Best Aviation Headsets & Intercoms of 2026

"As a new student pilot, I find this headset more comfortable and with audio quality just as good as the popular David Clark models. While it can get a bit uncomfortable after extended wear, the microphone and overall sound are excellent for the price."

"After doing a lot of research, I decided on this headset and I’m glad I did. The clarity is excellent, it’s comfortable, and the price is just right for student pilots. With the gel ear seal upgrade, the noise cancellation and comfort improved noticeably. It’s a great starter headset that’s easy to use and doesn’t distract me during flight training."

"I needed a dependable headset for my weekly flight training, and this one delivers. It’s durable, fits well, and the audio is consistently clear. For the cost, I see no reason to look for another headset at this point."

"As a student pilot, I was debating between an ANR and a traditional headset, but I'm extremely satisfied with the David Clark H10-13.4. It's exceptionally comfortable, well-built in the USA, and offers reliable noise reduction. I can hear my instructor and ATC clearly, there's no uncomfortable pressure, and the 5-year warranty gives extra peace of mind. Most instructors at my school use David Clark, and I can see why—highly recommended."

"Upgrading to these David Clarks for my private pilot license was a game-changer. Compared to the rental headsets, the fit is comfortable and secure, the audio is crisp, and I no longer experience communication dropouts. Even after rough use in the Air Force, David Clarks have proven their reliability. I wish the shipping had been a bit quicker, but overall, I'm very pleased with the purchase."

"This headset delivers on comfort and value—perfect for students or anyone not wanting to spend over a thousand dollars. The head cushion design accommodates hats easily, and the ear pads do an excellent job blocking outside noise. Highly recommended for anyone starting out."

"I've tried several aviation headsets, but the comfort and noise cancellation on these are unmatched. Wearing them for hours is effortless, and the audio clarity is outstanding—I can hear ATC, passengers, and my music with ease. The price is steep, but honestly, the investment is justified for the quality and durability."

"I was skeptical about switching from my old headset, but after flying with the A30, I'm convinced it's a major upgrade in comfort and ANR performance. The Bluetooth is seamless for music and calls, and I love being able to customize the audio settings. I’ve put about 20 hours on them so far and have zero complaints."

"I picked Bose because their products are always reliable and top-tier quality. The adjustable fit and comfort level mean I never get headaches, even on long flights. Plus, these headsets are built to last, with other pilots reporting years of use. The ability to connect to my phone and record clear audio is a game-changer for me."

"As a student pilot, I needed a headset that was durable and comfortable for long flights. The Lightspeed Zulu 3 is incredibly light—I can barely feel it after putting it on. The noise reduction is impressive, and both ATC and my cockpit partner hear me crystal clear. While the Bluetooth music quality isn’t top-tier, sound for communication is excellent, which is what really matters to me."

"I've tried several headsets, including Bose, but the Zulu 3 stands out with its comfort and outstanding noise canceling. The Kevlar braided cable is a clear upgrade, and the overall build feels robust. The only thing I wish for at this price is better batteries out of the box, but otherwise, I’m thoroughly satisfied."

"After getting headaches from other brands, I switched to the Zulu (now using the Zulu 3) and immediately noticed the gentle fit and minimal pressure on my head. It’s so light, I sometimes forget I’m wearing it. Battery life is excellent. Occasionally, the seal breaks with chunky sunglasses, but the comfort trade-off is worth it for me. I’m definitely a Zulu customer for life."

"I've been using this headset for a year now, and what stands out to me is the exceptional comfort—the gel ear seals and padded top feel better than my previous headsets. It's affordable and reliable, and while it's not an ANR headset, the noise reduction is impressive for PNR. I especially appreciate not having to worry about batteries, and the sound clarity makes communication easy. My only minor gripe is the snug carrying case, but that's trivial compared to the value this headset provides. I've recommended it to both new students and experienced pilots."

"As a pilot who flies regularly, I bought this headset because of its budget-friendly price and it has far outperformed my expectations. The ear muffs block out plenty of noise, and the radio sound is consistently clear—I can always communicate without any issues. The individual volume controls are a big plus for me. After the short break-in period, I find them comfortable for hours, even though they get a bit warm in the summer. For anyone needing a backup or a main headset, this is hard to beat at this price."

"For student pilots or those needing a solid second headset, this is a fantastic pick! The performance and comfort are outstanding for the price, and I love not having to worry about charging or batteries. Even though it's not ANR, the noise isolation is great, and my ears don't ring after flying. Honestly, I plan to keep using this as my main headset as long as it lasts."

