Bose A20 vs. Bose A30 Aviation Headset | Which One Should You Choose? 🎧✈️

[@Mchenault_av8ts]

Thanks for this! Looking to get a second Bose headset for my plane. This helps!

[@pilotkaity]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@IconicFlight]

I’ve used the Bose A20 headset for several years across various aircraft, including small props, the 737, T-34, and ICON. Eventually, I passed the A20s to my daughter and upgraded to the A30 for props and the ProFlight Series 2 for flying the A320 and 787. The A30s are more comfortable, and with noise canceling set to maximum, they work perfectly for me. The key is proper placement on your head-adjust the fit and clamp them as snugly as you like. My wife initially complained about noise in the ICON, but it turned out her headset wasn’t sitting securely over her ears. Once she tightened it up, the noise issue resolved. (It’s worth noting that thick sunglasses arms can let noise in too!) Now, she’s happy with the setup. As for me, after years in noisy environments, my hearing isn’t as sharp as it once was, so I usually keep the radio volume turned up. No complaints here-😂

[@pilotkaity]

Thanks for sharing this very helpful assessment!

[@calvynvandenberg6943]

I have used both in the SR22 and in the C208 and the A20 is still my headset of choice!

[@pilotkaity]

Interesting! I’d love to hear more about why you prefer it. What do you like most about it?

[@alexp.6406]

Thank you so much for this video! I’ve been thinking of “moving up” from my A20 for a while, but can’t find anything wrong with my A20… good ANR and no “hot spots” on longer legs for me. Staying put.

[@pilotkaity]

Glad you found it helpful! You’re right, sometimes sticking with what works is the best way to go.

[@paulnagel8161]

Dang, I appreciate the honesty.

[@pilotkaity]

Happy to help

[@jazzyj6122]

I’m with you on the noise cancellation on the A30. I own a A30, a pair of Bose 10X, and a new Lightspeed Zulu 3. I fly a G280, G650, and a 172. I agree, the A30 is the worst of the 3. Nice, honest review. Thank you.

[@pilotkaity]

Interesting to see someone else agrees about the noise cancellation! I thought I was crazy for not liking it but everyone seems to agree

[@RishitSrivastava007]

I love how I was reccomended this video.

[@pilotkaity]

👏

[@jsisson]

Have the A20’s and I absolutely loved them. I have a friend who works for delta and he didn’t like the a30’s either and told me to go with the a20’s. Thank you for the confirmation bias 😂😝

[@pilotkaity]

Haha I’m glad I’m not the only one

[@steveshaw8003]

I have only used both of them in a Kitfox with a Rotax motor and while it is a very loud aircraft without a headset, I had the exact same issue with the A30. It is nice that it is lighter and not quite as much pressure on your ears, but the sound quality is really bad. I noticed I have my volume up a lot higher on the headset and struggle hearing things that I never had any problem with on the A20 headset. And it is kind of hard to explain, but tinny is the best way to describe what everything sounds like on the A30

[@pilotkaity]

👏

[@PNWBLUEBARON]

I’m in the A20 cult I had to buy 2 😅

[@pilotkaity]

Haha omg do you feel the same way about the noise canceling as I do?

[@PNWBLUEBARON]

@ yes! I agree 100% on the noise canceling. I borrowed my friends a30 and I agree it felt amazing on your head but the noise canceling wasn’t near as good. The other thing that I realized is… maybe it’s just me but I felt the quality of the materials felt cheaper or less appealing. It essentially felt like a cheap knock off of the a20s. If they could keep the same a20 tec but have the clamp force be like the a30! It would be perfect!👌🏻

[@reyesben]

I have an old pair of Bose Quiet Comfort headsets, and bought the N-flight mic that attaches to it. I actually have a second one for my daughter and both are great but my son wears the a-20. Katie you should check out the Bose quiet comfort, and do another video Comparing consumer grade versus professional. AOPA did an article on the Bose quiet comfort not that long ago I believe it was Dave Hershman

[@pilotkaity]

I have to figure out how to get one for free or try one because I don’t need another headset right now haha

[@reyesben]

@ the N-flight mic people might do that. I could send you my daughters but it’s used and we pretty much kiss the mic 🤢

[@josbren8943]

Clamping pressure is not enough for general aviation aircraft like the C182 with the A30. It breaks the seal when you move your head slightly. The A30 is only for business jets etc. Bose should have made the clamping pressure adjustment with that spring on the top.

