A dual-chip Bluetooth 5.4 headset with 1000m of two-rider range, IP67 waterproofing and 40mm speakers for under 40 dollars. Buyers keep calling it better than their Sena, and the XGP 2-Rider Bluetooth Intercom sits at 4.3 stars to back that up.
Specs and Build Quality
In terms of build quality the unit appears to be made well for the price. It mounts to the side of a helmet via a clamp and has a swing arm for the microphone. While nothing screams "premium" about the plastics, they don't appear to be fragile and should hold up to twisting.
The 40mm speakers deliver surprisingly solid performance. Most often speakers of this type are overwhelmed by wind and engine noise when used in a helmet. However, paired with active noise cancellation (anc), the xgp 2 performs well beyond what would normally be expected from a unit priced this low. Multiple riders have reported being able to listen to gps direction, receive a phone call and listen to music simultaneously, features they've learned they can't live without after their first group ride.
Audio and Microphone Performance
Two-way comms live or die on voice clarity at high speeds. A headset that sounds excellent in the garage but muddles speech at 70 mph is essentially unusable on highways. Reviews indicate the xgp 2 performs reasonably well here, with riders describing the audio and voice clarity as remarkably sharp and clean. The anc also helps in two ways. First, it tames some of the wind noise, allowing the person receiving voice to not have to shout into a hurricane. Second, it retains music punchiness rather than making it sound mushy. Consistent comments among riders are that the audio and voice quality exceed expectations for the price. For a closer look at the XGP 2 Rider headset and its specs, that's the listing.
One rider mentioned he thought the sound and voices could be louder. He found it difficult to hear at 45 mph. This is the singular most common complaint in reviews. It's important to know prior to buying if you ride a loud bike, or if you wear a helmet with a tall windshield that creates significant wind noise. In those cases, you may want to consider investing in good-quality ear plugs or find a louder unit. Another rider commented that this unit is both louder and cleaner than his alternatives, and advised readers to purchase this one. Ultimately, your experience will depend on how well your helmet fits and how much wind noise is created by your bike.
What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying
Reviews clearly show that riders are comparing this product against others that sell for nearly 5x more money, and still believe it is superior. Many reviewers have stated this is better than my sena, and then recommended that everyone purchase it, and purchase two units. Confidence in products such as this is extremely rare within the affordable intercom market.
Multiple reviewers praised the quality of the sound produced by the xgp 2. One rider described it as one of the best-sounding budget headsets he'd tested, while another rider stated that he runs three units across three separate helmets and described the audio as "shockingly clear and crisp." In a community typically plagued with complaining about poor-quality audio from inexpensive headsets, these comments are unusually positive.
The true story of the xgp 2 is simply, it offers tremendous bang-for-your-buck. Several reviewers repeatedly stated great bang-for-the-buck was the term they were looking for and at this price-point, that's precisely what riders want to hear. When a headset provides sena-type range and clarity at approximately one-fifth the cost, it completely alters the calculation process for riders who frequently ride with passengers or buddies each weekend.
The minority report regarding complaints were related to volume, as previously discussed. Complaints relative to volume were consistent enough to be treated seriously despite most riders being quite satisfied. If you fit snug pads to your helmet, and the unit is positioned closely adjacent to your ear(s), you'll probably fall into the satisfied camp with virtually all reviewers.
Who Is This Intercom For?
This intercom is intended for riders who desire two-way communication capabilities without having to spend large amounts of money on a high-end brand. Whether you're riding with a passenger, meeting friends for weekend twisties or simply require music and calls during your regular commute, the xgp 2 provides everything needed without requiring a premium. With prices as low as they are, riders with multiple helmets can easily purchase an additional unit for minimal cost, something that one reviewer did with three.
The xgp 2 is an attractive option for casual and mid-distance riders who don't need mesh networking capability or five-rider group channel capability. As previously indicated, two-rider intercom range extends up to 1000 meters and effectively covers lead and sweep combinations or couples out for rides. If you grow tired of budget-tier products, you can upgrade to a higher-tier model when desired.
If you need group mesh comms functionality with multiple riders, loud volumes on extremely noisy motorcycles or extended tour battery life exceeding twenty hours, you should explore higher-end models. Please reference our intercom comparison table to determine how the xgp 2 compares to other models available today and our intercom reviews for broader perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far does the XGP 2 Rider Intercom actually reach?
The manufacturer claims that the unit reaches distances of 1000 meters when there is unobstructed line-of-site between users. In reality, actual ranges decrease due to terrain (hills, trees and similar) between users. Typical use scenarios include lead and follow configurations on open roadways and using the unit in urban environments. In all cases, we've seen effective communication ranges extending significantly further than 500 meters.
Can I hear music and take calls at the same time?
Yes. The unit allows simultaneous playback of gps directions (voice guidance), phone calls and music playback. A prompt is provided via voice to alert the user of incoming calls while music continues playing in the background.
Is the XGP waterproof?
Yes. The unit carries an ip67 rating indicating it is fully sealed against dust ingress and capable of operation submerged in water. Water resistance includes ability to withstand rain and washing conditions without failure. The only cautionary note is that care should be taken when closing the USB port cover.
How long does the battery last?
Battery life is approximately 20 hours of continuous music playback or 15 hours of continuous intercom usage. Quick-charging via USB cable allows a full recharge sufficient for long weekends of riding for most users.
Does it work with Siri and Google Assistant?
Yes. Single-touch activation of siri on iphone or Google assistant on Android enables users to navigate, make calls and send messages.
How difficult is installation to helmet?
Installation takes less than 10 minutes per unit without tool assistance. The unit utilizes a simple clamp system that securely attaches the device to various helmet shell profiles. Pads supporting speakers sit within helmet liners and position speakers appropriately above the wearer's ears.
Is this intercom worth the money?
Based upon reviews alone, yes, for most two-user communications applications. Unanimous opinions among reviewers confirm that xgp delivers superior range, audio quality and water-resistance at roughly one-fifth the cost of big-name manufacturers' similar products. Primary drawbacks are limited maximum volume levels on extremely noisy bikes and scooters. If that meets your needs, it is likely an easy buy decision.