Top 12 Best Bike Horns 2024 – Avoid Unwanted Incidents

Every rider should have a trusty bike horn. That way, you can be safe in traffic despite multiple hazards. After all, 57% of accidents by bike riders happen due to a lack of communication. And it often requires the use of lights and sounds. Unfortunately, bicycles don’t often have a built-in headlight or horn, but you can always install one.

My reviews on the best bike horn will help you choose a suitable one. Hence, you can avoid unwanted incidents around traffic and other danger zones on the road. You’ll be surprised at how a good bike horn will assure not only your safety but also your confidence.

Best Bike Horn and Headlight Horns on the Market

1. Coolrunner Bugle Horn

The Coolrunner Bugle Classic Vintage Horn is a popular model among cyclists. It’s made of polished stainless steel – a material with a smooth surface. Thus, it doesn’t accumulate dirt very quickly, making it less likely to corrode or rust. The rubber ball, on the other hand, has an abrasion-resistant surface which contributes to its long lifespan.

I find it super easy to squeeze the rubber ball since it’s not too big or too small. As for the bike horn sounds, it’s quite loud and long, so I’m sure it’ll catch the attention of drivers. The sound is also very distinctive so both drivers and pedestrians should recognize it easily.

Attaching the bike horn is easy as well, but you will need a screwdriver. The installation was quick for me, so I’m sure it won’t take long for you. If the rubber ball comes loose, you can easily reattach it with your hands.

This Bugle-like horn is quite aesthetic, adding a retro vibe to your bike. And as a result of being stainless steel, it is non–fading. This means you don’t have to worry about the classic horn losing its sleek look over time.

2. Electric Bike Horn

If you value convenience, then the Electric Bike Horn with Rechargeable Battery would be the perfect bike horn for you. It’s a small bike horn featuring a modern design, It can produce a sound of 120 decibels. For your reference, the average sound level of a car horn is 110 decibels.

The product comes with a lithium battery with a capacity of up to 280 mAh – enough for 2000 uses. You can charge it fully within 1.2 hours. And since lithium batteries are known for their long lifespan, I’m sure it should last you long enough.

The device also features three sound modes, namely the horn sound, alarm sound, and whistle sound. All three have a fixed sound level of 120 decibels, loud enough to get any driver’s attention from several meters. You can switch the sound mode using the remote trigger that comes with the package.

Another important feature of this product is its high resistance to water intrusion. It boasts a waterproof level of IP65 – enough to withstand pressure from a waterjet. This is perfect for traveling during rainy or stormy weather. Its water resistance also contributes to its long lifespan.

I also like how the product comes with a silicone strap. Because of this, you can easily install the bike horn without using a screwdriver or any tool. Additionally, the silicone strap is long and flexible enough for handlebars with a diameter of 22.2 to 31.8 mm.

3. Bell Honker Bicycle Horns

There are lots of things to like about Bell Honker Bicycle Horns. What I like the most is how easy it is to attach this bike horn to the handlebars without tools. I just use my hands to screw the wing nut to attach and detach the bike horn.

Another striking detail about this product is its composition of chrome-plated steel – a corrosion-resistant and rigid material. Moreover, the exterior is sturdy, and the surface is resistant to scratches, and it is effortless to clean and. The same goes for the rubber ball.

The sound it produces is louder than what I expected. This is a good thing, especially when you often encounter traffic with lots of cars. Besides, the rubber ball is very easy to squeeze.

You may also notice how simple its structure is. That’s why it’s fairly easy to customize it. You can make some adjustments on the reed or dial to adjust the volume. I’ve also done some adjustments on mine, and I have to say, it’s working quite well.

4. Margaritaville Parrot Horn

This time, I’ll be reviewing Margaritaville Parrot Horn – an animal bicycle horn made for children. The main selling point of this product is its appearance. It features a colorful, adorable parrot. I love how the package was much cuter than what’s shown in the photo.

It produces a sound that suits its appearance, resembling the sound that a dog squeak toy makes. Although it’s not the loudest, it can still be heard over noises made by children such as laughing or crying. In other words, it’s suitable for kids.

