Motorcycling used to be just you, two wheels, an engine, and the road. It still can be, but many riders prefer to stay connected while out riding. That’s where Bluetooth communication headsets come into play.
While you can add a Bluetooth comm unit to any helmet, buying a lid that comes with the headset already installed and integrated into the helmet can be a smart way to go. It comes wired up and ready to go from the factory and many integrated helmets have been designed with communications in mind from the start, making them superior to just adding on a headset after the fact.
What to Look for in a Bluetooth Connected Helmet
When it comes to what to look for in a Bluetooth connected helmet, there are some obvious things to look out for. First, make sure the helmet has a quality Bluetooth communication unit. Some manufacturers just slap any old Bluetooth communicator on there and call it good. You want one of the best communication units out there, which will likely be made by one of the best brands, either Sena or Cardo.
Second, make sure the helmet is of high quality. Look over the specs and materials used. Read a review or two, and generally find out if the helmet is going to be comfortable and provide the right level of protection.
Third, Make sure the integrated Bluetooth headset is actually integrated into the helmet and not just put on haphazardly. If you’re going to get a helmet with a Bluetooth headset sticking way off, then you’re better getting something like the Shoei Neotec 2 Helmet and adding a Sena SLR comm system to it.
A Note On My Selections
These are the helmets that stand out to me that are shipped with the Bluetooth communication system already integrated into the helmet. You’ll notice, I’ve divided these into two categories. There are the ones sold by Sena, which all obviously include Sena communicators, and then there are the ones that are not Sena helmets.
I did this because Sena makes some of the best Bluetooth helmets out there. There are excellent non-Sena helmets, too, but I figured it best to split them up so if you don’t want a Sena lid, you can just skip down to that section. So, without further ado, lets’ get started.
Sena Helmets
1. Sena Momentum INC Pro Bluetooth and QHD Camera Integrated Helmet
The Sena Momentum INC Pro Bluetooth and QHD Camera Integrated Helmet has a long name for the simple reason that there’s a lot to this helmet. Sena starts with a composite fiberglass shell that comes in two sizes and a multi-density EPS liner. The helmet also gets a Pinlock face shield and a removable and washable quick liner. The helmet itself is a good lid, but what really makes this lid special is the Bluetooth system.
The Bluetooth system used in the Momentum INC Pro is based on the 20S comm unit. That Bluetooth headset works well and is a welcome piece of technology in this helmet, with up to 20 hours of talk time, only two and a half hours to charge, and active noise canceling. Pair that tech with controls that are integrated into the helmet well and you have a good helmet here. The QHD camera offers full high-definition recording 1080p at 60fps or 30fps. It’s a good option and an added bonus.
- Price: $699
- Review: Web Bike World
- Head Shape: Intermediate oval
- Buy: Amazon, Revzilla, 2Wheel
2. Sena Savage Bluetooth-Integrated Helmet
Not a fan of the full-face Momentum and don’t want a camera on your helmet? Consider the Sena Savage three-quarter open-face helmet. The helmet features a composite fiberglass shell that comes in two sizes, multi-density EPS, two different snap-on visors, and a removable and washable quick-dry liner.
The Bluetooth comm unit is another iteration of the 20S Bluetooth communication unit. It will offer up to 11 hours of talk time and charge up in three short hours. It also has active noise canceling. Even though it’s an open face helmet, you still get everything you need integrated, including the microphone and speakers. It’s a pricey lid for an open-face, but it does offer something unique.
- Price: $299
- Review: Motorbike Writer
- Head Shape: Intermediate oval
- Buy: Amazon, Revzilla, 2Wheel
3. Sena Momentum Lite Bluetooth-Integrated Helmet
If you like the idea of a full-face motorcycle helmet, but you don’t want the camera that was included with the first Sena helmet I showed, I’d suggest the Sena Momentum Lite Bluetooth Integrated Helmet. This helmet is essentially the same construction as the other Momentums from Sena. You get a fiberglass shell and all the other goodies in the Momentum package.
Where if differs from Sena’s other offerings is the Bluetooth communication unit. The Lite gets a 10S version of the headset integrated into the helmet. This isn’t as powerful or as capable a Bluetooth unit, but it will still do the vast majority of tasks you want—still a talk time of 27 hours and active noise canceling. It also makes the helmet more accessible in terms of price.
