Which SENA Bluetooth System Should You Buy?
cale@treestuff.com BigCommerce Feb 23rd 2026Bluetooth intercom systems from SENA have revolutionized the tree care industry by decreasing miscommunication and the amount of time you spend trying to yell over the sound of a chipper.
There are two main systems available for installation onto your helmet earmuffs - the Work4(10s) and the 33i(Mesh 30k) systems.
But which SENA system should you choose?
Bluetooth intercom systems from SENA have revolutionized the tree care industry by decreasing miscommunication and the amount of time you spend trying to yell over the sound of a chipper.
There are two main systems available for installation onto your helmet earmuffs - the Work4(10s) and the 33i(Mesh 30k) systems.
But which SENA system should you choose?
SENA Bluetooth Types
Work4 (10s)
The SENA Work4 system is the classic Bluetooth intercom unit. This system is trusted by thousands of arborists for the ease-of-use, battery life, and robust construction.
You can connect up to 4 people to a Work4 system over a maximum distance of almost a mile, and talk hands-free. You can also use the intercom system with phone calls and while playing music.
This system allows you to pair up a whole crew quickly and easily, and after a quick 3 hour charge time you'll have more than enough battery charge for a full day's work.
The Bluetooth unit is originally designed for motorcycle users, so the large selection dial is perfect for use with work gloves.
33i (Mesh 30k)
The newer, fancier version of the Work4, the 33i or Mesh 30k system has a one-touch button to switch to a Bluetooth Mesh connection, which allows for a virtually limitless number of users to communicate over almost a 1 mile distance.
Each user on the system extends the Mesh network out from their unit, making, allowing more users to join, however, anyone with a Mesh-capable device can automatically connect to that unit.
The 33i also allows for audio multitasking, but using the Mesh system uses the battery at a faster rate than the Work4 system, but includes a USB C charging port for faster charging.
Specifications
Bluetooth System: Bluetooth 5.1
Intercom System: Bluetooth
Working Distance: Up to 1.6km in open terrain
Max Users: Up to 4 Users
Noise Cancellation: Advanced Noise Control
Max Talk Time: 29 hours
Charge Time: 3 hours
Battery Type: Lithium Polymer Battery
Specifications
Bluetooth System: Bluetooth 5.0
Intercom System: Bluetooth or Mesh
Bluetooth Working Distance: Up to 2km in open terrain
Mesh Working Distance: Up to 2km in open terrain (can extend up to 8km between a minimum of 6 riders
Max Users: Up to 4 users (Bluetooth), virtually limitless (open Mesh), up to 24 users (group Mesh)
Noise Cancellation: Advanced Noise Control
Max Talk Time: 17 hours (Bluetooth), 14 hours (Mesh)
Charge Time: 2.5 hours (quick charge - 20 minutes chargin for 2 hours talk time)
Battery Type: Lithium Polymer Battery
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Field-tested for a decade
- Long battery life
- Most used version by arborists
Pros
- Option for classic Bluetooth intercom or Mesh system
- Longer intercom range
- Faster charging
Cons
- Only allows up to 4 users (but do you need more?)
Cons
- Reports of it being more fragile
- More expensive
- Shorter battery life
SENA Unit Types
There are multiple ways to connect your crew to an intercom system! The most popular way is by purchasing a DIY SENA kit with Notch Hook Ups and mounting the unit to your existing helmet. This lets you use almost any helmet you want while keeping your ears comfortably protected.
You can also buy just the SENA unit and install the speakers into your earmuffs yourself, but that involves drilling your ear muffs, which can easily turn into destroying them.
If you're not interested in installing them onto your helmet yourself, below are other options.