If you’re driving a car, you can get all the electronic gadgets you want at your fingertips.
Smartphone—check. Navigation—check. Streaming audio—check.
But what if you’re a motorcyclist? Although you might not be able to have your devices within reach, you can invest in a smart motorcycle helmet that offers in-built technology for music, communication, and more.
Here are the best smart motorcycle helmets available today.
Nowadays, drivers and riders must have a dashcam onboard. These video recording devices can help keep track of what’s happening around you and could serve as a form of insurance. However, if you’re on a motorbike, you either have to find a place to put it on your handlebars or mount it awkwardly on your body.
But with the Sena Momentum Pro, you no longer have to worry about camera placement. This smart helmet comes with a built-in QHD action camera that can record up to two hours of looping footage. It also has an integrated Bluetooth unit, allowing it to connect to your smartphone for music and communications.
Furthermore, you can use this helmet for Bluetooth intercom communications with up to seven other riders. It has an impressive one-mile range, allowing you to keep in touch with your group, even if you get separated for a while.
- Features an integrated QHD action camera that records at QHD 1440p/30 fps or FHD 1080p/60 fps quality
- Proprietary Advanced Noise Control technology allows you to hear your helmet audio clearly
- One-mile Bluetooth intercom allows you to communicate with up to seven other riders
- Brand: Sena
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.1
- Integrations: Eight-way Intercom
- Color: Matte Black, Glossy White
- Battery: Up to 20 hours (talk time)
- Weight: 64.2oz
- Audio multitasking allows simultaneous music playback and Bluetooth communications
- DOT approved for safety and aerodynamically designed for a smooth ride
- Easily configurable via the Sena Utility App on both Android, iOS, and Windows
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The ILM 953 Pro Modular Bluetooth helmet lets you wirelessly enjoy your smartphone’s music, GPS navigation, and communication features. It also offers an eight-way intercom feature, allowing you to communicate with your group without the need for cellular networks.
If you’re riding at high speeds on the freeway, you will not have any trouble listening to the Bluetooth headset. This is because of its Noise Suppression Technology that offers loud and clear audio. Furthermore, the built-in mic uses DSP Echo Cancelation, ensuring your companions can hear you well.
And if you’re transitioning from the shade to the sun, the helmet has a built-in internal sun visor that you can quickly flip down with a flick of a switch. Its modular design also means you can replace its visor and inner liner as you see fit.
- Modular design with replaceable visor and internal liner
- Integrated Bluetooth module lets you listen to music, GPS navigation, and communicate via calls or intercom
- DSP Echo Cancelation feature and Noise Suppression Technology offers loud and clear communication
- Brand: ILM
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 3.0
- Integrations: Eight-way Intercom
- Color: Matte Black, Red, White
- Battery: Up to 8 hours (talk time)
- Weight: 70.4oz
- Built-in high quality stereo speakers offer excellent audio quality
- Maximum range of up to 1,000 feet between two riders for intercom
- Internal sun visor lets you easily transition between sun and shade
- Can only communicate with the same helmet model
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You don’t need to spend a lot to get a decent smart helmet. Although the GDM DK-120 is an affordable option, it still offers many features that you will find helpful on your rides. Firstly, it has an integrated Bluetooth 5.0 module, allowing you to connect your devices reliably.
The DK-120 also uses dual stereo speakers and a wind-resistant noise-canceling microphone for clear audio and communications. It also provides up to 12 hours of talk time and 120 hours of standby time on a single charge.
Its inner liner is removable and washable, allowing you to stay hygienic and comfortable as you ride all day long. As an added bonus, you also get two shields in the box. So whether you prefer tinted or clear, you get the correct outer visor for your helmet.
- Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 for a reliable wireless connection
- Comes with dual stereo speakers and a wind-resistant noise canceling microphone
- Uses a removable and washable liner for hygiene
- Brand: GDM
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Integrations: Intercom
- Color: Gloss White, Matte Black
- Battery: Up to 12 hours (talk time)
- Weight: 64oz
- Includes two shields (tinted & clear) in the box
- Provides up to 12 hours of talk time and 120 hours of standby time on a single charge
- Aerodynamic outer shell makes it comfortable to use even in high speeds
- Intercom will only work with other GDM HyperSonic units
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Despite the prevalence of smartphones and the internet, it’s still useful if you can tune into local FM channels. This way, you can quickly get local information as you ride your way around the country. The FreedConn BM2-S helmet allows you to do just that with its integrated FM receiver, allowing you to listen to local broadcasts directly into your helmet.
You can also easily access your voice assistant with the BM2-S, enabling you to interact with your smartphone hands-free. The helmet features a tinted inner visor and an anti-fog outer shield for changing weather and lighting conditions.
It also stays easy to operate, even if you’re wearing riding gloves. Best of all, it comes in five different colors, letting you pick the design that best suits your lifestyle.
