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In a hurry?
- Our pickSena 60S8.8Check price
- Easiest to useCardo Packtalk Edge8.6Check price
- Best-value MeshCardo Packtalk Neo8.6Check price
- Affordable Mesh and BluetoothSena 50S8.2Check price
- The most discreetSena 50R8.4Check price
- Best Bluetooth for small groupsCardo Freecom 4X8.2Check price
- Cheapest MeshSena Spider ST18.0Check price
- Best budget buyMidland BTX2 Pro S LR7.8Check price
- Best starter intercomCardo Spirit HD7.6Check price
An intercom does three things: lets you talk to your pillion or group, gives you sat nav directions and lets you take calls without stopping. The big decision is Mesh or Bluetooth, and almost everything else follows from it.
Mesh or Bluetooth
With Bluetooth, intercoms connect in a chain: A talks to B, B to C… If B drops back or stops, the conversation between A and C is cut. It works very well between two or three bikes.
With Mesh, everyone forms a network in which each unit acts as a repeater. If someone drops out, the network reorganises itself and reconnects them when they catch up. It is what you want if you ride in groups of four or more.
- Couple, or rider and pillion: Bluetooth is enough.
- Groups of 3-4 bikes, relaxed rides: long-range Bluetooth or Mesh.
- Big groups or hilly roads: Mesh, no question.
Claimed range is not real-world range
Range figures (1.6 km, 2 km…) are measured in open country with line of sight. On real roads, with bends, trees, buildings or a lorry in between, useful range is usually much lower. That is why Mesh relaying through other bikes matters so much.
Battery: talk time, not standby
Look at talk time, not standby time, and remember Mesh uses more power than Bluetooth. For a full day’s riding you need at least 10-12 real hours. All the models in this ranking manage that.
Speakers and helmet
Excellent speakers sound poor if they sit too far from your ears. Before buying, check your helmet has speaker pockets deep enough for 40 mm speakers. If they sit too far back, a foam spacer solves it.
Cross-brand compatibility
Sena and Cardo Mesh networks are not compatible with each other. If your group already uses one brand, buy the same. Over Bluetooth you can pair units from different brands, with limited features.
Is it legal in the UK?
Yes. Helmet intercoms are legal in the UK. What you must avoid is distraction: set everything up before you ride and do not take your hands off the bars to fiddle with the unit.
Our ranking
Sena 60S
The most complete intercom right now. More range, more battery and better sound than its direct rivals.
- Mesh network
- Yes
- Max range (2 riders)
- 2,000 m
- Talk time
- 17 h
- Riders per group
- 24
Ideal for: Riders who go out in groups often or tour a lot and want the best sound and the longest battery life.
The most complete on paper: more range, more battery and better sound. If you ride in groups often and want the best, this is it.
Cardo Packtalk Edge
CardoThe easiest Mesh intercom to use and fit. Loud JBL sound and genuinely waterproof (IP67).
- Mesh network
- Yes
- Max range (2 riders)
- 1,600 m
- Talk time
- 13 h
- Riders per group
- 15
Ideal for: Riders who want a Mesh intercom that just works and copes with proper rain.
The easiest to use and fit, with the handiest magnetic mount. Less battery than the Sena, but very reliable.
Cardo Packtalk Neo
CardoNearly everything the Packtalk Edge offers (second-gen Mesh, JBL, voice control) for considerably less.
- Mesh network
- Yes
- Max range (2 riders)
- 1,600 m
- Talk time
- 13 h
- Speakers
- JBL 40 mm
Ideal for: Riders in a Cardo group who want Mesh without paying flagship money.
Nearly everything the Packtalk Edge offers for much less: second-gen Mesh, JBL and voice control. The sensible buy if your group rides Cardo.
Sena 50S
Sena's previous flagship, now more affordable. Mesh, Harman Kardon sound and a jog dial for less than the 60S.
- Mesh network
- Yes
- Max range (2 riders)
- 2,000 m
- Talk time
- 13 h
- Speakers
- Harman Kardon
Ideal for: Riders who want to join Sena Mesh, or add to a group that already uses Sena, without paying 60S prices.
Sena’s previous flagship, now cheaper. The most affordable Sena Mesh unit that also talks to other brands over Bluetooth.
Sena 50R
The 50S in a slim body: the same Mesh and Harman Kardon sound with three buttons instead of a dial, far more discreet on the helmet.
- Mesh network
- Yes
- Max range (2 riders)
- 2,000 m
- Talk time
- 11 h
- Riders per group
- 24
Ideal for: Sena group riders who want an intercom that barely shows on the helmet.
The 50S’s Mesh and Harman Kardon sound in a slim body: the most discreet on the helmet.
Cardo Freecom 4X
JBL sound, voice control and up to 4 bikes over Bluetooth: the Cardo for small groups that do not need Mesh.
- Mesh network
- No
- Max range (2 riders)
- 1,200 m
- Talk time
- 13 h
- Riders per group
- 4
Ideal for: Groups of 2 to 4 bikes who want good sound and voice control without paying for Mesh.
Cardo’s Bluetooth unit for groups of up to 4 bikes: JBL sound and voice control without paying for Mesh.
Sena Spider ST1
Sena's most affordable Mesh intercom: up to 18 hours of battery and 24 riders in a group, but no Bluetooth intercom.
- Mesh network
- Yes
- Max range (2 riders)
- 2,000 m
- Talk time
- 18 h
- Riders per group
- 24
Ideal for: Riders whose group already uses Sena Mesh and who want the brand's cheapest intercom with plenty of battery.
Sena’s cheapest Mesh unit, with up to 18 hours of battery. Ideal if your whole group uses Sena: no Bluetooth intercom with other brands.
Midland BTX2 Pro S LR
Lots of battery and good range for much less money. Ideal for rider and pillion or small groups.
- Mesh network
- No
- Max range (2 riders)
- 1,600 m
- Talk time
- 23 h
- Riders per group
- 4
Ideal for: Couples who ride together and small groups of up to four bikes on a tight budget.
No Mesh, but lots of battery and good range. The logical choice for couples and small groups.
Cardo Spirit HD
The simplest, cheapest intercom from a top brand. Perfect for rider and pillion or for music and sat nav.
- Mesh network
- No
- Max range (2 riders)
- 600 m
- Talk time
- 13 h
- Riders per group
- 2
Ideal for: Solo riders or couples who want sat nav, music and calls without spending much.
The basics done well: for solo riders or rider and pillion who want sat nav and music. The cheapest in the ranking.
Still unsure? Try our intercom finder: five questions and we tell you which one suits you.