Short answer: if you mainly ride alone or with a pillion passenger, a Bluetooth intercom such as the Sena 20S EVO or the Interphone U-COM 3 is sufficient. If you regularly ride with three or more motorcycles together, choose a Mesh intercom such as the Sena 30K, Sena 50S, or Interphone U-COM 16. If you also want to film your rides, then a model with a built-in camera such as the Sena 50C is the logical choice.
A motorcycle intercom makes every ride better: navigation instructions in your ear, your favorite music, hands-free calling, and just being able to talk to whoever is riding behind or next to you. But the range is vast and the differences are in the details. In this guide, we break it down so you know in a few minutes which intercom fits your riding style.
Bluetooth or Mesh: the main difference
Every intercom communicates with your phone via Bluetooth. The difference lies in how intercoms connect with each other.
Bluetooth intercom connects fixed pairs of riders, like a chain. Ideal for solo riding and for two people. It becomes more difficult with larger groups: if someone in the middle goes out of range, the connection for the rest may be lost.
Mesh intercom puts all riders in a network. Everyone is connected to everyone else, and if a rider falls behind or turns off, the rest keep talking to each other. That is why Mesh is the standard for group rides and motorcycle clubs.
| Bluetooth | Mesh | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Solo and with pillion passenger | Group rides |
| Rider goes out of range | Connection may break | Rest remains connected |
| Pairing with other brands | Often possible | Usually only within the same brand |
| Setup | Per pair | One-time, then automatic |
Which intercom suits you?
You mainly ride alone: navigation, music, and calling
If you usually ride solo, you don't need an extensive group system. A compact Bluetooth intercom gives you navigation, music, and hands-free calling without the hassle. The Interphone U-COM 3 is a simple, compact entry-level model. If you want better sound and the ability to connect with a buddy later on, the Sena 20S EVO with HD speakers is a strong choice.
You ride together with your pillion passenger
For a rider and passenger on the same motorcycle, a duo pack is most convenient: two units that are already paired with each other. The Sena SMH5 is an affordable, proven choice for short distances between front and back.
You ride in a group or with a motorcycle club
This is where Mesh comes into its own. The Sena 30K combines Mesh and Bluetooth, so you can talk to the group as well as to an individual Bluetooth rider. The Interphone U-COM 16 is the Mesh alternative from Interphone and also comes as a duo pack. If you want the best of Sena in a group, choose the 50S with sound by Harman Kardon.
You want the best sound and the latest technology
If you listen to a lot of music or ride long days, you will really notice the difference in sound quality. The Sena 60S is Sena's top model. For Interphone, that is the ERA 1X, also with audio from Harman Kardon.
You are looking for a simple Mesh intercom
The Sena Spider series focuses entirely on Mesh communication in a group, making it compact and straightforward to use. A good choice if you mostly ride with the same group and don't need extensive extra features.
You want to film your rides
With an intercom with a built-in camera, you no longer need a separate action camera on your helmet. The Sena 50C combines a Mesh intercom, sound by Harman Kardon, and a 4K camera in one unit.
You want everything already in the helmet
Prefer not to have a separate unit on your helmet? Then a helmet with a built-in intercom is a neat solution. The Sena Outride is a full-face helmet with the intercom already integrated.
What should you look for when choosing?
- Who do you ride with? If your buddies already ride with a certain brand, choose the same one. That way you know for sure that Mesh will work together.
- Does it fit your helmet? Most intercoms attach to the helmet with a clamp or adhesive mount. Check if there is space for the speakers in the ear pockets.
- Operation with gloves. Large buttons or a dial are much more pleasant to use while riding than small keys.
- Battery life and charging. If you go on long day trips or multi-day tours, check the specified talk time and whether you can charge while on the road.
- Single pack or duo pack. A duo pack is convenient for couples or two regular riding buddies, and usually cheaper than two individual units.
Do you already have an older Sena?
You don't always have to buy a new intercom to join a Mesh group. With the Sena +Mesh adapter, you can add Mesh to a number of older Sena Bluetooth headsets. Check in advance whether your model is supported, or contact us.
Are you allowed to use an intercom on a motorcycle?
In the Netherlands, it is prohibited to hold a phone or other mobile device while riding. Hands-free calling via an intercom in your helmet is permitted. However, set the volume of music and calls so that you can still hear the traffic around you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pair a Sena with an Interphone?
This often works via Bluetooth, thanks to the universal intercom function that many models have. As a rule, Mesh only works within the same brand. If you often ride together, it is best to choose the same brand.
Single pack or duo pack, what do I need?
A single pack is an intercom for one helmet. A duo pack contains two units that are already paired, convenient for a rider and passenger or two regular riding buddies.
How many riders can I talk to at the same time?
This varies by model. With Bluetooth, the number is limited, while with Mesh, significantly more riders can participate in the same conversation. You will find the specifications with each product.
Does an intercom fit on every helmet?
It fits most helmets via a clamp or adhesive mount. Some helmets have their own integrated system or specific space for speakers. If you are in doubt, let us know the make and model of your helmet.
Is a motorcycle intercom a good gift?
Definitely. For the holidays, an intercom is a gift that will be used on every ride. For couples who ride together, a duo pack is a great choice.
Still have doubts?
Let us know how you ride, who you ride with, and which helmet you have, and we will help you figure out which intercom fits best. You can reach us via the contact page.