The Best Flight Headsets for Helicopter Pilots in 2025
Choosing the right helicopter headset is crucial for both comfort and communication in the cockpit. With the unique noise challenges of helicopter ops (doors off, long line, etc.), pilots need a headset that provides excellent noise reduction, clear audio, and all-day comfort. Whether you’re a student pilot or a seasoned pilot, here’s a breakdown of the best helicopter headsets on the market today.
Key Features to Consider in a Helicopter Headset
Before we dive into the top recommendations, let’s cover what you should look for in a helicopter headset:
Active Noise Reduction (ANR) vs. Passive Noise Reduction (PNR) – ANR headsets electronically cancel noise, providing a quieter experience, while PNR headsets rely on ear cup design and insulation. There is no doubt that ANR is the way to go long term. I would, however, recommend that student pilots avoid ANR until they have passed their checkride. Let me explain- while ANR eliminates a lot of the ambient noise, there is one sound source that we want, especially as a student pilot: Rotor RPM. Learning to fly autos without ANR can be helpful, as students can hear the RPM change before they recognize it on the tachs. Once students pass their Private Pilot checkrides and begin the Instrument Rating, consider upgrading to a headset with ANR to hear ATC communications more clearly.
Bluetooth & Connectivity – Modern headsets often come with Bluetooth for phone calls, music, and navigation audio. When I first started flying, I considered this a luxury feature, but I now consider it an incredibly beneficial safety feature. By connecting your headset to your iPad via Bluetooth, you can receive verbal traffic alerts from ForeFlight, such as: “Traffic, 12 o’clock, 1 mile, same altitude”
Plug Type - Most helicopters have at least a U-174 headset port, with many now including a 6-pin LEMO connector. The 6-pin LEMO uses the aircraft’s electric to power the headset’s Active Noise Reduction (ANR), rather than draining AA batteries. My recommendation is to buy a headset with the 6-pin LEMO, with an adaptor to go from the 6-pin to the U-174. By doing this, you’ll be prepared for any helicopters you may fly now or later in your career. Another thing to keep in mind: Getting a U174 headset with an adaptor to the 6-pin will NOT power the headset’s ANR without the use of AA batteries!
Top Helicopter Headsets for 2025
1. Bose A30 Aviation Headset – Best Overall
• Type: ANR
• Price: $1,299
• Pros: Superior noise cancellation, lightweight, excellent comfort, Bluetooth connectivity
• Cons: Expensive
The Bose A30 is one of the best aviation headsets available, offering top-tier ANR performance, superb comfort, and crystal-clear audio. The lightweight design reduces pilot fatigue, making it a favorite for long flights!
2. Lightspeed Delta Zulu – Best for Safety Features
• Type: ANR
• Price: $1,199
• Pros: Built-in CO sensor, customizable ANR settings, Bluetooth, flexible power options
• Cons: Expensive
The Lightspeed Delta Zulu offers an integrated carbon monoxide (CO) sensor, alerting pilots to dangerous fumes. It offers a customizable ANR experience, allowing you to adjust noise reduction levels for different environments. There’s also multiple ways to power the headset, including a rechargeable battery pack that lasts for 30 hours and can be recharged in flight!
3. David Clark H10-13H – Best Budget Passive Headset
• Type: PNR
• Price: $$
• Pros: Affordable, reliable, durable, comfortable gel ear seals
• Cons: Heavier than ANR options, less noise reduction
For pilots on a budget, the David Clark H10-13H is a solid, time-tested choice. It’s one of the most popular passive headsets among helicopter pilots due to its durability and dependable audio quality!
4. Bose A20 Aviation Headset – Best Used Headset
• Type: ANR
• Price: ~$700 used
• Pros: Excellent noise reduction, great comfort, proven reliability
• Cons: Discontinued
The Bose A20 was a top-tier ANR headset before being replaced by the A30. If you can find one in good condition, it’s still an excellent option. It offers outstanding noise cancellation and comfort at a lower price than a brand-new A30.
