There are many ways to describe what makes the Sena 50S so special. It is perhaps the first intercom to truly bring together mesh and Bluetooth connectivity with Harman Kardon tuned speakers and the simple-to-use Sena jog dial. The 50S is clearly a high-end product, but over 1,600 Amazon reviews show that riders feel they are getting what they paid for. You can compare the 50S to other options on our intercom comparison table.
Communication and connectivity
The Sena 50S runs on both mesh intercom and Bluetooth 5.0, providing flexibility based on the size of your riding group. Mesh mode allows virtually limitless riders in an open network. If anyone drops out of range, the system auto-reconnects. Bluetooth mode pairs up to four riders in a more traditional pairing scenario.
Bluetooth gives you a bit better range for smaller groups than mesh. With each additional rider in a mesh network, the overall range increases. Since the 50S offers both Bluetooth and mesh connectivity, it can also link mesh and Bluetooth users together.
Audio quality
The 50S is certainly earning back every penny of its premium price tag here. The Harman Kardon speakers provide a much richer sound than nearly all other intercoms. Music has a fuller sound, voices are louder and clearer, and there is actually a level of depth that less expensive speakers cannot replicate. Many reviewers cite the excellent audio quality as the primary reason they recommend the 50S.
The integrated voice assistants let you answer calls, hear navigation prompts, play music, and more without removing your hands from the grips. The voice assistants support both Siri and Google Assistant. Users have reported varying degrees of success in terms of functionality based on wind speed and direction.
Noise cancellation
Sena's Advanced Noise Control does a fairly decent job of filtering wind noise during conversation with other riders using intercom. It is not perfect at highway speeds, but riders report that conversations remain clear enough at most cruising speeds. Advanced Noise Control also adjusts in real time, which helps when transitioning from urban environments to wide open highways.
Build quality and battery life
The build quality of the Sena 50S feels very premium. The main device has a solidly finished look and feel and the jog dial is extremely smooth and fun to use with gloves. The jog dial may arguably be one of the best control interfaces on any intercom. Unlike nearly all other intercoms, you simply turn the dial to change the volume or press down on it for other functions. As soon as you begin to use it, you will quickly become accustomed to it.
Battery life is rated at approximately 14 hours of talk time. Most riders should be able to make it through an entire weekend without having to recharge. When you do run low, fast charging is available. Charging for 20 minutes will give you roughly two hours of talk time, which is great for topping off at lunch stops.
Installation involves placing the clamp on your helmet, which fits most styles. Installation is generally considered easy by users, and routing of speaker and microphone cables is well thought out. Boom mic compatibility is good for both open face and modular helmets. Sena maintains continuous firmware updates through their smartphone app and has made numerous bug fixes and additions to the system since release, which is not typical among budget-friendly intercoms that are shipped and forgotten.
What reviewers say
As indicated by over 1,600 reviews and an average rating of 4.5 stars, the Sena 50S has a very positive history. The many positives that users continually comment on include Harman Kardon quality audio, the ease of use of the jog dial, and reliable mesh connections for group rides.
Multiple riders complimented the audio quality above anything else. Several reviewers mentioned switching from older Sena models or other brands and were amazed at how much better the Harman Kardon speakers sounded compared to their previous units. Several reviewers also praised the jog dial, stating it was easier to use with gloves than any other button-style interface.
Several users commented that the Sena app could be frustrating at times when trying to update firmware or configure settings. Some reviewers also experienced Bluetooth pairing difficulties with certain smartphones, although most stated that those problems went away after applying a firmware update. Budget-conscious riders also frequently complain about the price as compared to a Sena 50R or similar mid-range product.
Who should buy this intercom
The Sena 50S is for riders who desire the ultimate audio experience and do not mind paying top dollar. If group riding and crystal-clear communication are priorities, the combination of mesh networking and Harman Kardon sound is hard to compete with. For long hours spent alone on a bike, it is also a great option due to exceptional music and podcast playback.
If you are concerned about cost, there are plenty of capable intercoms in the lower price range that perform adequately at the basic tasks of an intercom. Compare the 50S to other alternatives in our intercom comparison chart to determine price per rider versus lower-cost options. If premium sound quality and an enhanced user experience are important to you, the Sena 50S brings a lot to the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many riders can connect to the Sena 50S?
In mesh mode, the 50S allows virtually limitless riders within an open mesh network. In Bluetooth mode, it connects up to four riders simultaneously. You can also connect mesh and Bluetooth users together.
Will my non-Sena intercom work with the Sena 50S?
Yes, you can pair any brand with the Sena 50S via Bluetooth. While mesh mode is specific to Sena brand intercoms, Bluetooth mode works with all intercoms that offer standard Bluetooth pairing.
How long does the battery last after a full charge?
According to Sena, the 50S will last approximately 14 hours in talk time mode. Depending on volume settings and use cases, real-world results will vary, but most reviewers indicate that you will be able to make it through a complete day of riding before needing another charge.
Is it easy to use with thick gloves?
Many reviewers state that operating the jog dial is easy with thick gloves. The turn method for adjusting volume and the click function for selecting items work well even when wearing heavy winter gloves.
Can I listen to audio and use the intercom simultaneously?
Yes, you can listen to music or GPS navigation while keeping an active intercom session connected. The system manages priority between audio sources automatically, reducing music volume when another person begins speaking into their device.
Is the Sena 50S water-resistant?
Based on reviews from other riders, the 50S appears to be water-resistant and performs fine under rainy conditions. It was not designed for submersion, but most riders have no trouble using it in rainy conditions.