[@pilotkaity]

Interesting I haven’t run into that in ga planes while flying it. I do feel like overall the a20 is just a better choice. I’ve seen most people saying the same thing here as well

[@bkaufmanmba]

Spot on - own both and prefer the A20. The A30 is not quieter & yet seems to supress valuable ‘feedback’ noise on both the radio and the ambient aircraft/engine. Always feel oddly & artificially insulated with the A30.

[@pilotkaity]

This is very well said and definitely what I experienced!

[@melissamitchell3901]

Thanks for the information,

[@pilotkaity]

Glad I could help!

[@747FoSophie]

I had a Bose A20 then switched to a ProFlight Series 2 and donated my A20 to a student pilot at my local FBO. Bought the A30 and I switch between the ProFlight and the A30. Sounds like there maybe something wrong with your A30. The lighter weight is important to me as some of the flights I am on can get to 16hrs. My option is always to use what you like. If your husband is using the A30 have you had him try the A20 and see which he prefers?

[@pilotkaity]

Not yet but that’s a good idea!

[@cmritchie04]

A20 has a replaceable port on the side of the headset headset where you take the screws out and you can choose left or right side? or even helicopter cord? or replace a frayed cord if need be? or switch from an analog over to a bluetooth A20 option? Provided you purchase the A20 "part" box ......A30 have all of that? A30 battery operated? How is the plastic? what about that 3d printed holder? Both made in China?

[@pilotkaity]

Battery operated yes. I don’t know about parts but I’d imagine that’s still an option. I’m not sure where they are manufactured

[@ricoserrano8942]

Went with the A30s my A20s ate back up now I love the NC on it. Was your green light on for the A30 looked off. IDK mine is nice. I would send them back to Bose.

[@pilotkaity]

I’ll have to check the video again and see if it was. I know it went on initially. Is it supposed to stay on the whole time?

[@StpBks]

Can you send the A30 back to the factory. Maybe something wrong?

[@pilotkaity]

That’s what I was wondering but I’m not sure how to tell. I need to try someone else’s I guess and see?

[@doncharleslundell]

See if you can get your hands on a Lightspeed Delta Zulu to compare with the Bose headsets.

[@doncharleslundell]

Also, the Delta Zulu is better than the Zulu. It has effectively an equalizer where you can adjust the gain in various frequencies. Plus a built-in CO detector.

[@pilotkaity]

I’ll have to see if I can. I tried the original light speeds years ago and was not a fan

[@hillcrestannie]

I have the A20 and love them. Two years ago I bought the Delta Zulu because they have the Carbon-monoxide detection built in along with the hearing equity. Hate them for many reasons!

[@doncharleslundell]

@@hillcrestannie I'm curious the reasons? I fly with the Delta Zulu and like them, so far (used to be a David Clark user). I have not yet tried Bose. One thing I don't like about the Delta Zulu is that I have to talk more loudly than natural speech in order to break the squelch. There's a mic gain adjustment, but it comes with a bit of compromise. Would that I had a louder voice. Other than that like the D.Z.

[@hillcrestannie]

Mic boom is to short. If I fly with the window open I get a popping noise. Not as comfortable. Battery life sucks. I don’t like the cord because it’s to flimsy and hangs on everything. I can’t tell if the hearing equity really helps. I do like the Carbon- monoxide detector.

[@n358cm]

Bought 2 A30’s a year ago and returned them to Aircraft Spruce. They were awful. A20s are far superior which I’ve used for as long as i can remember.

[@pilotkaity]

Wowww that’s interesting

[@davidgreer1785]

I have A20 & they’re fine. I feel obligated to use them after I spent the $ … but … I really liked my Flightcom Denalis I had originally.

[@pilotkaity]

Are the denalis noise canceling?

