Those who have done it get it: there’s really nothing like hitting the open road on a motorcycle, ripping across varied landscapes at high speed, and stopping to see the best attractions along the way.
While that’s a thrilling and enjoyable experience by itself, some motorcyclists like to add on a pair of earbuds to the fun, whether they’re for music, turn-by-turn directions, communicating with riding buddies, or hearing protection.
No matter what you’re looking for, one of the following motorcycle-specific earbuds should be a good fit for you.
- Features to Consider in Motorcycle Earbuds
- Top 10 Best Motorcycle Earbuds 2024
- 1. Best Overall Pick: Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2 True Wireless Earbuds
- 2. Best Budget Pick: Tozo T10 Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Earbuds
- 3. Best Premium Pick: ISOtunes PRO 2.0 Bluetooth Earplug Headphones
- 4. Best for Hearing Protection: Ruckus Discord Bluetooth Earplug Earbuds
- 5. Best Motorcycle Headset: JZAQ Bluetooth Hands-Free Headset
- 6. Best Noise Isolation: Amazon Echo Buds
- 7. Aukey True Wireless Earbuds
- 8. Holiper Bluetooth 5.0 Earbuds With Noise Canceling
- 9. UClear Digital Pulse Wired Drop-in Helmet Speakers
- 10. Sena SMH10 Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset / Intercom
- Guide to Buying the Best Motorcycle Earbuds
- Safety and Earbud Use
- Frequently Asked Questions on Motorcycle Earbuds
- Wrapping Up
Features to Consider in Motorcycle Earbuds
What motorcyclists look for in an earbud is typically quite different from what the average person looks for. Motorcyclists are often much more safety-oriented and willing to pay for high-quality products than the typical consumer.
Noise Cancellation
Motorcycles are loud. It’s part of the reason we love them. Unfortunately, that means they come with a risk of hearing damage. Along with engine noise, for those who spend long times at high speeds, wind noise can also be a factor. A motorcycle earbud should keep out the loudest noises but still permit some frequencies to come through so you can be aware of your surroundings.
That’s why any motorcycle earbud worth its salt will come with noise protection, whether that means simple insulation (typically foam padding) to isolate damaging frequencies or active noise-canceling tech that uses changing and adaptive frequencies to cancel out loud noises. If you value your hearing, make sure you’ve got at least something.
Earbud Fit and Material
Some people have problems finding a good fit when shopping for in-ear headphones, which is exacerbated by the fact that over-ear headphones aren’t really an option in a motorcycle helmet. Along with finding an earbud shape that fits snugly and comfortably in your ear, consider the diversity of earbud materials for their different properties.
- Silicon: Silicone earbud tips are quite a bit pricier than alternatives, but they’re flexible, insulative, and maintain their shape without degrading over time.
- Plastic: Since plastic isn’t flexible, it’s not comfortable and won’t create a seal in the ear like softer materials. It’s typically more durable, though, and some people prefer it for its ease to clean. Plastic is also used exclusively for motorcycle headsets that are installed permanently into helmets.
- Rubber: Rubber is a cheap material that many find quite comfortable to use, although it degrades when exposed to sunlight.
- Foam: Foam is acclaimed for the material properties that allow it to adapt over time to the specific anatomy of a specific persons’ ears. Like memory foam, over time it adapts to create a better fit. Unfortunately, it is not as durable as other materials.
Battery Life
Connected earbuds don’t have this problem, but wireless earbuds have relatively limited battery lives. Consider this when shopping, and consider exactly how you plan on keeping your earbuds charged.
Always keep in mind, though, exactly how many hours of juice you need. Battery life doesn’t come cheap at all, and if you can get away with fewer hours of battery life (maybe you only use your earbuds for commuting, for example), you can save over a hundred bucks.
Sound Quality
Fans of high-def audio are willing to pay upwards of $1000 for the perfect set of earbuds: no, that’s not a typo. Most motorcyclists, however, are just looking for something that works and has acceptable audio quality.
