Flying frequently as a pilot means exposure to loud noises, which can sometimes reach 90 db according to the FAA. A good handset will protect you from noise-induced hearing impairments. There are many options in the market, but the key features you should be looking for are a headset that fits your specific needs, comfort, and sufficient noise reduction.

This guide takes you through popular aviation headset options to help you choose one that fits your needs.

What Makes A Good Pilot Headset?

The best headset will mostly depend on your particular needs. For example, the level of comfort you seek, the type of aircraft you fly, and the features you want. But most importantly, it will also be influenced by your budget. 

 

7 Tips On What To Look For In Aviation Headsets

Below are handy tips on choosing the best pilot headsets.

1) Comfort

Comfort is one crucial aspect a headset should possess, especially if you’ll be wearing them for hours at a time. Typically, lightweight headsets are more comfortable as they do not put a lot of pressure on your ears and skull. 

The best-fit headset should also have the proper weight distribution, with less weight on the headband and more on the ear cups. That said, comfort is subjective, and your best headset depends on what you find most comfortable. 

2) Quality of the Ear Seals & Headband

For comfort and convenience, it’s best to go for a headset that allows you to adjust comfort settings such as the clamping force. In addition, think about the material used for the ear seal covers. Some materials are warmer than others. For example, cotton or knitted ear seal covers might be better for regulating temperature and preventing sweating. Conversely, a vinyl seal cover might be easier to clean.

3)  Noise Reduction (ANR vs. PNR) 

Aviation headsets “cancel” or reduce noise in two major ways: passive noise reduction (PNR) and active noise reduction (ANR). All headsets have some form of PNR, created when the headset’s ear seals or cups block the noise from reaching your ears. PNR headsets are mostly over-the-ear and cheaper since they are not as technologically advanced as the ANR headsets. 

Conversely, ANR headsets use electronics to reduce noise. Sometimes, they are referred to as electronic noise-canceling headsets. 

ANR headsets sense noise through a small microphone placed either outside or inside the ear cups (or both, which are referred to as hybrid ANC). Once they detect noise, the ANR headset broadcasts a sound wave on the same frequency as the detected noise. However, the sound wave is inverted at 180 degrees. In simple terms, the ‘noise sound wave’ and ‘broadcasted sound wave’ cancel each other to eliminate the unwanted noise. 

ANR headsets mainly focus on canceling low-frequency noises from turbulence and plane engines. This noise can be anywhere between 20Hz and 300Hz. You’ll find that ANR headsets are lighter since the electronic components for noise reduction eliminate the need for heavy soundproofing, as in passive noise reduction.

On the downside, ANR headsets require a power source. In most cases, the power comes from batteries on the earpiece, while some connect to other sources. 

4) In-Ear vs. Over-Ear design 

Another thing to consider is whether the headsets should rest over your ears or go in. Over-ear headsets cover a significant part of the ear area and are usually PNR headsets. However, we also have ANR headsets with an over-ear design. These are ideal in aircraft with a large high-performance engine or open cockpits since they can provide adequate noise reduction while being lightweight. 

In-ear headsets go inside and are designed to fit like earplugs or earbuds. They are not ideal for louder aircraft as they do not have effective mechanisms for noise reductions. 

5) Features 

The features you want in aviation headsets will be subjective. However, the most popular feature to review before purchasing aviation headsets is whether or not you want to opt for Bluetooth. If you want Bluetooth capability, go for ANR headsets. Bluetooth requires power, and PNR headsets do not have a power source. Built-in Bluetooth also means you’ll rely less on in-cockpit cables, which offers more convenience to move and communicate without cables getting in the way. 

6) Cable variations

You’ll have to consider the type of aircraft in order to purchase the headset with the right cables and plugs. But in most cases, you might have to purchase extra cables or plugs to make the headsets work seamlessly with your aircraft needs. Below are the most common plugs in aviation headsets:

• Dual plug (PJs)
• 6-pin plug (LEMO)
• Airbus plug (XLR)
• Helicopter plug (U174)

If you fly multiple aircraft types, you can use a plug adapter to use a single headset on all aircraft types.

7) Microphone Quality 

Noise reduction and audio are all important features to think about before purchasing headsets. However, be sure to also consider the microphone quality to ensure that air control and passengers can hear you well. 

 

 

What Are the Most Popular Pilot Headsets?

ANR aviation headsets are popular with pilots for their added noise-reduction mechanisms, lighter weight, and added comfort. While we have a few PNR aviation headsets on this list, the majority of the headsets we’ll review are ANR headsets.

