Top Adventure Motorcycle Helmets With Bluetooth
Evan Rally
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Lost signal. Mud in your teeth. Buddy’s gone. And your GPS might as well be on mute. That’s ADV riding. Fast, remote, and unforgiving.
You need a helmet that keeps up.
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Today’s best ADV lids aren’t just tough, they’re smart. Full-face protection, real airflow, built-in comms or clean mounts for the system you actually use. No wind-whistle junk.
This guide is all killer, no filler. These are the helmets that keep you connected when it matters most. Let’s get into it.
The Top Picks for Adventure Helmets with Bluetooth
If you’re ready to add seamless communication to your adventure kit, start here. These helmets are the best in their class for protection, comfort, and Bluetooth integration.
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Best Integrated System 
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The pinnacle of the modular adventure helmet world. It's incredibly quiet, supremely comfortable, and designed for a flawless, custom-fit Sena SC2 communication system. It’s the top choice for the serious, long-distance adventurer. | For the rider who wants a seamless, one-and-done solution. The Stryker is a quality adventure helmet with a top-of-the-line Sena Mesh intercom and Harman Kardon audio system built-in right from the factory. | The undisputed king of the entry-level ADV market. It offers MIPS protection, great ventilation, and a design that easily accommodates any universal clamp-on communicator, making it a versatile and affordable starting point. |
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The pinnacle of the modular adventure helmet world. It's incredibly quiet, supremely comfortable, and designed for a flawless, custom-fit Sena SC2 communication system. It’s the top choice for the serious, long-distance adventurer.
- Superior aerodynamics for reduced wind resistance
- COOLMAX interior for enhanced comfort and breathability
- Integrated Bluetooth-ready design for seamless connectivity
- Some visor and peak parts feel flimsy
- Occasional buffeting at specific speeds
For the rider who wants a seamless, one-and-done solution. The Stryker is a quality adventure helmet with a top-of-the-line Sena Mesh intercom and Harman Kardon audio system built-in right from the factory.
- Mesh & Bluetooth built-in
- Harman Kardon speakers and mic
- Drop-down sun visor
- LED tail light
- 18 hour battery life
- Can't upgrade the communicator
The undisputed king of the entry-level ADV market. It offers MIPS protection, great ventilation, and a design that easily accommodates any universal clamp-on communicator, making it a versatile and affordable starting point.
- MIPS liner reduces rotational force in crash
- Large visor for great visibility
- Removable peak for comfortable highway miles
- Wind noise at highway speeds—earplugs recommended
- Sun peak can buffett or rattle in wind
Common Myths About ADV Helmets & Bluetooth
Don’t get lost in the marketing hype. Let’s clear up some common confusion about this gear.
“You can just stick a communicator on any helmet.” False. While you can, a helmet designed for comms is vastly superior. They have pre-molded speaker pockets so the speakers don’t press on your ears, channels to hide wires, and often a specific recess for the unit itself. This provides a cleaner, more comfortable, and better-sounding installation.
“An ADV helmet is just a noisy dirt bike helmet with a shield.” This used to be true, but not anymore. Premium adventure helmets from brands like Schuberth, Arai, and Shoei undergo extensive wind tunnel testing to be quiet and aerodynamic, even with a peak visor. This is crucial for hearing your music, calls, or intercom clearly at highway speeds.
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“Integrated Bluetooth is always better.” It’s a trade-off. Integrated systems (like on the Sena Stryker) are seamless and simple. But custom-fit ready helmets (like the Schuberth E2) offer more flexibility—you can choose not to buy the comms unit, or you can upgrade it in a few years when new technology comes out, without replacing the whole helmet.
“You can’t wear goggles with a helmet that has a face shield.” False. This is the key feature of an adventure helmet! They are specifically designed so you can flip the face shield all the way up and wear a pair of goggles underneath for better ventilation and dust protection on rugged trails.
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Best Adventure Helmets for a Connected Ride
These are our detailed recommendations for ADV helmets that excel in comfort, safety, and their ability to integrate communication technology. For more options, check out our other Dirt Bike Bluetooth helmet article.
Schuberth E2 Helmet
The Schuberth E2 is the kind of helmet you buy when you’re done messing around. It’s the upgraded version of the old E1, and they’ve taken everything that worked (comfort, quiet, stability) and just made it better. The flip-up chin bar is awesome for gas stops or when you’re talking to someone without yanking the whole thing off. And the peak visor? You can actually lock it into different positions so it doesn’t wobble at speed. Little things like that make a big difference when you’re putting in miles.