Remember that noise cancellation is a big part of this as well: if you can’t hear the music over wind and engine noise, the sound quality doesn’t matter one bit. Different sized drivers prioritize different frequencies, with larger drivers producing better bass tones.
Helmet-Integrated Headsets
While not technically earbuds in the way that we conventionally think about them, we’ve still included a couple of headsets for those who aren’t looking for in-ear headphones. These devices directly install into your motorcycle helmet around the ears. While they don’t provide any level of noise isolation, they’re great for communicating with riding partners and they’re legal in almost all jurisdictions.
Like in-ear headphones, they’re usually Bluetooth capable and have a microphone built-in for inter-rider communication. If you’re considering one, make sure you’ve got a helmet that will accommodate the headset.
Connection Type
Very few motorcycle earbuds these days use wires as a connection method: the most common technology used today is Bluetooth, which is available on nearly all devices. There are some alternatives, but they’re relatively uncommon.
| Product | Earbud Material | Connection Type | Battery Life | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2 True Wireless Earbuds | Silicone | Bluetooth | 8 hours | 5 |
| Tozo T10 Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Earbuds | Silicone | Bluetooth | 4 hours | 5 |
| ISOtunes PRO 2.0 Bluetooth Earplug Headphones | Foam | Bluetooth | 16 hours | 4.5 |
| Ruckus Discord Bluetooth Earplug Earbuds | Silicone | Bluetooth | 14 hours | 4.5 |
| JZAQ Bluetooth Hands-Free Headset | Silicone | Bluetooth | 50 hours | 4.5 |
| Amazon Echo Buds | Rubber | Bluetooth | 5 hours | 4 |
| Aukey True Wireless Earbuds | Rubber | Bluetooth | 5 hours | 4 |
| Holiper Bluetooth 5.0 Earbuds With Noise Canceling | Rubber | Bluetooth | 8 hours | 4 |
| UClear Digital Pulse Wired Drop-in Helmet Speakers | Plastic | Wired | N/A | 4 |
| Sena SMH10 Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset / Intercom | Plastic | Bluetooth | 12 hours | 3.5 |
Top 10 Best Motorcycle Earbuds 2024
1. Best Overall Pick: Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2 True Wireless Earbuds
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Earbud Material: Silicone
- Connection Type: Bluetooth
- Battery Life: 8 hours
Review
Wireless, comfortable, noise-canceling, and sporting an impressive 8-hour battery life, these $50-ish earbuds are one of the most recommended earbuds on the market for good reason. They’re incredibly feature-rich, all powered by 8mm dynamic drivers producing booming bass and delicate treble tones.
The headphones automatically detect if you’ve only got one earbud in, so they automatically shift from mono to stereo mode should you change around how you’re listening.
IPX5 water resistance means you won’t have any issue using these earbuds on a rainy day, although be aware of the fact that the case itself isn’t waterproof. Noise-canceling is decent, but as these aren’t motorcycle-specific, some deeper-frequency road noises that may help you better understand your surroundings can get isolated out.
One of our favorite features with this product has nothing to do with the earbuds themselves: the charging case, which holds an additional 100 hours of battery life at a fresh charge and also includes a feature for a 10-minute ‘top-up’ charge which boosts the wireless headphones up from a zero-percent charge to 90 minutes of battery life.
While the 8-hour battery life isn’t the most impressive in our lineup, it’s overcome by the fact that you could head out on 12 consecutive days without plugging the charging case in at all.
Pros
- Comfortable noise-canceling headphones are completely wireless
- Adequate noise-canceling
- The case holds an additional 100 hours of battery life
- IPX5 water resistance
Cons
- Deep-frequency noises can get isolated out
- The case itself isn’t waterproof
2. Best Budget Pick: Tozo T10 Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Earbuds
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Earbud Material: Silicone
- Connection Type: Bluetooth
- Battery Life: 4 hours
Review
We’re more than impressed with these fully-featured motorcycle earbuds for their features, competing with the most premium models out there. So when you take a look at comparable products with silicone ear tips, active noise cancelation that are IPX8 water-resistant (submersible), there’s simply no product that is near this fully featured at this low of a price.