"After flying with the Sierra headset, the active noise reduction was a game-changer, making my cockpit drastically quieter. I found it extremely comfortable, even on longer flights, and was surprised by the breathability and light weight compared to my previous David Clark headset. The Bluetooth connectivity worked seamlessly for streaming music from my phone, even though the manual said otherwise. ATC communication was crystal clear, and I never had to ask for a repeat. For the price, the Sierra’s combination of ANR, Bluetooth, and comfort makes it a great value. I’m definitely sticking with Lightspeed!"

"As a CFI, I’ve used this headset almost daily for over two years, and it’s held up extremely well despite being tossed around my flight bag. Noise cancellation is solid and Bluetooth is a major perk. The battery life lasts about 40 flight hours with Bluetooth on. Customer service is fantastic—my friend got a replacement part quickly with no hassle. It’s way better than average headsets and much more affordable than Bose. I can honestly say you won’t be disappointed with this headset."

"When I started my commercial pilot training, I upgraded from a basic ASA headset to the Sierra. The difference in comfort, build quality, and noise cancellation was incredible—especially in a noisy C172. For the price, you’re getting comparable ANR and comfort to higher-end models. Delivery was lightning fast with Amazon Prime. These headsets are an excellent choice for student pilots or anyone wanting a quality upgrade."

"After trying several aviation headsets, I can say the Bose A30 stands out for its incredible comfort and superb noise cancellation. Even on longer flights, I barely notice it on my head, and the sound quality is unmatched. While it’s definitely a pricey option, I see it as a long-term investment in comfort and protection."

"I’ve flown with the A20 and other headsets, but the A30 fine-tunes everything I loved about previous models. The active noise reduction is so advanced I had to get used to hearing my engine differently. Bluetooth works flawlessly for calls and music, and no one can tell I’m flying unless I tell them. Absolutely worth every penny—I haven’t found a single drawback yet."

"I was hesitant about spending so much, but these headphones truly transform the flying experience. ATC, passengers, and music are all crystal clear, and the active noise cancellation is powerful yet still lets through just enough engine noise for safety. Wearing them for hours is no problem at all."

"After years flying with over-ear headsets, switching to the Pro Flight 2 was a relief. The lighter weight and absence of clamping pressure make long flights much more comfortable. I really appreciate the quick mic swap feature and the typical Bose audio clarity. Even in a quiet 777 cockpit, the high noise-cancelling setting is noticeably effective."

"I have sensitive ears and dislike over-ear pressure, so this headset is a game changer for me. The comfort and lightness are unmatched, and I use it daily in my Piper Archer. Bluetooth mixing is smoother than the A20, and noise reduction is strong—maybe a bit less than the A20, but still great. Just make sure to handle it gently and configure the settings for your type of flying."

"I've worn David Clark One-X's for years, but the Pro Flight 2's active noise cancellation is just as good, if not better, and the comfort is outstanding. Even though I'm not a fan of things in my ears, these feel like AirPods and are perfect for long days in the cockpit. Audio settings are customizable to your liking, and I wish I had switched sooner."

"As a regional airline pilot, I find these headsets incredibly comfortable for hours of use and appreciate how lightweight and compact they are for my pilot bag. The noise reduction is impressive—it's hard to believe they're not over-ear muffs. I can even wear sunglasses without discomfort, which is a huge plus for me."

"Having flown with various brands, I was pleasantly surprised by the Pro X2's comfort and sound clarity during a recent multi-leg trip. Noise canceling matches pricier competitors, and I had no discomfort from clamping. It might let in a tiny bit more wind noise than over-ear models, but it's barely noticeable. Overall, outstanding value and performance."

"Switching from my old Telex 850s, I immediately noticed the improved comfort and noise attenuation with this headset. It's quiet, doesn't squeeze my head, and is small enough for easy storage. The only thing I have to keep in mind is carrying spare batteries, but that's a minor inconvenience for the quality."

"I was torn between these and the Bose A20s, but my loyalty to David Clark paid off. These headsets are extremely comfortable, lightweight, and built to last. The sound quality is exceptional—even with ANR off—and Bluetooth works flawlessly. I’ve had zero issues, and the battery easily lasts me about 30 hours. Highly recommended for both GA and commercial cockpits."

"After years of flying, I’ve found these to be a joy to wear in everything from small GA aircraft to an Airbus 320. They’re tough, comfortable, and the ANR and Bluetooth performance is outstanding. I’ve synced them once and never had a connection problem. They’re so reliable, I even use them for music in the terminal."