The part that really impressed me, though, is how plug-and-play the comms setup is. The E2 comes pre-wired with speakers, a mic, and an antenna already baked in. Just grab the Sena SC2 unit, snap it into place, and you’re fully connected, no wires to hide, no headache. If you like listening to music, running GPS, or chatting with your riding crew, this setup is about as clean as it gets.
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Sure, it’s a premium piece of gear, but everything about it feels purpose-built for serious road time. If you’re clocking long days on your Harley and want a modular lid that keeps things quiet, comfortable, and fully connected, the E2 delivers.
The Catch? The price is eye-watering, and that’s before you buy the expensive, proprietary SC2 communicator. It’s a significant investment.
The Silver Lining: You get what you pay for. Unmatched quietness for a modular helmet, superb comfort, and the most seamless custom-fit comms integration on the market. It’s the top-tier choice for serious touring.
Alternative Option: The Shoei Hornet X2 offers a similar premium Japanese build quality in a traditional full-face design.
A high-performance modular helmet with a handcrafted fiberglass shell reinforced with carbon fiber for lightweight durability.
- Superior aerodynamics for reduced wind resistance
- COOLMAX interior for enhanced comfort and breathability
- Integrated Bluetooth-ready design for seamless connectivity
Our Rating 4.6/5: The Schuberth E2 is a top-tier modular ADV helmet with exceptional quietness, airflow, and seamless SC2 integration. Comfort is excellent out of the box, and it rides stable even with the peak visor at highway speeds. Some owners point to issues like a loose face shield, limited lateral visibility, and fogging at low speeds, but for serious touring, it still stands as one of the most refined options available.
Sena Stryker Helmet
If you’re over messing with clamp-on comms and tangled wires, the Sena Stryker makes life easy. It’s not just “Bluetooth compatible”, the whole system is already built in. You get a full Sena Mesh intercom, premium Harman Kardon speakers, and a crisp microphone right out of the box. No extra installs, no alignment issues, no foam spacers. Just charge it, pair it, and ride.
The helmet itself holds its own too. It’s got a composite fiberglass shell that feels tough but not heavy, solid ventilation for long rides in the heat, and a drop-down sun visor that’s actually usable. The fit is plush and well-shaped, and the built-in LED tail light is a smart touch for urban commuting or early morning rides.
If you’re doing long commutes, group rides, or just want a no-fuss setup with way better-than-average audio, the Stryker is a great call. It’s convenience and tech baked into a real-deal touring helmet, no extra tools or fiddling required.
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The Catch? The comms system is not upgradable. As technology evolves in a few years, you’re locked into what the helmet came with. The helmet’s fit and features must work for you, as you can’t move the system to another helmet.
The Silver Lining: Incredible ease of use and fantastic audio quality. The system just works, perfectly, from day one. The Harman Kardon speakers provide a rich sound that’s great for both music and communication.
Alternative Option: The Schuberth E2 with its SC2 unit offers a similar level of integration but with the flexibility of a modular design and a removable comms unit.
Top of the line Sena intercom, sound by Harman Kardon, sun visor, even a tail light... what's not to love?
- Mesh & Bluetooth built-in
- Harman Kardon speakers and mic
- Drop-down sun visor
- LED tail light
- 18 hour battery life
- Can't upgrade the communicator
Our Rating 4.6/5: The Sena Stryker is the ultimate plug-and-play solution. It’s a quality ADV helmet built around a top-tier communication system, offering fantastic sound and seamless Mesh intercom right out of the box.
Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS Helmet
The Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS has earned its place as a go-to for dual-sport and ADV riders who want solid protection and functionality without blowing the gear budget. At the core is the MIPS liner, a safety system designed to reduce rotational forces in a crash. It’s rare to find at this price point, and it adds a major safety edge, especially for off-road or ADV riders who are more likely to fall at odd angles.
The shell is polycarbonate, but don’t let that turn you off—it keeps the price down and weight reasonable. Ventilation is a big plus here, with multiple intakes and exhaust ports that are directly inspired by Bell’s dirt lineup. Whether you’re crawling through technical trails or bombing down backroads, it moves air better than most budget lids. The peak visor does its job blocking sun and roost, and the shield can be easily removed if you want to run goggles.
