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Ranking The Best Motorcycle Helmet Camera Units On The Market

These Are The Best Helmet Cameras That You Can Buy

Best Premium Choice
Sena 10C Pro Camera With Bluetooth

Sena 10C Pro Camera With Bluetooth

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Best Overall Choice
GoPro Hero 7 Black

GoPro Hero 7 Black

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Best Budget Choice
Crosstour Wifi Action Camera

Crosstour Wifi Action Camera

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Helmet Camera

Buying a motorcycle helmet camera isn’t an easy task. Sure, everyone has heard of GoPro and the brand’s excellent products, but it might not be the best camera for your needs. GoPro’s cameras are absolutely fantastic but there are other options available and you might find that going against the grain and choosing something different will suit you better. You might even save some money too!

Do you want a camera that can shoot in 4k that won’t kill the battery life in a couple of minutes? Or are you looking for a motorcycle helmet camera that has full wifi compatibility that can seamlessly connect with your smartphone and upload your footage directly to social media? You might even be looking for a camera with a built-in Bluetooth communication system that lets you talk to your fellow riders. All of those products exist, but they might not be what you’re looking for.

For the most part, modern motorcyclists want an inexpensive camera that’s easy to operate, with a high enough resolution to capture license plates and record incidents in case something unexpected happens. But finding the right product isn’t easy, especially with so many options available to buy.

So, we’re going to have a quick rundown of the best motorcycle helmet cameras on the market for a wide range of budgets, and for a wider range of customers. We’ll also have a quick look at what features you should pay attention to when you’re shopping to help you make a more informed decision. Let’s get to it!

Best Premium Choice

1. Sena 10C Pro Camera With Bluetooth

Sena 10C Pro Camera With Bluetooth

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This is the best motorcycle helmet camera for those who need HD quality video but also require bike-to-bike communications too. In short, it’s Bluetooth-enabled communication device with awesome video recording capabilities too. It can record either 1080p at 60 frames per second, or boosted image quality of 1440p at 30 frames per second.

It offers high definition audio and communication, as well as high-quality ultra HD video. With 17 hours of talk time, 2 hours of non-stop recording, a built-in FM radio, and up to 1 miles of communication range. What’s more, it’s a wi-fi action camera, which allows users to download their footage directly to their smartphone.

Another cool feature that we love is the Sean 10C Pro’s Smart Audio Mix, which allows you to overlay your favorite tunes over your video with ease. It can also be fully charged in 3.5 hours, accommodates microSD cards up to 64 Gb, and can be connected to up to 4 other riders at a time.

It’s a great option for riders who love staying connected. Some of the features are complicated to access, so we recommend thoroughly reading the manual before diving in headfirst. It’s worth reading up on.

Pros

Multiple shooting modes, including time lapse

Full waterproof action camera

Integrated Bluetooth headset

Cons

It’s far more expensive than other cameras

Relatively low battery life

Memory card not included

Best Overall Choice

2. GoPro Hero 7 Black

GoPro Hero 7 Black

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If you’re looking for an action camera or motorcycle helmet camera of any kind, you’ll almost certainly have heard about GoPro. For years, GoPro has been the standard stock answer for all things action cam. While the competition has certainly heated up, and cheaper imitation models are showing surprising quality, there’s no replacement for a genuine GoPro. They’re extremely versatile cameras and can be used for so much more than motorcycling, and that’s what we really love about them most.

The Go Pro Hero 7 has an incredible image stabilization feature that keeps your video nice and smooth, removing shakes and giving your professional quality movies. Time lapse functions, slow motion, speed adjustments, tone mapping, and noise reduction are all part of the standard package. It’s also waterproof up to 10 meters too, which might not be particularly useful for your everyday ride, but could be a fun feature when you’re on vacation. It can also live stream directly to your social media too.

In terms of using the device, it handles a lot like a smartphone—but what makes it even better for motorcyclists is the fact that it has a voice command feature, which is ideal for gloved hands. The video quality is 4K60, with 12 mp photos. It’s tough, durable, takes excellent footage, and has an appropriate price tag. It’s a great motorcycle camera.