 

What Are the Best Aviation Headset Brands?

There are a number of aviation headset manufacturers to choose from. Some of the most popular brands include:

• Bose
• David Clark
• Lightspeed
• Kore
• Rugged Air
• Faro

Each brand will vary in materials, price, and functionality. For some pilots, once they find a brand of headset they like, they may choose to stick with that brand for future purchases. 

 

The 14 Best Aviation Headsets 

Below we give you some of the most popular options to help you choose the aviation headset that fits you best. 

1) Best Reputation For Sound Quality: Bose A20

Bose A20 entered the market in 2010 and has been a reliable option for pilots looking for ANR headsets. It has a sturdy build that’s meant to last you a long time in your career as a pilot. This headset features Bose’s excellent sound quality to facilitate crystal clear communication. Bose A20 is lightweight and rests on your skull and ears with just the right amount of clamping force. 

• Weight: 12oz
• Battery: 2 AA
• Warranty: 5 years
• Plug type: Dual GA, LEMO six pin, U174
• Bluetooth: Yes

The best part? It also has in-built Bluetooth to take phone calls or listen to music. On the downside, Bose A20 is an expensive headset totaling up to $1,000. It’s generally considered the best all-rounder for most users. 

2) Best Reputation For Value: David Clark Pro-X

David Clark Pro-X headsets strike a good balance between excellent features and an affordable price point. These on-ear headsets come with a light-clamping force to allow extended comfort. In addition, these headsets have a leatherette head pad with a breathable and vented design for easy temperature control. 

• Weight: 7.5.oz
• Battery: 2 AA
• Warranty: 5 years
• Plug type: Dual GA
• Bluetooth: Yes

David Clark Pro-X has an NRR rating of 30dB. They are also super light compared to other headsets, at only 7.5oz, making them ideal for long flights. 

3) Best Reputation For Comfy Ear Seal: Lightspeed Zulu 3

Lightspeed Zulu 3 features a durable build of mostly titanium and stainless steel. The contoured ear seal hugs your jawline for a more natural fit and stability. The ear cups are 30-50% bigger to fit your ear area better. 

• Weight: 14.6oz
• Battery: 2 AA
• Warranty: 7 years 
• Plug type: Dual GA, LEMO six pin, U174
• Bluetooth: Yes

Zulu 3’s cables are built around a Kevlar core, making them more durable, lighter, and flexible than most standard cables. This headset has Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls, ComPriority, and AutoShutoff. 

4) Best Reputation For Auditory Customization: Lightspeed PFX

The Lightspeed PFX headsets are built for a personal flying experience with lots of customization to fit your ears, environment, and convenience. At 14 ounces, these headsets are not the lightest, but you can expect comfort and an exceptional fit. Lightspeed PFX delivers outstanding audio clarity by measuring the unique landscape around your ears and offering noise reduction as needed. 

• Weight: 14oz
• Battery: 3 AA
• Warranty: 5 years
• Plug type: Dual GA, LEMO six pin, U174
• Bluetooth: Yes

You’ll also love Lightspeed PFX’s high-end finish, sturdy materials, and soft ear seals. 

5) Best Reputation For Hybrid Noise Cancellation: David Clark DC One-X

David Clark’s One-X is a great choice for quality hybrid noise canceling headsets made possible by ENC technology. This headset features a heat-absorbing head pad and comfy leatherette ear seals that reduce heat buildup and sweaty moments. 

• Weight: 12.3oz
• Battery: 2 AA
• Warranty: 5 years
• Plug type: Standard Dual GA, LEMO six pin
• Bluetooth: Yes

DC One-X features a multi-function control pad to customize to your unique preferences. This headset also has Bluetooth wireless audio for your cell phone calls, music, and more. Finally, the DC One-X is a foldable or collapsible design that can fit in the palm of your hand. This compact design makes it ideal for travel. 

6) Best Reputation For Wireless: Lightspeed Tango

Lightspeed Tango is a great wireless option if you want headsets that allow more convenience. Instead of Bluetooth, Lightspeed Tango uses a signal technology known as Lightspeed Link to provide excellent sound quality. You can simultaneously connect six Tango headsets to the audio panel.

However, this headset has full Bluetooth integration for wireless access. Lightspeed Tango is battery powered, with the batteries giving you 12 hours of full operation. But you can always charge the headset while using it. 