Incorporating an 8mm driver that produces fine treble tones as well as heavy bass, the earbuds also use active noise cancelation and form-fitting silicone ear tips to block out the damaging frequencies like engine and road noises that wreak havoc over time. They’re also one of the only wireless earbud models available in more than a couple of colors, with slate, tan, and light grey models alongside the traditional black and white.
If there’s any single issue we can point to, it’s the battery life. Four hours per charge is, well, lackluster. The case adds 14 hours, but that’s almost nothing compared to the Aukey True Wireless Earbuds’ 35 hours. Further compounding the problem is the complete lack of a quick-charging feature. For the price and with this many features, though, they’re almost unbeatable.
Pros
- Fully featured motorcycle earbuds at an economical price
- Silicone ear tips and active noise canceling help protect hearing
- IPX8 water-resistant buds continue functioning even after full submersion
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Complete lack of a quick-charging feature
- Lackluster battery life at 4 hours per charge
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Earbud Material: Foam
- Connection Type: Bluetooth
- Battery Life: 16 hours
Review
With no regard for convention, these earbuds combine powerful noise-isolating earplugs with a powerful driver that produces high-quality sound. This idea is different from other earbud manufacturers, with the most common approach to design from the driver and earbud outwards, at the end slapping on a silicone ear tip that helps with fit and blocking out sound.
These earbuds are different, with the foam, noise-canceling ear tips coming before the driver and earbud in terms of design philosophy. The product comes with four different ear tip options, each with a different size, foam density, and decibel protection rating that can tremendously help with road and engine noise. Each tip is rated to a minimum of 27 decibels of noise reduction, drastically reducing the likelihood of hearing damage.
They’re connected with a wire down the middle that contains Bluetooth controls, volume controls, and a microphone equipped with noise-canceling features. The only issue with this design, however, is that under a helmet, the microphone gets covered up and the buttons can get pushed unintentionally. We prefer the ‘necklace control’ approach of manufacturer Holiper. A year of warranty protection and IP67 durability certification are just icing on the cake.
Pros
- Noise cancelation and hearing protection comes first
- Four different foam ear tip options
- Each ear tip is rated to 27 decibels of noise protection
- Great 16-hour battery life
Cons
- Microphone can be blocked under a helmet
- Controls can get bumped accidentally during use
4. Best for Hearing Protection: Ruckus Discord Bluetooth Earplug Earbuds
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Earbud Material: Silicone
- Connection Type: Bluetooth
- Battery Life: 14 hours
Review
Looking more like a set of construction earplugs than motorcycle headphones, these inexpensive earbuds are wireless in design but are connected to each other by a lanyard that contains a microphone that syncs wirelessly for phone service as well as volume control. Good for both noise cancelation and sound quality, they’re great for motorcyclists who are concerned about hearing protection.
The real innovation with this set of headphones comes via the earbud construction itself, with three tiers of seals that block out high-frequency, loud sounds while still letting some vibration through. They’re OSHA-compliant, which means they’re government-tested to certify they’ll protect your ears.
They’ve also got a built-in microphone, allowing you to take calls while riding (where it’s legal) or stay in contact with riding buddies using some type of real-time walkie-talkie system.
They’ve got a soft case that doesn’t help with charging, unlike the common solid cases that come with most wireless earbuds. That means they have to be plugged in to charge via a USB port. They’re also waterproof.
Pros
- Construction-style earphones are great for protecting your ear
- Connected by a lanyard with controls
- OSHA-compliant and government tested
- Waterproof construction
Cons
- Have to be plugged in to charge
- The soft case doesn’t charge; battery life is that of the headphones themselves
5. Best Motorcycle Headset: JZAQ Bluetooth Hands-Free Headset
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Earbud Material: Silicon
- Connection Type: Bluetooth
- Battery Life: 50 hours
Review
No, they’re not technically earbuds: but that’s actually a good thing in many jurisdictions, as it means you’ll have no trouble arguing the headphones’ usefulness as a communication system alongside its utility as a sound system (some places require any motorcycling sound system to also include an intercom component).
