Having good speakers is essential if you want to talk to your friends or listen to good music while you’re out on the open roads on your bike. However, not all bikes have speakers built into them. Often, you’ll have to buy a pair of speakers that are inserted in your helmet or wear a headset specifically designed for motorcycle riding.
Regardless of which one you end up being interested in, we’ve rounded up 5 optimal choices for the best and loudest helmet speakers for your motorcycle.
Top 5 Best and Loudest Helmet Speakers
There are various types of helmet speakers to choose from and many of them feature advanced technology like Bluetooth connectivity, USB access, USB charging capability, and extremely long battery life. Some helmet speakers are even designed to handle extreme weather conditions. In this guide, we are going to take a look at five of the best headset speakers if you want quality sound and a great listening experience.
1. Sena SMH10-10 Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset / Intercom
The Sena SMH10-10 Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset/Intercom is the top choice for a lot of motorcycle riders, and there’s a good reason for this. These speakers were built specifically for riding on motorcycles.
It’s a pair of speakers that comes with its own microphone and is equipped with Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity that lets you make calls, make conversations, and listen to music. It even minimizes background noise using advanced noise control technology. More importantly, the audio is loud and your voice is clear.
Perhaps the best part about this is that this is all hands-free. The system can be powered via its battery for up to 12 hours straight. At the same time, it retains its charge quite well. On a single charge, you can expect the headset to last for up to 10 days on standby.
All in all, this is an excellent product that checks all of the right boxes, so long as you are willing to pay the price.
One problem with the Sena device is that it is expensive. Also, it is designed to be secured using a clamp kit, so it cannot be used with a half helmet. Also, the speakers may not be loud enough at highway speeds.
Pros:
- 12-hour talk-time battery life
- 900-meter range four-way intercom
- Advanced noise control technology
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can’t be used with half helmets
- Long-range music sharing and intercom for motorcyclists--up to 900 meters (980 yards)
- Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity to listen to and share music, make phone calls with speed dialing, and participate in a four-way intercom conversation
- Advanced Noise Control technology cuts down on background noise for both incoming and outgoing audio
- Universal Intercom protocol for cross-brand intercom compatibility
- Up to 12 hours of talk time and 10 days of stand-by time on a single charge
2. Cardo Packtalk Bold
For motorcycle riders who frequently travel in large groups, the Cardo Packtalk Bold is one of the best and loudest helmet speakers for your motorcycle. Not only is the sound quality exceptional via the 40mm JBL drivers, but it also adjusts automatically depending on the level of the background noise.
Ease of use is also a strong suit. The large buttons are very accessible and voice activation via Natural Voice lets you activate many of the speaker’s features just by speaking alone.
What really sets the Packtalk apart is its Dynamic Mesh Communication system. This kind of system is different from the linear system used by other helmet speakers. Basically, it’s designed so that, even if one person disconnects, the other people within the network can still communicate with each other.
The PackTalk also takes advantage of the CardoConnect smartphone app that makes it easy to adjust settings using your phone. It also has Bluetooth 4.1 and a 1600-meter range with a total talk time of up to 13 hours.
Further adding to the value of the PackTalk is its water- and dust-proof build with an FM radio feature built-in for solo rides.
Pros:
- Automatically adjusting volume
- Loud
- Effective communication via DMC system
- Long-range
Cons:
- Steep asking price
- Patented Dynamic Mesh Communication technology provides seamless, long-range intercom connections with unmatched ease and stability for large and small groups alike. Best in class wind-noise reduction
- UP TO 15 RIDERS, GREAT FROM 2 UPWARDS:Stay connected whether you are riding in duo, a group of four or a pack of fifteen. Enjoy the highest quality, long distance reception a motorcycle communication system can offer.
- English (Publication Language)
3. UClear Digital Pulse Plus
So long as you’re okay with them not being wireless, the UClear Digital Pulse Plus is the best value helmet speakers for your motorcycle. Besides, if it’s any consolation, it uses gold-plated standard 3.5mm stereo audio jacks with a 40mm diameter driver that guarantees that the audio quality will be loud and clear.
The speakers themselves are designed for compatibility with most helmet communication systems, smartphones, and other audio devices. It’s also very easy to use right out of the box as it comes with an installation mount set along with the speakers and Velcro pads that you can just stick to wherever you prefer on your helmet.
If you’re worried that the wires will hamper performance, don’t. They’re long enough to reach electronic devices that are inside your pockets and those that you’ve mounted on the handlebars.
Pros:
- Cheap
- Stable and easy to install
- Long cords
Cons:
- Subpar wire quality
- Upgrade your audio experience with the Pulse Plus drop-in speakers from UCLEAR.
4. Alta Wireless Drop-In Headphones
You know that a pair of speakers are tough when they’re designed to withstand wipeouts from snowboarding.
Durability isn’t the only selling point of the Alta Wireless Drop-in Headphones though. Although it’s nice that these speakers are tested to work even in sub-zero temps and are sweat-resistant, what’s great about them is that the manufacturers didn’t forget audio quality. In fact, these speakers are fitted with 40mm audio drivers that result in high-quality audio and deep bass.
As for controls, using these speakers is very easy. The buttons are oversized and easy to push even when are wearing gloves. It also has Bluetooth 5.0 that guarantees a stable connection for its 10-hour playtime.
As a bonus, these speakers are nowhere near as expensive as you’d expect them to be.
