ASMAX Intercom Review: F1s vs S1 (2026)

Where ASMAX Sits in the Market

The motorcycle intercom category is dominated by Cardo and Sena, with a wide field of value-focused challengers underneath them — Lexin, Fodsports, Freedconn, Ejeas and others. ASMAX competes in that second tier: mesh networking and voice control at prices below the flagship Cardo and Sena units.

The manufacturer states it has been developing rider communication products since 2004, and it has signed WorldSSP champion Valentin Debise as a brand ambassador. According to the manufacturer's terms, both units carry a 2-year warranty and 30-day returns.

F1s vs S1 — Full Spec Comparison

Pricing above is approximate and both units are listed at promotional discounts off higher list prices. Confirm current pricing on the official site before ordering.

The Two Places the Cheaper S1 Actually Wins

Most product lineups make the cheaper model a straight downgrade. That isn't quite the case here, and it's worth knowing before you default to the flagship:

• Newer Bluetooth: according to the spec sheets, the S1 ships with Bluetooth 5.4 versus 5.3 on the F1s. In practice, the difference between these two versions is modest for an intercom, but it's the newer standard on the cheaper unit.
• FM radio: the S1 includes it. On the F1s, ASMAX lists FM as "Planned" — meaning it isn't available at time of writing, and would depend on a future firmware update that isn't guaranteed. If FM radio matters to you, that's a concrete reason to choose the S1 today rather than waiting.

What the Extra Money Buys on the F1s

The F1s justifies its higher price on four fronts, according to ASMAX's specifications:

• Larger battery: 1,250 mAh versus 980 mAh. ASMAX states a 10-minute fast charge delivers up to 3 hours of intercom use.
• More riders on mesh: 10 versus 8. ASMAX states mesh operates within a 3–8 km range depending on conditions, and that ASMAX Mode extends group size up to 50 riders by automatically switching between mesh and network connectivity based on distance.
• Dust sealing: this is the rating difference worth understanding. IPX7 (S1) and IP67 (F1s) offer the same water protection — the "7" in both cases. The difference is the "6" in IP67, which certifies the unit as dust-tight. IPX7 carries no dust rating at all. For road riding, that gap likely won't matter. For dirt, gravel, trail or desert riding, it's a real distinction.
• Extras: according to manufacturer specifications, the F1s adds customizable LED lighting, low-latency audio pairing with Insta360 cameras, and a stated 50g weight.

Features Both Models Share

Both units include AI voice control that ASMAX states works offline without a network connection, with built-in voice prompts in English, Spanish and Japanese, and additional device languages selectable in the app (German, Italian, French, Chinese, Korean and Russian). Both support music sharing, over-the-air firmware updates, and two cross-brand communication approaches: CloudTalk Mode, which ASMAX describes as network-based communication with riders on other headset brands through its app, and standard universal Bluetooth pairing for one-to-one connections.

Both are described by the manufacturer as compatible with most helmet types — full-face, modular and 3/4 — with ASMAX recommending hybrid microphones for 3/4 helmets and button microphones for full-face. Half helmets require separate ear pads with speaker pockets, sold separately.

What We Can't Tell You

We haven't tested either unit, and that matters for a product category where the specification sheet and the real-world experience often diverge. Specifically, we can't verify:

• Actual audio clarity at highway speed, which is the single most important quality in an intercom and the hardest to judge from specs
• Real-world mesh range and stability, versus the stated 3–8 km
• Microphone performance in wind
• App reliability and how well the cross-brand CloudTalk feature works in practice

Those are the questions worth researching in independent rider reviews and video testing before committing. The 30-day return window is the practical way to evaluate them yourself.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the S1 if: you ride mostly on pavement, ride in smaller groups, want FM radio, and would rather put the $50 difference toward something else. Nothing about it is a compromised version of the F1s — it's the better value for typical road use.

Choose the F1s if: you ride off-road, on trails or in dusty conditions where the IP67 dust sealing genuinely matters; you ride in groups larger than eight; you want the longest battery between charges; or you record with an Insta360 and want clean synced audio.

Consider neither if: you need proven, extensively field-tested reliability above all else and are willing to pay for it. Cardo and Sena cost considerably more but have far longer track records and much larger independent review bases. ASMAX is competing on value, not on reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions