I have been using intercoms for years. Three of those years were on the same unit, the Cardo Packtalk Bold. Then it started acting up, and I found myself testing everything I could get my hands on. Here is what I found.
My Cardo Packtalk Bold gave me three solid years since 2024. Great audio, reliable mesh, easy mounting. No complaints. Then it started dropping the phone connection, not all the time, but enough that I could not rely on it for navigation anymore.
That pushed me to start testing other options. And because I ride with different groups who all use different intercoms, I was already switching between units regularly anyway. Some groups are on Sena. Some are on Cardo. Some are on budget units. I have been in situations where half the group cannot hear the other half just because of brand mismatch, and that gets old fast.
Sena Intercom
Sena intercoms are premium motorcycle communication systems designed to keep riders connected, informed, and safe on the road. Built with advanced Bluetooth and Mesh Intercom technology, Sena devices allow seamless rider-to-rider and rider-to-passenger communication even at long distances and high speeds.
Cardo Packtalk Edge
The Cardo Packtalk Edge is a Bluetooth + Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC Gen 2) intercom system that attaches to your motorcycle helmet. It lets you talk to other riders, take calls, listen to music, and use voice commands without touching your phone.
ASMAX S1
ASMAX S1 mesh intercom with Bluetooth 5.4, noise canceling, IPX7 waterproof, and clear group communication for up to 8 riders.
RESO Pilot Pro
The Reso Pilot Pro is a next-generation motorcycle intercom designed for riders who demand clear communication, long-range connectivity, and reliable performance in any riding condition. It features DuoSync™ dual-mesh technology, combining hardware mesh and software-based connectivity for stable communication even across long distances.
EJEAS Q8
Budget mesh intercom with Bluetooth 5.1, CVC noise cancellation, IP67 waterproofing, and group communication for up to 6 riders.
So this is not just a comparison of six intercoms in isolation. It comes from actually riding with mixed groups and figuring out what works in real life. I own multiple comms, and I switch between them depending on who I am riding with.
What I learned is simple: no single intercom does everything best. Each brand has something it does really well. Once you know what matters to you, picking the right one becomes easy. That is what this article is about.
What I Used
This was not a formal review setup. I swapped intercoms every day, one unit comes off, the next one goes on, and I ride. Same roads, same conditions, same real-world use. Manila commutes, SLEX and NLEX runs, group rides, mountain routes, and yes, riding home in the rain more than once. Some sessions were on the XJR 400 with its loud aftermarket exhaust, a good stress test for any intercom. Others were on different bikes on different days.
- Cardo Packtalk Bold, daily rider for three years
- Sena SRL3, tested inside a Shoei GT-Air 3
- Sena SC2, tested inside a Schuberth S3
- Reso Pilot Pro, Interesting Unit
- ASMAX S1, budget mesh option
- EJEAS Q8, entry level, tested with a riding partner
What Each System Does Well
Sena: Built for Group Riding
If you ride in a group, Sena changes everything.
I ride with different groups, and those groups use different intercoms. That means I have been on the frustrating end of brand mismatch more times than I can count. Half the convoy on Cardo, the other half on budget units, and nobody can talk to each other in real mesh. You end up relying on hand signals or stopping to sort it out. Not ideal.
Sena Intercom
Sena intercoms are premium motorcycle communication systems designed to keep riders connected, informed, and safe on the road. Built with advanced Bluetooth and Mesh Intercom technology, Sena devices allow seamless rider-to-rider and rider-to-passenger communication even at long distances and high speeds.
Open Mesh
Sena’s Open Mesh is the cleanest fix for that problem. Press one button. The unit says “Mesh On.” Everyone in range who is running Sena Mesh joins the same channel, automatically. No pairing steps, no order to follow, no one getting left out.
The best part? It does not matter which Sena model your group is using. The budget E30, the mid-range R35, the flagship 60S, the helmet-integrated SRL3 or SC2, they all connect to the same Mesh network. You do not set this up. That is just how it works.