The set has some ridiculous battery life as well with 500 hours of standby time and 50 hours of working time before it needs a recharge. Even better yet, it can be connected to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, so if you’ve got a GPS for turn-by-turn, you can also connect to a cell phone to listen to music, radio, or an intercom app.
Also among the impressive features? IPX7 water resistance (that means the system can be completely submerged), easy installation, and a 90-day limited warranty.
But they’re still not earbuds: so you won’t be able to use them on a hike at a scenic viewpoint, you’ll lose the capability to communicate with riding buddies every time you take your helmet off, and they don’t provide anywhere near the noise insulation of in-ear headphones. If none of those is a deal-breaker, though, this headset might be a good option, especially considering their relatively wallet-friendly price.
Pros
- Wallet-friendly price for a hands-free headset
- Can be installed directly into your helmet
- IPX7 water resistance allows the device to be completely submerged without damage
- Can be connected to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously
Cons
- Don’t provide much noise insulation
- Can’t use them when your helmet is off
6. Best Noise Isolation: Amazon Echo Buds
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Earbud Material: Rubber
- Connection Type: Bluetooth
- Battery Life: 5 hours
Review
There’s one thing these earbuds do better than anyone else: active noise cancelation. As the earbuds sense external noise, they produce alternative frequencies that cancel and block out these sounds. While these aren’t motorcycle-specific earbuds, this feature does have some specific benefits for motorcyclists, blocking out engine and road noise while letting sudden noises (honks and braking, for example) through.
Battery life, unfortunately, isn’t impressive at all. Five hours of charge might be good enough for shorter trips, but adventure tourers will probably want to ride more than that in a single day. There is a rapid-charging feature that will give a 2-hour battery life in just fifteen minutes of charge, fine for a quick little boost, although we’d prefer a better battery life in the first place.
The case offers 20 hours of recharge time, well below average as well. If you’re looking for another set of earbuds with longer battery life and quick-charging, check out the Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2 True Wireless Earbuds.
A single-year warranty offers limited protection if there is any problem with the earbuds, but with a durable case and solidly-constructed, we doubt you’ll have an issue. The size and fit are customizable, not only with different sized tips, but also with different shaped ‘earbud wings’ that can further ensure a good fit. Everything is IPX4 waterproof, so they’re not submersible but should be fine in light rain.
Pros
- Earbuds with noise-canceling block out engine noise
- Let sudden, important noises through
- Size and fit of the earbuds are customizable
Cons
- Battery life is probably a bit light for adventure tourers
- Not submersible with an IPX4 rating
7. Aukey True Wireless Earbuds
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Earbud Material: Rubber
- Connection Type: Bluetooth
- Battery Life: 5 hours
Review
These ultra-inexpensive earbuds are pretty impressive for the price, having nearly all of the features of other, more expensive wireless earbuds. Unfortunately, though, they do have a few details that are to be expected for a pair of earbuds that cost less than a tank of gas. A couple of the most impressive features? High audio quality, seamless Bluetooth syncing, a great microphone, and a slick, minimal look.
Battery life isn’t exceptional by any means at 5 hours per charge and with 35 hours of ‘backup charge’ in the case. No quick-charging, although for one of the most inexpensive pairs of earbuds on the market, it’s hard to complain too much. The charging box is a little tricky to get right, as the earbuds charge via two little pins that can bend. If this happens, charging is difficult or impossible, but a new pair is just a few bucks away.
Volume, call-answering, and music skipping/playback are controlled by touching the outside of the headphone, which isn’t really possible when riding a motorcycle. Make sure you’re set up with the playlist you want at the rest stop and pull over if you need to make any adjustments.
