FreedConn has produced solid Bluetooth intercoms for many years now. The FreedConn FX carries on that legacy. The FreedConn FX allows for up to 10 riders. It allows for music to be shared. It is extremely lightweight (due to a very slim build) and is rated as an IP67 device. As such, riders looking for a reliable group comms solution at a reasonable price, the fx is something to consider. In our intercom comparison chart for groups wanting simple battery longevity and functionality, the fx scores well.
Check the current price on Amazon.
Specs and Build Quality
Bluetooth 5.0 powers the fx. While older technology than what exists today (the latest Bluetooth 5.3), it works fine for group intercom and music streaming. FreedConn rates it for up to 10 riders. However, in terms of reliability, most users find that 6 is the maximum number of riders for stable connections. Open terrain is where the range is reportedly 1500 meters. However, this is average for Bluetooth intercom devices in this category.
However, what sets the fx apart is battery performance. An 1100 mah battery provides 25 hours of intercom talk time, 15 hours of music listening, and an impressive 300 hours of standby. That is sufficient for several days of touring before requiring a recharge. When you do require a recharge, USB-C charging charges the unit from 0% to 100% in approximately 2.5 hours. USB-C is an added benefit to a product in this price class.
Slim is how i would describe the design. Slimness matters when attaching an intercom to a helmet. Thick designs can cause discomfort due to weight/pressure or simply look clunky. The fx attaches flush against the shell. Additionally, the fx has an IP67 rating, fully sealed against dust and water, rather than simply splash resistant. Rain, mud or even a pressure washer cannot damage this unit.
A wonderful feature of the fx is that the microphones are interchangeable. Both a boom microphone and a button-style wired microphone come packaged with the fx. The boom microphone is suitable for modular and open face helmets. The button microphone is thin and mounts inside the chinbar of a full-face helmet without obstructing the pad. At this price point, most competing intercom products offer either/or choices. Not both.
Audio and Microphone Performance
Both speakers produce good quality Audio for both music and intercom communications. Neither speaker produces excessive volume levels under normal cruising speed operation. Noise cancellation is effective at reducing wind and engine noise on transmissions. Recipients of your communications report clean voice quality especially when utilizing the boom microphone along with its foam windscreen.
The music sharing function is quite useful. You may broadcast your music to any additional rider within your group. Bluetooth connectivity facilitates this process and activation is simple. Multitasking capabilities allow you to hear your intercom communications while listening to music in the background. Your system will automatically reduce music volume when an individual communicates.
An additional feature is a built-in fm radio receiver. There are times when riders do not wish to utilize streaming services to provide music during extended periods of time traveling. Having a built-in radio receiver gives these types of riders an alternative method of entertainment during long rides. Reception is generally acceptable across most geographic areas although poor reception may occur in mountainous regions.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
As of this writing, the fx holds a 4.3 out of 5-star rating based upon 76 reviews. Users primarily praise the unit’s battery performance. Many reviewers reported riding for 2 or 3 consecutive days prior to recharging the unit. Water resistance ratings were also frequently complimented by reviewers who rode through rainstorms.
Reviewers praised the ability to interchangeably mount microphones between modular and full-face helmets. Users also praised the slenderness of the unit as opposed to thicker intercom models.
Some reviewers criticized the manufacturer’s claim of supporting 10 riders. Reviewers stated that support for 4 to 6 riders provided the most reliable results. Some reviewers commented that while speakers produced satisfactory volumes during lower speeds, they needed more volume power at higher speeds, particularly for those without windshields on their motorcycles. Reviews regarding reception of the built-in fm radio varied widely among reviewers, with some reporting excellent reception and others experiencing poor signal strength in specific locations.
Who Is This Intercom For?
Touring riders who complete multi-day rides and desire reliable Bluetooth communication that lasts for extended periods without carrying a charger will benefit greatly from the fx’s 25-hour battery performance. Riders who travel regularly with groups consisting of four to six individuals will realize optimal benefits from the fx’s Bluetooth group communication features. Solo commuters who value battery longevity, portability and versatility will also find advantages with this product including its built-in fm radio and music sharing feature.
Mesh network-based group intercoms are better suited for larger groups or in environments where Bluetooth signals interfere with each other. Therefore, riders desiring mesh networking features should seek mesh-network-based group intercoms rather than traditional Bluetooth intercoms such as the fx.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many riders can actually connect reliably?
Although FreedConn states the fx can support up to 10 riders, users state they receive the best results with numbers ranging between 4 to 6 riders. Reliability begins to degrade beyond those quantities. If you fall into either categories above (small-medium sized groups), then the fx will meet your needs.
What is the real-world range?
In theory, the rated range of the fx is 1,500 feet in an open field environment. In reality, users report ranges of 800-1,000 feet in hilly/mountainous terrain conditions. Which represents average range values expected from Bluetooth v5.0-based intercoms.
How does the interchangeable mic system work?
The fx ships with two different microphones, a boom style microphone and a button-style wireless microphone. The boom microphone clips onto the side of the unit and works well with modular/open face helmets. The button microphone is designed specifically to fit inside the chinbar area of a full-face helmet and does not obstruct any pads when used properly. Interchanging between the two microphones requires no special tools.
Is the battery really 25 hours?
Yes, for pure talking-time only. With music playing simultaneously and both functions active, users report actual usage times between 15-20 hours. Which is still much longer than many competitors’ battery lifetimes. Similarly, standby mode has been tested with results consistent with FreedConn’s claims, i.e., 300+ hours of non-use before depleting the battery completely.
Does it work with other intercom brands?
Yes, since the fx utilizes standard Bluetooth hands-free profiles (hfp), it can communicate/pair with virtually any brand for a single (two-way) intercom call between two riders using hfp-compatible headsets/intercoms. Although freedomcomm recommends use of additional freedomcomm fx headsets for group-intercom operations, other manufacturers’ hfp-compliant headsets will pair successfully with the fx.
Can I listen to music and talk at the same time?
Yes! The fx supports multistreaming Audio applications! Music volume reduces automatically when speaking occurs and returns to original volume settings immediately following cessation of conversation(s).
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