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Fit is true to size and leans intermediate oval. The liner is moisture-wicking and fully removable for cleaning. While it’s not built specifically for integrated comms, there’s enough room inside to run a clamp-on Bluetooth system comfortably. It also includes a DOT and ECE certification, which is great peace of mind for both pavement and dirt riders.
The Catch? It’s much louder than the premium helmets from Shoei or Schuberth. The materials and comfort liner are good for the price, but not all-day plush.
The Silver Lining: Amazing value. You get a lightweight helmet with MIPS from a legendary brand for less than half the price of the premium competition. It’s the perfect, affordable entry into the adventure scene.
Alternative Option: For a fully integrated, budget-friendly option, the Sedici Sistema 3 Parlare includes a pre-installed Bluetooth system, though it lacks MIPS.
A helmet that delivers far more than its price suggests, it's a great starter ADV lid that covers all the bases.
- MIPS liner reduces rotational force in crash
- Large visor for great visibility
- Removable peak for comfortable highway miles
Our Rating 4.4/5: The Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS is one of the smartest buys in the ADV world. MIPS safety tech and a wide, goggle-friendly shield make it an easy pick for dual-sport riders. That said, it’s loud, wind noise ramps up fast at highway speeds, and the peak catches a bit of drag. Great for trail and backroad duty, but bring earplugs if you’re hitting the freeway.
For more details and rider impressions, check out this full Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS review.
Arai XD-5 Helmet
The Arai XD-5 is a purpose-built upgrade aimed at riders who demand serious protection and long-haul comfort in their adventure helmet. Arai has redesigned the shell to be smoother and more aerodynamic, sticking to its philosophy of redirecting impact energy rather than absorbing it all in one place. The new shape helps reduce lift and buffeting at higher speeds while maintaining a lightweight, balanced feel.
Ventilation also sees a meaningful upgrade. The reworked intake and exhaust vents flow noticeably more air, especially at low speeds where heat buildup can be a real issue. One of the most welcome changes is the new visor system, which lets you remove either the peak or the shield independently without tools. It’s a smart move for dual-sport riders who like to switch between goggles and face shields depending on terrain and conditions.
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There’s no built-in Bluetooth or drop-down sun visor here, and that’s intentional. Arai focuses on safety-first design and avoids adding complexity inside the shell. That said, the interior is clearly ready for tech: there are dedicated speaker cutouts and enough space for a clamp or adhesive mount. If you want a top-shelf ADV helmet that prioritizes protection, fit, and function without chasing trends, the XD-5 is built to meet that standard.
The Catch? It’s very expensive. Arai’s purist approach means no internal sun visor, a feature many riders want at this price point.
The Silver Lining: Legendary Arai fit, comfort, and a fanatical devotion to safety. The helmet is designed to perform its primary job—protecting your head—better than almost anything else. You have complete freedom to use any comms unit you prefer.
Alternative Option: The Shoei Hornet X2 is its direct competitor, offering a slightly different fit and feature set with the same premium Japanese quality.
The sequel to the legendary XD-4 helmet, this lid improves in every way from its round shell design to flexible shield that always fits, goggles or not.
- Quietest ADV helmet
- Removable peak
- Tons of ventilation
- Can use with googles
- DOT and Snell approved
- Heavier than lightweight ADV lids (~1814 g)
- Visor fogs in heavy rain without Pinlock
Our Rating 4.4/5: The Arai XD-5 is a top-shelf dual-sport helmet with the ventilation, comfort, and craftsmanship you’d expect from Arai. It’s quieter, more refined, and easier to wear than the XD-4 for most riders. But it’s not perfect, the new shell shape no longer fits long-oval heads, and audio integration has some hiccups depending on your comms setup. If it fits your head, though, this is the kind of helmet you forget you’re wearing.
Shoei Hornet X2 Helmet
The Shoei Hornet X2 continues to stand out as a premium choice for riders who split their time between pavement and dirt. Built with Shoei’s signature attention to detail, the X2 feels refined in every aspect—from the plush interior liner to the smooth face shield mechanism. The fit favors intermediate oval heads and runs true to size, with solid ventilation that works well in both slow trail riding and highway cruising.
One of the Hornet X2’s best traits is its aerodynamic peak visor. It’s sculpted and vented to reduce lift and buffeting at higher speeds, something many ADV helmets struggle with. This makes the X2 uniquely comfortable for long-distance road riding while still offering peak sun protection on dusty trails. The shield is also wide and optically clear, giving you great visibility in all directions.
