Over and Out: The Absolute Best Motorcycle Intercoms of 2022

I’m old fashioned — but not so old fashioned that I’m ready to ride alongside my best buddies in silence for eight hours, communicating in sign language. Intercom systems are generally considered an add-on motorcycle accessory, but if riding is a social sport for you: it’s crucial to get a good one.

Any helmet speaker or sound system can play music and give you GPS navigation, but it takes a little special something for a good motorcycle communication system. You can put up with not-so-great music quality. But trying to follow a conversation with your riding buddies as they crackle in and out of audibility? Not fun.

I put up with some of the worst intercom systems on the market, so you don’t have to. Here are the top 6 motorcycle communication systems that deliver: plain and simple.

Want a quick recommendation? Get the Cardo PACKTALK and don’t think twice. You’ll thank me later.

Top 6 Best Motorcycle Intercom Systems 2022

1. Cardo DMC

Our Top Pick

Cardo by PACKTALK is my top pick because it is one of the best motorcycle intercoms and sound systems in the market. Get this: it sports a JBL powered sound system. That’s some premium audio technology integrated into a motorcycle accessory.

Though it has plenty of other features: the intercom system is top-notch and primary. You can connect to up to four other Packtalks for in-ride communication: but you also get to enjoy streaming music, and Bluetooth compatibility.

The JBL-designed specifically tuned processor that can enhance the music to be audible while riding. Music while riding has to have carefully adjusted EQ levels that can pierce through the sound of the wind, and deliver high-quality sound even at the highest volume.

One of my favorite features of this device is that you don’t have to use your hands to operate it. You can use voice commands to operate the device. You can either talk directly to the Packtalk (that’s saying ‘Hey Cardo’) or use Ok Google and Hey Siri commands. This ensures safety by avoiding any errors in driving due to touch operation. You don’t want to be fiddling around to press a button when you’re riding 70mph.

The Cardo speaker has a technology called DMC (Dynamic Mesh Communication) which is what enables the super long-range intercom. Here’s the good news: the DMC switches from Bluetooth music, navigation, and intercom super quick. The bad news? They can’t run simultaneously.

This motorcycle Bluetooth system is super durable as well. Cardo is qualified as IP67 waterproof, which lets you use this speaker even when it’s raining outside. (Maybe don’t dunk it in a swimming pool, though). The water-resistance feature is something that even the Sena SPH 10-10 doesn’t have.

I think this is the best motorcycle intercom system that you can get, and I have one. It’s definitely worth investing in technology that’ll last years together.

Pros:

• Compact and aerodynamic design
• 1P67 Waterproof
• Bluetooth connectivity
• JBL speakers
• USB Charging port

Cons:

• DMC and Bluetooth are not simultaneous
• Not affordable for everyone

Suitable for:

If you go on long cross-country rides with your friends, you’ll probably enjoy the crisp sound of an in-helmet speaker, as well as being able to talk to your pillion or fellow rider without having to pull over. The Cardo PACKTALK for you if you’re serious about riding and willing to invest in a speaker that’ll radically improve your riding experience. If you can convince three of your best buds to get their own Cardos, you’ll unlock a whole new level of bike riding.

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2. Sena SPH10-10

Best High-End Intercom System / Best Premium Intercom System

As good as the Cardo Packtalk is, there’s still better. The Sena SPH10-10 is quite possibly the best motorcycle intercom system that money can buy. At first, I didn’t think it had the longest distance connection — 900 meters sounds significantly lesser than cheaper intercom systems claiming to provide 2000. Well, that’s until I tested it out.

The Sena SPH10-10 actually delivers the same excellent sound quality whether you’re 10 meters or 900 meters away. And you can still communicate with your fellow riders when they’re further away, just with the occasional crackle and dip in quality. For comparison: the Cardo PACKTALK starts crackling at around 500 meters.

It switches impressively quickly between GPS navigation and the built-in FM radio, and hands-free calls. I think this is the kind of motorcycle accessory that doesn’t have a lot of frills and other cool features: but sticks to a few core abilities and does them well. The helmet clamp kit allows you to connect to, you guessed it, the helmet, but this is one that fits securely and won’t shift around during your ride.