I should also mention that it’s made of polyethylene, also known as hard plastic. It’s a lightweight and durable material that is resistant to scratches. Moreover, it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. For that reason, it’s completely safe for children to use.

The size is fixed, but it should fit most models of children’s bicycles. You will need a screwdriver to install it, but according to my experience, the process is quick and easy. I find this very useful as children cannot remove the bike horn and play with it irresponsibly.

It doesn’t require too much force or effort to make the horn sound. Even 2–year old children can use this bike horn without struggling. And that’s what makes it a perfect bike horn for children. The product is durable and can withstand outdoor elements such as water, dirt, sand, etc.

5. CHILDHOOD Kids Bike Horn

CHILDHOOD Kids Bike Horn is another kids bicycle horn. It looks like your typical bike horn except it’s pink and boasts an adorable look. This bike horn is suitable for 3–year old kids or older. They also made it so the horn sounds funny, yet loud enough to alert any pedestrians trying to walk by.

The horn mouth is made of durable metal which is resistant to both corrosion and rust. I find this very helpful since children may lick or expose their skin to the horn. Also, the rubber ball is resistant to scratches. Overall, this product is durable and sturdy inside and outside.

The installation is simple. You only need a screwdriver to tighten the screws. I like to attach it to the left, but it can also be on the right side of the handlebar, making it the ideal choice for both right and left-handed kids. The bike horn is suitable for handlebars with a diameter of 20 to 23 mm.

So far, the bike horn is working as intended. The rubber ball is easy to squeeze even with minimal effort, so it should be fine for 3–year old kids.

6. Delta Cycle Rechargeable Horn

Delta Cycle Airzound Rechargeable Horn is another reliable option for electronic bicycle horns for you to consider.

It’s supposed to run on air pressure, not a battery, so a bike pump is its charger (not included in the package). You do get an air reservoir where you store the air. The air reservoir has a capacity enough to last for a long time, depending on how loud the setting will be.

Best of all, this product has a volume control switch. You can adjust it infinitely, setting it from the maximum level of 115 decibels to no sound at all. You can find the adjustment valve inside the horn.

A very notable feature of this bike horn is its sound. It resembles the emergency sirens of vehicles such as ambulance or police cars. That’s why it’s very easy to alert drivers and pedestrians. Plus, it’s great for scaring away dogs.

As always, you will need a screwdriver to install it, but in my experience, it was surprisingly quick. It works best when you install it on the shifter of your bike. That way, you can reach the trigger easily. It’s suitable for 22 to 26 mm handlebars.

7. Hornit dB140 Horn

This time, we have Hornit dB140 Horn and LITE Headlight which I think is the loudest bike horn there is. It boasts a sound level of 140 decibels which is comparable to the sound of jet engines.

This bike horn offers two sound modes: (1) road mode and (2) park mode. The road mode sounds more like a high pitch sound similar to birds chirping. Meanwhile, the parking mode resembles the same sound but with a lower pitch.

In my experience, this bike horn was able to withstand moderate rains without accumulating damage, rust, or corrosion. The package includes the horn and headlight as one object, remote control, and the cable. The horn and headlight can be attached with a silicone strap. The same goes for the remote control.

As for the cable, it’s very thin, but it’s long enough to connect the middle of the handlebar to the brake lever hood. I was able to attach it to the leftmost part of the handle, but you can attach it to the right, depending on your preferences.

Although it’s not rechargeable, the AAA batteries can last for a long time before needing replacement. Besides, the product comes with two batteries. And if you ever need a replacement, you can always buy an AAA battery in any store.

8. SUNLITE Squeeze Horn

The SUNLITE Squeeze Horn is very similar to the parrot bike horn from the previous review. It has a cute design, but this time, it’s a whale. It produces the same high-pitch squeak as well. So even though it’s quite loud, it’s not unpleasant.

