By Robin Owens 17 days ago, Headphones
Affordable and high-quality aviation headsets.
Is the aviation headset a luxury or a necessity for a pilot? First off, most headsets are capable of providing smooth communication. Besides, an aviation headset performs another function ‒ it reduces noise. Therefore, finding the best aviation headset is essential for a convenient flying experience.
Beginner pilots may think that there is no noise inside a crew cab but it is not so, actually. As soon as you put on an aviation headset, you feel the difference. Although it isn’t like attending a rock concert, surrounding noise in a cab might negatively influence your hearing or even cause its loss. Therefore, it’s better not to skimp on your health and get the best aviation headset.
As you see, aviation headsets are developed to fulfill two main functions ‒ communication and noise abatement. Since it might be difficult to choose a suitable model, we have prepared a short guide on how to get the best aviation headset.
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz | Wireless: No| Noise Cancelling: Yes| Cable Length: 3m
⊕ Amazing noise reduction
⊕ Comfortable to wear
⊕ Sounding is perfect
⊖ None
Lightspeed Zulu 3 aviation headset comes with a built in speaker. This is the most frequent headset use by pilots, and they can easily record what hear in their headsets to their iPhone via the Flightlink application. Max Trescott, who own Lightspeed Zulu headset, and his son, Jacob, have flown thousands of hours using the Zulu as their primary aviation headset. They have also used it for personal use to record flight activity. The Zulu was designed to be user friendly for even a first-time pilot.
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz | Wireless: No| Noise Cancelling: No| Cable Length: 2m
⊕ Comfortable
⊕ Noise Cancelation feature works fantastic
⊕ Great sound
⊖ Case is not good
⊖ External Device Volume Control is not loud enough
Step into the exciting world of high-quality ANR headset with the Lightspeed SIERRA ANR aviation headset. The two year warranty provides an excellent way to protect yourself against faulty equipment. Sierra is designed to be simple for new users as well as more experienced pilots to use, and comes with a long warranty. A USB connector makes it simple to connect to your laptop or cell phone, and has a two year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. With the innovative dual microphones, the headset has the ability to pick up conversations can be monitored by the pilot in the front of you.
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz | Wireless: Yes| Noise Cancelling: Yes| Cable Length: No cable
⊕ Amazing Noise Reduction feature
⊕ Lightweight
⊕ Long battery life
⊖ Too expensive
⊖ Not for small heads people
The Bose A20 aviation headset continues the tradition of quality excellence that has made them a leading brand in the world of headphones and speakers. The A20 headsets features new advancements to improve on comfort and reduce noise, without sacrificing clarity - without sacrificing the quality sound that you expect from Bose. It also offers an auxiliary input for your MP3 player, and Bluetooth headset connectivity for convenient use.
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz | Wireless: Yes| Noise Cancelling: Yes| Cable Length: No cable
⊕ Lightweight
⊕ Solid built
⊕ Great ANC
⊖ Price tag
⊖ Slow wireless connection
The David Clark DC ONE-X ENC Aviation headset is an extremely effective headset for those who are an aviation enthusiast. This headset comes with a microphone and a headset amplifier, which allow the user to communicate with the air traffic controller, which means that the pilot can hear himself clearly in the cockpit as well. These headsets allow the pilot to hear himself clearly and give an extra layer of protection against possible hazards. This product is made to withstand all types of flying conditions, including hot and cold conditions, low levels of oxygen, and windy days.
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz | Wireless: Yes| Noise Cancelling: Yes| Cable Length: No cable
⊕ Comfort
⊕ Ease of microphone positioning
⊕ Clarity of ATC transmissions
⊖ Lower quality sidetone and Bluetooth
⊖ No cord management options
The DC PRO-X2 aviation headset is designed for anyone who is going to be flying a remote control plane and operating the controls. This unit is able to give you the same type of features as the flight simulator headsets that are available for the consumer. This particular product comes with two detachable headsets and a transmitter for the remote control of the airplane. This unit will help you to get the full feel of being in the cockpit while flying your remote control plane.
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz | Wireless: Yes| Noise Cancelling: Yes| Cable Length: No cable
⊕ Ultra comfortable
⊕ Full carbon fiber design
⊕ Premium speakers
⊖ No battery status indicator
⊖ Heavy
FARO G3 ANR aviation headsets are one of the best headsets that are available today. They are specifically designed for flight simulation and training, which help them provide a realistic environment in which a pilot can train. The headset offers a great deal of audio clarity, as well as the ability to be easily connected to a computer, laptop, or notebook. It also comes with a very large and comfortable earplug, which makes it a good choice for long flights. The headset has been tested by the Federal Aviation Administration and is also compliant with the latest regulations on headset headsets used in aviation.
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz | Wireless: No| Noise Cancelling: Yes| Cable Length: 1.5m
⊕ Comfortable
⊕ Reliable
⊕ Good sound quality
⊖ Not wireless
⊖ Cable length
Many pilots looking for a rock solid, comfortable, yet rock-hard aviation headset in a great price have found it in the H10-30 aviation headset from David Clark. This active mono headset comes equipped with the super comfortable undercut gel ear cushions and a highly comfortable head pad that have made David Clark one of the best aviation headsets in the industry. The H10-30 aviation headset works perfectly with all of the different headsets used by pilots to communicate with their air crew members and other aircraft personnel.
Image | Name | Features | |
---|---|---|---|
Lightspeed Zulu 3
Our choice |
CHECK PRICE → | ||
Lightspeed SIERRA ANR
Durable |
CHECK PRICE → | ||
Bose A20
Wireless |
CHECK PRICE → |
What features to consider when searching for an aviation headset? Since this question is popular among beginner pilots, we have compiled a list of key features that should be taken into account when looking for new earpieces.
Styles of Headsets
There are two types of aviation headphones ‒ in-ear and on-ear. It’s up to you to decide which option is more suitable. In-ear models feature earbud speakers that fit into your ears. On-ear headsets look like ear muffs and fit over the ears.
Plug Type
You might think that choosing a plug type is a no-brainer since all planes have the same types of plugs. But it is not so. Therefore, when choosing a new aviation headset check whether it is compatible with your plane. However, there are some standard plugs, like Dual plug (PJs), Helicopter plug (U174), 6-pin plug (LEMO) and Airbus plug (XLR). Dual plugs are typical of GA aircraft. Almost all headsets in our list feature dual plugs. Don’t worry if it happened that a chosen headset comes with a different plug type. You may fix this problem by purchasing an adapter.
Weight
If you usually fly for long distances, it’s better to choose lightweight models. However, the design also means much. For example, if an aviation headset is heavier but it has a well-padded design, it will be more comfortable than a lighter model. Our list includes both, lightweight (less than half a pound) and heavy (more than 2.5 pounds) options to choose from.