- Price: $399
- Review: Motorbike Writer
- Head Shape: Intermediate oval
- Buy: Amazon, Revzilla, 2Wheel
4. Sena Cavalry Lite Helmet
The Sena Cavalry Lite Helmet adds a Sena Bluetooth communicator to a half helmet design. The helmet itself is a super lightweight option. It has a fiberglass composite shell with an aerodynamic low profile visor, and multi-density EPS. It’s as simple as a helmet can come in terms of design.
The Bluetooth headset used on the Cavalry Lite is the 10R. This isn’t as advanced as the 20 series communicators in Sena’s other helmets, but like in the Momentum Lite, it still gets the job done. You’re looking at about 10 hours of talk time, a few hours to a full charge, and active noise canceling. It’s a very good system.
- Price: $250
- Review: Bad Ass Helmet Store
- Head Shape: Intermediate oval
- Buy: Amazon, Revzilla, 2Wheel
Non-Sena Helmets
1. Klim Krios Sena 10U Stealth Helmet
Klim makes some of the best motorcycle gear out there, and the company’s Krios helmet is no exception. You can buy this helmet without the 10U comm unit, but with it, you get even more functionality out of a full-face adventure helmet. The helmet has a full carbon-fiber shell, aerodynamic visor, Klimatek Fabric liner that’s fully removable, excellent airflow, and the ability to wear this helmet with goggles off-road.
In terms of the Sena 10U for the Krios, you get a good communicator that’s on par with the other 10 series units integrated into Sena’s own helmets. It includes about 10 hours of talk time as well as active noise canceling, and only a couple hours to charge fully.
- Price: $530
- Review: Bad Ass Helmet Store
- Head Shape: Intermediate oval
- Buy: Amazon, Revzilla
2. Sedici Viaggio Parlare Sena Bluetooth ADV Helmet
If the Klim helmet is far too expensive for you, don’t fret! The Sedici Viaggio Parlare Sena Bluetooth ADV Helmet is here to save the day. It is not as nice, but it does a pretty good job, especially for its affordable price. You get an ABS full-face shell that comes in two sizes, a removable injection molded visor, removable interior, and a flip-down sun visor.
In terms of the Bluetooth comm unit, it’s an older one and based on the SMH5. Obviously, there are more advanced systems out there, but this is a good option at a bargain price that offers Bluetooth 3.0 technology. The headset will offer about eight hours of talk time, some noise-canceling capabilities, and a few hours to full charge.
3. Quin Design Helmets Spitfire
If you’re after a good street helmet with a Bluetooth headset integrated, you can go with Quin Design Helmets Spitfire. Quin Helmets has several good Bluetooth helmets to choose from, but I think the Spitfire is the best of its offerings. You get a good full-face lid with a thermoplastic and polyester resin shell, drop-down sun visor, removable interior, and DOT and ECE approval.
What really sets the Spitfire apart, though, is what makes any of Quin’s helmets good. It’s the Intelliquin Bluetooth system. It has Bluetooth 4.0 integration with up to eight hours of non-stop use but it also has a unique Crash Detection and Response System as well as an SOS Beacon and Response System.
- Price: $399
- Review: Motorcyclist Magazine
- Head Shape: Intermediate oval
- Buy: Quin
4. BILT Techno 2.0 Sena Bluetooth Helmet
Last, we have the BILT Techno 2.0 Sena Bluetooth Helmet. This helmet is an injection-molded polycarbonate shell street helmet with an internal sun shield, removable interior, DOT approval, and a quick-release face shield. It’s a good bargain option, and it is more or less on the same level as the Sedici helmet shown above but for the street.
The Bluetooth headset is the same as it is on the Sedici. That means it is based on the SMH5 and utilizes Bluetooth 3.0 technology. It’s not the most advanced, but then the price point is pretty good. You still get up to eight hours of talk time, noise-canceling technology, and a few hours to a full charge. This is a good option if something like the Sedici shown above isn’t the right helmet for your style of riding.
- Price: $299
- Review: Web Bike World
- Head Shape: Intermediate oval
- Buy: Amazon, Revzilla