Also worth mentioning: I love how long-lasting the battery life is. You get hours of talk time and the battery lasts even longer if all you do is listen to music. Advance noise control filters out all the high-speed wind ambient noise when you do.

It also has a boom microphone, and this does a great job at picking up your voice even when you’re going at high speeds down the highway. When I tried it out, I got on a call and the other person could tell I was on speaker but had no idea I was cruising down the highway. Crazy, huh?

The voice navigation definitely makes traveling easier. Just like the Cardo Packtalk, this intercom system connects to four other connections. It also has cross-brand intercom compatibility, which means that you don’t have to make a decision for four riders: just yourself. You can invest in the Sena and connect to your friends with budget intercom systems just fine. They won’t get the same sound quality though, oops.

Pros:

• Cross brand intercom compatibility
• Decent range of connectivity
• Bluetooth technology
• Great audio quality
• Fm Radio
• Voice navigation
• Advanced noise control
• Audio multitasking

Cons:

• Bluetooth mode and calls are not simultaneous
• Not affordable for everyone

Suitable for:

If you’re big on durability, the choice is clear. The Sena SMH10D-10 is the most long-lasting intercom system on our list: it will run as good as the day you bought for years together. Sure, it’s an investment: but it’s better than having to replace your budget intercom system every few weeks. It’s ideal for someone who really clocks in those miles on their bike.

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3. Fodsports M1S Pro

Best Budget Intercom System

The Fodsports M1S Pro is the best budget intercom system according to me. Sure, it’s not the cheapest motorcycle Bluetooth headset available in the market, but this really hits the sweet spot of quality and affordability. This mesh intercom system is powered by Bluetooth 4.1, which gives unmatched speed and clarity. That’s better than our top 2 intercom systems even: both the Cardo PACKTALK and the Sena SMH10D-10 run on Bluetooth 3.0.

The communication range is pretty solid: as long as you’re on a straight road. So when you’re riding down the highway with your best buds, you’ll get crystal clear connection to about 1000-1200 meters. Between 1200 to 2000 meters, you’re still connected, but you might have to repeat yourself a few times. Beyond that, radio silence.

But if you’re in the city, or with any obstacles between you, that number drops down to 500m. It’s built specifically for highway riding.

As expected: you get great performance with the voice assistant GPS navigation, the hands-free calls, and music. Something that really blew me away is the voice commands feature: you can actually operate this on voice commands through Bluetooth: which is an incredible feature at this price point.

The reason why the sound quality is so up there is because the speakers have full-range membrane monomers. I will say one thing: music sounds great on this, better than voice calls do: and that’s probably because it has high bass reproducibility.

Pros:

• Wind noise reduction
• Waterproof and dustproof
• High bass reproducibility
• Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity
• Long-distance connection
• Manual and automatic call answering

Cons:

• Echo can kick in sometimes
• Not the best battery life

Suitable for:

If you’re certain you need an intercom system to up your riding experience but don’t want to shell out a couple of hundreds, this should be a great alternative. It’s one of the most high-quality options at an affordable price point and works great for someone who rides frequently.

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4. Lexin B4FM

Best Long-Range Intercom System

The Lexin B4FM can do up to 10 connections: which is the most number of connections from an intercom system on our list. So if you tend to go on long rides with a big group, having the Lexin B4FM will come in handy: and keep everyone connected. It’s also the longest range intercom on the list, with 1600 meters of connectivity. I have to concede — it’s not the clearest intercom at this distance, but still pretty incredible considering there are 10 connections going on for this tiny intercom system.

Yes, you also get the regular GPS voice navigation, music, radio, and calls. It uses Bluetooth as the communication medium and works even at a speed of 120kmph, effectively canceling out any high-speed wind noise.

It is also LX-B4FM featured waterproof, so it can work like a beast in pretty much any weather conditions. You get two options for the microphone: a boom microphone in case you’re using open face helmets, and a button microphone for a full-face helmet.

