One of the few pieces of pilot gear you definitely don’t already have is a headset. This device combines hearing protection with speakers and a microphone for transmitting and receiving through the aircraft radio.
As with any aviation question, if you ask 100 pilots about their opinions on headsets, you’ll get at least 101 answers. We’ll recommend some of our favorites though we mostly want you to know what your options are, and some of the considerations you should use when choosing one.
If you’re undecided after you read this, your best bet is to get to a big airshow – ideally a big one like EAA Air Venture at Oshkosh, WI, or Sun ‘n Fun in Lakeland, FL. Every major headset vendor sets up a booth at these shows where you can try out each headset yourself.
Overall Philosophy
There is some very impressive headset technology available these days, but it comes with a large price tag. If you’re just getting started in aviation, don’t necessarily jump at a fancy headset because of features. Saving $700 on a headset purchase can cover several hours of flight time. At this point in your career, it’s most important that you’re able to train frequently and consistently. A fancy headset does you no good if you’re sitting at home for weeks on end trying to save up enough money for your next flying lesson.
Some people will suggest that it’s better to buy the right headset the first time, rather than getting a cheap-o model now and then a nicer one later. We say it depends on what kind of person you are. Have you owned the same pair of sunglasses for the last decade? Is your phone immaculate without any scratches or cracks? If so, this strategy might work for you.
A lot of people have to buy a new pair of sunglasses every couple of years (or even more often) because you’re always scratching the lenses, breaking the frames, or forgetting them places. The same goes for people who carry around the latest, hottest $1000 iPhone, with a cracked screen. If you’re prone to accidents or just treating your gear roughly, don’t start out buying an expensive headset. Start with something cheap that can put up with training and hour building, then let your future employer get you something nice in a few years.
With that said, let’s look at some options. You can categorize headsets in terms of a few different primary features. Your best bet is to figure out which general set of features you want and then start shopping from there.
After we consider some of these options, we’ll put things together to discuss which one might be best for you.
In- vs On- vs Over-Ear
Over-Ear
The oldest and most common headset design has ear cups that fit around your ears and rest against the side of your head. The most iconic example is the David Clark H10-series.
The David Clark H10 series may be the most well-known headset in the world.
Over-ear headsets are generally the heaviest and bulkiest ones. Wearing them for a long time can be uncomfortable, especially since they tend to squeeze the side of your head. However, they tend to be durable.
If you wear glasses (or sunglasses) with thick frames, they’ll leave a gap under the ear seal on this type of headset…letting in all the ambient noise you’re trying to block out. (One of the reasons we love sunglasses from Flying Eyes Optics is that they were designed by a pilot to fit comfortably under this type of headset without breaking the seal.)
On-Ear
Your next option has smaller ear cups that rest on your ears, instead of the sides of your head. The Telex Airman 8 is a good example:
The Telex Airman 8 is a lightweight, comfortable on-ear headset.
On-ear headsets are usually lighter weight and more comfortable overall. For long flights, the ear cups squeeze directly on your ear cartilage and can get uncomfortable. However, we find this to be no worse than what you get from an over-ear headset.
On-ear headsets come in both active and passive models (see below.) The passive versions simply can’t match the hearing protection of an over-ear headset, so they’re only good options in relatively quiet aircraft. We’ve found that the Active Noise Reduction (ANR) on-ear models seem to work as well as their over-ear equivalents.
In-Ear
The other major type uses foam inserts that fit into your ear like earplugs. Here’s the Quiet Technologies Halo as an example:
The Quiet Technologies Halo is a fantastic and affordable in-ear headset.
One of the reasons we like the Halo is that it was designed by a pilot who is also an audiologist. If you catch him at an airshow, he’ll show you charts that prove his in-ear design offers better hearing protection for General Aviation aircraft (at a price tag under $400) than a fancy ANR headset that will cost you more than twice the price.
These headsets are lightweight and comfortable, precluding any head/ear squeezing problems or interference from sunglasses. Some pilots worry that having earplugs in for hours on end could lead to some discomfort. We agree that this is inevitable, though it’s certainly no worse than other types of discomfort you experience from the other headset styles.
The other major player for this type of headset is Clarity Aloft. They also make a very nice headset. You probably can’t go wrong with either one, though we still prefer Quiet Technologies.
Passive vs Active Noise Reduction
By default, all headsets have Passive Noise Reduction, or PNR. This simply means that the materials over, around, or in your ear block out noise from the surrounding environment.
