Bluetooth Helmets
"Bluetooth helmet" and "Bluetooth ready helmet" sound like the same thing, but they aren't. One has the headset built in. The other may only have room for one. Here's how to tell the difference, and how to get a helmet that's ready to ride the day it arrives.
Scott explains Bluetooth helmets vs "Bluetooth ready" helmets in 2 minutes.
The three kinds of Bluetooth helmets
Bluetooth helmets
Brands like Sena build the Bluetooth headset right into the helmet. The design is sleek, and the control buttons are part of the shell, easy to reach without anything bolted on.
"Bluetooth ready" helmets
Some brands call a helmet "Bluetooth ready" when it simply has recessed pockets cut into the styrofoam liner behind the padding. The pockets make room for the speakers when you install a standard Bluetooth headset. You still buy, mount and wire the headset yourself.
Bluetooth ready with a matching headset
Shoei and HJC design helmets with a headset made to fit each model, like the Sena SRL3 or Cardo Packtalk S for Shoei and the SMART HJC for HJC. Installed, the Bluetooth becomes part of the helmet, just like a Sena helmet.
| Bluetooth helmet | "Bluetooth ready" (speaker pockets) | Bluetooth ready + matching headset | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headset included | Yes, built in | No | Sold separately, or as one of our combos |
| Look | Integrated, controls part of the shell | Standard headset clamped to the outside | Integrated, made for that helmet model |
| Install | None | You mount, wire and fit speakers | Model-specific install, or done by us |
| Headset choice | The helmet maker's own | Any standard headset | Sena or Cardo units built for the model |
| Examples | Sena helmets | Many entry-level helmets | Shoei Neotec 3, GT-Air 3, J-Cruise 3; HJC with SMART HJC |
The catch with Bluetooth ready helmets
With Shoei and HJC, the helmet and the matching headset are usually sold separately. That means buying two products, then watching installation videos and hoping you route the wires, fit the speakers and line up the microphone correctly.
Buying separately elsewhere
- Order the helmet and the headset as two purchases
- Watch install videos and do it yourself
- Charge, pair and troubleshoot on your own
- Or pay a shop to install it, often $50 or more
Our helmet + headset combos
- One order: helmet and matching headset together
- Professionally installed in our Ormond Beach shop
- Charged and tested in the helmet before it ships
- Order two and we pair them to each other
Skip the videos and ride. We install the headset for you, so your helmet is ready to use the day it arrives. Other companies charge $50 or more for the same service.
Shop helmet and headset combos
Choose a well-known helmet from HJC or Shoei with a Sena or Cardo headset already installed, or a Sena helmet with Bluetooth built in.
- InstalledSpeakers, mic and unit fitted
- ChargedReady to power on
- TestedChecked in the helmet before shipping
- PairedOrder 2 and they talk out of the box
Which helmet or headset fits how you ride?
Watch our 3-part series to find the Bluetooth helmet or headset that works with the way you ride and who you ride with.
Want the full breakdown of headsets, Mesh and accessories? Read our Bluetooth Headsets guide.
Common questions
Does a "Bluetooth ready" helmet come with a headset?
Usually not. Many "Bluetooth ready" helmets only have speaker pockets in the styrofoam liner. Check whether the headset is included before you buy, or choose one of our combos with the headset already installed.
Can I put any headset in a Shoei or HJC helmet?
Many standard headsets will fit with a clamp mount, but the cleanest install comes from the headset made for that model, like the Sena SRL3, Cardo Packtalk S or 4X-S for Shoei, or SMART HJC for HJC.
Do you charge extra to install the headset?
Installation is included with our helmet and headset combos. We install, charge and test the headset before your helmet ships.
If I buy 2 helmets, will they be paired?
Yes. Order two combos together and we pair the headsets to each other before shipping.
Already have a helmet?
We can install a headset in your helmet. See our custom headset installations.
Not sure which helmet is right for you? Tell us how you ride and who you ride with, and we'll point you to the right combo. Contact The Helmet Shop.