Pros:

• Completely IP67 Waterproof
• Bluetooth connectivity (5.0)
• Up to 10 connections
• 1600 meters distance connection
• Affordable price point
• Voice-activated commands
• Universal pairing

Cons:

• Intercom doesn’t work simultaneously with other features

Suitable for:

If you’re part of a large motorcycle riding group and don’t want any of your friends to feel left out: the LEXIN intercom system is a clear choice. The Lexin is great for the rider who has company: with long-distance intercom connection as its shining feature.

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5. Ejeas V6 Pro

Best Noise-Cancellation Intercom System

The Ejeas V6 Pro delivers the best sound quality at an affordable price point. It’s perfect for solo riding, you get incredible noise cancellation. There’s some good tech used in the noise cancellation feature: DSP echo-cancellation and noise suppression for wind noise, without filtering out traffic noise. I tested it out and found that the noise cancellation does work, but not at very high speeds.

But what about the real kicker, the intercom system? The product advertises that it can connect with 6 riders: but here are the specifics. There’s 1 host and 5 auxiliaries, which means that there can only be two-way conversation at a time. The host can talk to any of the other 5 people, but they can’t talk to each other.

This could work out well when giving directions, reduce confusion with everyone talking at once: but it wouldn’t be the best for a group of friends just wanting to talk during the ride.

Apart from that, you get good battery life. It gives you a standby time of 300 hours and a talk time of 8 hours on a single charge, which is definitely better than you’d expect from an intercom system at this price point. You can automatically receive phone calls if you set it that way.

Pros:

• Compact and aerodynamic design
• 1P65 water-resistant
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Decent battery life

Cons:

• DMC and Bluetooth are not simultaneous
• Not affordable for everyone

Suitable for:

This is a great intercom system for two. It’s ideal for you if you travel alone or with just one riding partner for the majority of the time. This wouldn’t be a good choice for a big group of motorcycle-riding friends. The noise cancellation feature is also most suitable for cruiser motorcyclists.

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6. Thokwok

Most Affordable Intercom System

I’ve already mentioned the Fodsports M1S Pro as the best budget motorcycle intercom system: but the Thokwok is even more affordable. It may not give you the most premium audio quality, but it serves the purpose in a pinch. Getting called on a trip with some friends but you’re more of a solo rider? This is a great few-time use intercom system.

It works best when under the distance of 1000 meters and has decent battery life as well (continuous talk time: 8 hours, music time: 10 hours, standby time: 300 hours). It’ll connect well with any other wireless motorcycle intercom system that’s on the ‘universal pairing feature’ mode. You also get GPS directions, and a choice between the soft and hard microphone, according to your helmet type like the Ejeas V6 Pro.

Of course, you can answer calls and receive calls and enjoy hassle-free communication, but don’t expect to be able to talk simultaneously on the intercom and phone call.

Pros:

• Bluetooth connectivity
• Affordable price point
• FM Radio
• Phone connectivity

Cons:

• DMC and Bluetooth are not simultaneous
• Not affordable for everyone

Suitable for:

Not sure if motorcycle intercom systems are your thing? You don’t lose much by picking up this affordable Bluetooth intercom system and seeing if it works out. It pairs well with other intercom systems with a universal feature, but don’t expect the Thokwok to last you a lifetime!

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Factors To Consider While Buying An Intercom System For Motorcycle

1. GPS Enabled Systems

One of the main reasons why you’d invest in an intercom system is for the GPS feature. It’s simply not feasible to whip out your phone (ideally it’s mounted securely on your motorcycle) to take a look at the Map, and having voice navigation powered through GPS is a great way to stay on track.

But apart from navigation, GPS connectivity also helps you keep a track of every member of your riding group. If you’ve ever gone on a long riding trip with a large group, you know how easy it is to take the wrong turn and lose the group. Being able to communicate with the other riders, while also knowing your location can be a real life-saver.

Check out the details of the GPS feature before you lock in on an intercom system purchase.

