A Guide to Bose Aviation Headsets and Accessories

Bose has built a reputation as one of the most trusted names in audio technology, with decades of experience developing products that combine comfort, clarity and innovation. From home speakers to noise-cancelling headphones, the brand is known for engineering products that perform well in demanding conditions while remaining comfortable enough for extended use.

This same level of quality and attention to detail carries through into the aviation space, where Bose has become a favourite among pilots who want reliable performance in the cockpit. Whether you’re flying recreationally or professionally, having gear you can trust in the cockpit makes a genuine difference to how each flight feels.

Bose Aviation Headsets

Choosing the right Bose pilot headset depends on your flying style and personal preferences. Whether you prefer ultra-quiet earcups or a lightweight in-ear fit, Bose offers options designed to keep communication clear and flights comfortable.

A30

The Bose A30 is the brand’s most advanced aviation headset, designed to reduce pressure around the ears while still delivering exceptional noise cancellation. Alongside its comfort improvements, the A30 pilot headset also includes adjustable noise cancellation settings, letting pilots fine-tune the level of ambient sound they want to hear during flight. 

This model uses a new ear cushion design that spreads pressure more evenly, making long flights considerably more comfortable than earlier models. The headset also comes with a customisable fit, allowing pilots to adjust clamping force to suit their head shape, providing tailored comfort during extended time in the air.

A20

The Bose A20 has long been considered one of the standout options among Bose aviation headsets, known for its balance of comfort, durability and strong noise-cancelling performance. This Bose pilot headset includes Bluetooth connectivity, which allows pilots to take calls or listen to audio without needing to remove the headset. It also features adjustable noise cancellation to suit different cockpit environments.

As a market staple for years, the A20 remains a well-tested and dependable option for pilots who want proven performance. Its durable build and consistent track record make it a common recommendation for pilots buying their first premium headset, since it offers a reliable balance of features without an overly steep learning curve.

ProFlight Series 2

The Bose ProFlight Series 2 is designed specifically for pilots flying in quieter cockpit environments, such as commercial jets, rather than the louder cabins typically found in smaller aircraft. This Bose flight headset is lightweight and compact, making it a practical choice for pilots who value a minimal and comfortable fit during long shifts.

While it doesn’t have the same level of active noise cancellation as the A30 or A20, the ProFlight Series 2 is built to deliver clear audio quality without unnecessary bulk. Its slim profile also makes it easy to store and transport, which suits pilots who are regularly moving between aircraft and need a headset that doesn’t take up much space in their kit bag.

Bose Aviation Headset Accessories

Headband Cushion

Alongside Bose aviation headsets, the right accessories can make flying even more practical and convenient, whether you’re looking to improve comfort, protect your gear or keep things organised during travel. The headband cushion sits along the top of the headset and helps distribute weight more evenly across the head, which reduces pressure points during longer flights.

Since this cushion experiences regular contact and wear, many pilots choose to replace it periodically to keep their headset feeling fresh and comfortable. Reasonably priced and simple to fit, this is one of the easiest accessories to swap out at home without needing any tools and doing so regularly can noticeably improve comfort on longer trips.

Headset Carry Case

A dedicated carry case helps protect your Bose flight headset from knocks, dust and general wear while it’s being transported to and from the aircraft. Most cases are designed with a firm outer shell and a soft interior lining, which helps keep the headset secure without adding too much bulk to your flight bag. Having a proper case is especially useful for pilots who travel frequently, since it helps prevent accidental damage during handling and keeps all the small components, such as cables and cushions, together in one place.

Clothing Clip

The clothing clip is a small but genuinely useful accessory that helps keep the headset cable in place, preventing it from dangling or getting caught on switches and controls. By clipping the cable to your clothes, you reduce tension on the connection point and help extend the life of your cable over time. This is a particularly handy accessory for pilots who move around a fair bit in the cockpit during flight, since it helps keep the workspace tidy and reduces the chance of accidental cable snags.

Termination Cup

The termination cup is where the headset cable connects into the ear cup itself, and it plays an important role in keeping the internal wiring secure and protected. Since this area experiences a reasonable amount of movement and strain during regular use, a well-designed termination cup helps prevent wiring issues from developing over time. This is a component worth inspecting occasionally, since a worn or damaged termination cup can affect audio quality and overall headset reliability and catching an issue early can save you from a more costly repair down the track.