Cardo Packtalk Neo Motorcycle Helmet Communication Intercom System

Great

Works great, sound quality is awesome and easily connects with other riders.

Grantas

September 28, 2026

Great intercom, but highway wind can overpower the audio

For how expensive this is, I expected a few more features, but overall I've been really happy with it. I've had no issues using it for phone calls, music, or the intercom, whether I'm riding solo or with a group. The controls are also pretty easy to use once you get familiar with them.

Call quality has been good for me overall, but at highway speeds the wind can overpower both the audio and your voice, making it harder to hear or communicate clearly.

I also really like the "Proxy Chat" feature. It's honestly pretty funny getting reactions from people when they hear it. Overall, it's been a great communication system for motorcycle riding.

Love!

Very happy with my headset. Set up is fast and seamless. Audio is great!!

Wheel button not covered

I liked it at 1st. Then it stopped working, and they sent me a new unit. Then the volume wheel half if it came off and they won't send me a plastic pice that you just pop in, and they want me to buy a new unit with 28%off but my unit works fine. I'm just missing half the volume wheel

Android users, like myself MAY have to do a few extra steps to get this to connect

This Cardo Neo almost got returned because it wouldn't connect to my Galaxy Note 10 Plus. I finally was able to find instructions that worked (see photo).

The product seems to work fine but in order for my friend to hear me I had to talk close to the mic.

Works great

Works great fits on my Agv k6

Kris M.

March 9, 2026

Excited to be a part of the Cardo family.

On sale, it made sense to pull the trigger and finally buy one. A friend got one first, suggested it to me and I was tired of having my AirPods fall out. Sound is great, installation was easy, and I am excited for the hand controls.

Chat with the boys, jam while riding. Love it

Have not had a better investment as a rider besides protective gear. Love being able to jam and talk to my fellow riders. Very little issues, wish the speakers were a tad better. Plenty of volume, not great bass. But what can ya expect.

Snowboarding game changer

Originally bought for my motorcycle helmet for group rides, but also beginner snowboarder here. Decided to mount the Cardo Packtalk Neos to both me and my partner’s snowboarding helmets for snowboarding instruction. Works perfectly in the snow and has a distance of about 1/4mi with minimal trees blocking. I’ve fallen multiple times and the adhesives have not fallen off or gotten weaker due to the melting snow. My partner loves it for solo snowboarding rides for music. Deducting one star because the connectivity to the app the first time is a bit of a pain, but no issues connecting to the apps or other units after initial install.

I’m going to buy a second helmet kit for my motorcycle. Highly recommend for snowboarding!

Don’t buy used-like new

Do not purchase “used- like new-mint.

I purchased the used option because it was about $40 cheaper at the time. I received my product and attempted to turn it on. The device did not turn on. I charged it for several hours, a red light was showing indicating it was charging. I attempted to turn it on again and still nothing. I did a hard reset according to the manual’s instructions and was able to get it to turn on while it was plugged in. So I changed the plug and cord and left it to charge for over 10 hours. Still the same result. The thing doesn’t turn on. So if you’re questioning whether or not to buy used….. don’t!

Osalva212

November 20, 2025

Not waterproof!

The unit was a dream, that was all before it rained, a quick drizzle rain, after that both units went heywire, started touching buttons by themselves, turning off and on by their own, and the microphone just stopped working.

We are on a multi day trip and the Cardo stopped working in the second day.

How come an IP67 rating unit has problems with water?

Customer Support is a joke, they answered me 1 email and that was it, no follow up or nothing.

Premium money down the drain

Very unhappy

Daniel

October 23, 2025

Its a headset

I bought this to upgrade from my Spirit HD, only to find that the included speakers were worse than the 45mm JBL speakers I already had, and the only real difference is the mesh intercom. There's some intermittent connectivity issues to my phone that only a restart could fix (the sound would blank out.)