- Voice assistant-compatible
- Supports intercom for up to three riders at a range of 1,640 feet
- Has an anti-fog outer visor and a tinted inner visor for enhanced vision while riding
- Brand: FreedConn
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 3.0
- Integrations: Three-way Intercom
- Color: Matte Black, Gloss Black, Gray, White, Red
- Battery: Up to 8 hours (talk time)
- Weight: 64oz
- Comes with a built-in FM receiver
- Easy to operate, even when wearing riding gloves
- Available in five different colors
- Doesn’t support fast-forward and rewind controls for music
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When you’re into long, cross-country rides, you also need a smart helmet that can last as you can. That’s why you should consider the Torc T-14 Street. This helmet comes with an ultra long-life battery, letting you listen to music and communicate for up to 24 hours.
You have the option to change the outer shield to clear, lightly smoked, or dark smoked, letting you get the best design for your visual preference. It’s also available in a myriad of sizes, from X-Small to XX-Large, ensuring that you’ll get a perfectly-fitted helmet for your riding comfort.
A built-in dropdown visor ensures you can quickly adjust to changing lighting conditions. And at the end of your long ride, you can remove and wash the inner liner. This ensures that you’ll have a fresh and comfortable journey the next day.
- Offers an ultra long 24-hour battery life
- Built-in dropdown sun visor for changing lighting conditions
- Comes with fully removable and washable liner
- Brand: Torc
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
- Integrations: Intercom
- Color: Flat Black, Gloss Black
- Battery: Up to 24 hours (talk time)
- Weight: 78.4oz
- Pairs to your device in seconds
- Interchangeable outer shield, with clear, light smoked, and dark smoked options
- Available in X-Small to XX-Large sizes
- Fixed full face design, no option to lift chin guard
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There’s no need for you to sacrifice voice quality when you communicate with your riding buddies via intercom. That’s because the Sena Outrush R offers high-definition audio with its integrated Bluetooth 5.0 module. It offers an impressive half-mile range, so you can stay in touch even if one of you gets separated.
The helmet also includes a built-in FM tuner, allowing you to stay abreast of local news. And if you choose to listen to your smartphone music, you can use its intuitive three-button control and jog dial to control your tunes.
The Outrush R is compatible with the Sena Utility app, allowing you to easily pair up your companions’ helmets. That way, you can immediately start your journey without having to go through a complicated connection process.
- Features an integrated Bluetooth 5.0 method with four-way intercom
- Offers impressive half-mile range with HD voice quality
- Compatible with the Sena Utility app for fast and easy intercom pairing
- Brand: Sena
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Integrations: Four-way Intercom
- Color: Gloss White, Matte Black
- Battery: Up to 15 hours (talk time)
- Weight: 60.8oz
- Includes an on-board FM tuner
- Intuitive three-button Bluetooth control makes it easy to use
- Integrated top and chin vents with exhaust port ensures continuous airflow for comfort
- Trades range for voice quality
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If you’re into group rides, you’re going to appreciate the Sena Momentum EVO. This smart helmet features Mesh Intercom technology, allowing you to stay in touch with up to 24 companions. And if you utilize the Open Mesh Intercom, you can connect a virtually unlimited number of riders.
This helmet also has one of the longest-ranged intercoms, reaching up to five miles with six riders. And once you’re done for the day, you can recharge the helmet with its included adapter with Wi-Fi capabilities. So even as you power up your device, you can also update wirelessly over the internet.
With this smart helmet, you also get Advanced Noise Control, letting you get clear audio even at high speeds. And to further increase your safety, you can get optional remotes, so you don’t have to let go of your handlebars just to control your Bluetooth helmet.
- Maximum possible intercom range of five miles
- Includes a Wi-Fi adapter that charges the helmet and updates its firmware
- Open Mesh Intercom technology
- Brand: Sena
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.1
- Integrations: Unlimited Open Mesh Intercom
- Color: Matte Black
- Battery: Up to 17 hours (talk time)
- Weight: 56oz
- Available optional remote control for additional safety
- Comes with Advanced Noise Control for clear audio even at high speeds
- Integrated FM radio with ten preset channels
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FAQ
Q: Why Are Smart Helmets Important?
Aside from protecting your head in case of an impact, smart helmets further increase your safety by letting you focus on your ride. You can enjoy music, listen to navigation, and even communicate with your companions, all without having to take your hands off the handlebars.
Q: Are Bluetooth Helmets Legal?
Generally, yes. Unlike headphones, Bluetooth helmets do not completely cover your ears, so you’re still aware of your surroundings as you ride. However, you do have to check your local state laws to be sure. Furthermore, as a matter of safety, do not play audio loud enough that you cannot hear your environment.
Q: Can You Listen to Music While Riding a Motorcycle?
Yes, as long as you’re using the proper tools. In some states, it’s illegal to wear AirPods and any other noise blocking device while you’re riding. This is because you’re less aware of your surroundings, making you more prone to accidents.
However, if you’re using a Bluetooth helmet, you can safely listen to music while riding. That’s because Bluetooth helmets do not entirely cover your surroundings, making it similar to listening to music while you’re driving your car. However, before you purchase a Bluetooth helmet, you should check with your local laws, as it may vary from state to state.
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