Best Aviation headsets in 2024-Review

Even everything in costs a lot and the price tag on headsets do not differ. The importance of a great headset makes a huge difference when you are flying for leisure, training or work.

Below is a comparison of the best and most commonly used aviation headsets in 2024, during your training, it's important to have a good headset as this helps with monitoring radio calls and reduces fatigue due to noise from long flights. There are many headsets to choose including the widely known Bose A20, LightSpeed Zulu 3, and David Clark One-X headset.

Making a decision on what headset to use will depend on the features, price, and the type of flying you will conduct. Features that you pay for may not be appropriate to your desired use, for example, flying every now and then won't require an expensive headset like the Bose, however; you may be happy to pay for the comfort and noise cancellation which is why the price is higher than the David Clark headsets. Operating aircraft that have open cockpits will reduce your selection as Active Noise Cancellation headsets like the Bose and Lightspeed Zulu tend to flutter and can not operate in various wind conditions like flying a microlight or drifter in an open cockpit.

Avaition Headset

Bose A20

ANC: Yes

Bluetooth: Yes, the Bluetooth music experience is the best way to listen to music wirelessly and provides Bose-quality sound. You can also stream warnings and alerts from your favorite apps. In addition, the A20 headset also has other Bluetooth profiles, including hands-free calling and multi-point, which allows you to connect to more than one wireless device simultaneously.

AUX: You can decide to purchase the controller with or without the aux cord. Without the aux cord is slightly cheaper.

Battery Life: Over 40 hours, Indication through accessory light changing from green, amber, and red. The Amber light means the Bose headset has 8 hours of battery life left, red/fast flashing means less than 2 hours of battery power left, and blue-tooth cuts out.

Comfort: 8/10, very little force on the head. Glasses can be worn with the A20 Bose headset however larger frames like Ray-Bans do reduce noise cancellation and increase the force against the glasses frame and head.

Warranty: 5 Years

Price: $1,995

Light Speed Zulu 3

ANC: Yes

Bluetooth: Yes, the ability to connect with Flightlink which allows audio recording via iPhone or Ipad.

AUX: In addition to full Bluetooth connectivity, Zulu 3 offers an integrated control box auxiliary input, making it easy to connect a mobile phone, iPad, or music/audio device.

Battery Life: 30hrs

Comfort: 9/10, Widest headphones that allow for sunglasses and less force on the side of the head.

Warranty: 7 years

Price: $899 In Australia

David Clark One-X

ANC: No, the David Clark One are ENC (electronic noise canceling), This is similar as ANC and just as good.

Bluetooth: Yes, ATC will mute phone calls and music.

AUX: Yes

Battery Life: 40 hours

Comfort 7/10, smaller ear cups, however the lightest headset compared to the rest.

Warranty:5 years

Price: $895

David Clark H10-13S

• Low-profile volume control knob with detent settings

• Molded cord assembly made to exceptional pull and flex standards

• 5-Year Warranty, Made in USA

• FAA TSO Approved C-57b, C58a

• Exceeds RTCA/DO-214 Standards

• Weight (without cord assembly): 16.5 oz.

• Certified Noise Reduction Rating - 23 dB

Price: $600