It's time to find the perfect headset! With so many options available, it can be a daunting task. Consider your budget and how you'll use the headset to narrow down the best choices for you. If this is your main headset for frequent flying or you need one for occasional rides with friends, the selection could vary.
Let's get started on your search for the perfect headset!
Noise Reduction Headsets
There are two buyer's guides: one for headsets that feature some kind of ANR, or active noise reduction.
These headsets generally have a small battery pack and a controller that sends out phase-cancelling sound waves into your headset - the opposite of low droning engine frequencies, for example, making the ride much quieter for you.
The other buyer's guide just covers headsets with passive noise reduction. These headsets rely on earcups made of insulating foam or gel, and the clamping force of the headset to tightly seal your ears and block out noise.
They cost much less than ANR models, making them great for pilots who don't fly much or who want an extra pair.
We try to provide a Noise Reduction Rating for each headset, as published by the manufacturer. A headset with a larger NRR will be quieter.
The decibel system is a logarithmic scale, so you can't merely add together a headset's active and passive reduction figures to figure out how quiet it will be.
For example, the effective noise reduction of a headset with 22 dB of passive protection and 24 dB of active protection is about 26 dB. A headset with an NRR of 30 dB will make sounds feel half as loud as a headset with a rating of 20 dB.
Aviation Headset Comfort
Once you settle on a budget, comfort will probably be your biggest consideration, especially if you regularly fly cross-countries more than two hours long.
Comfort means not only how the headset feels on your head, but how much it dampens low frequencies from the engine and propeller that contribute to fatigue.
This can be subjective, so ask to borrow your flight instructor's or friend's headset for a flight and see how it feels.
Different headset makers use different materials for the padding and cushion around the ears.
Many people think gel pads are the most comfortable, though memory foam padding also rates highly and can provide a softer feel.
If you wear corrective lenses or sunglasses while flying, make note of how well the pads seal around the ears and temples.
Even small gaps will let in a lot of noise, making the headset much less effective. Pay attention to the headset's clamping force, as well.
Does your head feel like it's being squeezed in the vice? Or is the headset so loose that it feels like it might flop forward or backward on your head?
A headset that fits properly should rest snuggly across the top of your skull, with no tendency to slip forward or backward.
The ear cups should completely encase the ear, not resting on any part of the outer ear.
Aviation Headset Brands
1. Bose
The Bose A30 Aviation Headset, introduced in 2023, continues Bose's tradition of delivering top-tier aviation audio equipment. Weighing approximately 14.2 ounces, the A30 has a soft and a comfortable fit for extended flights, thanks to its reduced clamping force. Pilots appreciate its clear sound quality, a hallmark of Bose's audio expertise.
The A30 features Bluetooth connectivity, this lets you to wirelessly connect to devices for music or calls without removing the headset. It also includes an auxiliary input for wired connections.
The A30 automatically mutes audio during radio transmissions, resuming playback afterward. For those who prefer a non-Bluetooth option, Bose offers a version of the A30 without this feature at a lower price point.
Also, the A30 is designed specifically with comfort for pilots. The headset's lightweight construction and reduced clamping force make it suitable for long flights. The A30 also includes a toolless, side-swappable down cable and microphone, providing flexibility for different cockpit setups.
To sum it all up, the Bose A30 Aviation Headset combines advanced audio features with a comfortable design. This is why Bose continues to be a popular choice for pilots seeking a long-lasting high-quality headset.
2. David Clark
The long-time maker of passive headsets with a reputation for high quality and great customer service has lagged in recent years when it comes to ANR features. Even still, its distinctive pale green headsets are a staple at many flight schools because they're rugged and dependable.
One-X
The David Clark One-X Dual Plug Headset features an around the ear design, preferred by General Aviation Pilots. It has plush leatherette ear seals, and Bluetooth connectivity for added comfort on longer flights. It's been a favorite amongst David Clark loyal customers.
PRO-X
The DC PRO-X is one of David Clark's newest ANR models. It uses smaller earcups that rest over your outer ears and memory foam in the seals to ensure a pleasant fit on long flights.
Microphones on the outside of each ear cup pick up engine noise so that the right frequencies get canceled out. The result is active attenuation of up to 30 dB at the low frequencies most common with piston engines. Light weight of just 7.5 ounces ensures comfort on long flights, and Bluetooth lets you use a cell phone or music player as well.
H10-13X
David Clark's H10-13X provide similar levels of active (22 dB) and passive (22-23 dB) reduction, but in a form factor more like the company's passive headsets.
3. Lightspeed
Lightspeed Aviation has consistently developed new headsets with increasing levels of comfort, communications clarity, and innovative features.
Lightspeed Zulu PFX
The new Zulu PFX uses Lightspeed's latest circuitry and algorithms to tailor the noise cancelling to your environment, both in the plane and within each earcup.
It will even remember each user's customized noise-cancelling profile, which it determines by acoustically mapping the shape of your ear. The 14-ounce headset works with Lightspeed's smartphone/tablet app to save inflight audio recordings and customize your audio settings. The headset comes with several cord and plug options as well.
Both the Zulu PFX and Zulu.2 (below) let you stream audio or talk on your cell phone with Bluetooth or wired connections.
Lightspeed Zulu.3
The Zulu.3 keeps things quiet with increased active noise reduction and improved passive attenuation. Zulu.3 is more comfortable than ever with its light weight, reduced side pressure and new ear seals.
Additionally, Zulu.3 provides enhanced audio quality, still offers an auxiliary input and features integrated Bluetooth. Zulu.3 is available with straight or coil cords; dual plugs, U174 plug, Lemo plug for panel power; and electret or dynamic low impedance microphones.
Lightspeed Sierra
Lightspeed's Sierra headset combines quiet, comfort and clarity in a value-packed form, and weighs just 16 ounces. Sierra is comfortable due to its low side pressure and the ear seals it shares with its high-end sibling (Zulu.3).
Its active noise cancellation system is unrivaled at its price point, and offers features such as Bluetooth (phone only) and auxiliary input that all pilots have come to expect. Sierra is available with a straight cord and dual plugs.
4. PilotMall.com
Want ANR in a compact and inexpensive package? Our own Sound Silencer ANR provides 16-19 dB of active attenuation, in addition to 25 dB of passive attenuation to block out a wide range of engine and propeller noises.
And it includes an audio jack for your music player and volume controls on each earcup, plus PilotMall.com's 3-year warranty, all for just $239.
5. Telex
For commercial pilots, Telex offers several models with ANR that's geared toward cutting jet wind noise and the droning hum of cockpit avionics cooling fans. Telex's legacy models, the 850 and 750 (passive) were recently upgraded to the Airman 8 and Telex Airman 7 (passive).
They remain extremely popular because they're so reliable and weigh less than four ounces. Jet pilots who fly all day will barely notice they have one on. The 8 uses mic power to provide 12 dB of active noise reduction, while the 7 is best for quiet jet cockpits and pilots who aren't bothered by typical wind noise.
Want to learn about the best ANR aviation headsets?
Check out these guides!
-
12 Pilot Flight Bag Essentials You Should Always Be Carrying
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The Best Aviation Headsets for a New "Student" Pilot - High End or Economy?
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Active vs Passive Noise Reduction: Which is Best for Pilots?
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What is the Bose A30 Headset? Why should you consider an upgrade?
- ANR Headset Comparison: Which Offers the Best Value?
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