Headset manufacturers rate PNR performance in decibels (dB), but we recommend you not get caught up in small differences in this rating. Any of the products on the market should be adequate for your needs.
The nicer alternative to this is Active Noise Reduction, or ANR. These headsets measure the sounds around you and produce white noise sound waves that cancel out those sounds. It’s very cool technology, but it’s also expensive. ANR headsets start in the $800 range, though the best models are closer to $1000.
You will absolutely notice a difference the first time you activate a headset’s ANR feature. Manufacturers compete by publishing their ANR performance in dB as well. The ANR feature requires a power source, meaning most ANR headsets have a box for two AA batteries in line with the cord. Keeping charged batteries on hand, and figuring out where this box goes in a tight cockpit are two frustrations that come with most ANR options.
If you spend any time around retired pilots, you’ll notice many sets of hearing aids. You’ll also notice a lot of people who desperately need hearing aids, but appear to be too stubborn to wear them.
We recommend you plan to eventually use an ANR headset for your long-term wellbeing. As we mentioned though, this isn’t a pressing concern if you’re a brand new pilot. Why not wait until you get a job that actually pays you to fly and use your first few paychecks to fund the purchase of a nice ANR headset?
Many employers will even buy you a personal headset, or just provide nice ones onboard the aircraft. There’s no use in having a $1000 headset collecting dust in your closet if your employer lets you put wear & tear on their equipment instead.
Remember that a good in-ear headset offers hearing protection superior to that of far more expensive ANR headsets, depending on the type of aircraft you fly. If possible, we highly recommend attending an airshow and getting some demonstrations before you make a decision here.
Plug Type
Unfortunately, the aviation industry suffers from a lack of standardization on headset plug type.
Standard
The most common type for General Aviation aircraft is a 2-plug setup. Many aircraft that allow different connectors still have jacks for these types of plug. Your first headset should be this type.
Helicopter
The one exception to this rule is that helicopters use a single-plug U174 connector. If you plan to fly both airplanes and helicopters you’ll need either two headsets or an adapter. (More on that shortly)
Military
You should never need to buy a headset with a military style plug, but it’s worth noting that they exist. They use a single connector that looks like a helicopter’s U174 connector, but they aren’t! It’s possible to use these headsets in GA aircraft with an adapter (see below.)
LEMO
Some higher-end aircraft intercoms have special connectors for a 6-pin LEMO plug. If you’re flying these aircraft, you’re probably working for the owner and he or she should provide you with a headset. You shouldn’t need to buy a headset with this connector.
XLR
The final common type of plug is a 5-pin XLR connector common on Airbus and some other airliners. You definitely shouldn’t buy this type if you’re just starting out. However, if you get a job flying aircraft with these connectors, and don’t plan to switch to another aircraft or carrier soon, it may be worth buying your own headset.
Before we leave this topic, we have two more points to cover.
Wireless
First, there is such a thing as a wireless headset. It has plugs that feed into a small box with a bluetooth transmitter. The headset itself links to that transmitter. This setup is wonderful to fly with…the cords from regular headsets get tangled around legs, armrests, and each other. However, wireless headsets require charged batteries to function correctly. You absolutely must have a fully-charged spare set when you fly. As long as you can manage that, these are a nice option.
Adapters
Finally, you can find adapters for any type of headset plug. Sporty’s Pilot Shop is a good place to shop for them.
On one hand, it can be nice to pay $70 for an adapter that lets you use a $1000 ANR military headset when you fly Cessnas. However, we’ve noticed mixed reviews on headsets used through adapters. Don’t be surprised if you don’t get the performance out of an adapter that you’re hoping for.
TSO
The FAA publishes required specifications for aircraft equipment in Technical Standard Orders, or TSOs. Some models of headsets go through specific testing to prove that they meet the FAA’s headset TSO. Headset manufacturers will label and market these headsets as TSO-approved or TSO-compliant.
Some airlines write their operating procedures to only allow their pilots to use TSO’d headsets on company aircraft. If you use a personal headset that hasn’t officially been designated as TSO-compliant while flying for one of these companies, you could potentially get in trouble.
That said, unless your company specifically mandates TSO-compliant headsets in its operating manual, you may be legal to fly with any headset of your choosing. Here’s a good article from headset maker Lightspeed on this topic, and an official FAA interpretation letter that agrees.
If the headset you want happens to be marketed as TSO-compliant, then good for you. If not, you’re probably fine getting it anyway.
