There aren’t as many Bluetooth helmets available as there are other audio products, but our experts took a hard look at what was out there to find the best options available. Read on to see our top picks. The device comes with a built-in Bluetooth intercom system that allows you to talk to someone up to 500 meters away while you’re driving, so it should have enough range to reach between vehicles during road trips. With help from Bluetooth 3.0, the helmet can also connect to your smartphone and let you listen to music, get GPS directions from a mapping application, and place a call. The audio quality is decent, and calls come through relatively clearly. You won’t get booming bass, but the audio is clear enough to hear your playlist on the road. To make things a bit easier to use during a ride, the helmet features a single button that performs the essential control functions (calls, intercom, FM radio). This is important because you’re not having to feel around for different buttons while you’re trying to focus on the road. The design isn’t perfect, as we wish the flip-down lens was a bit sturdier, but this helmet has a durable design overall. It meets and exceeds government safety standards. It also comes with what FreedConn calls a “lightweight shell” that has built-in ventilation to make your ride more comfortable. And at just 4 pounds, it shouldn’t be too heavy on your head over extended periods. Bluetooth Version: 3.0 | Size Options: M, L, XL | Battery Life: Up to 9 hours intercom time, 12 hours phone time, 120 hours standby time | Safety Standards: DOT, BQB, CE It has noise canceling to help reduce wind noise while on a call, along with Bluetooth 3.0 to connect to your smartphone. Speaking of Bluetooth, the Torc T14B helmet allows for intercom conversations up to 400 meters away and can deliver up to 24 hours of talk time on a single charge. It features dual speakers and can connect to your iPhone or Android smartphone for maps, to make calls, or to connect to your playlist. And, in case you have both a GPS system and smartphone, you can pair the Bluetooth with both devices and quickly switch between them at will. You can easily answer calls, reject a call, override a call, or redial the last number you dialed. The helmet is both ECE and DOT certified, and it has a fully adjustable flow-through ventilation system to keep you comfortable during long rides. There’s an aerodynamic spoiler built into the helmet so your head doesn’t feel the wrath of all the wind. If it’s sunny out, the built-in drop-down visor can shade your eyes. However, as with many of these helmets, the external visors are known to break off after a while with heavy use, so this is something to keep in mind. But, this is a quick fix, and the T14B is still a solid Bluetooth helmet overall. Bluetooth Version: 3.0 | Size Options: XS-XXL | Battery Life: 24 hours talk time, 600 hours standby | Safety Standards: ECE, DOT Once installed, the TCOM-SC headset offers Bluetooth 3.0, so you can make calls, listen to tunes, or use your phone’s mapping application. It has echo cancellation and noise suppression, so people will be able to better hear you in the midst of wind noise. It also serves as an intercom system for riders, and you can be up to 800 meters away from each other on the road and still communicate. With one-button control, and the ability to be added to just about any helmet, this is one of the best options out there, and it comes at a cheaper price than a helmet with Bluetooth already built-in. However, when you go with an aftermarket solution instead of a helmet with Bluetooth pre-installed, you might not get the perks of having your wires and earphones as well-placed within the helmet. Bluetooth Version: 3.0 | Size Options: N/A | Battery Life: 10 hours phone talk time, 7 hours intercom talk time, 150 hours standby | Safety Standards: N/A You could technically just buy a separate headset instead and add it to an existing helmet you already own if you really wanted to. But, the Storm1 helmet in this bundle is stylish and has good ventilation, removable and washable liner pads, and a modular design with dual visors for day and night. The included spoiler gives the helmet a cool profile, too. In terms of Bluetooth, once you add the FreedCon headset, you can connect to your phone and make calls or listen to music, and you’ll get up to 10 hours of talk time (300 hours standby time). The intercom supports communication between riders at a distance of up to 800 meters. Bluetooth Version: 3.0 | Size Options: S-XL | Battery Life: 10 hours phone talk time, 7 hours intercom talk time, 300 hours standby | Safety Standards: DOT The helmet, which comes in a variety of colors, has several modular features built in. Chief among them is the ability to decide whether you want to flip up the visor or would prefer to expose your whole face while you drive. It meets or exceeds both DOT and ECE safety standards, and it comes with a sun shield to keep you firmly focused on the road. Plus, just in case you get sweaty wearing the helmet, you can take out its microfiber liner and clean it. The ILM helmet features Bluetooth 3.0 technology that can last up to 8 hours on a single charge. It can also last 110 hours on standby. A single button built into the helmet lets you answer or reject incoming calls, and if you want to have conversations with other riders, the helmet’s intercom can span 1,000 feet. Be aware, however, that when the helmet hasn’t been used for a long time, the Bluetooth system will enter what ILM calls a “deep sleep mode.” To turn it back on, you’ll need to charge it for 30 minutes before it’ll work again. This is something to keep in mind before deciding on this helmet, as this minor annoyance can become a huge frustration. Bluetooth Version: 3.0 | Size Options: M, L, XL | Battery Life: 8 hours talk time, 110 hours standby | Safety Standards: ECE, DOT On the outside, a built-in spoiler helps eliminate wind buffeting, providing extra stability while the advanced thermo polymer alloy shell offers air ventilation. The suede padding helps to keep you cooler on hot days, while the drop-down sun visor quickly and easily snaps into place. It’s user-replaceable, scratch-resistant, and fog-free. Built-in Blinc Bluetooth technology works like any other Bluetooth device and connects in seconds. With average use, you should only have to recharge the device about once a week. Beyond battery life, the T15B adds one-touch call answer/reject as well as disconnecting. Dual-stereo speakers are clear and crisp, making every voice perfectly legible even at high speeds. Phones aren’t the only devices compatible with the helmet, either. MP3 player control is available as well as dedicated GPS units for directions. Bluetooth Version: 3.0 | Size Options: XS-XXL | Battery Life: 24 hours talk time, 600 hours standby | Safety Standards: DOT, ECE
What to Look for in a Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet
Battery Life
Most Bluetooth motorcycle helmets come with built-in rechargeable lithium batteries. Since you typically won’t be able to swap batteries on the road, look for a Bluetooth motorcycle helmet that offers enough talk time to last the length of your typical ride with extra room for error.
Companion Intercom
This is a great feature if you have a riding buddy. If you both have Bluetooth helmets with compatible intercom systems, you can remain in contact even if you get separated. This is even more useful if you like to get out and explore areas where cell service is spotty or nonexistent because the intercom feature doesn’t rely on your phone.
Audio Features
Your voice can end up muffled when you’re wearing a motorcycle helmet, especially when traveling at high speeds. Look for a Bluetooth motorcycle helmet that includes echo and noise cancellation technologies if you want to be sure that the people you call from the road will actually be able to understand you.
