When it comes to motorcycle communication devices, Cardo is a name that appears repeatedly. Over the years, Cardo has produced a number of motorcycle products that became bestsellers. Recently, Cardo has launched another masterpiece, the Freecom 4+.
Basically, Cardo’s Freecom 4+ is a four way Bluetooth headset for motorbikes. Having tons of advanced features, the Freecom 4+ offers all the benefits that an experienced rider needs. Among many other things, these features include a pair of JBL speakers, a Natural Voice Operation, and a four way intercom. Our Cardo Freecom 4+ review will tell you how it keeps you in close contact with your family, friends, and fellow riders.
If you are not much of a reader, we can give you a mini Cardo Freecom 4+ review. Being a compact device with a large number of useful features, there is no doubt to the fact that the Cardo Freecom 4+ is a great wireless communication device for bikers. From navigation and calling to music streaming and hands free control, the Cardo Freecom 4+ gives you pretty much everything necessary for a biking adventure.
Is This Cardo Creation Perfect?
No, technology never is. Is it one of the best motorcycle Bluetooth headsets out there right now? Of course. Is it worth spending the money? Absolutely! Read further if you want a detailed Cardo Freecom 4+ review that explores each and every aspect of the device.
Design Features
As mentioned above, the Cardo Freecom 4+ is packed with impressive features. Cardi, however, has made sure that this device stays easy to use. The Bluetooth motorcycle headset comes with high-end speakers that enhance your experience by a huge margin.
Starting with the design, the Cardo Freecom 4+ headset has a sleeker and more durable design as compared to the previous motorcycle headsets made by Cardo. This makes the Freecom 4+ Cardo’s best headset so far as far as the design is concerned. The headset has an aerodynamic shell that consists of a thin roller wheel. Also, the Freecom 4+ has a much better ergonomic fitting. Overall, this gives the headset an incredibly sharp look and makes it extremely comfortable for the user.
With the Natural Voice Operation, you will never have to use your hands to operate the Freecom 4+ or even pull over to switch stations or answer a call. The Cardo Freecom 4+ accepts voice commands, and it does this really well. All you have to do is say, “Hey Cardo,” which will alert the system for a command.
Then, there is a range of commands that you can use to have the device perform different functions. These voice commands include “volume up/down” (to increase or decrease volume), “redial number” (to redial the last number on your call history), “call intercom” (in order to open the call intercom). By saying “battery status,” you can even check how much battery your Freecom 4+ has left.
If you want more functionality, the Cardo Freecom 4+ is also compatible with major voice assistants. The Cardo motorcycle Bluetooth headset is compatible with Siri and Google both. You just need to say “Hey Siri ” or “OK Google” in order to access the respective assistant. We found the Natural Voice Operation very useful for a safe riding experience. Cardo has made sure that it is robust and efficient. However, if you shout while giving your voice commands, the device won’t be able to accept. Also, speaking very quietly would do the same. So you need to speak at a normal volume while commands.
One thing is for sure: the Cardo Freecom 4+ will be your friend for a long, long time. Tested and verified, the Cardo headset is dust proof as claimed by the brand. Not only that, but the Freecom 4+ also passed our water resistance test. The model is completely waterproof. Therefore, it does not matter if it’s raining or too windy, the Freecom 4+ won’t disappoint you.
Group Communication
The group communication feature in the Freecom 4+ is strong and reliable both. It allows you to communicate with up to four other riding buddies. This feature uses the new Bluetooth 4.1 technology to keep you connected with your companions. For this reason, your mates don’t necessarily have to have a Cardo device. The Freecom 4+ is versatile, and it works well with devices that aren’t made by Cardo.
This four way intercom communication is important and helpful to keep the group connected. This feature is important when you and your buddies are going through a challenging and/or an unfamiliar route. After testing it for this Cardo Freecom 4+ review , we can confirm that the communication system works great at a range of up to 1.2 kilometers. The sound is clear and there is no background noise. If a rider goes out of range, he can reconnect automatically instantly after coming back into the range.
Music Sharing Technology
Apart from that, you can share your music with up to three other riders. For this, you have to connect your headset to any A2DP device, for example, a smartphone or an MP3 player, and your mates will be able to hear what you are listening to.
Cardo has collaborated with JBL for the speakers of the Freecom 4+. If you don’t know, JBL is one of the biggest names in the speaker game. And fortunately, the partnership between JBL and Cardo has given an amazing result so far because JBL has specifically designed these speakers to function inside a helmet while you are riding.
Is Cardo Freecom 4+ Headset The Best Speaker For Music?
With the JBL speakers, your riding experience will only get better. When tested with older Cardo devices, these speakers proved to enhance voice clarity as well as improve the music experience. With the JBL speakers, you will listen to your favorite songs the way they’re supposed to be listened to. All in all, there is no doubt that the JBL speakers of the Cardo Freecom 4+ are much superior to the speakers of the past models of Cardo.
Bluetooth Connectivity
You can connect the Cardo Freecom 4+ headset to your smart phone as well. Once connected, you will be able to use GPS navigation and to make or receive phone calls. With the Freecom 4+, you won’t have to use your hands to receive a call or pull over to check the directions. The smooth integration of the motorcycle communication device allows you to stream the directions from your phone directly to headset. Not only that, but you can share them with your riding companions.
The Freecom 4+ is compatible with both Android and iOS, the two most commonly used smart phone operating systems. However, like many other similar devices, pairing your phone with the Freecom 4+ requires you to download an app, the Cardo app. After that, the pairing process is pretty simple and straightforward. For a smoother experience, the app gives you instructions for pairing based on your operating system.
Battery Performance
If a device with so many fantastic features has a poor battery life, it is of no use. However, that is not the case with the Cardo Freecom 4+. The motorcycle Bluetooth communication device has a massive battery life of 13 hours, which is superb for a device that is packed with useful features. It looks like Cardo understands how much we bikers hate making stops. Therefore, Cardo has made sure that the Freecom 4+ has a short charging time as well. The headset takes only 4 hours to fully charge. Four hours might seem a lot to you, but if you take the numerous features of the device into consideration, this time would feel reasonable to you. In addition to that, Cardo gives you a chance to prolong the battery life of the device as well. If kept in standby mode, the Freecom 4+ has a battery life of one week.
Compatibility
Another issue that many users of motorcycle communication devices face is related to compatibility. The Cardo Freecom 4+ has a universal fit. This means that the headset will fit nicely no matter what kind of full face helmet you have. That being said, it does not show great compatibility with half face helmets. If you have one of those, you should consider buying the half helmet kit.
Conclusion
This is just the tip of the iceberg; the Cardo Freecom 4+ has a number of other features. For example, it has a self-adjusting volume feature. In addition to that, it has a built-in FM radio that can give you all the updates about traffic, weather, and more. Apart from that, the headset features a glove-friendly control system if you ever have to use its dial.
All things considered, we believe that purchasing the Cardo Freecom 4+ is a worthwhile, one-time investment. It is definitely better than its predecessors. With the multitude of features it has, the Freecom 4+ solves many problems of bike riders. There are a few minor issues that, we believe, anyone can live with. That being said, Cardo Freecom 4+ is one of the best if not the best 4-way communication system.