It also comes with a variety of animals including turtles, alligators, pandas, and more. All of these products are made from the same material as the parrot – hard plastic. Therefore, it’s resistant to scratches, but it’s not quite durable. Hence, it is more of a bike horn for children rather than adults.

It’s fairly easy to squeeze the rubber ball. So, it should be suitable for children 3 years and older. On a side note, this product can fit in 23 to 27 mm handlebars. It’s also easy to attach, but you need a screwdriver.

My experience with this bike horn has been fun. It’s very suitable for children with their kiddy bikes. It’s also possible to attach it to things other than your bike. An example is the railings of a bed. Since it has a cute design, it can be used as both a decoration and a bike horn.

9. Timoo Bicycle Bell

Timoo Bicycle Bell is a bike horn constructed out of aluminum alloy, making it corrosion–resistant and very durable.

Notably, this horn can also endure high temperatures due to its high-heat conductivity. Furthermore, this material is non–toxic, and it doesn’t have an unpleasant smell. The rubber ball is durable as well and resistant to scratches.

As for the sound, it’s loud enough to alert pedestrians, yet fun and elegant. It resembles the squeak of children’s bike horns, but it has a medium pitch. Overall, I think the sound is perfect.

Moreover, the installation is similar to most bikes. You need a screwdriver to install, remove, or tighten the bike horn into the handlebar. Apart from that, the size of this product is suitable for bikes, golf carts, vans, and other vehicles.

It should also be noted that the horn is easy to squeeze. Even children can produce a loud enough sound by squeezing lightly.

10. Allpdesky Air Horn

The Allpdesky 2 Pack Air Horn remains one of my favorites. It’s made of polished stainless steel which provides better durability and resistance to corrosion, rust, and chemicals. Plus, it’s resistant to weather elements such as rain, sand, and heat.

I also find this material very stylish which is suitable for every type of bikes such as road bikes, mountain bikes, and more. The polished metal is also non–fading. Add this to its aesthetic look, and you get a long-lasting and great-looking bike horn.

The rubber ball is quite soft, but it’s still able to prevent scratches. Plus, it’s easy to squeeze the rubber ball, producing a loud retro-style sound recognizable by drivers.

As far as installation goes, it’s easy to attach, detach, or tighten the bike horn. However, instead of a screwdriver, you will need a wrench. Furthermore, it can fit on handlebars with a diameter of 22 mm. Another thing I love is how you get two in one purchase. In other words, you get bike horns for a reasonable price.

11. Fineed Bicycle Horn Set

Are you looking for a car horn for bikes? Fineed Bike Light Front Bicycle Horn Set is a lightweight product that features both a bell and a headlight in one package. It comes with a horn, a headlight, a remote trigger, and a USB cable.

The headlight can emit light with up to 250 lumens, and it can go as far as 150 feet. For your reference, 100 lumens is enough to light up the road. Besides, it features three modes: strong mode, low mode, and flash mode with varying brightness levels.

As regards the horn, it can produce a sound of up to 120 decibels. You can also choose from 5 different sounds ranging from 100 to 120 decibels. You can sound the horn or switch the sound mode using the remote trigger that comes with the package.

You should also take note that it is rechargeable with the USB cable, which is included in the package. The battery is A+ lithium and has a capacity of 1200 mAh. This will last approximately 2-5 hours of runtime, but it can be fully charged within 2 hours. Furthermore, the installation is easy with the use of the flexible rubber straps.

One more notable feature is its durability. It boasts a protection level of IPX6. This means it can withstand high-pressure waterjets. It can even prevent dust from entering the device even after hours of exposure to dusty environments.

12. Schylling Bike Horn

If you value simplicity among everything else, Schylling Bike Horn is the perfect bike horn for you. This product is very simple and most importantly, low-priced. Also, it comes in a variety of colors for us to pick from.

I consider its low-profile design a good feature. Due to its simplicity, you can make adjustments. The best example would be adding rubberized tape to prevent slipping and scratches. Moreover, since it’s lightweight, it’s possible to carry it around even when you’re not cycling.

