Bose A20 vs A30: Which Aviation Headset Is Worth Your Money?

For as long as most pilots can remember, Bose has been the name in aviation headsets. The A20 set the standard over a decade ago, and in 2023 Bose introduced its successor — the A30. On paper, the differences might seem small, but after flying with both, the improvements become clear.

Here’s my in-depth look at how these two stack up, and why I ultimately think the A30 is the better headset for most pilots today.

Comfort and Fit

This is where the A30 really shines. Bose re-engineered the headband and earcup geometry to reduce clamping force by about 20%, and it’s immediately noticeable. On long cross-country legs, the A30 feels lighter even though it technically weighs more. The pressure points are better distributed, and the new ear cushions seal nicely without creating hot spots.

The A20 is still a comfortable headset — it’s been beloved by pilots for years — but after several hours, I start to feel that familiar squeeze along the temples. If you fly long legs or spend all day around airplanes, the A30’s comfort is a real advantage.

Noise Reduction

Both the A20 and A30 offer excellent active noise cancellation — the kind that makes Bose the go-to headset for general aviation.

The difference is that the A30 introduces three ANC modes that you can toggle between depending on your aircraft and environment. Flying a noisy Cessna 150? Go full ANC. Hopping into a quieter Mooney or turboprop? You can dial it back for better situational awareness.

The A30 also adds a “talk-through” function, allowing you to briefly hear outside conversation without removing the headset or breaking your seal — a surprisingly handy feature when taxiing or talking to a lineman.

Some GA pilots report that the A20 feels slightly quieter because of its firmer clamp and tighter seal, but in practice, the A30’s adjustable modes and cleaner audio give it the edge in versatility.

Build and Functionality

The A30 modernizes the entire user experience:

• Tool-less mic and cable swaps — you can move the boom from left to right in seconds.

• New control module with a more intuitive interface.

• Improved Bluetooth that actually pairs easily and stays connected.

• Better mic clarity in high-noise cockpits.

The A20 isn’t bad — it’s just older. You’ll need a small screwdriver to move the mic, and the Bluetooth module feels dated. But its simplicity and proven reliability are hard to fault.

Real-World Flying Impressions

After using both headsets in a variety of GA aircraft, I found the A30 to be noticeably more comfortable and less fatiguing. The difference really shows on longer flights — especially when wearing sunglasses or a hat.

Noise reduction between the two is nearly identical, but the A30’s customizable ANC and talk-through make it more practical for modern flying.

The A20, however, still feels slightly more “isolating” in really loud airplanes — like an old 150 or a Cub with the window open. If you fly something that rattles and roars, that might be an argument in its favor.

Value

The A20’s main advantage today is price. You can often find new or used units for several hundred dollars less than an A30. For budget-conscious pilots, it’s still an excellent buy and will likely remain serviceable for many years.

That said, for those buying new — especially anyone flying multiple aircraft or longer legs — the A30’s comfort, features, and long-term support make it the smarter investment.

Final Thoughts

The Bose A30 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it refines nearly everything the A20 did well. It’s more comfortable, more versatile, and easier to live with day-to-day.

If you already own an A20 that’s working fine, there’s no urgent need to upgrade — it’s still a fantastic headset.

But if you’re in the market for a new premium headset right now, or if comfort and flexibility are your priorities, the A30 is the one to get.

My choice: Bose A30 — because after a few hours in the cockpit, comfort is performance