Communications

Trying to have a conversation in a UTV at speed is basically impossible, between wind noise, tire roar, and your screaming engine, you're lucky if you can hear someone sitting right next to you, let alone communicate with other machines in your group. Hand signals only work when people are looking at you, and cell phones are useless once you're out of coverage (which happens pretty much immediately on most trails). Side by Side Source carries a complete lineup of UTV communication systems that actually solve these problems, from simple intercom setups that let driver and passenger talk without yelling to full radio systems with helmet integration that keep your entire group connected across miles of trail. Whether you need a basic two-place intercom for your Kawasaki Mule so you and your co-worker can coordinate during fence line repairs, a race-ready communication system for your competition machine, or a full group ride radio setup that connects 8+ machines for those epic trail runs, we've got communication solutions from manufacturers who understand that staying connected makes riding safer, more coordinated, and honestly just way more fun.

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Buyer's Guide for UTV Communications: Helping You Shop!

Intercoms vs. Radios: Understanding What UTV Communications Hardware You Actually Need

If you’re not entirely clear on exactly what different side-by-side comms systems are out there and what they do, don’t you worry (you’re most definitely not alone). To kick it off with the basics, intercom systems allow people within the same cab to communicate. They typically use wired headsets that feed into a control box.

Radio systems let you communicate vehicle-to-vehicle within your group. They use either FRS/GMRS frequencies (like fancy walkie-talkies), CB radio, or more advanced systems like Rugged Radios that use VHF/UHF frequencies with better range and clarity. Most quality radio setups include intercom functionality too, so you get both in-vehicle communication and vehicle-to-vehicle capability in one system. The catch is they're more expensive and more complex to install than intercom-only systems.

Helmet vs. In-Cab UTV Communication Accessories: Pros and Cons

How you actually connect to your communication system makes a bigger difference than most people realize. In-cab speaker systems mount speakers somewhere in your UTV (usually overhead or in the dash area) and use a microphone on a boom arm or mounted near the driver. The advantage is nobody has to wear anything—just hop in and talk. The downside is these systems struggle in open-cab UTVs or at higher speeds when wind noise becomes overwhelming. They work great for enclosed cab work machines or low-speed operations, but for trail riding, they're often inadequate.

As the name implies, helmet-based systems deliver audio right through your helmet to facilitate communication in more noisy riding environments. Generally, the audio quality you’ll get with a helmet-based UTV comms system is much clearer. If you’re doing any serious racing or high-speed riding, helmet systems are by far the best option. Otherwise, in-cab should do just fine.

Group Ride UTV Radios and Practical Range Considerations

If you’re looking to keep everyone on the same frequency for a group ride, FRS/GMRS radios (the kind Garmin and some others use) are legal without a license and decently inexpensive. As long as you’re all staying within a few miles of each other in open terrain (closer in dense terrain), you should have a clear channel for everyone to chime in on.

You can also get a pretty solid range out of a CB radio system, and these also don’t require a license. As an older technology, you’re generally not getting the most crisp audio out of a CB radio, but they’re reliable and easy to use.

VHF/UHF radio systems (like Rugged Radios and similar) offer the best range (5-15+ miles depending on terrain and power output), excellent audio quality with noise cancellation, and integration with race communication systems. The catch is they require an FCC license (which isn't hard to get but is an extra step) and cost significantly more than simpler radio options.

Real talk: advertised radio ranges are best-case scenarios in flat, open terrain. In the real world with trees, hills, and terrain blocking signals, expect maybe 1/3 to 1/2 of the stated range. This is still plenty for most group rides where you're not spreading out over miles, but don't expect to communicate across valleys or through mountain ranges with handheld-power radios.

3 Top Selling UTV Communication Brands

Rugged Radios stays true to their name with pro-grade UTV comms systems that will hold up in racing applications and take all kinds of abuse.
Garmin makes really user-friendly radio comms systems that pair up with their GPS units to make things even easier.
NavAtlas manufactures compact, affordable intercom and communication solutions that deliver solid performance without the premium price tags of racing-oriented systems.

5 Top Selling UTV Communication Products

Keep your whole crew connected with this 8-10 Group Ride Radio by Garmin, which handles large groups and integrates with Garmin GPS systems for the ultimate navigation and communication setup.
Get driver and passenger talking without breaking the bank using this Compact Intercom System by NavAtlas, perfect for work applications or casual riding where you just need basic in-cab communication.
Race-proven audio quality and durability come standard with this 2-Place Sport Race Intercom by Rugged Radios, engineered for serious riders who demand professional-level communication systems.
Pair your radio system with quality audio using this Kawasaki Mule/Teryx H22 Black Pro Series 2-Way Headset by Rugged Radios, featuring a comfortable design and excellent noise cancellation.
Mount your CB radio securely where it won't rattle loose with this Overhead CB Radio/Frequency Mount by AFX Motorsports, keeping controls accessible without cluttering your dash.

UTV Communication Frequently Asked Questions

Do these UTV comms systems require me to get a license?

The answer depends entirely on what you’re using. FRS/GMRS and CB radios don’t require licensing, but other systems do.

Can I pair a comms setup with my phone?

You sure can! Just make sure you confirm this before buying if that’s what you want. Nowadays, there are plenty of UTV comms systems that come with Bluetooth connectivity.

Will I have to start from square one with a new helmet?

Not necessarily. You don’t need any special/proprietary helmet in most cases, but you do need to have enough room to get the speakers (and mic boom) in there comfortably.