Pros

Image stabilization function

Super slow motion in HD

Rechargeable batteries

Cons

HD video saps battery pretty quickly

Can only live stream in 1080

Can overheat in hot weather

3. Garmin VIRB X Action Camera

Garmin VIRB X Action Camera

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The Garmin brand might be more associated with sat-navs, GPS devices, and Bluetooth communication devices, but the brand also makes some pretty exciting and advanced motorcycle helmet cameras too. Garmin’s action cameras are actually some of the more interesting ones on the market. They’re not simple GoPro copies. Garmin has given their motorcycle cameras some interesting functions that very few other cameras have.

The Garmin VIRB X is a sophisticated action camera that can be attached to anything from a motorcycle helmet to the front of a plane. It shoots quality 1080p/30fps high definition footage, and takes 12 MPH photos too. Waterproof to 50 meters (without the need of a waterproof case), it’s a tough and sturdy camera. It’s easy to use with a one touch control switch and a virtually idiot-proof menu, with smartphone compatibility. This allows users to enjoy previews, remote control features, and video editing all from their smartphone.

Those features are all pretty standard. What makes the Garmin VIRB X extraordinary is the amount of data that it can add to your videos. While it shoots, it can also take a readout of a wide range of metrics, allowing you to add speed gauges, distance charts, g-force measurements, and more, to your videos. It is a more expensive product for that reason, but if you like that sort of thing, it’s definitely worth it.

Pros

Very unique features

Waterproof without the need of a case

Full smartphone compatibility

Cons

Charging connector is flimsy

Image quality could be better

Quite expensive compared to other cameras

Best Budget Choice

4. Crosstour Wifi Action Camera

Crosstour Wifi Action Camera

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Cheaper motorcycle helmet cameras are available, but this one is our favorite budget model. It’s not as cheap as other budget-friendly models, but the price is still ridiculously low for the kind of quality of camera that you get in return. In short, the Crosstour Wifi Action Camera is one of those cheap, GoPro-inspired models, but it’s a tough and sturdy unit that shoots decent footage, and you won’t go bankrupt in the process.

This little Faux-Pro, Crosstour model will shoot great quality, full HD video at 1080p video quality, with 12 mp photo resolution, through a handy 170-degree wide angle lens. It’s weatherproof, and comes with a protective case that will give it waterproof protection up to 30 meters, allowing you to shoot quality video in a wide range of environments.

It’s a wifi enabled camera, which allows you to connect it to your smartphone. You can use your phone as a remote control too! Unfortunately, you’ll have to invest in your own mounts and straps since they’re not included. The battery charger cable also isn’t included either, but you can charge it via a USB port. It might be missing a few features, but it’s a budget camera—and you really can’t complain, since it’s so cheap and the overall quality is so good.

Pros

Very budget-friendly camera

HD video shooting capabilities

Wifi-enabled for smartphone integration

Cons

Operating instructions aren’t clear

Straps and mounts not included

Not good for professional quality footage

5. Contour Roam3 Motorcycle Helmet Camera

Contour Roam3 Motorcycle Helmet Camera

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The Contour ROAM3 isn’t a new camera; it’s been around for a while, but it has continued to stay relevant since it offers a nice alternative to GoPro technology, in what some riders consider to be a more practical product. It can shoot high definition video, capture high quality images, and the audio quality isn’t bad either. It’s got a nice wide angle lens that can be rotated 270-degrees, with a laser sight to guarantee that you’re pointing the right way.

Operated by an instant-record/instant-on slider switch, you simple move the slider, and you’re recording straight away. One feature that really stands out on this Contour model is the Quick Photo option. If you need to snap a quick pic, rather than waste time cycling through menus you can just click a button on the camera, and it takes a shot. It can be done with gloves on, and it’s easy as that. Other cameras have this feature, sure, but this one is just so easy to use.

This is a very versatile camera that can be used for a number of applications, from underwater photography (up to 30 ft under water without the need for a case), snowboarding, mountain biking, and motorcycling. It comes with everything you need for instant plug n play action.

Pros

Quick photo mode

Instant “on” recording

Everything you need all in one package: SD card, battery, mounts, and camera

Cons

Contour’s customer service isn’t so good

Instruction manual can be confusing

Doesn’t have a removable battery

6. AKASO EK7000 Sports Camera 4K WiFi

AKASO EK7000 4K WiFi Sports Action Camera

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This budget-friendly camera from Akaso is a real surprise. It’s very cheap, but you get a lot of camera for a very small price. It’s only the fraction of the cost of a big-brand camera, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a cheap knock-off. It boasts 4K video recording, 2.7k with 30 fps, and 10809 at 60 fps. It has 12 MP photo quality at 30 fps, with burst mode, time lapse mode, and adjustable shooting intervals.