At half the price point of most other premium speakers, these may not necessarily be the best and loudest helmet speakers for your motorcycle, but they pack a lot of bang for the proverbial buck
Pros:
- Tough and durable
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Large 40mm drivers
Cons:
- Thick earpads can present fit and comfortability issues
- PREMIUM BALANCED SOUND - Shred the slopes listening to your favorite tunes in high-definition sound with the Alta Bluetooth Helmet Speakers. Using 40mm Drivers and a premium Bluetooth 5.0 wireless chipset, the Alta wireless helmet headphones deliver balanced dynamic sound with deep bass at any volume level
- CRISP HANDS-FREE CALLING - With the helmet Bluetooth speakers ALTA, No more digging for your phone or taking off your helmet to make a call. Simply press the right button twice to activate Siri or Google Voice to make a call or change your playlist using the built-in microphone
- UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE - Works with most audio-ready helmet brands including Wildhorn (Checkout out our Drift helmet!), Smith, Poc, K2, Giro, Bolle, Anon, Burton, and others. At 2.2 inches high, 1.8 in wide, and .5 in thick the Altas easily drop into the ear pads and run across the backside of our Drift helmet for comfort and easy use
- INTUITIVE DESIGN - These ski helmet headphones were Designed in Utah by skiers and snowboarders that wanted a hassle-free premium audio experience. You will never have to remove your phone from whichever coat pocket it's hiding in again. The Alta features 3 oversized buttons (one on the Right and two on the left) so you can easily control almost every function of your phone without removing your helmet or gloves. Control the volume, change tracks, activate Siri or Google Voice, make calls, pause music, and more
- RUGGED CONSTRUCTION WITH ALL DAY PLAYTIME - The helmet speakers Bluetooth wireless Alta is sweat resistant and has been tested in extreme cold, 24 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 degrees Celsius). With 10 hours of playtime, you can shred the gnar all day and never run out of juice for your tunes
5. Outdoor Technology The Chips 2.0
The Outdoor Technology The Chips 2.0 is also another pair of motorcycle helmet speakers that you can use while your out riding your bike. It was originally designed to be used in cold weather. Not only are these resistant to sweat but they’re built to withstand falls with excellent sound quality and deep bass that lets you enjoy music and hear conversations clearly all the same.
Because these speakers use Bluetooth 4.0 technology, you can have conversations with other people on your phone without having to put it on your ears. The high maximum volume guarantees that you can hear whoever is on the other side of the line. At the same time, the big buttons are designed for glove use with voice controls linking directly into Siri.
Motorcycle-riding crews can also take advantage of the Outdoor Tech smartphone app.
Among the many functions of the app include a walkie-talkie that lets you communicate with other users of the same speakers while on the road.
These speakers come with 10-hour battery life and come with everything right out of the box, including a back-up audio cable in case the Bluetooth functionality fails and a USB charging cable.
Pros:
- Walkie-Talkie mode (near-infinite range)
- Can withstand extreme temperatures
Cons:
- Limited helmet compatibility
- 40Mm drivers for clear Bluetooth wireless audio for any audio compatible helmet
- Two-Button glove-friendly controls adjust volume, change tracks, play, pause, take calls and use Siri (voice control) through the built-in microphone 10 hours of playtime on a single charge so you can ride all day listening to smooth jazz without concern
- Sweat-Resistant and fully functional in extreme cold weather (-20 DegreeC/-4 DegreeF)
- Walkie Talkie feature in not available .
What are the Different Types of Helmet Speakers?
Not all helmet speakers will function well with any helmet type. It is very important to consider your helmet design before you choose the right speaker.
You can choose from three different types of speakers for your full-face helmet.
Wired Speakers
Wired speakers usually have a 3.5mm connector plug with a long cord so you can plug it into your device. Wired speakers are usually compatible with all mobile devices and can typically be used with or without your helmet. Some wired speakers are wireless compatible and offer Bluetooth connectivity.
Wireless Speakers
Wireless speakers usually have a built-in battery and feature Bluetooth connectivity. With these speakers, you can often enjoy additional features like hands-free calling, and listening to music or it can double as an intercom.
Built-in Speakers
A lot of motorcycle helmets come with a built-in FM radio speaker that can be used for listening to music or as an intercom. With some helmets, you can also remove the speakers and replace them with built-in speakers of your choosing.
Tips for Choosing the Right Helmet Speakers
Since helmet speakers vary so much in feature and design, it can sometimes be difficult to decide on the right pair.
Here is a quick look at some of the most important features to look for when you go speaker shopping.
Helmet Size
First, you need to consider how much space you have available in the helmet. Some fit a lot tighter than others which can make it very difficult to fit in a large headphone speaker. For bigger full-face helmets, you can usually fit in speakers with a larger diameter while a small modular helmet might only be compatible with a tiny speaker system.
Sound Performance
A pair of speakers won’t help you much if the sound coming from them is all distorted. It is very important to choose a pair that offers crisp clear sound quality. You also should keep the volume output performance in mind. The sounds on a helmet can be very loud with so much wind friction and engine noise sounding up. You should be able to hear your music over these external noises.
A Built-in Mic
A built-in microphone comes in handy if you want to take calls without pulling over. Some helmet speakers include a detachable boom mic that you can use for communication purposes.
Comfort
The speakers you choose should also be comfortable on your ears. If the speakers don’t offer enough padding or don’t have a good fit in the helmet, they will cause a lot of pain.
Conclusion
Having a good pair of helmet speakers when you’re out on the road is a must. It’s not just so that you can enjoy good music while you’re on the road. It also makes it easy to communicate with your loved ones and emergency services in case of an accident. Also, if you ride with your friends as a group, most helmet speakers make it easier to talk with each other across great distances.
With that said, we definitely recommend investing in a quality pair of helmet speakers for your motorcycle.
The 5 we rounded up above are some of the best and loudest helmet speakers for your motorcycle and should come with everything that you could ever need from helmet speakers.
If you are also looking for a good pair of speakers for your car then you should have a look at some of the other guides we have on RideBass. With our guides, you can find the best sound systems for any type of vehicle and enjoy the best sound no matter what you choose to drive.