2. Ease Of Use

We would recommend simple intercoms if you have no prior experience of using one. That’s because you will be using this device while riding, and for beginners, this might be pretty distracting. A more complicated intercom system beats the very purpose of making the ride safe. So keep that in mind while going for an intercom system. You don’t want to be getting frustrated with trying to activate the audio multitasking and divert your attention.

We’d strongly recommend using the intercom system off-road, and when your bike is stationary for some good practice. I know what you’re thinking, “I’ve used a walkie-talkie before”. Things are different at 100mph and there’s no harm done in a bit of practice.

3. Multiple Connection Feature

There are plenty of intercom systems that stop at 2 connections, which is great if you go riding with a best friend or partner. But there’s no harm in being prepared for a larger group, and I think the sweet spot is an intercom system that can handle up to four connections. Four connections tend to be well within the capabilities of most intercom systems as well, such as the Cardo Packtalk and Sena SMH10-10.

You also get intercom systems that can connect more than four channels, usually six or even 10. These tend to be higher-priced, and you’ll have to ensure that everyone in the group is using a communication system with that many channels, or there’ll be plenty of confusion. We also recommend that you double-check the details. For example, the Ejeas V6 pro is capable of 6 connections: but one is the host, and 5 are auxiliaries that can only communicate back with the host, not each other.

4. Weatherproof Capabilities

If you’re packing your rain gear, make sure your motorcycle communication system is protected too. Not all intercom systems are made waterproof, on account of the fact that they tend to be hidden in your helmet. But if you’re going at high speeds down the highway, you know how water droplets can get everywhere. The system can stop working suddenly, and also be a potential hazard to you in case something short-circuits.

There’s a difference between waterproof and water-resistant. Waterproof systems have a certification of 1P67, which means that the mechanical casing is sealed to keep out dust and water. Water-resistant, on the other hand, doesn’t have this certification and may just have a casing.

5. Noise Cancellation

Noise cancellation is a great feature for listening to music, but it comes in handy when talking to your riding friends as well. It’s tough to listen to anything at high speeds because of the wind noise and engine knocking, so having earplugs that can actually filter out this noise is pretty great.

The only concern with noise cancellation is that it’ll filter out the important noise: traffic noises. I’m sure you can see how that’s a concern. Having traffic noise filtered out can leave you susceptible to more accidents, and can dull your reflexes.

The best communication systems have tech that enables them to cancel out all the wind noise, but keeps all the important traffic noises to help you stay as focused as possible. There are certain road laws and regulations around earplugs while riding, so be sure to check them out.

6. Voice-Activated Commands

This is an add-on feature for high-end intercom systems, but don’t underestimate it. Being able to switch between intercom mode, a phone call mode, DMC, music, all with a few natural voice commands will have you so spoilt you won’t be able to go back. It’s just plain convenient.

And when you have a motorcycle communication system that’s doing everything for you, it might as well be smart enough to understand what you’re saying. Lower-end intercom systems are usually operated with easily accessed buttons, but the lesser you have to lift your hands from the handlebars, the better. A neat little feature like voice-activated commands can go a long way in improving safety conditions.

7. Budget Range

Like many other motorcycle accessories, intercom systems get better as you go up in the price range. With a higher budget, you can afford better technology in noise filtering, intercom connection distance, and audio multitasking (not to mention much better durability and comfort). You should decide your budget in accordance with how much you think you’ll use the intercom system.

If you’re more of a solo rider, I suggest you pick up a budget intercom system and stick to your regular helmet speakers or sound systems for everyday riding use. But if you often find yourself riding with your friends, you won’t want to miss out. In that case, it makes sense to invest in durable tech.

Final Words

When it comes to motorcycle accessories, my motto is always “I’m not rich enough to buy cheap stuff.” Spending a little extra on good quality is always a return on investment. Make sure you fully understand your needs before you make your purchase — makes no sense to invest in an intercom system with up to 10 connections if you have the grand total of one riding friend.

If you’re still not sure which one’s for you, you can’t go wrong with the Cardo PACKTALK. I mean it.