• Weight: 18oz
• Battery: Lithium-ion(rechargeable)
• Warranty: 5 years 
• Plug type: Dual GA, LEMO six pin, U174
• Bluetooth: No inbuilt Bluetooth (instead, it uses Lightspeed Link)

On the downside, the LightSpeed Tango is on the heavier side at 18 ounces.

7) Best Reputation For Lightweight ANR Headset: Avcomm AC1000

Avcomm AC1000 is a lightweight and moderately priced aviation headset. It boasts noise reduction rated at 52dB for maximum audio and microphone clarity.

• Weight: 14.6oz
• Battery: 2 AA
• Warranty: 5 years
• Plug type: Dual GA
• Bluetooth: Yes

The build is comfy, with deluxe leather ear cushions that fit your ears seamlessly.

8) Best Reputation For High Quality-Materials: Rugged Air RA980

Aside from excellent noise-cancellation, pilots want headphones with a sturdy and durable build to last them a long time. The ear seals are made of leather, and the ear cups are of carbon fiber.

• Weight: 10.23oz
• Battery: 2 AA
• Warranty: 7 years
• Plug type: Dual GA
• Bluetooth: Yes

The Air RA980 headset is also on the lightweight side weighing only 10.23oz.

9) Best Reputation For Microphone Flexibility: Lightspeed Sierra

Lightspeed Sierra is one of Zulu’s inexpensive headsets. It comes with an adjustable microphone that you can move from one side to the other. The ear seals are soft, well-fitting, and do not clamp uncomfortably.  

• Weight: 16oz
• Battery: 2AA
• Warranty: 5 years
• Plug type: Dual GA
• Bluetooth: Yes 

Lightspeed Sierra has a 5-year warranty, and the battery can run for up to 40 hours. 

10) Best Reputation For Reduced Pressure Points: Telex Stratus

The Telex Stratus is a cheaper Bose 20 alternative. However, it’s also a heavier headset, but this doesn’t compromise its comfortability. For example, the memory foam ear pads reduce pressure on the ear for more comfortable pressure. 

• Weight: 18.5oz
• Battery: 2AA
• Warranty: 5 years
• Plug type: Dual GA
• Bluetooth: No

11) Best Reputation For Rechargeable Battery Quality: Pilot USA PA-1779T

The Pilot USA PA-1779T is one of the only headsets with a rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride battery. This headset is built with close tolerance military components to provide extra 18dB-22dB noise reduction. 

• Weight: 16.9oz
• Battery: Rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
• Warranty: 5 years
• Plug type: Dual plug
• Bluetooth: No

It’s fitted with a sheepskin fleece head pad and silicone gel ear seals which are 30% lighter than standard gel ear seals. 

12) Best Reputation for Lightweight PNR (Non-ANR) Headset: Clarity Aloft Pro Plus 

Clarity Aloft Pro Plus is ideal for piston-airplane cockpits as these aircraft engines produce less noise. These in-ear headsets also feature different-sized earbuds to help you find a perfect fit. These headsets are also lightweight at only 2oz, making them ideal for long flights. 

• Weight: 2oz
• Battery: None needed
• Warranty: 3 years
• Plug type: Dual GA
• Bluetooth: No

Of course, noise canceling may not be as superb as Bose A20, but they work well as a starter headset or backup.

13) Most Recommended Headset for New Pilots – David Clark H-10-13.4 Aviation Headset 

David Clark H-10-13.4 is reasonably priced for passive noise canceling. These headsets are a good fit for new pilots thanks to the affordable price and sufficient noise reduction. 

• Weight: 16.5oz
• Battery: None
• Warranty: 5 years
• Plug type: Dual plug
• Bluetooth: No

The microphone is adjustable and features noise cancellation mechanisms to offer more sound clarity. 

14) Most Recommended Headset Under $300 – Kore Aviation KA-1 Premium

Kore Aviation KA-1 Premium is a Korean headset brand from Korea. They have an NRR of 24dB, which is quite good for a PNR headset. Unfortunately, Kore KA-1 premium headsets do not have inbuilt Bluetooth, but it has an audio input. 

• Weight: Not specified
• Battery: None needed
• Warranty: 5 years
• Plug type: Standard plug
• Bluetooth: No

The boom microphone offers Electret noise-canceling features for clearer communication.

As you can tell, there’s an abundance of aviation headsets to fit every need, budget, and aircraft. It all depends on the level of comfort you are looking for and whether you want PNR or ANR headsets.

 

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