The earbud set does come with a few nice extras, such as three sets of differently-sized rubber earbud tips and a micro-USB cable for charging. While you’ll probably be fine in dribbling rain, especially with a helmet, be aware that these have no waterproofing rating or certification.
Pros
- Inexpensive headphones with some motorcycle-specific features
- Includes three sets of rubber earbud tips
- High audio quality
- Great microphone maintains quality even inside a helmet
Cons
- Charging pins can bend, making recharging difficult
- No waterproofing rating or certification
8. Holiper Bluetooth 5.0 Earbuds With Noise Canceling
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Earbud Material: Rubber
- Connection Type: Bluetooth
- Battery Life: 8 hours
Review
If you’re looking for high-fidelity sound and a low price tag, these earbuds from direct-to-consumer brand Holiper could be a good fit. Just pop open the magnetic clasp on the case to turn on the headphones, they’ll automatically connect to your Bluetooth device if you’ve paired them before.
The charging case uses the same charging design (charge the case to charge the headphones) as the similarly-priced Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2 True Wireless Earbuds, although there’s one difference: this brand only offers 35 hours of charge compared to the 100 hours seen with some competitor earbuds.
Compared with other earbuds, these have a small difference: although they’re wireless in the way that they don’t plug into your phone, they do use wires to connect together, linking to a lower junction box that controls the earphones.
The skip, volume, and play functions are all accessed by touching this junction box that hangs down below the helmet, almost like a necklace. Unlike with other wireless earbuds, which often adjust by touching the earbud itself, you won’t have to use your phone or pull over to change and skip songs or adjust the volume.
Pros
- Dangling buttons mean you can adjust the volume on the fly
- Automatic Bluetooth pairing after one connection
- Skip, volume, and play buttons all accessed on a junction box
Cons
- While they’re wireless, they are still connected via wires
9. UClear Digital Pulse Wired Drop-in Helmet Speakers
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Earbud Material: Plastic
- Connection Type: Wired
- Battery Life: N/A
Review
Another helmet-installable headset, these are not in-ear headphones that can be used off the motorcycle, unless you’re into wandering around with your helmet on. That does, fortunately, mean that the speakers come with a whole host of other features, starting out with an enormous, high fidelity, 40mm diameter driver with exceptional sound quality, perfect for hearing voices of riding buddies.
Unlike other earbuds on this list, they’re wired: which, while it isn’t the most ‘in vogue’ technology out right now, it’s phenomenally reliable and when paired with a waterproof receiver. Unfortunately, as a wired system, you’re kind of strapped into whatever you’re connected with.
With smaller intercom systems, you can clip them directly onto a helmet, but if you’re dealing with radio/walkie-talkie systems, you’ll probably need to slide it into a jacket pocket. Make sure you’re thinking about where you place the control device, or you’ll end up ripping out your aux cord every time you turn your head.
As a wired headset, however, this product has one awesome feature: unlimited battery life. Still, though, this is no miracle as power will just be sucked from whatever device you’re using. It’s a great intercom system with high voice fidelity, although it’s a little lackluster for entertainment use.
Pros
- The hands-free device combines an entertainment system with an intercom headset
- Wired setup is reliable and waterproof
- Receiver comes separately
Cons
- Doesn’t include actual intercom software or system
- The wire can get yanked out if you’re not careful
10. Sena SMH10 Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset / Intercom
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance
- Earbud Material: Plastic
- Connection Type: Bluetooth
- Battery Life: 12 hours
Review
This system from Sena isn’t just a set of earbuds, nor is it just a headset like the jzaq Bluetooth Hands-free Headset. It’s a fully equipped Bluetooth intercom system, capable of connecting with up to 4 other people in your riding group with the potential to be simultaneously connected to a cell phone or GPS for turn-by-turn directions or music. It’s all the functionality of a headset with all of the entertainment features of a set of earbuds.