It’s also wifi enabled that allows you to connect it to your smartphone and share your shots via social media, or use your phone as a remote control. So far, so good! And it gets better: it comes with everything! The actual camera, a remote control, 2 batteries, a waterproof case, 7 mounts, a variety of clips, strap, and tethers, a charger, a USB cable and more are all included in the box.

It’s all good! Now, upon testing, the video camera isn’t exactly 4k, but it’s not far off, and it’s more than enough for the average rider. The battery life is really what sets this apart from the bigger brands. The battery boasts 90 minutes of recording time, but it will probably be a lot less than that in reality. Still, it’s a small complaint for an otherwise excellent, and cheap, motorcycle helmet camera.

Pros

All-inclusive bundle for cheap price

Great video quality

Wifi enabled action camera

Cons

The battery life isn’t good when shooting HD

No image stabilization

Not as waterproof as it says it is

7. Dragon Touch Vision 3 4K Action Camera

Dragon Touch Vision 3 4K Action Camera

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First things first: if you’re expecting 4K quality from this model, you’re dreaming. But just because the 4K boast is a bit wild doesn’t mean that you should discount this cheap little camera. If you want something to record your ride in reasonable quality, then this will do just fine. If you want to make professional videos for YouTube, then you’ll want to spend more than $50 anyway. When cheap is the order of the day, this isn’t a bad choice.

This is a compact action camera that resembles a GoPro. Despite the boasts, the video quality is more like 720p but that’s not bad considering the price. For the low price, you get a wireless wrist remote control, a 2 inch screen, WiFi-enabled sharing, and waterproofing to a 100ft depth. Slow motion, 4x zoom, a nice wide angle lens, and a good amount of mounting accessories are all included in the package.

It’s a very cheap camera, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If you want to film something when there’s a risk of damaging the camera, you might hesitate to use an expensive model. This one has a disposable quality to it, which makes it a very useful camera to have in your collection. In short: this is a great starter action camera, but you’re not going to take pretty pictures with it.

Pros

Cheap and affordable starter action camera

Comprehensive selection of mounts

Excellent value for money

Cons

No image stabilization

Image quality isn’t as good as advertised

Batteries drain quickly

8. Campark Action Camera 4K 20MP Touch Screen Waterproof X20

Campark Action Camera 4K 20MP Touch Screen Waterproof X20

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Slightly more expensive than other budget helmet cameras, the Campark X20 action camera is the perfect choice for riders looking for something more robust than cheaper models, with higher shooting quality, but without an astronomically high price tag. It offers 4k resolution video capture, and 20 mp for still images, and it really does take high quality footage. There’s no doubt about that.

On top of that, it’s waterproof up to 30 meters underwater, with a built-in image stabilizer, and a variety of other useful features including a touch screen display, a time lapse function, motion detection, loop recording, and more. It has built-in WiFi that’s compatible with an app, and it also has a useful remote control function.

The pack comes with a variety of mounting accessories, which makes this a really useful motorcycle camera and sports action camera in general. Two batteries come as standard, which helps you maximize the use out of this budget product. Most cheap cameras have bad battery life, and while this Campark model isn’t any different, having two batteries certainly takes the edge off of the poor battery capability.

If you’re looking for an affordably-priced camera that’s a cut above the other cheapies, then this one is worth your money. What’s more, the customer service is excellent—so even if you do experience problems, you will get the support you need to find a solution. Great value for money, in our opinion.

Pros

Sharp image stabilization

Affordable and high quality WiFi sports action camera

Pack includes a variety of mounts

Cons

Battery life isn’t impressive

Mounts can rattle

SD Card not included

9. Sena Prism Tube Action Camera

Sena Prism Tube Action Camera

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Next, we have another product from Sena. When it comes to developing and manufacturing high-quality products, you really can’t go wrong with Sena. This particular motorcycle helmet camera is the brand’s entry-level model, with a more budget-friendly price tag. It’s a small and compact unit, weighing in at a tiny 75 grams (2.6 ounces), with a tubular shape that can easily mount onto your helmet. With a 125-degree field of vision, you can guarantee that it will shoot what you point it towards.