Bluetooth
Many headset makers have started offering bluetooth as an option with their headsets. This feature can be nice for two things: First, it allows you to use a phone call to get an IFR clearance on the ground without having to either shut down your engine(s) or scream over the buzz of your propellers. Second, it can allow you to listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks, etc. while you fly.
Typically, adding bluetooth to any headset raises the price by a few hundred dollars. Although these features are nice, it may not be worth the extra expense.
First, some operators (especially the military) don’t want you to have access to bluetooth. They worry about the liability that comes with you having the ability to make a phone call from the air, or the distraction of listening to music when you should be paying attention to the radio.
Second, you need to consider how much flying you’ll be doing with other people. Having music or something else to listen to while flying solo is wonderful. If you have a job that involves a lot of single-pilot flying, this could even be a way to help keep yourself more alert. However, if most of your flying involves two pilots, you won’t get many opportunities to use bluetooth. There’s nothing ruder than a pilot who is sitting two feet away, listening to his or her own thing instead of chatting or otherwise being part of a crew. Don’t get a bluetooth headset if you’re planning to primarily use it in crewed flying operations.
As a brand-new pilot, you may think that it’ll be cool to have music for your solo flights during training. We strongly recommend against this. Until you have more experience, it’s going to take every ounce of attention you have to keep the shiny side of the plane pointed up and the nose pointed in the right direction. Most flight schools would penalize you if they knew you were listening to music on your solo flights.
Don’t worry, the added expense of having a bluetooth headset isn’t within your means anyway. You’re far better off spending that money on a couple more flight hours. You can get a fancy bluetooth headset later on.
Used Headsets
If you look on eBay, you’ll find a variety of used headsets available at great prices. If you’re disappointed about our advice that you should start out with an inexpensive PNR headset, you might consider buying one used so that it’s not as much of a sunk cost when you finally get to upgrade.
Most of these headsets are being sold by pilots who are doing that upgrade themselves. If you take care of it, you’ll likely be able to re-sell it for little or no loss when you’re finished with it.
A very well respected company called Oregon Aero sells headset upgrade kits that include new ear seals and headrest pads. You can use this to simultaneously trick-out a new-to-you headset while avoiding exposure to a previous owner’s germs. This may even provide a better-than-new headset at a much lower cost.
Oregon Aero also attends all of the major airshows. You can stop by their booth for demos.
Overall Recommendation
Overall, we recommend a new pilot look for an inexpensive PNR headset. Buy an over-ear classic or one of the inexpensive in-ear options.
Make this headset last for at least 250 hours until you earn your Commercial Pilot certificate. When you get that coveted entry-level pilot job, fly with your old headset for a few months while saving a few dollars from each paycheck in a headset fund.
If you decide your old headset is good enough, then you’re in luck. You have an extra $1000 to dump into your Treasure Bath. If you decide it’s time to upgrade, you can start shopping for a nice ANR setup, or the Clarity Aloft BluLink.
Pilot Pipeline Top Picks
When it comes to PNR over-ear headsets, you could consider any of the following:
- Pilot Pipeline’s Winner: David Clark H10-series
- AvCom
- Sigtronics
If you want an over-ear ANR headset, here are a few to consider
- Pilot Pipeline’s Winner: Bose A20
- Lightspeed Zulu 3
- Lightspeed Sierra
- David Clark ONE-X
For on-ear ANR headsets, we’d look at the following:
- Pilot Pipeline’s Winner: Telex Airman 8
- David Clark PRO-X2
Finally, if you want an in-ear headset these are your options:
- Pilot Pipeline’s Winner: Quiet Technologies Halo
- Clarity Aloft
- Bose Proflight Series 2 (Advertised as an ANR in-ear headset. It’s fancy, and you pay for that.)
Parting Shots
Overall, you probably can’t go wrong with any of these. Headset technology has improved vastly over the years. If shopping online isn’t good enough, the best place to compare all of your options side-by-side is at an airshow.
If you can’t get to one (or COVID-19 has ruined the airshow scene for the year) you could look up a flight school or pilot shop in your local area. They’ll likely only offer headsets from a few manufacturers, but that may be enough to give you a better idea of what you like.
You may also be able to borrow a headset from a friend for a few flights. Most pilots end up with an extra headset sitting around and could be persuaded to lend it out in exchange for lunch, or a six pack of frosty beverages.
Remember that you can always upgrade in the future. The reason you can shop for used headsets on eBay is other pilots are upgrading right now. You can probably sell an old headset there yourself when you’re ready for a change.
Enjoy your shopping!
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