Nevertheless, it still serves its purpose to alert drivers and pedestrians of your presence on the road. The sound it produces is distinctive and easily recognizable by drivers. It’s loud enough but not too unpleasant to the ears.

I also find it very easy to squeeze. That’s why I think this product is suitable for kids as well. Another notable feature is its adjustable clip. You can attach it to most vehicles such as a bike, a golf cart, or a kid’s ride-on car, as long as you have a screwdriver in hand.

What to Look for When Buying Bike Horn

When looking for the best bicycle horn, I like to look at five factors before deciding on an option. I did the same when picking the 12 top-rated bike horns. So without further ado, let’s find out about these four factors.

Sound

The main purpose of bicycle bells and horns is to warn drivers and pedestrians. Therefore, you have to consider the sound of the bike horn. This factor includes the loudness and the pitch.

The best bike horn sound should have a sound level of 110 decibels. It should be loud enough to be heard over the sounds of cars and traffic.

As for the pitch, your best option is to choose a medium pitch since it’s the most recognizable. However, if you’re going to give the bike horn to a kid, it doesn’t have to be loud or clear.

Material

As you may have noticed, I make sure to include the material used for the bike horn on my reviews. The material often decides the durability and resistance of the product.

I recommend choosing bike horns made of aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or chrome. If you’re a rider, then I suggest steering away from hard plastic horns, unless you want to give it as a gift to a kid.

With that being said, if you’re looking for a bike horn for a gift, the material should be non-toxic, especially if it’s for a child.

Size and Diameter

Another vital factor you should consider is the size and diameter. Depending on what size the bike horn is, it may not fit on your bike. It should also help you decide if you know the diameter of the handlebars of each type of bikes:

• Road Bikes – The majority of road bikes have a handlebar with a diameter of 31.8 mm
• Mountain Bikes – The diameter of handlebars of mountain bikes often range from 25.4 to 31.8 mm
• Commuter Bikes – If you have a commuter bike, the diameter of its handlebar should vary, so you have to measure it yourself
• Kid Bikes – Bicycles of children often have 22.2 mm handlebars

Extra Utilities

The last factor you have to consider is the extra utilities or functionalities of the bike horn. Most bike horns don’t have an extra feature, so it’s not something you should prioritize, but it’s a plus.

An example of an extra utility a bike horn may have is a headlight, as you’ve seen in my previous review. A remote trigger is also a plus, but you have to factor in the effort it takes to recharge.

Price

Although I don’t look at the price too much, it should still be considered. Obviously, you’d want a budget-friendly product, but make sure it’s not too good to be true because it probably is.

By considering these five factors, you should be able to decide on an option that will suit your tastes and needs very easily.

Other Important Factors to Consider

Besides the five factors above, you need to answer the following questions:

What is a bike horn?

A bike horn is a sound-producing device that can be equipped to bicycles, but sometimes it is compatible with other vehicles as well. Its main purpose is to alert drivers of your presence on the road.

The sound it produces usually has a “beep” or “honk” sound. It is used to call the attention of drivers to avoid any safety hazards on the road. Every bicycle is required to have a bike horn legally in many places, but not everywhere.

How does it work?

A bike horn consists of a rubble ball and a metal horn. Some bike horns, however, have a unique design just like the parrot and whale in my previous reviews.

You can operate a bike horn by squeezing the rubble ball. This action will force the air into the reed inside into the horn, causing a vibration, which in turn produces the “honk” or “beep” sound you hear.

On the other hand, electric bike horns work by automatically sucking air inside and letting it out through the throat, producing the sound.

What are the different types of bike horns?

There are three different types of bike horns. I mentioned all of these three in the 12 reviews above. Anyway, these include:

• Traditional Horns – The bike horns you see most of the time are traditional bike horns. It consists of a rubble ball and a metal horn.
• Battery-Operated Horns – They also call this type an electric bike horn or programmable bike horn. It doesn’t have a rubble ball nor a metal horn and it produces sound automatically.
• Air Pressure Horns – This has a rubble ball as well as a metal horn, but it can produce sound automatically, so it inherits the characteristics of the two.