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Shoei leaves the tech options up to you, but they make it easy to add your own. The helmet has recessed speaker pockets, good space for boom mic placement, and a shell that works well with clamp-on or adhesive Bluetooth comm units. If you’re looking for a premium adventure helmet that balances off-road capability with all-day highway comfort, the Hornet X2 still earns its place at the top of the list.
The Catch? Like its Arai counterpart, it’s expensive and lacks an internal sun visor. It is also due for an update, with the Arai XD-5 being the newer of the two rivals.
The Silver Lining: Fantastic aerodynamics and a quiet, comfortable interior make it an exceptional long-distance helmet. Its visor system is one of the best in the business, providing a huge, distortion-free field of view.
Alternative Option: The Schuberth E2 offers a premium European alternative with the convenience of a modular design and an internal sun visor.
Shoei Hornet X2 Adventure Helmet delivers the perfect blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability for serious adventure riders.
- Lightweight AIM+ shell for superior protection and aerodynamics
- Advanced ventilation system for optimal airflow in all conditions
- Emergency Quick-Release System for enhanced rider safety
- Runs small, sizing up is recommended
Our Rating 4.7/5: The Shoei Hornet X2 remains one of the most trusted premium ADV helmets on the market. It combines Shoei’s hallmark fit and finish with excellent ventilation, comfort, and highway stability. Riders consistently praise its snug, true-to-size fit, wide field of vision, and durable construction, even after thousands of miles. While some note moderate wind noise at speed, it’s a small tradeoff for the level of quality, protection, and long-distance comfort this helmet delivers.
Sedici Sistema 3 Parlare Helmet
The Sedici Sistema 3 Parlare is a solid all-in-one solution for ADV riders who want modular versatility and built-in comms without spending a fortune. It’s a flip-up ADV helmet that comes with the Parlare Bluetooth 5.0 system pre-installed, offering 4-way intercom, GPS audio, music, and phone calls—all ready to go out of the box. No wiring, no fuss.
From a rider’s standpoint, it’s built for practical use. The chin bar flips up easily at gas stops or border crossings, and the drop-down sun visor is a welcome addition when light conditions change mid-ride. The ventilation is decent for trail and road use, and the liner is comfortable enough for long days in the saddle.
For dual-sport or adventure riders on a budget who still want the flexibility of a modular and the convenience of a pre-installed Bluetooth system, the Sistema 3 Parlare makes a strong case.
The Catch? The build quality, noise levels, and audio fidelity are not on the same level as premium brands. The Bluetooth system is basic and lacks the robust Mesh intercom of a Sena unit. It does not have a MIPS liner.
The Silver Lining: Incredible all-in-one value. You get a modular helmet with a sun visor and a fully integrated Bluetooth system for the price of a mid-tier helmet alone.
Alternative Option: The Bell MX-9 Adventure with a universal communicator is a more versatile option, offering MIPS protection at a similar all-in price point.
A lightweight modular helmet with features and build quality (like stainless steel visor components and seamless face shield gasket) of much more expensive lids. With Sena Mesh comms system pre-integrated.
- Strong & light fiberglass composite shell
- Close fit (5 EPS sizes and 3 shell sizes)
- DOT and ECE safety ratings
- Sena Mesh system pre-integrated
- Cannot connect to other Comms brands like Cardo
Our Rating 4.0/5: The Sedici Sistema 3 Parlare is a solid choice if you want modular convenience and built-in comms without spending a fortune. It’s quiet, well-ventilated, and the integrated Mesh system is loud and clear once you’re dialed in. That said, the comms only work with other Mesh units, so if you’re running an older Bluetooth-based setup, this could be a compatibility headache. Still, for what you get at this price, it’s a smart pick for riders who want everything in one package without the premium tax.
Comparison Table: Best ADV Helmets with Bluetooth
| Feature | Schuberth E2 | Sena Stryker | Arai XD-5 | Shoei Hornet X2 | Bell MX-9 Adventure | Sedici Sistema 3 |
| Primary Use | Premium Touring | Integrated Comms | Premium All-Around | Premium All-Around | Budget ADV/Dual-Sport | Budget Touring |
| Bluetooth Type | Custom-Fit Ready | Fully Integrated | Universal Compatible | Universal Compatible | Universal Compatible | Fully Integrated |
| Helmet Style | Modular | Full-Face | Full-Face | Full-Face | Full-Face | Modular |
| MIPS? | No (Anti-Roll-Off System) | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Safety Certs | DOT & ECE 22.06 | DOT & ECE 22.05 | DOT & Snell | DOT & Snell | DOT & ECE 22.05 | DOT |
| Price Range | $$$$$ | $$$ | $$$$$ | $$$$ | $ | $$ |
| Get One | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Buying Guide: Choosing Your ADV Helmet & Comms
Picking the right ADV helmet with Bluetooth isn’t just about style or price but about matching your ride style and communication needs. From modular lids for long haul touring to rugged full face shells built for off road punishment, the options vary wildly. This guide breaks down the key factors: fit, safety certifications, helmet styles, and Bluetooth types, so you can ride smart, stay connected, and choose a setup that actually works for how you ride.