On long rides, SLEX, NLEX, big convoy runs, Sena’s mesh keeps everyone connected even when the group spreads out. If someone loses signal in a tunnel or at an intersection, the connection comes back automatically once they are in range again. Nobody has to stop. Nobody has to re-pair. The ride keeps going.
Group Mesh via the App
This is the one I tested firsthand, and what impressed me most. I went out with Jejabel and Neo Moto. We set up a group through the Sena app, fast, no fumbling, just open the app and you are all connected. What surprised me was how seamless the pairing was. I was not expecting it to be that quick.
Then traffic did what traffic does. Neo Moto and I got held at a stoplight while Jejabel had already split off toward the McKinley/BGC side. Different road, different direction. We were still talking. No drop, no cutting out, no “wait I lost you.” The mesh just held through the split, through the intersection, through all of it. That is the kind of thing you have to experience to appreciate, because it sounds like it should not work that well, and then it does.
Helmet Integration
I tested this with two different helmet setups. The SRL3 inside my Shoei GT-Air 3 and the SC2 inside my Schuberth S3. With both, the experience is the same, helmet on, one button, done. No unit on the outside of the helmet. No clamps on the chin bar. The intercom is part of the helmet, not something added to it. That is a different level of clean.
Wave Intercom
Then there is Wave Intercom, and this is where Sena goes further than any other brand.
Wave is a cellular network-based communication system. Regular Mesh works within radio range, roughly 2 kilometers between riders. Wave runs through your phone’s mobile data, so the range is not 2 kilometers anymore. It is anywhere there is a signal. Your group can be on different highways, different parts of the country, and still talk to each other like they are right there beside you.
It works through the Sena Wave app. Double-tap the Mesh button and you automatically connect to any nearby Wave user in your area, great for spontaneously linking up with other riders on the road. Or use Friends Wave to set up a private group from your contacts and stay connected no matter how far apart you spread out during the ride.
The smart part: when you ride into an area with no mobile signal, Wave automatically falls back to Mesh Intercom. When signal returns, it switches back to Wave on its own. Nothing to configure, nothing to tap. It just handles it.
Wave works natively on the Sena 60S and is available on older Sena Mesh units through a firmware update.
Audio Quality
Audio quality on the 60S-tier units, including the SRL3 and SC2, is premium. Music actually sounds good at speed, not just audible, but enjoyable.
One button and your whole group is connected. No parking lot rituals, no pairing steps. Here is which Sena Mesh Intercom you should actually get.
Cardo: The Audio Benchmark
Three years with the Packtalk Bold’s JBL speakers will spoil you. The sound is warm, full, and clear even at 100 to 120 km/h. Music feels like music, not noise you put up with. That JBL tuning is something you notice every ride, and miss the moment it is gone.
The Dynamic Mesh was solid for three years. In a group where everyone is on Cardo, it just works. The magnetic mount is one of the best I have used, clicks in fast, holds firm, comes off easy even with gloves.
The phone disconnect that eventually happened is not really a Cardo problem. It is three years of daily riding in Philippine conditions, heat, rain, dust, all of it. Any electronics will show wear after that. The Bold gave me three good years. That is a win.
Cardo Packtalk Edge
The Cardo Packtalk Edge is a Bluetooth + Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC Gen 2) intercom system that attaches to your motorcycle helmet. It lets you talk to other riders, take calls, listen to music, and use voice commands without touching your phone.
Reso Pilot Pro: Hands-Free Done Right
The Reso Pilot Pro is designed around one thing: keeping your hands on the bars at all times.
Say “Hey RESO” and the system starts listening. It stays in listening mode, so you can give commands one after another without repeating the wake word. Skip a track, answer a call, open navigation. All voice, no buttons, no reaching.
