Ten bikes lined up on a back road, no one willing to pull over to pass a phone around to pair the headsets. That's exactly what the BETOWEY S5 was made for. The S5 is a ten-riders-per-group Bluetooth intercom, sold in 2-pack configuration, running dual chips and supports all three, music, GPS, and calls, simultaneously. At nearly half the cost of what the big boys sell their individual products for, and being able to deliver a two-headset package (you and your passenger) on day one, it's a very good option.
As of today, the BETOWEY S5 has earned a 3.6-star average rating on 45 Amazon reviews. As I mentioned earlier that is a relatively low score. It is important to carefully examine the comments before committing. The BETOWEY S5 offers an impressive array of specifications as follows:
Specs and Build Quality
Bluetooth 5.3 is used within the S5. It's considered the latest generation of wireless standards designed to provide fast, reliable connections and conserve power. There are two chips within the S5. One controls communication among riders using the intercom feature and the second controls connection to your smartphone, music, and GPS. The ability to manage both functions independently is what allows audio multitasking. Budget headsets typically employ a single chip forcing users to choose either intercom function or music function. The S5 does not require this choice.
40mm speakers are contained within the S5. They are comparable to those of pricier models and fit within standard helmet ear pocket mounts supplied with velcro pads. Build quality is commensurate with its competitive pricing. A clamshell type clamp attaches to the helmet shell. Buttons are arranged such that they remain operable even when wearing heavy winter gloves. Dual-chip operation is powered by a 1000mAh battery. This is a significant capacity for a headset within this segment.
A boom-type microphone and button microphone come with the S5. Although this may seem insignificant, there is a reason why these types were included. The boom-style microphone is compatible with both modular and open-face helmets. The button-microphone is preferred for tight-fitting full-face helmets. Select the one that fits your specific helmet model. The 2-pack configuration represents a large portion of the S5's overall value since two riders receive coverage for approximately what several manufacturers charge for a single headset. See how the S5 lands in the intercom comparison table against other 10-rider options.
Audio and Microphone Performance
Budget intercoms generally suffer from subpar audio quality. Fortunately, the BETOWEY S5 performs adequately. Volume output generated by the 40mm speakers is sufficient and includes adequate bass response for listening to music. Speech clarity during conversations via group call function is satisfactory for voice recognition purposes. When someone speaks in your group, your music "dips" rather than ceases completely.
Wind reduction is achieved through Digital Signal Processing (DSP), combined with CVC signal processing, which provides a 98% wind-reduction factor according to BETOWEY. The wind-reducing boom-microphone is the key component here. Within a full-face helmet equipped with a chin curtain in place, transmittable speech remains understandable at highway speeds. That is the practical take. While wind noise still bleeds-in somewhat at sustained-high-speed conditions, this applies to virtually every headset available at similar prices. Reviewers indicate that the button-microphone produces significantly inferior results in open-face helmets compared to the boom-microphone. If you ride an open-face helmet (either half-shell or modular with the face open), utilize the boom-microphone for optimal results.
Realistically speaking, audio-multitasking is arguably the greatest advantage provided by the S5 versus lesser-quality single-chip budget units. By enabling simultaneous operation of intercom function, music playback, and GPS prompt functionality without losing any of them, it significantly improves quality-of-life for commuter and touring riders employing GPS navigation regularly. The dual-chip design and Bluetooth 5.3 technology are what enable a stable, low-latency multi-function environment. The Bluetooth 5.3 standard is what makes that mix possible in the first place.
Intercom Range and Battery Life
Intercom range is perhaps where unrealistic expectations exist. BETOWEY claims 500 meters for two riders communicating directly and 3000 meters for a ten-rider group. In wide-open terrain with unobstructed line-of-sight between devices, two S5 units can communicate for distances approaching those listed above for two riders. However, within congested urban environments with numerous obstructions (i.e., buildings, traffic), expect actual ranges to drop dramatically quickly. In general, anticipate 200 to 300 meters in urban environments. In rural and undeveloped regions where visibility exists along highways and open roads, you can approach the claimed values.
Battery life is reasonable. The 1000mAh battery yields 16 hours of continuous-talk-time usage and 150 hours of standby usage. For weekend-long tours or daily-commuting duties exceeding eight hours, sixteen hours of continuous intercom usage would likely prove ample. Since standby duration exceeds seven days, you could reasonably leave your headset installed in your helmet for an extended period of time (upwards of a week) between rides without depleting the battery sufficiently to render it unusable upon next-use. This represents an acceptable buffer zone for riders who do not ride every day. The battery charges via USB-C, which is convenient since most smartphones already have the same connector.
Although ten-rider capabilities are touted prominently as a major feature of the S5, it's essential to acknowledge that the majority of customers will purchase either as a pair or in small groups. The S5 scales upwards appropriately when larger groups form, and will additionally allow pairing with headsets manufactured by other companies utilizing universal Bluetooth connectivity for simple two-rider communications. Group-communications will perform optimally when all members possess an S5 headset. You can check the latest pricing on Amazon to see if the 2-pack value holds up for your group size.
Who Is This Intercom For?
If you wish to enjoy group communications without spending Cardo or Sena-level funds, if you frequently ride with a companion and occasionally ride in larger groups, if you're interested in audio multitasking, then the 2-pack should provide immediate coverage for you and your passenger while providing ten-rider capabilities for group outings. Commuters who consistently employ GPS and multimedia on every commute will appreciate this capability greatly.
This is not necessarily suited to those requiring premium construction and flawless wind-noise elimination at speed, as evidenced by the 3.6-star rating based on forty-five user reviews. Users have identified some inconsistencies. Even though BETOWEY states their anti-wind-boom-microphone suppresses wind noise nearly totally, reviewers suggest some degree of wind bleed exists in addition to the consistent issues experienced across multiple units.
If you fall into the camp that requires reference-grade audio quality and rock-solid firmware, if you prefer purchasing a single unit from an established manufacturer at higher costs, then presumably BETOWEY S5 would be a safe bet. See how the S5 compares to other headsets in the intercom reviews section.
In terms of value-for-money, particularly when considering a two-rider configuration, the S5 provides an incredible amount of functional capabilities at an affordable price-point. Ten-rider connectivity, dual-chip operation, audio multitasking capabilities, and sixteen-hours of continuous-talk-time functionality at essentially half-the-cost of an elite-brand single-unit are all compelling reasons to consider the BETOWEY S5 as a viable alternative in today's budget-intercom marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many riders can connect at once?
Up to 10 riders in a group intercom mode. Two-rider calls work over universal Bluetooth as well.
What is the real-world intercom range?
BETOWEY claims 500 meters for two riders and 3000 meters for a group. In practice, expect 200 to 300 meters in urban areas and closer to the claimed figure on open roads.
Does it support music and intercom at the same time?
Yes. The dual-chip design enables audio multitasking, so music, GPS, and intercom can run together without dropping any of them.
How long does the battery last?
16 hours of talk time and 150 hours of standby from the 1000mAh battery. Charging is via USB-C.
Will it pair with other intercom brands?
Yes, for a basic two-rider call over universal Bluetooth. Full group features work best between S5 units.
What comes in the box?
Two headset units, two mounting kits, a boom mic and a button mic, speaker pads, and USB-C charging cables. The product listing on Amazon has the full spec sheet if you want to confirm the numbers before ordering.