Where this stands out specifically, though, is with its built-in intercom feature. No apps, phones, or pairing are necessary. Just turn it on and it will automatically connect to other Bluetooth-equipped intercoms in the area. It’s got a 900m range. If someone drops out, the ‘link’ isn’t broken as with other intercoms: other set-ups are sequential, meaning that every time someone drops out, you have to reconnect to your group.
Unfortunately, it suffers from the same drawbacks as all headset/intercom systems. Firstly, the system is installed directly in the helmet, meaning no usage of the bike unless you plan to wear your helmet. Secondly, it lacks noise-canceling features. Lastly, it adds over a half-pound to your helmet, an amount that’s not insignificant, especially for touring riders. It’s also pricey, but it’s a stand-alone system: no other devices needed.
Pros
- Phenomenal intercom system has a 900m range
- The functionality of a headset with the entertainment system of earbuds
- Dropouts don’t mean a complete intercom reset
Cons
- Adds up to a half-pound of weight to a helmet
- No noise-canceling or noise-reducing features
Guide to Buying the Best Motorcycle Earbuds
Motorcyclists love to have the latest (or at least most interesting) equipment on the market. Motorcycling specific earbuds? Well, those who love the latest tech will be fans of the latest and greatest. If you’re on a budget, though, there’s still plenty to watch out for. For some additional considerations, cool product tips, and safety advice, read on.
Earbud Use by Jurisdiction
While a quality motorcycle earbud can improve safety, keeping out loud noises while still letting traffic noises through, some jurisdictions have regulations in place to make sure motorcyclists are using their earbuds responsibly and staying aware of their surroundings.
Regulations can be town-specific or statewide, so it’s important to check your routing to stay compliant. Some motorcycle GPS systems use push notifications to update riders of the changing regulations on their route. Stay safe, stay legal.
Legality
Legality is a mixed bag with motorcycle earbuds due to the fact that they’re hard to classify. Although some foreign countries outright ban the devices, most countries, including the US, don’t really address the legality of usage.
Predominantly, that’s due to the fact that there are several types of audio systems motorcyclists use. Built-in helmet speakers, audio systems, and headphones are almost universally legal, while some jurisdictions outright prohibit on-road use of headphones and earbuds that don’t have a microphone.
Typically, these jurisdictions have provisions for ‘communication systems,’ which is virtually any system with a microphone. Does that mean that any pair of earbuds with a microphone is fair game? Typically, in most American jurisdictions, the answer is yes. Be more careful if you don’t have earbuds with an included microphone. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to understand the laws where you’re riding.
Safety and Earbud Use
While it’s usually relatively safe to use earbuds in low-traffic areas and at low volumes, there are some situations where it’s notedly dangerous to use earbuds. Traffic can be problematic for motorcyclists in the best of circumstances, and a pair of jam-blasting headphones that will filter out road noise is a very, very bad idea. Ideally, headphones should only be used as a communication system, for turn-by-turn directions, or for offroad riding, although it’s pretty unrealistic to expect that from all riders. Our advice is just to be smart. On quiet roads, you’re okay to use headphones. Heavy traffic in a major metro area? Turn the headphones off, reject the call, and focus on your surroundings.
Staying Awake While Riding
While motorcyclists typically have an easier time staying awake than other motorists, there are plenty of people that have a difficult time staying awake on longer rides, some to dangerous effect. While headphones are sometimes seen as dangerous, in many cases listening to the right music can help prevent dozing off while riding.
Youtube channel FortNine does an amazing job at covering the best tips and tricks for staying awake on long hauls, with their main recommendation being to listen to music, or at least filter out road noise with a pair of earplugs. Watch below, but the short version? Music is better than audiobooks, and instrumental tracks are better than those with lyrics.
Tips for Safety
By employing just a touch of common sense and some clever tips, you can maximize the safety impact of your earbuds. While some of these tricks might be a recap for experienced riders, they’re still worth thinking about.
