Choosing Headsets for New Pilots

Today, after far too many years of putting off my dream, I would take the first step toward learning to fly.

The airport was a bustling, towered municipal field, home to a mix of small flight schools and one of the country’s largest aviation academies. Taxiing behind a line of waiting Cessnas and Pipers while a jet or two landed between an endless stream of other trainers performing touch-and-goes cemented my excitement.

The thrill was palpable, but there was one problem—I couldn’t understand a word I heard in my headset.

Sure, the phrasing and terminology of aviation radio communication were still quite foreign to me at the time, but even individual words themselves were an unintelligible blur. Normal conversation between the instructor and me was strained, at best.

The culprit, of course, was the battered, low-quality loaner headset provided by the school. Thankfully, I invested in a good starter headset before officially beginning my training, but I can only imagine the (entirely avoidable) challenge it would have been to attempt learning to fly without being able to understand half of what my instructor—not to mention air traffic controllers and other pilots—said.

A quality headset is one of the most important tools a student pilot—or any pilot, really—has. Good headsets enhance communication, reduce cockpit noise, and ensure comfort during long training or time-building flights. A poor headset, however, readily accomplishes exactly the opposite.

While perhaps not the top priority during relatively short flights common during the early days of training, comfort will soon be king as you embark on longer aeronautical excursions. Ideally, your headset will be so secure and comfortable that you forget it’s there, promoting distraction-free flight. Consider these factors:

Especially in small, piston-driven trainer aircraft, cockpit noise can be overwhelming. Noise-cancelling headsets help protect against hearing loss, reduce fatigue, and improve communication clarity.

Audio must be clear for effective communication with ATC and your instructor. High-quality microphones also help ensure that your transmissions sound both clear and professional. Consider these factors:

Flight training—and flight in general, really—can be tough on equipment. Durability matters, especially if you want to avoid making headsets a repeat buy. When taking a look at your options, take a couple of things into account:

Your headset must be compatible with your aircraft’s audio systems and any other devices you may want to use, such as tablets or smartphones.

General aviation headset prices vary widely, but generally, they will range from around $150 on the low end to about $1,500. While nothing in that range is what most people would consider to be especially “cheap,” particularly when compared to headphones you might use with your phone or computer, it’s still important to balance your budget with your top priorities.

Below are a few options at a range of price points. On the lower end are affordable headsets that are reasonably comfortable, functional, and durable. Sets on the higher end of the scale offer more features like active noise canceling and Bluetooth pairing.

If you’re testing the waters of aviation, the Sigtronics S-20 is a good and pretty common first headset. Priced at under $175, this set is lightweight and comes with a carrying case. It’s no top-of-the-line headset, so be prepared that the audio quality and noise reduction aren’t top-tier but are perfectly functional and will absolutely get the job done. The headset also comes with a five-year warranty, so you should enjoy some peace of mind knowing that it is a perfectly solid first headset. It is not many pilots’ “forever” headset, but it is durable and functional enough that plenty of pilots who start out with the set will later use the S-20 as a backup or passenger headset. It’s a great option for beginners that is both affordable and reliable.

The David Clark H10-13.4 is a seemingly indestructible workhorse headset and an excellent choice for new pilots who want to start out with something they can continue using for years. It is priced in the mid-$300 range and offers good passive noise reduction and clear audio quality. Known for its durability, this headset comes with a five-year warranty and can withstand the demands of flight training and beyond. I used this set during most of my training and, although I later upgraded to the DC One-X, my satisfaction with this headset earned much of my loyalty to David Clark. I now use my H10-13.4 for passengers and still occasionally use it as a primary set.

The Lightspeed Zulu 3 is a major step up, offering active noise cancellation, excellent audio quality, and Bluetooth connectivity. Priced just under $900, it’s a solid investment for pilots looking for a quality headset with more bells and whistles without necessarily going all-in on premium brands like Bose. Streaming music or connecting to devices via Bluetooth is a nice bonus. It may be overkill for someone unsure about committing to aviation, but it’s a good choice for those who expect to stick around. It’s also backed by a seven-year warranty, so those who want to start their training with a headset they can feel confident about using long-term can enjoy some added confidence. 

The Bose A30 is widely seen as the top premium headset option for pilots. Priced at around $1,300, it offers unparalleled active noise cancellation alongside superb Bose audio quality. A few have complained about comfort issues on especially long flights, although this is not the experience for most pilots. Features like Bluetooth connectivity and Bose’s renowned sound quality make it a top pick for professional and seasoned pilots. It is probably not the average pilot’s first headset, as it may be cost prohibitive for new pilots who are all but certain they are all-in on aviation, but it is viewed by many as the gold standard of general aviation—and even of professional—headsets.

Positioned between the Lightspeed Zulu 3 and Bose A30, the David Clark DC One-X is my personal favorite. Priced at just under $1,000, it combines good active noise reduction and comfort with superior durability. While the audio quality isn’t quite on par with Bose, it’s very close, and I believe it beats out that of the Zulu 3. Not everyone agrees with me, but I’ve found the DC One-X is the most comfortable headset I’ve ever worn, even during multihour flights. Additionally, I’ve been extremely pleased with David Clark’s customer service. About a year ago, I damaged one of my plugs, rendering the headset unusable. Within less than a week of sending the headset to David Clark to have the company look at it, it sent me a new headset, free of charge. Offering Bluetooth connectivity, superior comfort, excellent noise reduction, and reliable customer service, the One-X is a fantastic headset.

The right headset can make a huge difference in your experience during training and beyond. Your best bet is to weigh your budget against your priorities while choosing a headset to train with. Take things like your confidence level that you will stick with aviation in the long-term into consideration. Why blow a thousand dollars on a headset if you are just testing the waters?

Then again, if you know you are all-in, even the most budget-conscious student pilot might want to think about something on the higher end. This is something you will spend thousands of hours wearing and using, and since all involve some investment, it might make sense to start with a set you know you could stick with for the long run.

Regardless, the right headset for you is a personal decision. Read up on reviews and don’t be afraid to send a pair back after a use or two if it’s not the set for you. Investing in a quality aviation headset will enhance your flight training experience and provide you with not only comfort but also clear communication for better focus while mastering the skies.

Which headset is best for pilots?

The best headset for any pilot will be a very personal decision. Factors for choosing the best headset include one’s budget, the way the headset fits that person’s head, and what additional features, if any, they want.

Do airlines require TSO headsets?

TSO, or Technical Standard Order, refers to audio equipment that meets standards set out by the FAA. While general aviation flights operated under Part 91 (including training flights) do not require TSO equipment, airline flights operated under Part 121 do.  

Are noise-canceling headphones worth it for flying?

Noise-canceling headsets are not inherently necessary but can be worth the money for those who fly frequently in small small aircraft, especially for long durations. They help make the flight deck much quieter, helping pilots focus while protecting against hearing damage. 

Do pilots have to wear headsets?

Technically, no, pilots do not have to wear headsets. Not all flights are required to utilize radio communications at all, and some airplanes have hand-held microphones on board. Still, even when not required, it is best practice to utilize radio communications for better situational awareness. Considering how loud many cockpits can be, wearing a headset is the best way to ensure clear communication.