[@davidgreer1785]

Yes. Denali ANR (Part No. 100-0102-10) … had 9v battery … no Bluetooth. It appears they’re no longer available :(

[@AlphaKilo.Warrior]

I’ll try the A20, maybe Bose can send me one to test on my KZbin channel 😊

[@pilotkaity]

That would be nice

[@dane59589]

Are the ear gaskets any different? I replace them every 200 hours or so on the A20’s when they start to flake. It’s kinda annoying though not life changing.

[@pilotkaity]

They do seem to be different on the A30. A little better seal. Are you keeping them in the case? Every 200 hours seems like a lot. I’ve only had to replace mine about every 2000 hours

[@dane59589]

@@pilotkaity They stay in the plane, which is hangared when not flying in FL and IL, so that's probably not it. Just got a non-oem repair kit from amazon and hope that lasts a bit better. Thanks for the great content.

[@asp3n.pil0t]

Personally A20 for over hear, but I like in ear's so I use the proflight.

[@pilotkaity]

I’ve heard good things about the proflights! Do you use them in piston aircraft too or just jet?

[@asp3n.pil0t]

@@pilotkaity Both, I've found people who do not like them in pistons, but I find them to do quite well, and in my opinion, a little better than A30's

[@budowens6478]

Personally I like the A20 much better than the A30.

[@pilotkaity]

What do you prefer about it out of curiosity?

[@larreamma1519]

A30 is newer and the design is much improved. I rented both before I purchased. I thought the noise canceling was fine. I saw that you sounded like you were underwater with the A30 not sure if that has anything to do with the headset or maybe it’s localized to your headset, but that doesn’t happen with mine at all.

[@pilotkaity]

That’s exactly what I was wondering too. It was so bad that I’m wondering if that particular headset is broken. Maybe I’ll reach out to Bose. What kind of plane are you flying in with the a30?

[@larreamma1519]

@ Cessna 172N

[@sebsie5245]

Have A20 since 12years , changed for several flights to the A30 and returned it immediately, it was terrible. ANR bad and the microphone sensitivity was awful, one has to speak much louder!!

[@pilotkaity]

Interesting to see I wasn’t the only one

[@hillcrestannie]

If you want Sunglasses that fit under your headset get some Flying Eyes.

[@pilotkaity]

Oo nice thanks I’ll give them a try!

[@devendrajoshi4954]

Dev commented

[@pilotkaity]

👏

[@devendrajoshi4954]

@ ,I’m not a palmist,but I would love to read the line(s) on your hand and feel the coarseness,if any,after operating the joystick,”column n wheel”,push-pull-manual-Cessna,so I know,what to expect and even you know the same😉 Side-note:- Namaskar-posture is invoking energies,externally,but you should have that power in your spirit,”power-plant”,not cowling.Do you ever see me do that?

[@briandesilets8425]

A20 for props, A30 for jets.

[@pilotkaity]

I'm curious to hear why you prefer the A20 for props.

[@briandesilets8425]

@ noise cancelling is better. Only had one run with the 30’s in a prop, wasn’t great. My commercial pals all moved to 30’s for work, and kept their 20’s for their private planes. For the long jet flights the comfort is needed more than noise cancelling as the jets are quiet in the cockpit. A Cherokee is loud everywhere.

[@pilotkaity]

This is exactly what I think the move should be

[@donoltman7203]

Neither. Light speed Zulu 3 is better by far in my opinion. Ear cups are larger

[@pilotkaity]

see I hated the light speed. I feel like that noise canceling wasn’t very good either

[@donoltman7203]

@@pilotkaity I agree with you though. The new Pilatus we have came with the 30 and when you turn your head to the side it sounds like a drummer. No bueno.

[@steveshaw8003]

I have only used both of them in a Kitfox with a Rotax motor and while it is a very loud aircraft without a headset, I had the exact same issue with the A30. It is nice that it is lighter and not quite as much pressure on your ears, but the sound quality is really bad. I noticed I have my volume up a lot higher on the headset and struggle hearing things that I never had any problem with on the A20 headset. And it is kind of hard to explain, but tinny is the best way to describe what everything sounds like on the A30

[@pilotkaity]

I’m glad it’s not just me. So many people are saying the same thing