I lowsided yesterday and the Packtalk went flying off it's cradle just from the force of me going sideways, it didn't touch the ground at that point. It went sliding across the ground and was still powered on and connected, but it's not able to fit in the cradle anymore, and the volume wheel broke, so there's $340 down the drain because of a cradle that probably costs $2 to manufacture. I'll stick with the Spirit HD.

Cardo or bust

What is there to really say? Keeps me from riding in silence and allows the group to stay connected on our rides. My ONLY, ONLY gripe... audio quality isn't the clearest out of the box, definitely takes some adjusting to get right. I initially wanted the edge pro but the neo does everything I need, battery is a little smaller but its still a good price for what you get. Its been a couple months of use and I still get confused on the buttons & the functions they perform sometimes but I make it work. Its a cardo.. if you dont have one... you're doing it wrong.

Can you please sell the cradle separate for when you manufacture it wrong?

Obviously it is a cardo so it will more than likely be great once I finally get my issue sorted.

I order the Packtalk Neo and the cradle that holds the Cardo to the helmet came without the front clip to hold the unit in...

They offer no replacements for this cradle, and the only option is to either spend $115 on the second helmet kit, or patiently wait until customer support gets back to you... (cradle is not sold separately)?

Not sure how long this will take to resolve, but was really looking forward to having this in my helmet. Kind of expensive to have this oversight.

Waste of money

Soooo disappointed, spend all this money on these and have only used less than a handful of times. Can't get them to connect right and now can't even get the unit to turn on. Supposed to be water proof? Yep, how about not. Nothing like going silent on a trip with other riders. Then you contact customer support and they don't contact you back. Save your money! If I could give no stars I would!

0:17

Love it

Two year review- it’s great. I use it all the time between music, calls, texts, Siri, and comms while riding dual sports. Everything works well with a couple bumps. Sound quality is amazing no matter the speed or terrain we’re riding and the range is pretty impressive also. Rain or shine it handles it all. Issues I’ve had is 1 I’m not a tech guy so getting it to connect to other riders is a chore and 2 sometimes I have to use my “gentle voice” to get Siri to respond. Aside from those minor issues it’s been flawless and I highly recommend other riders get one.

Terrible mounting base

I am a user of the old version of the Packtall Bolt, where the Bolt's mounting base supported quick release, so there was no need to plug and unplug the wire with each installation (Even the cheap Cardo freecom have this design) . I know the new NEO does not support a magnetic base, but I didn't expect them to remove the original contact points as well, requiring the wires to be reconnected each time it's installed. I find this design very foolish and have completely lost my good impression of Cardo. If there is any good point for having this design, what I can think is Cardo can reduce production cost and make profits, or, simplely let you spend more to buy a Edge. I will advise my friends to choose other, cheaper brands that come standard with a quick release mounting base.

Major Timothy Perry USMC

July 10, 2024

DO NOT BUY!!

Purchased CARDO NEO. After second use, volume wheel "cracked" while rotating. Contacted CARDO, they accused ME of dropping or otherwise abusing the product. No warranty service whatsoever - they do not even have a link on their webpage to "register" a new product. When I asked about this - no response from CARDO. Their customer service is the WORST! Their units are overpriced and poor-quality. GO WITH SENA!! I wish I had....

M&K Sargent

June 16, 2024

Such a great riding headset!

Husband bought these for us a while back because I would was scared when I couldn’t communicate when we rode around. So far they have worked really nice!

We are able to link up our music together.

One feature I really like is that it turns down the music volume when one of us talks.

Pretty expensive, but they work well.

The battery seems to be good for several rides without charging. And they are easy to pop off and plug in when you do need to.

Happy with this product!

Damaged by water??

I rode through a severe thunderstorm a few weeks after purchasing. The unit stopped working the next day. A couple days later it worked again. Then, I rode through rain for a few hours and it died for good. Pictures show some burnt components and residue inside the case. Ive been using a Cardo Freecom on my other helmet for the past 5 years and never had a problem in rain. Supposed to be waterproof? Bummer of a deal.