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The Helmet Comes First: Before anything else, find a helmet that fits you perfectly and has the safety certifications you trust (ECE 22.06 is the latest, most rigorous standard). An uncomfortable helmet or one that doesn’t fit right is a non-starter, no matter how good the tech is.
Choose Your Bluetooth Style: This is the core decision.
- Fully Integrated: Simple, seamless, and ready to go out of the box. The ultimate in convenience. The downside is that you can’t upgrade the tech later.
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- Custom-Fit Ready: The premium choice. The helmet is pre-wired or has perfect recesses for a specific comms unit. Clean installation, great performance, and you can often upgrade the unit down the line.
- Universal Compatible: The most flexible. These helmets have basic speaker pockets and a shape that works well with clamp-on units from Cardo, Sena, etc. This lets you choose any system you want and move it between helmets.
Key Adventure Features: Look for the things that make an ADV helmet special: a wide viewport for peripheral vision, a functional peak visor to block sun, excellent ventilation for low-speed trails, and the ability to flip up the shield and wear goggles in dusty conditions.
Mesh vs. Bluetooth Intercom: For communicating with other riders, Mesh (found on modern Sena and Cardo units) is a huge upgrade. It creates a self-healing network that’s more reliable and easier to use for groups than traditional Bluetooth pairing.
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Coordinate Your Gear: If you’re building a full adventure suit, check out our other guides on Adventure Motorcycle Jackets and Best Motorcycle Pants to complete your kit.
You’ll also find more rider-tested gear picks in this full ADV gear guide.
FAQ: Adventure Helmets & Bluetooth
Adventure riding brings its own set of challenges, long days, rough terrain, and the need to stay connected without killing the ride flow. These FAQs cover what riders really want to know about Bluetooth systems, compatibility, and what makes a helmet work when the pavement ends.
What is the difference between an adventure helmet and a dual-sport helmet?
Honestly, the terms are used interchangeably by most riders and manufacturers. Both refer to a hybrid helmet with a face shield and a peak visor, designed for both on-road and off-road use.
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Can I remove the peak visor for long highway trips?
Yes, absolutely. Most adventure helmets are designed so you can easily remove the peak. This reduces wind resistance and noise at high speeds, effectively turning it into a more traditional touring helmet.
Why are premium adventure helmets from Arai, Shoei, and Schuberth so expensive?
You’re paying for extensive R&D, premium materials (like complex composite shells), hand-laid construction, and advanced aerodynamic testing. This results in a helmet that is typically lighter, quieter, more comfortable, and often safer than less expensive alternatives.
Can I listen to music and use the intercom at the same time?
Yes. Modern communicators from Sena and Cardo feature “audio mixing” or “audio multitasking,” which allows you to blend your music or GPS audio with the intercom conversation. The music will often automatically lower in volume when someone speaks. For riders using Bluetooth for GPS turn-by-turn directions, pairing your helmet with a solid nav setup makes a huge difference. See this guide to the best adventure-ready motorcycle GPS and navigation tools.
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Is installing a universal communicator difficult?
It can be a bit fiddly, but it’s not hard. It usually involves clamping the unit to the side of the helmet, then carefully tucking the speaker wires behind the cheek pads and headliner and placing the speakers into the helmet’s pre-made pockets. A helmet with good speaker pockets makes the job much easier.
Wrapping Up…
The modern adventure helmet is the Swiss Army knife of head protection, and adding a communication system unlocks its full potential. Whether you prioritize the seamless integration of a Sena Stryker, the premium custom-fit of a Schuberth E2, or the budget-friendly versatility of a Bell MX-9, there’s a connected setup perfect for your next journey.
If your riding leans more off-road than on, you may want to consider one of the best enduro helmets, they’re built for tougher terrain, lighter weight, and max airflow.