It boasts HD quality, and the quality is very good for the price. If you’re expecting 4K, then you’re going to be disappointed—but the quality is more than enough for the average user. It features good audio recording quality, and it also has voice feedback prompts that gives you a quick read out of your camera’s status.

For a reasonable price you also get a lens cap, a USB cable, a speaker and microphone cable, a mounting plate, a swivel mount kit, and a small wrench to get it all set up. While it’s not as advanced as more expensive items, this motorcycle helmet camera is a fantastic entry-level product from Sena. Don’t expect professional level quality, but decent quality, for a decent price.

Pros

Super light motorcycle helmet camera

Specifically made for a motorcycle helmet

Simple and easy setup

Cons

It’s an older camera

The recording quality could be better

No display

10. Polaroid Cube+ Lifestyle Action Camera

Polaroid Cube+ Lifestyle Action Camera

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The Polaroid brand name is known for a number of products, but you might be unaware of the brand’s smart little action camera. It’s a little inexpensive cube that has a number of amazing features, all for a very, very reasonable price. It’s not built for heavy-duty adventures, but for cruising around the city streets and filming what you’re looking at, it’s very economical option.

Only 35mm long, this little cube has it all. It can film up to 1440p at 30 fps, 1080 at 60 fps, and more, whilst shooting images at 8 mp, all through a 124-degree wide angle lens. It can handle SD cards up to 128 GB, and shoot for up to 107 minutes thanks to the unexpected battery life. It’s also wifi-enabled, which can turn your phone into a viewfinder with a real time feed. Recording features include, burst, slow-motion, time lapse and more!

It’s shockproof, splashproof, and weatherproof, and can be mounted on almost anything. The Polaroid Cube+ comes equipped with a magnetic base that gives a strong hold to any magnetic metals. It also has other mounts that can be used to attach it directly to your helmet. In short: it’s a nice little camera for a very small price.

Pros

Useful image stabilization

Integrated magnet for quick mounting

Simple and easy to use

Cons

Battery life is very short at HD recording level

The WiFi range isn’t great

WiFi App is a bit buggy



Motorcycle Helmet Camera: Buying Guide

Helmet Camera

And now for a quick overview of helmet cameras, what they are, why people use them, and what features you should look out for when you’re shopping. There are a lot of cameras on the market, so knowing what features to look out for will help you find the best product for your needs.

What Is A Motorcycle Helmet Camera?

A motorcycle helmet camera is a small and compact device that attaches to your motorcycle helmet, and records what you see. They come in a variety of different styles, from little box-like action cameras, to more aerodynamic tube-shaped cameras, and there are even some motorcycle helmets with integrated cameras too.

These little devices are capable of shooting ultra-high-quality footage, take still images, record sound, and more. They’re usually shockproof, splashproof, weatherproof, and waterproof to impressive depths too. Generally, they’re not just motorcycle helmet cameras—they’re action cameras that can used for a wide range of situations and extreme sports, including scuba diving, snowboarding, mountain biking, and sky-diving, to name but a few. They’re versatile tools, and everyone should have one!

What Do People Use Them For?

Like most cameras, people primarily use motorcycle cameras for capturing memories. If you’re off an exciting road trip or heading through some particularly beautiful parts of the country, having your experience on film is a great way to share that experience with your family and friends. We’re all online these days, and we all love showing off where we are, what we’re up to, and how much fun we’re having, so that’s why a lot of people are recording their rides. But it’s not the only reason. Here are some other reasons why people are hitting record on their motorcycle helmet cameras:

Vlogging

Video bloggers are all over the internet at the moment, and if you’ve got a personality that lends itself to audio and visual media, and have a story to tell, people will listen in on what you have to say. Becoming a vlogger isn’t easy, but everyone has to start off in the same way: with a camera and something to say. With some beautiful shots, a bit of editing, and a story to tell, you could record your journeys and get paid doing it.