- Riding With One Earbud: Especially in high-traffic situations, it is a good idea for riders to remove one earbud so that they can hear turn-by-turn directions while still having access to road and traffic noise. A pair of earbuds like the Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2 True Wireless Earbuds makes this easier, as they can recognize when you’ve removed a headphone to convert to ‘mono’ mode.
- Adjusting Based on Riding Conditions: Offroad riding on quiet, well-packed gravel trails? You’re probably okay to listen to whatever type of music or audiobooks you feel like. On the highway? Maybe keep the music instrumental in order to maintain focus. If you’re in heavy traffic, your headphones should stay dedicated to vital comms and turn-by-turn directions.
- When In Doubt, Pull Over: One of the biggest causes of motorcycle accidents is distracted riding. Don’t adjust volume, skip songs, or try to mess with your GPS while riding. Pull over or wait until the next stop.
Earbuds for Hearing Protection
Most motorcyclists understand the remarkable value of personal protective equipment, and while earbuds aren’t quite as important as leathers, boots, or a DOT-approved helmet, they can do wonders to protect your hearing. In fact, there’s some very compelling research that motorcyclists are quite vulnerable to hearing loss, especially at higher speeds due to wind noise.
A Note on Bluetooth
Bluetooth isn’t just an app or phone feature, it’s a wireless standard that’s updated frequently by the company that owns the technology. The most recent standard is called Bluetooth 5.0, and almost all new phones will come with that tech. The Bluetooth-equipped earbuds on this list are all equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 (or smaller updates Bluetooth 5.1 and 5.2). Be aware that, if you want to connect multiple devices, use the most up-to-date Bluetooth profile as possible, anything below Bluetooth 3 might cause you problems.
Other Motorcycle Equipment
Motorcycles enjoy a wealth of products available now that make riding more fun, interesting, and comfortable. Consider some of the clever products below to take your riding up a level.
- Motorcycle Headsets: Although you might not need a motorcycle headset if you’ve already got a pair of earbuds with a microphone, one can be helpful if you’re headed out with a riding group. For solo riders, a pair of wireless earbuds is fine, but if you’re headed out with your buddies, it might be worth it to invest in an inexpensive motorcycle headset.
- Motorcycle GPS Navigation Systems: You might already have a GPS if you’re looking to get turn-by-turn navigation routed into your helmet, but if not, it’s a great way to set up routes and trips.
- Motorcycle Locks: Tourers know that an opportunistic thief is one of the easiest ways a long trip can get ruined. While some lock options are off-limits when you’re traveling, make sure you’ve got at least some protection.
Frequently Asked Questions on Motorcycle Earbuds
In a wide product category with lots of technical details, it’s common to have questions related to products. We answer some of the most common ones below.
Can You Wear Headphones on a Motorcycle?
Wearing headphones on a motorcycle is legal in many circumstances. It also has some safety advantages. When synced to a GPS unit or phone, headphones allow you to hear turn-by-turn directions while noise-canceling options help protect hearing.
Will AirPods Fall Out When Riding a Motorcycle?
AirPods are a cultural phenomenon, seen in all kinds of applications and representing a remarkable 35% of the wireless headphone market: so they’ve got to be doing something right.
With a completely plastic construction, we don’t recommend the original AirPods for motorcycling, but the AirPod Pro Headphones are a workable option with silicone tips, although they’re more expensive than alternatives and don’t have much in the way of noise cancelation. If they fit your ear properly, they won’t fall out.
What Are the Best Earbuds for Sound Quality?
Sound quality improves every year with smaller, more inexpensive, smarter earbud technology. Our favorites for sound quality are these earbuds from UClear. While they’re not inexpensive, they beat out even over-ear headphones options in terms of audio fidelity.
Wrapping Up
While it’s important to stay smart when using a pair of earbuds while motorcycling, there are plenty of great reasons to pick up a pair. Whether you’re looking to listen to some tunes, stay in contact with your riding buddies, hear turn-by-turn directions, or protect your hearing, a set of earbuds can help you out. As always, remember to stay smart, stay safe, keep your head up, and enjoy the ride.
