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The Sena 5S is Sena’s compact, affordable Bluetooth intercom for two riders, aimed squarely at riders who just want to talk to a passenger or one riding buddy, stream music and hear GPS directions. It first launched in 2020 and is still on sale in 2026, now in an updated version, and discounted to about $118 at Sena’s US store. This review explains what the 5S does, how the current version differs from the original, what owners report, and how it compares with the Sena 5R and other options. It’s based on Sena’s specifications, published reviews and owner feedback, not our own testing.
Short verdict: the current Sena 5S is a good-value two-way Bluetooth intercom with a much-improved battery and an LCD screen. If you only ride with one other person, it does the job well. If you want longer talk time on a slimmer unit, consider the Sena 5R, and if you ride in groups, look at mesh instead.
Sena 5S at a glance
| Original 5S (2020) | Current 5S (2022 ver. 2) | |
|---|---|---|
| Intercom | 2-way Bluetooth, up to 700 m | 2-way Bluetooth, up to 700 m |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 |
| Talk time | 7 hours | 18 hours |
| Charging | 1.5 hours | 1.5 hours |
| Speakers | HD speakers | Redesigned 40 mm HD speakers |
| Display | LCD | LCD |
| FM radio | Yes | Removed on later units |
| Sena voice command | Yes | Removed on later units (phone assistant still works) |
| Weight | 48 g | 48 g |
| Price | $159 single / $299 dual at launch | About $118 on sale (was $169) |
Specs are from Sena’s product pages and launch materials. Check which version you’re buying, because the feature list changed.
Is the Sena 5S still available?
Yes. The 5S is still in Sena’s lineup and on sale at Sena’s US store for about $118 (down from $169). Some European listings show single and dual packs sold out, and some EU retailers sell a “5S without FM radio” model, which reflects the updated version.
Design and installation
The 5S is small and light at 48 grams, with buttons and a small LCD screen that shows battery and mode information. It mounts with a clamp or adhesive mount, and the kit includes speakers plus boom and wired microphones so it works with full-face, modular and open-face helmets. Installation follows the usual process: fit the speakers in the helmet’s speaker pockets over your ears, route the wires under the liner, and fit the microphone. See how to install an intercom in your helmet.
Some reviewers missed the status LED of older Sena units, since the LCD replaces it, and the buttons are small compared with a jog dial when you’re wearing thick gloves.
Intercom and range
The 5S connects two riders over Bluetooth intercom at up to 700 meters. That’s plenty for a rider and passenger, who are never more than a meter apart, and adequate for two bikes riding together, though real-world range is shorter than the claim with hills, buildings and traffic. It can connect to other Sena Bluetooth units, such as the 50S, over Bluetooth intercom. In one UK review it didn’t pair with Cardo or Interphone units, so don’t count on cross-brand connections.
Audio quality
The current 5S comes with redesigned 40 mm HD speakers, an upgrade over the original. Reviewers rated sound as good for the price, though like all budget units it lacks bass at highway speeds. There’s no automatic volume adjustment based on speed, so you’ll adjust volume manually. For better sound, see our best helmet speakers.
Battery life
This is where the current version improves most. The original 5S was rated at only 7 hours of talk time, which was its most common complaint. The updated 5S is rated for up to 18 hours, enough for long riding days, with a 1.5-hour charge time.
FM radio and voice command
The original 5S had FM radio and Sena voice command. Sena removed both from later units. You can still use your phone’s voice assistant through the 5S to make calls, play music and get directions. If FM radio matters to you, check the listing carefully or consider another model.
Setting up the Sena 5S
- Charge it fully before first use.
- Update the firmware using the Sena Motorcycles app or Sena’s Device Manager on a computer. Updates fix bugs and sometimes improve connectivity.
- Pair your phone through the phone’s Bluetooth menu.
- Pair your intercom partner by putting both units into intercom pairing mode, following the quick-start guide.
- Set the volume for intercom and music separately before you ride, since there’s no automatic speed-based volume.
