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The best ATV helmet communication system for most riders is the Cardo Packtalk Outdoor, a mesh headset that Cardo adapted specifically for non-motorcycle use like ATVs, UTVs, skiing and mountain biking. For bigger groups that also ride motorcycles, the Packtalk Edge is the mainstream mesh pick, and the Sena 10S is the budget Bluetooth option. If you drive a UTV with passengers, a wired system like the Rugged Radios 696 Plus kit is better, and GMRS handheld radios like the Rugged GMR5 reach other vehicles on the trail.
Quick picks
-
Best overall for ATV riders
- Type
- Helmet mesh headset
- Key feature
- Built for ATV, UTV, ski and MTB use; 40mm JBL speakers; voice control
- Listed price
- $269.95
-
Best for mixed groups
- Type
- Helmet mesh headset
- Key feature
- Built for ATV, UTV, ski and MTB use; 40mm JBL speakers; voice control
- Listed price
- $269.95
-
Best budget headset
- Type
- Bluetooth headset
- Key feature
- 4-way intercom up to 1 mile; universal intercom
- Listed price
- $215.20
-
Best for UTVs
- Type
- Wired in-vehicle intercom + 2-way radio
- Key feature
- Talk to passengers; push-to-talk to other vehicles
- Listed price
- Check listing
- Best vehicle-to-vehicle range: Rugged Radios GMR5
ATV communication systems compared
| System | Type | Key feature | Listed price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardo Packtalk Outdoor | Helmet mesh headset | Built for ATV, UTV, ski and MTB use; 40mm JBL speakers; voice control | $269.95 |
| Cardo Packtalk Edge | Helmet mesh headset | Up to 31 riders, about 1.6 km range, IP67 | Check listing |
| Sena 10S | Bluetooth headset | 4-way intercom up to 1 mile; universal intercom | $215.20 |
| Rugged Radios 696 Plus kit | Wired in-vehicle intercom + 2-way radio | Talk to passengers; push-to-talk to other vehicles | Check listing |
| Rugged Radios GMR5 | Handheld GMRS radios (pair) | 5W, 22 GMRS channels, weather alerts, flashlight | $270.00 |
Prices are RevZilla’s listed prices at the time of writing.
Which type of system do you need?
Helmet headsets clip onto each rider’s helmet and connect by Bluetooth or mesh. They’re the best choice for ATV riders, who are each on their own machine. Mesh systems are best for groups, because riders can drop in and out of range without breaking everyone else’s connection. Wired in-vehicle intercoms are made for side-by-sides, where the driver and passengers sit together and plug headsets or helmet kits into a central box. Two-way radios give you vehicle-to-vehicle range across a whole group or convoy.
The best ATV helmet communication systems
1. Cardo Packtalk Outdoor: best overall for ATV riders
The Packtalk Outdoor is a version of Cardo’s Packtalk built for non-motorcycle use, with different mounting and usability improvements for skiing, mountain biking, ATV and UTV/side-by-side riding. It uses 40mm high-definition JBL speakers, Cardo’s Natural Voice Operation (“Hey Cardo”) so you don’t need to press buttons with gloves on, and Cardo’s second-generation Dynamic Mesh Communication for fast, easy grouping.
Who it’s for: ATV riders who want a mesh headset designed for off-road use.
2. Cardo Packtalk Edge: best for mixed groups
If your group includes motorcycle riders, the Packtalk Edge is Cardo’s mainstream mesh headset. It supports up to 31 riders with about 1.6 km between riders, up to 13 hours of talk time, IP67 dust and water protection, JBL audio and a magnetic Air mount. See our Cardo Packtalk guide for the full lineup.
Who it’s for: riders who also ride motorcycles and want one headset for both.
3. Sena 10S: best budget headset
The Sena 10S is a proven Bluetooth headset with intercom for up to four riders at up to 1.6 km (1 mile), Sena’s Advanced Noise Control, Bluetooth 4.1 and universal intercom for connecting to non-Sena units. It doesn’t have mesh, so it’s best for small groups. Compare older Sena models in our Sena 10S vs 30K guide.
Who it’s for: pairs or small groups on a budget.
4. Rugged Radios 696 Plus kit: best for UTVs
The 696 Plus Complete Master Communication Kit pairs Rugged’s 696 Plus intercom with a two-way radio, without vehicle-specific mounts, so it suits custom builds. You can talk to passengers through headsets or helmet kits, use push-to-talk to reach other vehicles, and connect your phone over Bluetooth for calls, music and GPS, with music dimming during conversations. Rugged also sells vehicle-specific kits, such as for the Can-Am Maverick X3.
Who it’s for: side-by-side drivers who want clear in-car talk plus radio contact with other rigs.
5. Rugged Radios GMR5: best vehicle-to-vehicle range
The GMR5 dual pack gives you two handheld radios with five watts of transmit power for stronger signal and range, a 2000mAh USB-C rechargeable battery, weather alerts and a built-in flashlight. They work on 22 GMRS channels, compatible with GMRS and FRS walkie-talkies, and support GMRS repeaters. In the US, transmitting on GMRS requires a license from the FCC; no exam is needed, and one license covers your immediate family.
Who it’s for: groups that spread out across big trail systems or need weather alerts.
How to choose
- Riding style: separate ATVs need helmet headsets; a UTV with passengers suits a wired intercom.
- Group size: for more than four riders, choose mesh.
- Dust and water: check the ingress rating; off-road riding is hard on electronics.
- Helmet fit: MX and off-road helmets have less room for speakers. Slim speakers help; see our helmet speaker guide.
- Range: hills and trees cut range sharply. Add GMRS radios if your group spreads out.
Need a helmet too? See our best Bluetooth motorcycle helmets and, for winter riding, the best snowmobile helmets. Comparing brands? Read Cardo vs Sena and our best motorcycle Bluetooth headsets.
Safety tips
- Keep the volume low enough to hear your engine and surroundings.
- Agree on simple callouts for hazards, stops and turns before you ride.
- Check local rules on helmet audio; some places restrict headphones while driving on public roads.
- Charge everything the night before and carry a power bank on long days.
FAQ
Can I use a motorcycle intercom on an ATV?
Yes. Helmet headsets like the Cardo Packtalk and Sena 10S work on ATVs. The Packtalk Outdoor is designed specifically for off-road and non-motorcycle use.
What’s best for a side-by-side?
A wired in-vehicle intercom with headsets or helmet kits, like Rugged Radios’ systems, gives the clearest passenger communication.
Do I need a license for GMRS radios?
In the US, yes, the FCC requires a GMRS license, but there’s no exam. FRS radios don’t need a license but have lower power.
Verdict
For ATV riders, the Cardo Packtalk Outdoor is the best helmet communication system thanks to its off-road-focused design and mesh grouping. Choose the Packtalk Edge for mixed motorcycle groups, the Sena 10S on a budget, the Rugged Radios 696 Plus kit for UTVs, and GMRS handhelds for long-range trail contact.
Browse all our intercom and Bluetooth guides.