Evidence Gathering

If you’re not looking for a slice of the limelight, you should still get a camera. Motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable communities on the roads, and accidents happen. All too frequently. Having a tough and robust camera rolling could really help you out in the event of an accident. It will provide ample evidence that can be used in court to prove that you were riding under the speed limit, in full control of your vehicle, and 100% not at fault. If that’s the case, of course! Cameras can also record other people’s mishaps, other incidences of public disorder, and more. Cars have dashcams. Motorcyclist’s need helmet cameras. Simple. But what features should your action camera have?

Features To Look Out For

Helmet Mounts

Media Quality

The quality of the video, image, and audio capture should be one of the most important concerns of a potential buyer. If you’re looking for professional quality recordings, you’ll want 4K and HD image quality—but this comes at a higher price. Many budget cameras that boast 4K most likely won’t have 4K image capture. It doesn’t mean they’re not good, but if pro-quality is what you’re after, you will have to pay more. For the average rider, 720p or 1080p will be fine for catching a license plate. Research the sound quality of a device too—some cameras have awful sound capture.

Size

All action cameras have small dimensions, but as a motorcyclist you should consider the shape and overall aerodynamics of a camera. The weight is also an important factor to think about. A large, square-shaped camera that weighs more than others could end up hurting your neck and affect your posture. Don’t forget, speed and velocity do strange things to even the lightest of objects. Light, aerodynamic, and small in profile are the best cameras for motorcyclists.

Durability

Since evidence-gathering is one of the primary reasons for riders wearing helmet cameras it’s important that any device that you’re thinking about buying can survive an impact. Almost all action cameras are strong and robust, but it’s always worth reading the reviews to see if anyone has had to road-test their camera to see how accident—proof it really is.

Mounts

How the camera mounts to your helmet is an important thing to consider. Helmets can’t be drilled into, and some adhesives can attack a helmet’s outer shell. Research what mounts are available for your desired helmet camera, and make sure that they’re compatible with your helmet, and what you want out of the camera too.

Battery Life

The battery life of a motorcycle helmet camera should be thoroughly researched. A camera recording at its peak quality will drain the battery very quickly. Some cameras boast long battery life and recording times, but fail to mention that this is only possible when recording at a ridiculously low image quality. This isn’t true of all cameras, but it is for a lot of them. Make sure you research other user’s experiences before purchasing to avoid disappointment.

Interface

A motorcycle helmet camera has to have easy operation. This can be in the form of a one-touch button, a voice-activated record function, or something remote-controlled. Motorcycle gloves are made for protecting the hands, not for making fingers as dexterous as possible, so complicated and fiddly interfaces are no good. When it comes to a motorcycle helmet camera, simplicity is key.

Other Features

Other features to look out for include touchscreen displays, digital screens, WiFi, smartphone compatibility, connected apps, social media synchronization, and more! These are all useful features, but they’re in no way essential. However, even the cheapest cameras are packing some serious technology in them these days, so it might be better to go for the models with more, rather than settle for less.



Frequently Asked Questions

Are Motorcycle Helmet Cameras Legal?

There are no explicit laws that ban the use of helmet cameras. However, there are some rules that can be interpreted differently. For example, the Department of Transportation law 49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.218 suggests that modifications to helmets, including any rigid projections from the shell, are to be prohibited by law. Since cameras aren’t permanent attachments, it’s up for debate. As long as the camera isn’t drilled into your helmet’s shell, you should be fine.

Does 3M Tape Hold A Camera In Motorcycle Helmet?

Since most action cameras use 3M products for adhesion, if you’re using the correct 3M tape, it should work fine. For the best results, use automotive trim tape from 3M, such as their 4220 products. The automotive products are designed for heavy-duty use and should work well.

How Much Does A Helmet Camera Cost?

Modern motorcycle helmet cameras and action cameras range in price from as little as $20.00 to in excess of $400.00. A high quality camera will have a price that reflects its capabilities, so if you’re after the best motorcycle helmet camera, you should be prepared to spend over $200.00 at least.





Joe Appleton
About Joe Appleton

Joe is a motorcycle industry veteran who has not only been paid for his words on the industry but also to throw a leg over a bike on the track. Besides riding, and occasionally crashing motorcycles, he also likes to build up older bikes in his garage in Germany. He says; "I like what I like but that certainly doesn’t make my opinion any more valid than yours…" We like Joe's educated opinion and hope you do too.

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