If you add a GPS, pair it as a second device. Most riders run navigation from their phone, which the 5S handles through the phone connection.
Using the 5S with a passenger
The 5S is at its best as a rider-to-passenger system. Because the two of you are always close together, range is never an issue, and the long battery on current units covers a full day of touring. A few tips:
- Give your passenger a quick lesson on the volume buttons before you set off.
- Use the wired microphone in full-face helmets for clearer speech; a boom mic in the wind can pick up more noise.
- Position the speakers directly over your ears for the best volume at speed.
- Agree on simple phrases such as “stop”, “slower” and “bathroom” so you don’t need to repeat yourself in traffic.
Need a helmet for your passenger? See our best motorcycle passenger helmets.
Sena 5S vs Sena 50S
The 50S costs about three times as much, but it’s a different class of product: mesh intercom for large groups, Bluetooth intercom for mixed groups, Harman Kardon speakers and a jog dial. If you only ride two-up, the 5S is the smarter spend. If you join group rides, the 50S (or the newer 60S EVO) is worth it. See our Sena 50S review.
What owners and reviewers say
- Liked: low price, compact size, easy setup, clear intercom for two riders, LCD screen, long battery on current units
- Disliked: short battery life on the original version, unrefined voice control on early units, no automatic volume, no IP rating, limited cross-brand pairing
Pros and cons
- Pros: affordable, small and light, up to 18 h talk time on current units, LCD display, HD speakers
- Cons: two riders only, no FM radio or Sena voice command on current units, no waterproof rating, small buttons
Sena 5S vs Sena 5R
The 5R, launched in 2022, is the 5S’s sibling. It’s also a two-way Bluetooth intercom with HD speakers, rated for 16 hours of talk time, with a different, low-profile design, at about $139. The 5R Lite (about $109) is even slimmer with about 8 hours of talk time. Choose the 5S if you like the LCD display and want the longest battery life; choose the 5R if you prefer its design.
Other alternatives
- Sena SF series: the SF1 (one-way, for rider-to-phone use), SF2 (two-way) and SF4 (four-way) are often discounted, with the SF4 recently around $137.
- Sena Vortex (from $189): a step up for riders who want more features.
- Sena 10S (about $188): a Bluetooth intercom for up to four riders.
- Cardo Spirit HD (about $180): Cardo’s entry-level two-rider unit.
- Budget brands: LEXIN and FreedConn are cheaper still. See our best budget Bluetooth headsets.
For group riding, the 5S won’t cut it; look at mesh units in our best motorcycle intercoms guide. Specs for every model are on the Sena website.
Who should buy the Sena 5S?
- Riders who mainly carry a passenger and want a reliable, inexpensive Sena
- Pairs of riders who always ride together
- Solo riders who want music, calls and GPS prompts with the option of intercom later
Skip it if you ride in groups of three or more, need FM radio, or ride in heavy rain often.
FAQ
How many riders can the Sena 5S connect?
Two. It’s a two-way Bluetooth intercom.
What is the range of the Sena 5S?
Up to 700 meters, according to Sena. Real-world range is usually shorter.
Does the Sena 5S have FM radio?
The original did, but Sena removed FM radio from later units. Check the listing for the version you’re buying.
How long does the Sena 5S battery last?
Current units are rated for up to 18 hours of talk time. The original 2020 version was rated for 7 hours.
Does the Sena 5S work with the Sena 50S?
Yes, over two-way Bluetooth intercom.
Is the Sena 5S waterproof?
Sena doesn’t list an IP rating for the 5S.
Sena 5S or 5R?
The 5S has an LCD and a longer rated battery; the 5R has a lower-profile design. Both are two-way Bluetooth units at similar prices.
Verdict
The Sena 5S has become a better buy over time: the current version fixes the original’s short battery life and is cheaper than ever. It’s a simple, reliable choice for a rider and passenger. Just be aware that later units dropped FM radio and Sena voice command, and look at mesh if you ride in groups. More details are on the Sena website.
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