The gyro sensor is something I did not expect to like as much as I do. For incoming Messenger calls, two taps on the unit answers it. Gloves on, phone in your bag, no problem. For anyone who uses Messenger for group ride coordination, that feature alone is worth paying attention to.
Audio quality is solid. Clear music, clean calls, GPS prompts come through without issue even over engine noise.
Build quality feels right. The magnetic cradle is precise. The whole unit feels well made, not just on paper.
The one thing to know: Reso is still growing its user base. For large mixed-brand group rides, Sena’s cross-model mesh is the better fit. Where Reso works best is solo riding, or a small group where everyone agrees to use the same unit.
RESO Pilot Pro
The Reso Pilot Pro is a next-generation motorcycle intercom designed for riders who demand clear communication, long-range connectivity, and reliable performance in any riding condition. It features DuoSync™ dual-mesh technology, combining hardware mesh and software-based connectivity for stable communication even across long distances.
One feature worth calling out: Reso’s Soft Mesh. Connect the intercom to your phone’s hotspot and you can talk to other Reso riders regardless of distance, as long as everyone has internet. Same idea as Sena’s Wave, but through your existing mobile data connection. No range limit. If you have signal, you have comms.
Voice commands that work the first time, hands never leaving the bars. The Reso Pilot Pro is built for riders who want true hands-free control.
ASMAX S1: Good Mesh at a Budget Price
The ASMAX S1 shows that mesh communication does not have to cost a lot. Mesh 3.0, up to 8 riders, voice pairing, and the “Hi Max” voice commands worked consistently through Manila traffic and highway wind.
The 40mm speakers sound better than the price suggests. Music and navigation prompts were clear and loud enough even on the XJR with its exhaust. The “Hi Max” commands work without internet, no phone signal needed. That matters on provincial roads and mountain routes where signal drops out.
ASMAX S1
ASMAX S1 mesh intercom with Bluetooth 5.4, noise canceling, IPX7 waterproof, and clear group communication for up to 8 riders.
One important note: the mesh works best when your whole group is on ASMAX. Mix in other brands and the cross-brand mesh connection is limited, you lose the seamless open channel that makes mesh great. If your group buys in together, that is not an issue. If you ride with a mixed crowd, keep it in mind.
Mesh for 8 riders, 40mm speakers, and offline voice commands. The ASMAX S1 delivers group comms without the premium price.
EJEAS Q8: The Starter Intercom
The EJEAS Q8 at ₱4,499 is the right pick for someone trying intercoms for the first time. I used it with a riding partner on commutes and a full day out to Tagaytay. It handled rain, traffic, and hours of highway riding without any issues.
IP67 waterproof, CVC noise cancellation, USB-C charging, mesh for up to 6 riders. It covers the basics well. For two riders who want to stay connected without spending big, it makes sense.
The limits show up when your group gets bigger. Six-rider mesh cap is fine for small groups but tight on club rides. Mesh only works with other EJEAS units. Audio is decent but noticeably below JBL or 60S-level quality.
EJEAS Q8
Budget mesh intercom with Bluetooth 5.1, CVC noise cancellation, IP67 waterproofing, and group communication for up to 6 riders.
Use it, learn what you like, then upgrade with a clear idea of what you actually want. That is not a knock, that is genuinely good value for a first intercom.
Solid audio, easy pairing, and IP67 protection at a budget price. Great for 6 riders, but bigger groups will hit the EJEAS Q8 limits fast.
Quick Comparison
| Unit | Mesh | Voice Commands | Audio | Works with Other Brands | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sena SRL3 / SC2 / 60S | Open Mesh + Wave | ✓ | Premium | ✓ Yes | Group rides |
| Cardo Packtalk Bold | Dynamic Mesh | ✓ | Premium (JBL) | Limited | Audio quality |
| Reso Pilot Pro | Reso Mesh + Soft Mesh | ✓ (gyro tap) | Very good | Limited | Solo / hands-free |
| ASMAX S1 | ASMAX Mesh | ✓ (offline) | Good | ✗ No | Budget groups |
| EJEAS Q8 | EJEAS Mesh | Basic | Decent | ✗ No | First-time buyers |
Which One Should You Get?