Performs well

I have previous experience with freedom. The cardio is much louder. It also allows group communications. Bluetooth control is super convenient.

Doesn't seem as strong as the original

I bought this after my bold gave up the ghost due to a faulty charging port. I selected the Neo because of the positive clip connection. I liked the magnet idea until i saw one fly off at speed on a long distance ride. My main complaint with this is the fact i have to plug it in every time i take it off, where as the bold you could unclip and take it with you so it wouldnt get stolen. This one you have a weak connection and flimsy wires that are going to get stressed with use. We'll see how long this lasts, but im not optimistic.

Life changing

If you are considering a Cardo, stop considering it and buy one. This thing is an absolute game changer. Not only the pack talk feature which is wild, but phone calls while riding your motorcycle? Insane. Like truly insane. Hang up on them and pay attention to the road. If only my wife didn't know I can answer phone calls. More importantly though, pay attention to the Notoricues B.I.G. as he serenades you through the 40mm jbl speakers on both sides of your noodle as you ride through those back highways and city streets.

Seriously the FM radio is amazingly string and clear signal, the Bluetooth is outstanding. The mic has noise canceling for phone calls and responds to Siri.

The only thing lacking in audio quality is a little bass but if you wear earplugs (which you should) they will push up against the speaker a little bit and that bass will rumble through.

Easy install but I'll warn you on this. Choose the install wisely by putting the speakers in first. When you stick the unit on the helmet, you only get one shot do not miss your chance to blow.

Worth it, especially if you can get them on sale.

Keep the dirty side down. Cheers.

No instructions and terrible install process.

While many of the comments are positive about the ease of setup I have to disagree. Purchased a Duel Neo set for our upcoming Wyoming snowmobile trip and cat be more frustrated with the set up. The instructions that come in the box are totally worthless. Having found an intuitive video on You Tube. After 4 hours of trying to get the paring to activate to link the two helmets together I am giving up. Also I’m a software engineer so I hope I know what I’m doing.

Mitch P

November 10, 2023

A wise choice

I was getting ready for a multi-day motorcycle trip and was looking at a headset to communicate with the other riders. The choices that were on the table were of course the two largest Brands which was Cardo and Sena. I decided to go with the Cardo because a friend of mine went on and on about how much they liked this product. I decided to give it a shot and spent a little more than I was expecting for the Neo but I was incredibly impressed. I found that the sound quality of the speakers and the clarity of the microphone was awesome. At first, I was skeptical about how clear the microphone would come through because this is not exactly a $1,000 helmet but everybody that I talked to said that they could hear me very clean and could not hear any road noise even at Highway speeds. Where this product really shined was when I connected it to the mesh system and started talking to everybody in our group. Everything came through crystal clear. I also loved the fact that it came with plenty of methods to secure it to your helmet. Installation was easy and I love the fact that this unit is 100% waterproof. I was able to ride in the rain with no concerns as to whether I was damaging this unit. I also like the fact that it pairs extremely easily and remains paired even if you have been away from the other riders for days. When I met back up with my friend, I did not even have to reconnect.. it automatically remembered him and picked everything back up like last time. I would buy another one of these in a heartbeat and you will love the sound of the JBL speakers.

0:05

A little learning curve, but excellent.

Great sound quality and battery life. Super easy to remove and re-install for recharging. Love it, but geez it's pricey.

Wonderful

I’m actually listening to breaking Benjamin through my bell MX9 adventure helmet as I’m writing this review. The picture instructions suck for DIY but the average guy who changes his bikes oil can figure it out. Probably a good idea to use the included boom mic in a full face helmet with a small mouth vent (don’t block your air flow!). I bought it because I wanted to communicate on rides with other KLR guys and gals and take calls without issue. Thing about basic units is you’re paying $150 for extremely basic functions so I spent a little more on a full feature unit. I can live without the quick mount because I ride for leisure. I did look at Sena because they sponsor the BDR organization but they’re all expensive and extremely confusing not to mention they look big too. In any case this should do its job extremely well, thanks cardo!