is in a minute. Drown out wind noise. |
Love the way these speakers fit into my full-face helmet and deliver crispy, decent sound.
Best for Longer Rides: Iasus Concepts Xsound 2.1 Motorcycle Helmet Speakers
High-quality sound
Easy to install
No distortion at high
Solid unit
Thick
May not be loud enough against the wind
Comparing with the Uclear Pulse, this Iasus set comes with a black case plate made of steel. They are thin enough to fit into the ear pocket. With large drivers, the speakers do deliver ample bass.
For the sound quality, it does produce bass on the Iasus 2.1. Still, not overwhelmingly affects the mix and the treble. You can still hear some crispy sound, which I feel like it's more balanced.
Personally, I think these are more like break-in speakers for people who don't have a motorcycle headset already or those who are new into the game. They are good value devices.
On the speakers, there are labels for left and right underneath the velcro. When installing, you can swap the side, and it's not going to be a big deal.
If you are a long-hour rider, sticking these speakers to your ears won't get too much to your ears and cause irritation, thanks to the foam covers.
One more scoring factor is the price. Though it's half the price of the Xsound 3, the audio is quite of high quality.
| Iasus Concepts Xsound 2.1 Motorcycle Helmet Speakers Specifications | |
|---|---|
Audio Jack Size | 3.5mm |
Cable Length | Right wire - 20cm (7.9in) Left wire - 40cm (15.8in) |
Driver Dimension | 40mm |
Highlight Features | Large driver range. Fit a variety of helmets. Sticky velcro for secure installation |
The speakers provide sufficient comfort you need for long rides.
How To Choose The Best In Helmet Speaker?
Riding with speakers meets a lot of controversy about safety. However, technology has made those gadgets safer than before with more intuitive controls.
With lots of advantages supporting you on the road, in-helmet speakers are gadgets you should consider.
Here I will point out some factors to help you buy the right speakers.
Design
It's important for the speakers to have to design that stays close to your ears. For helmets that have a built-in cavity for speakers, you can choose thick speakers to ensure the audio quality.
But if your helmet is small or there is not much space inside, a set of thin speakers is more compatible.
The right design also should not interfere with your comfort. As you ride for hours, you may need pads to support the ears.
Sound
Low-priced speakers may not provide loud enough sound, and many times, you may hear static that bothers the quality of the calls.
Fortunately, not the most expensive speakers have the best sound quality. Most of the speakers I've introduced here provide decent audio quality for both calls and listening to music.
Built-in Mic
If you tend to make calls with your riding companions, friends, or family, it's reasonable to have speakers with mic.
A lot of high-end speakers allow you to perform voice commands, which is quite useful in many cases.
Just keep in mind that it'll cost a bit more compared to models with no mic.
Wired or Wireless
Each type comes with distinctive pros and cons. Bluetooth speakers may not be stable in connectivity, but they offer convenience. You can consider the technology to ensure consistent transmission. Bluetooth 3.0 is a common choice, but it's not capable of a larger range and higher speed.
It's better to have Bluetooth 4.0 or 4.1 as they give you more stable connectivity and features.
Wired units are more reliable in performance. In return, you'll have to deal with tangled cables. But if you don't want to care about short battery life, wired speakers sound more reasonable for you.
Which Brands Make The Best In Helmet Speaker?
Cardo Systems
Products of Cardo have recently integrated JBL sound in their top-of-the-line Packtalks and Freecom 4+. This partnership delivers an ultimate listening experience to riders. Serving since 2003, Cardo has become the pioneer in producing top-notch Bluetooth headsets used for helmets of many kinds.
Sena
Born to take care of rides, Sena has supplied multiple lines of helmets and audio gadgets supporting road adventures. At Sena, in-helmet speakers are marked with technology and unique features to get on with riders in their adventures. With a strong belief in the possibility of everything, Sena boldly lays their vision in challenging conventional limitations to produce exceptional speakers.
FAQs
How do you install speakers on a helmet?
Installing speakers on a helmet may not be a thing to an avid, but beginners can get quite confused. Actually, the process depends on what kind of helmet you have, but it just involves a few simple steps:
S1: Remove the cheek padding
Each helmet has a different configuration. Some have large cheek pads, some have multiple pieces. You will need to figure out on your own and remove them.
S2: Wiring
Decide which direction you want the wires to go, then you will end up having a bundle of wire on that side.
S3: Put in earpieces
Figure out where you are going to put the pieces. Some helmets come with cutouts ready for some forms of speakers. If your helmet doesn't have that feature, you can use the velcro pads that come with the speakers.
S4: Organize the wiring
Get the strings cleanly routed in a way that won't interfere with you. In case you install wireless speakers, this part can be skipped, and you just go ahead to connect to your media device.
Do motorcycle helmets have speakers?
Yes. Almost all helmet manufacturers have introduced Bluetooth integration to the helmets. Those products are quality intercom systems and speakers that are reliable on the road.
How do you connect a Bluetooth helmet?
One way to do it is to follow the instructions. Simply put, you turn on the Bluetooth feature, go to your device's settings, and find the helmet. Then, press Pair to connect.
What is the range of motorcycle helmet speakers?
Cheap speakers have a shorter range within a few hundred meters. More high-end models can function several miles away. The longest operational range I have recognized is 5 miles, coming from The Cardo Scala Rider PACKTALK Motorcycle Communication System.
How can you make your motorcycle helmet speakers last as long as possible?
To prolong your in-helmet speakers' lives, make sure you use them in the right range of resistance. If your speakers are not waterproof, riding with them under the rain will damage them quickly.
Many people leave the speakers inside the helmet for the next ride. But if you are taking a break from riding, remove the speakers and keep them in a safe and dry place for electronic accessories.
Conclusion
Using the best in helmet speakers will make your ride more enjoyable. Not only because you can listen to your favorite list, but also you can keep in touch with people. Quality speakers should give decent audio and clear sound for voice chat.
If you need more in-depth about buying the right speakers for your helmet, don't hesitate to contact me via the comment box. I'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Again, thanks for reading.
Bryan Listor