You ride in a group with mixed brands. Sena. This is exactly the situation I am in, different groups, different comms. Any Sena Mesh unit connects to any other Sena Mesh unit automatically, regardless of model. E30, 60S, SRL3, SC2, they all talk to each other. If your group has a mix, Sena is the one brand where that stops being a problem.
You want the best audio experience. Cardo. The JBL speakers are still the standard for in-helmet audio. If music quality matters most to you, Cardo is the answer.
You want everything hands-free. Reso Pilot Pro. Voice commands, gyro tap for calls, no reaching. Best for solo riders or small groups who want full hands-free control.
You have a Shoei or Schuberth helmet. Sena SC2 for Schuberth, SRL3 for Shoei GT-Air 3. Helmet-integrated means no unit on the outside, cleaner look, no wind catch, and the same great Sena mesh inside. If your helmet is supported, this is the way to go.
You want mesh without spending premium. ASMAX S1, as long as the people you ride with are open to buying the same unit. The voice commands, audio, and mesh all work well for the price.
First intercom, not sure where to start. EJEAS Q8. Low cost, waterproof, works well for two riders. Use it, get comfortable with how intercoms work, then decide what you want to upgrade to.
The Intercom I Wish Someone Would Build
After testing all six, here is the honest take: the ideal mesh intercom does not exist yet.
But if someone put the best parts together, it would look like this.
Sena’s mesh network and Wave Intercom, one button, every rider connects, no pairing steps, works across all Sena models. The group mesh through the app already impressed me enough, riding with Jejabel and Neo Moto, separated by traffic near McKinley/BGC, and the mesh just held without anyone doing anything. Wave takes that further: when the group spreads beyond mesh range, it hands off to mobile data automatically. No distance limit. The convoy stays together whether you are 500 meters apart or on different highways. Reso has the same idea with Soft Mesh, connect through your phone hotspot and talk to your group from anywhere. Both brands are solving the same problem: range should not be a limitation anymore.
Sena Intercom
Sena intercoms are premium motorcycle communication systems designed to keep riders connected, informed, and safe on the road. Built with advanced Bluetooth and Mesh Intercom technology, Sena devices allow seamless rider-to-rider and rider-to-passenger communication even at long distances and high speeds.
Cardo Packtalk Edge
The Cardo Packtalk Edge is a Bluetooth + Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC Gen 2) intercom system that attaches to your motorcycle helmet. It lets you talk to other riders, take calls, listen to music, and use voice commands without touching your phone.
ASMAX S1
ASMAX S1 mesh intercom with Bluetooth 5.4, noise canceling, IPX7 waterproof, and clear group communication for up to 8 riders.
RESO Pilot Pro
The Reso Pilot Pro is a next-generation motorcycle intercom designed for riders who demand clear communication, long-range connectivity, and reliable performance in any riding condition. It features DuoSync™ dual-mesh technology, combining hardware mesh and software-based connectivity for stable communication even across long distances.
EJEAS Q8
Budget mesh intercom with Bluetooth 5.1, CVC noise cancellation, IP67 waterproofing, and group communication for up to 6 riders.
Sena’s self-healing range, mesh that reconnects automatically through tunnels, gaps, and long expressway spacing without anyone stopping to re-pair.
Cardo’s JBL audio, or Sena’s 60S Harman Kardon speakers, which are just as good. Once you have heard premium in-helmet audio, going back is hard.
Reso’s voice commands, say it once and it responds. Stay in listening mode. Answer Messenger calls with two taps on the unit.
That unit does not exist yet. Until it does, Sena for group riding, Cardo for audio, Reso for hands-free, ASMAX for budget groups, EJEAS to get started. Every one of them has a rider it is perfect for.
