Bose 324843-2070 A20 Aviation Headset - Standard 5-Pin XLR Plug, Black

The Bose A20 Aviation Headset has become something of an industry standard among professional and serious recreational pilots, and the engineering behind it justifies the reputation. The active noise reduction system is purpose-built for the aviation environment, targeting the specific low-frequency drone of piston and turbine engines that causes cumulative fatigue over long flights. Bose's claim of 30% greater noise reduction than conventional headsets is well-supported by user experience, and the system's active equalization dynamically adjusts audio output to remain clear regardless of changing ambient noise levels. The customizable audio prioritization control is a thoughtful feature that lets pilots configure how simultaneous inputs — ATC, intercom, music, phone — are mixed or muted, ensuring safety-critical communications always come through clearly.

Comfort is the A20's other defining characteristic. The 30% reduction in clamping force compared to conventional designs addresses one of the most common complaints among pilots who wear headsets for four, six, or eight-plus hours at a stretch. The ear cushions are engineered to maintain an effective acoustic seal despite the lighter pressure, and they are user-replaceable when they eventually wear out. This particular model uses the standard 5-pin XLR connector found in many twin-engine and commercial aircraft panels; pilots flying single-engine GA aircraft with dual-plug panels will need the alternative connector version. It is worth noting that this is the wired model without Bluetooth, so pilots who want to stream audio from a phone or EFB tablet should consider whether the Bluetooth variant better suits their cockpit setup.