Why do you need a bike horn?

Cycling is considered a dangerous mode of transportation. Every day, a cyclist crashes into an obstacle or another vehicle, and it can lead to death. In fact, 57% of bicycle crashes occur because of a lack of signaling.

There are three ways to have a safe trip, and that includes having safety gear, lights, and audible signaling. Simply put, bicycle horns and bells, which counts as audible signaling, will have a positive effect on your safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most trusted bike horn brands?

As you may already know, there are bike horns for kids and adults. These two markets naturally have their giants. In the case of bike horns for kids, the most trusted brands include:

• CHILDHOOD produce novelty bike horns like the CHILDHOOD Kids Bike Horn that I reviewed earlier
• Bell manufactures bike safety gear including helmets, horns, and lights for kids

These two brands are your best option if you want to give a gift to your children, nephew, or niece. As for the bike horns for adults, the leading brands are the following:

• Coolrunner is a brand that manufactures bike horns and headlights
• delta Cycle offers bicycle accessories including bike horns
• Hornit produces bike horn and headlights similar to Coolrunner
• BurningSun prioritizes bike headlights but they also add a horn function

If you plan to purchase a bike horn for your safety, I suggest a product from either of these four.

Why is my bike horn not working?

Your bike horn may not work in some cases. This may be due to several reasons. Take note that depending on the type of your bike horn, the cause of the issue would differ.

To answer your question, I’ll provide some possible reasons why your bike horn isn’t working. Let’s start with traditional bike horns:

• Something is blocking the throat inside the horn
• There is a hole in the rubber ball
• The reed inside the horn is damaged, or it’s missing

What you need to do is disassemble the bike horn and look at it closely. You should be able to find what’s wrong and fix it. Now if you’re using a battery-operated bike horn, you have to consider these possible issues:

• The battery needs to be recharged or replaced
• The wirings inside the cable connecting the trigger and the horn are damaged
• The trigger button is damaged and needs replacement
• The electric bike horn is dysfunctional

Electric bike horns aren’t as simple as traditional bike horns. If it’s not working, it would be best to rely on a professional to fix the electronic device.

How do I install bike horns?

The steps on how to install bike horns would also differ according to its specifications. Most bike horns often have a screw or a nut. To install it, you will need a screwdriver or a panner. If the bike horn makes use of a wing nut, you can install it by hand.

If you’re using battery-operated bike horns, then it should be easier since most of them have silicone or rubber strap. Simply stretch the strap and attach the horn and trigger.

You can attach the horn to any part of the handlebar. It could be on the left, right, or even the middle. I like to attach the horn to the left side of the handlebar, where my dominant hand is placed.

How to care for and clean bike horns?

There are several ways to care for and clean bike horns, depending on what bike horn you have. Below are the dos and don’ts on how you should take care of your horn:

DOs

• Tighten the bike horn into your bike’s handlebar, so it doesn’t move while you’re biking. Constant movement/vibration can damage the reed inside the horn.
• Disassemble the bike horn before you make adjustments or clean it. Do this regularly to check if all parts are tightened.
• Clean the bike horn regularly with water. Make sure you dry it with a towel or cloth before leaving assembling it.
• Reach into the deepest parts of the horn’s throat to make sure there are no obstacles inside. This will also prevent rust and corrosion inside the throat.

DON’Ts

• Don’t use the bike horn if it’s unnecessary. The bulb will come loose whenever you squeeze it, so don’t overdo it.
• Don’t drop the bike horn or get into situations where you might drop the bike horn. This will damage the interior of the horn greatly.
• Don’t leave the bike horn outside during a sunny or a cold day. The extreme temperatures will eventually lead to the degradation of the material.

Conclusion

I get it. Cycling can provide you with a sense of freedom. It’s a great feeling, but sometimes it can lead to a disaster. Unwanted incidents can happen when you don’t have safety gear, light, and audible signaling – a bike horn.

Now that you know which is the best bike horn on the market, it should be easy to make a decision. Such a reliable product will help you be safer and more confident with your cycling.