A Rider’s Guide to Motorcycle Bluetooth Comms & Sena 20S
Featured Creator
left for contents
So today I want to talk about Bluetooth comm devices—those helmet attachments that let you listen to music, take phone calls, and hear GPS directions right in your helmet. If you’re unfamiliar with this world, there are a lot of options out there: ChatterBox, Sena, even Sedici makes one.
But in this post, I want to give you my thoughts on the Sena 20S, a device I’ve been using for over a year now.
This article is based on the video by Wicked Devil.
Getting Into Helmet Audio
When I first started riding motorcycles, I didn’t use any kind of Bluetooth comm device. I just wanted to get familiar with riding—how the bike sounded, what was happening around me. But after about eight months, I decided to try something new and got myself the Sena 20S.
And man, that changed riding for me—100%. I’ve always been a music guy. I play music, I’m a musician, and I love having music around me. I play it while I work, when I drive, and now, definitely while I ride.
Premium helmet Bluetooth system delivering crisp HD audio, clear calls, and seamless GPS/Siri integration—enhancing riding focus and enjoyment.
- Excellent sound clarity for music & navigation
- Reliable intercom range with stable connections
- Long battery life—week‑long daily commuting
- Easy glove‑friendly jog dial controls
- Large unit design protrudes visibly on helmet
- Occasional firmware quirks reported by some users
Disclaimer: The original review covers the Sena 20S, but the model is no longer widely available. We’ve linked to the Sena 20S Evo, which is the updated version with improved performance and durability.
No More Earbuds
Before the 20S, I tried using earbuds inside the helmet, but that didn’t work. They’d fall out, they didn’t sit right, and honestly, they were just annoying. The Sena 20S solved all that. It plays music straight into my helmet speakers, no cords, no fuss—and the sound experience is just solid.
A Year of Riding With the Sena 20S
I bought the Sena 20S back in November 2014, and by the time of this review, it’s January 2016—so I’ve had it for about 13 months. I feel like that’s long enough to give you guys a solid real-world review.
From day one, it’s made every ride more enjoyable. I can take calls while I’m riding and people don’t even know I’m on a motorcycle. That’s how clear it is. I’ve taken important phone calls while riding, and nobody’s ever asked, “Are you riding right now?” That’s a win in my book.
GPS, Hands-Free, and Full Focus
One of the biggest things I love about this unit is the GPS functionality. I use Google Maps, keep the phone in my pocket, and let the voice directions come through the helmet. No screen. No distractions. Just “turn left here,” “turn right there”—and I’m good.
It keeps my eyes on the road, especially when riding through downtown LA where there are tons of one-way streets. I used to pull over and try to memorize turns. Now? I just ride and listen.
First-Time Customer Service Experience
When I first bought my 20S at a motorcycle convention, the clamp had a defect and the unit wouldn’t connect properly. I reached out to Sena and they overnighted me a new unit, no hassle. From the jump, they were solid on customer service.
Day-to-Day Performance
Let’s talk about performance. The 20S integrates seamlessly with my phone. It just powers up when I need it and it’s ready to go. No weird pairing issues. No lag.
Battery Life
Battery life is killer. If you’re commuting—say 30 minutes each way—it’ll last you a week, no problem. I used to commute an hour each day, five days a week, and it still ran strong. That’s more than solid for a device like this.
Size and Button Control
The unit itself isn’t too big, but it does stick out a bit from the helmet. And that’s a good thing.
If you’ve got thick gloves on, tiny buttons are hard to use. That’s why I didn’t go with one of the slim units like the ChatterBox. It’s just annoying to fumble around trying to change volume or skip a song. The size of the 20S makes it practical on the road.
Why I Skipped the Camera Version
Sena also makes a unit called the 10C, which has a built-in camera. I didn’t go for that. I didn’t want or need a camera. I just wanted solid Bluetooth audio and GPS—and the 20S delivers exactly that. It keeps it simple and focused.
All-in-one helmet-mounted Bluetooth comm + 4K cam that captures high-quality video while keeping your ride connected and hands-free.
- Excellent 4K video with wide 125° field of view
- Ample 128 GB storage holds hours of footage
- Clear intercom & phone audio with HD speakers
- Glove-friendly controls and easy app preview
- Battery drains fast when recording and streaming
- Intercom range slightly shorter than premium units
A Must in a Busy City
Living in a metro area like Los Angeles, GPS audio is huge. Trying to navigate unfamiliar neighborhoods or winding city streets? You don’t want to be pulling over to look at your phone. With the 20S, directions come right into your helmet, and it just works.
Comparing with Sena SMH10
More recently, I picked up the Sena SMH10 for my girlfriend. It’s a more budget-friendly model, but it works great. We can still connect and chat while riding. But the 20S definitely has the edge on sound quality.
Versatile dual-pack Bluetooth headset and intercom that delivers clear calls, music, and GPS audio with reliable range and easy helmet installation.
- Excellent sound clarity with crisp intercom and music
- Up to half‑mile intercom range in open terrain
- Long battery life—12‑hour talk & 10‑day standby
- Glove-friendly jog dial makes controls intuitive
- Bulkier unit may protrude noticeably on helmet
- Wind noise can reduce intercom clarity at highway speeds
If you care about how your music sounds—or you just want clearer audio while riding—go with the 20S. The speakers are noticeably better. Still, both units are reliable and affordable depending on what you need.
Can You Hear It with Earplugs?
Yes, and I do it all the time. I ride with earplugs to protect my hearing, and I can still hear music or directions just fine on both the SMH10 and the 20S. The sound punches through without being overwhelming.
Build Quality and Warranty
So, let me be real for a second—after a year, my original 20S broke. The case literally split open. I didn’t drop it, didn’t smash it, nothing. I take good care of my helmet and gear. But yeah, the casing just fell apart. Wires and chips were exposed—it sucked.
I called Sena, sent them photos and my receipt, and guess what? They replaced it. No drama. They’ve got a two-year warranty, and they honored it with no hassle.
Final Thoughts: Do I Recommend It?
Absolutely. If you ride in a group, ride with a passenger, or just love music like I do, a Bluetooth helmet unit will change the way you ride. Seriously. No more tangled headphone cords. No more plugging stuff into your phone. Just seamless audio—whether it’s music, GPS, or calls.
You can even use Siri through the Sena, which is awesome. I’ve done it plenty of times. It’s not just a luxury—it’s a game-changer.
Wrapping Up
This isn’t sponsored. I bought mine. Paid out of pocket for both. I just really like the product, and I’d recommend it to anyone serious about enjoying the ride more.
Ride safe out there, and I’ll catch you guys next time. Later!
Premium helmet Bluetooth system delivering crisp HD audio, clear calls, and seamless GPS/Siri integration—enhancing riding focus and enjoyment.
- Excellent sound clarity for music & navigation
- Reliable intercom range with stable connections
- Long battery life—week‑long daily commuting
- Easy glove‑friendly jog dial controls
- Large unit design protrudes visibly on helmet
- Occasional firmware quirks reported by some users
Disclaimer: The original review covers the Sena 20S, but the model is no longer widely available. We’ve linked to the Sena 20S Evo, which is the updated version with improved performance and durability.
