How to choose the right aviation headset?

18. 04. 2024

The Key to Picking the Perfect Aviation Headset

In the world of aviation, where precision and clarity are paramount, choosing the right headset is a critical decision that goes beyond mere preference—it's about enhancing your ability to communicate effectively and ensuring your comfort throughout every phase of flight. Whether you're a seasoned aviator charting across the expansive skies or a novice pilot taking to the air for training sessions, the perfect headset serves as your lifeline to the world below and your fellow aviators. This guide is designed to shine a light on the crucial aspects of selecting a headset that aligns with your specific needs, from budget considerations to the sophisticated technology that defines top-tier models. Delving into essential features such as advanced noise reduction capabilities, ergonomic design for extended wear, and seamless connectivity options, we aim to equip you with the knowledge to choose a headset that not only meets your flying requirements but also enhances your overall experience in the cockpit.

Finding the Right Price

Budget plays a crucial role in the decision-making process for pilots when selecting an aviation headset. Whether you're a seasoned aviator or just starting out, finding the right balance between cost and quality is key.

For those who frequent the skies, own their own aircraft, or demand the utmost in quality, investing in a premium headset, priced between 850 € and 1,500 €, offers a top-tier flying experience with advanced features. Mid-range options, offering many of the same Active Noise Reduction (ANR) capabilities, are available for 600 € to 750 €, providing a compromise between cost and quality. For budget-conscious pilots or those seeking a reliable backup, value ANR headsets are a cost-effective choice, available for approximately 300 €  to 500 €. Beginning pilots, or those with stricter budget constraints, need not compromise on safety or basic functionality; basic passive headsets, offering essential noise reduction, are available for 100 € to 300 €. This tier provides an accessible entry point into the world of aviation without a hefty initial investment.

Choosing Your Style: In-ear, On-ear, or Over-ear Headsets

When selecting an aviation headset, understanding the differences between in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear styles is key to finding your perfect fit.

• In-ear headsets are the most compact and lightweight, ideal for pilots who prioritize portability and minimalism. They fit directly into the ear canal, offering good noise isolation. However, fit and comfort can vary greatly among individuals, and they may not provide the level of noise cancellation needed in louder cockpits.
  
  
• On-ear headsets rest on the outer ear and are typically lighter than over-ear models, providing a good balance between comfort and noise reduction. They can be more comfortable for pilots wearing glasses, though they may not seal as well against the head, potentially allowing more ambient noise to enter.
  
  
• Over-ear headsets encompass the entire ear, offering the highest level of noise isolation and reduction. They're preferred for longer flights or noisier environments but tend to be bulkier and heavier, which could affect comfort over time.

In-ear

On-ear

Over-ear

Understanding Noise Reduction: ANR vs. PNR

Noise reduction technology is vital for pilots to maintain clear communication and protect their hearing. Active Noise Reduction (ANR) headsets use electronic methods to cancel out ambient cockpit noise, especially the low-frequency rumble common in flight, enhancing clarity and reducing fatigue. Meanwhile, Passive Noise Reduction (PNR) headsets rely on their physical structure and materials to block out noise, providing a straightforward, cost-effective solution.

While ANR headsets offer superior noise cancellation and comfort for frequent flyers in louder environments, they come at a higher price. PNR headsets, suited for quieter cockpits or occasional use, protect hearing without the added cost. Pilots must consider their typical flying conditions and budget to choose the right noise reduction method for their needs.

Weight and Comfort

In aviation, where long flights are common, the weight and comfort of your headset cannot be overstated. A lightweight headset reduces the risk of neck strain and fatigue, making it a crucial factor for pilots who spend hours in the air. The materials and design of the headset directly influence its overall comfort and weight. Soft, breathable padding, adjustable headbands, and ergonomic design ensure a snug fit without causing discomfort or pressure points.

Personal fit is equally important. A headset that fits well will not only feel more comfortable but also perform better in noise reduction. Pilots should look for headsets that offer adjustable features to tailor the fit to their individual needs. Ultimately, selecting a headset that balances lightness with comfort and a personalized fit can significantly enhance the flying experience, allowing pilots to focus on the flight with minimal distraction or discomfort.

Matching Your Headset to Your Aircraft: Understanding Plug Types

Selecting the right plug type for your aviation headset is crucial to ensure seamless integration with your aircraft's communication system. The variety in plug types caters to the diverse needs of different aircraft, from light planes to commercial airliners and military helicopters.

• GA (General Aviation) Plugs: Commonly used in most light aircraft, GA plugs are the standard choice for pilots flying general aviation planes, offering straightforward connectivity.

• LEMO (6-pin) Connectors: Designed for headsets with Active Noise Reduction (ANR) that don't require external batteries. LEMO connectors are ideal for pilots looking for clutter-free, high-quality sound experiences.

• XLR5 (5-pin) Connectors: Found in commercial airliners, XLR5 connectors are built for the complex communication systems of larger aircraft, ensuring pilots stay connected with crew and ground control.

• U-174 Plugs: Typically used in military aircraft and helicopters, U-174 plugs are tailored for environments that demand robust and reliable communication solutions.

GA Plug

LEMO Plug

U-174 Plug

XLR Plug

For pilots flying various types of aircraft or looking for versatility in their headset use, adapter kits offer a practical solution. These kits enable the adaptation of one plug type to another, ensuring your chosen headset remains compatible across different flying platforms. This adaptability not only extends the functionality of your headset but also enhances its value, making it a versatile asset in diverse flying environments.

Impedance & Bluetooth

Understanding impedance is essential for ensuring your aviation headset works seamlessly with your aircraft's communication system, providing clear sound quality. It's about matching the electrical resistance between the headset and the aircraft's audio setup to avoid distortion. 

Incorporating Bluetooth technology into this setup extends the functionality significantly, facilitating wireless connections not only for operational purposes but also for passenger entertainment. Bluetooth's integration allows pilots to seamlessly connect with external devices for receiving real-time updates and crucial flight information directly into their headsets, maintaining constant situational awareness without the distraction of manual device handling. Moreover, it offers passengers the luxury of wirelessly streaming music or other audio content, enhancing their travel experience.

Conclusion: Your Path to the Perfect Headset

Selecting the right aviation headset is pivotal, blending the essentials of noise reduction, comfort, and technological compatibility into one choice. Whether opting for ANR or PNR, in-ear or over-ear, the goal is a headset that complements your flying, offering clear communication and lasting comfort. With the right balance of features, budget, and personal fit, your ideal headset will not just be a tool, but an extension of your pilot's intuition, enhancing every journey through the skies.

The most popular headphones

Model	Type	ANR	Bluetooth	Noise cancelling microphone	Automatic shutoff	Multiple plug types	FAA certified
Bose A30	Over-ear	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
BOSE ProFlight 2	In-ear	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Lightspeed Delta Zulu	Over-ear	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
LightSpeed Zulu 3	Over-ear	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
David Clark ONE-X	On-ear	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
David Clark H10-13.4	Over-ear	✘	✘	✔	✘	✘	✔

Our recommendations

	Brand	Model
	Bose	A30
	LightSpeed	Delta Zulu
	LightSpeed	Zulu 3