I'm a pilot and need a new aviation headset. Bose A20 vs. Lightspeed Zulu 3?

Both the [Bose A20 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.bose.com/pressroom/new-features-for-bose-a20-aviation-headset?srsltid=AfmBOor5_5A4LEFzIZRxRvZk3viT4JUy8MnBMScM-BGKpGea7LN0ThVD) and the [Lightspeed Zulu 3 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/product/zulu-3-anr-headset/?srsltid=AfmBOorYBZIZe8eDJ4igThLvrdQWa5189PAeN-6BbVqNbwGeZOu_jKAM) are legendary, top-tier general aviation headsets . While Bose has since introduced the newer A30 and Lightspeed offers the Zulu 4 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. and Delta Zulu Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , the matchup between the A20 and Zulu 3 remains a classic debate on the ramp and used market.

Choosing between them largely comes down to fit, build materials, and how you prefer your cockpit audio handled.

Watch this comparison video to see a side-by-side breakdown of the Bose A20 and Lightspeed Zulu 3:

9m Lightspeed Zulu 3 VS Bose A20 Comparison 77K views  · 5 years ago YouTube · About2Stall

Head-to-Head Comparison

• Active Noise Reduction (ANR):
  • Bose A20: Generally considered to have the edge in raw, quiet attenuation, particularly across the mid-frequency range. It is exceptionally good at scrubbing out standard piston engine drone.
  • Lightspeed Zulu 3: Very close competitor; some pilots find it handles low-frequency rumblings slightly better, but overall passive and active isolation are a near tie depending on the airframe.
• Comfort and Fit:
  • Bose A20: Lighter overall weight (11.9 oz), but features a tighter clamp for some head shapes. Ear cups are slightly smaller.
  • Lightspeed Zulu 3: Heavier (14 oz / 397 g), but famous for larger, plush faux-leather ear seals and a contoured stainless steel headband that distributes weight well, making it a favorite for pilots with larger heads or glasses.
• Build Quality & Durability:
  • Bose A20: Uses a good deal of high-grade plastic composite on the ear cups and structure to keep it ultra-light.
  • Lightspeed Zulu 3: Built like a tank with magnesium ear cups, a stainless steel headband, and rugged Kevlar-core braided cables. Backed by a generous 7-year warranty compared to Bose's standard coverage.
• Price & Value:
  • Bose A20: Historically commands a higher price tag (pushing past $1,000 when new) due to the Bose tax and FAA TSO certification.
  • Lightspeed Zulu 3: Usually priced a couple of hundred dollars lower (around $850 new), offering an arguably better dollar-for-value ratio.
• Audio & Bluetooth:
  • Both feature clear stereo/mono comms, auto shut-off, and auxiliary/Bluetooth inputs. Lightspeed handles music "ducking" smoothly (fading music down when ATC talks), whereas the Bose tends to mute entertainment entirely during radio interruptions.

The Verdict

• Go with the Bose A20 if you prioritize the absolute lightest weight on your neck, maximum high-end ANR quietness, and an FAA TSO-certified pedigree.
• Go with the Lightspeed Zulu 3 if you prefer a rugged all-metal/magnesium build, a longer warranty, larger ear cups for glasses/comfort, and a friendlier price tag.

To help narrow this down:

• What type of aircraft do you primarily fly (piston single, multi, turbine)?
• Do you prefer a dual-GA plug or a LEMO panel-powered setup?

If you're buying new in 2026, I’d take the Lightspeed Zulu 3 over the Bose A20—but there’s an important wrinkle: the A20 is discontinued. Bose replaced it with the A30 in 2023, although Bose still services A20s.

A20 vs. Zulu 3

Lightspeed's own comparison says the Zulu 3 has an advantage in low-frequency attenuation, while the A20 has an advantage in some mid-frequency attenuation. Both have excellent communications performance and very similar core features.

Lightspeed Zulu 3 Aviation Headset - U174 Plug

$949.00

Where I'd choose each

Choose the Zulu 3 if:

• You're flying GA and want a headset to keep for years.
• You spend long days wearing it and prioritize fit/comfort.
• You fly piston aircraft where low-frequency engine/prop noise is prominent.
• You want the 7-year warranty and robust metal/Kevlar construction.
• You like being able to record cockpit communications with an iPhone/iPad.

Choose an A20 if:

• You find a genuine new/near-new one at a substantial discount.
• You've flown with one and know its fit works particularly well for you.
• TSO certification is important for your particular operation. The A20 is TSO-certified; Zulu 3 isn't. Lightspeed notes that TSO isn't generally required for ordinary GA, but it can matter for certain commercial/airline operations.

One more option I'd seriously consider

If you're specifically drawn to the A20, I'd compare the Zulu 3 against the Bose A30, not the A20. The A30 retains the A20's basic formula but adds three ANR modes, talk-through/tap control, reduced clamping force and other improvements. Bose currently lists it at $1,299.

Bose A30 Headset

$1,479.99

My ranking for a working pilot buying today:

1. 🥇 Zulu 3 — best value and my pick for most GA pilots
2. 🥈 Bose A30 — premium choice if money isn't the main concern
3. 🥉 A20 — still excellent, but I'd only buy one at the right used/closeout price

If you tell me what you're flying (172, Bonanza, turbine, helicopter, etc.), roughly how many hours/month, and whether you're buying GA dual-plug or LEMO, I can make the recommendation much more specific.

The Bose A20 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. and the Lightspeed Zulu 3 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. have long been two of the premier top-tier ANR (Active Noise Reduction) aviation headsets on the market. While Bose has introduced the newer ProFlight Series 2 and Bose A30 , the A20 remains a legendary benchmark, and the Zulu 3 is Lightspeed’s ultra-durable, premium analog flagship.

Here is how they stack up across the features that matter most in the cockpit:

• Active Noise Reduction (ANR) : The Bose A20 provides industry-leading noise cancellation, particularly in the lower frequencies/engine rumble, making it exceptionally quiet on long flights. The Lightspeed Zulu 3 also offers fantastic ANR, though most pilots agree Bose has a slight edge in absolute quietness.
• Comfort and Clamping Force : The Lightspeed Zulu 3 features contoured ear seals and a plush headband with slightly more weight, but its soft, memory-foam ear cushions are legendary for accommodating glasses without breaking the seal. The Bose A20 is noticeably lighter with a lower profile, offering a secure yet feather-light clamp that disappears on your head after hours of wearing.
• Build Quality and Materials : The Lightspeed Zulu 3 wins big here with rugged, fiber-reinforced polymer ear cups and a stainless steel headband wrapped in leather—built like a tank for heavy commercial or rugged GA use. The Bose A20 is high-grade plastic and feels robust, but it is lighter and more delicate compared to the industrial durability of the Zulu 3.
• Audio and Bluetooth : Both feature crisp intercom audio and Bluetooth for music and phone calls. Bose’s auto-on feature and dynamic audio equalization make phone calls and music sound remarkably rich. Lightspeed provides a proprietary "ComPriority" feature that automatically quiets music when radio traffic comes in.
• Warranty and Value : The Lightspeed Zulu 3 comes with an impressive 7-year manufacturer warranty (one of the best in the industry) and generally retails at a slightly lower price point than top-tier Bose models. The Bose A20 traditionally comes with a 5-year warranty and commands a higher resale value on the secondary market.

Quick Comparison

If you want to narrow this down, let me know:

• What type of aircraft do you fly most often (e.g., loud piston single vs. quiet turbine)?
• Do you prefer a plug type (dual GA plugs, LEMO panel-powered, or helicopter plug)?

If you’re choosing specifically between the Bose A20 and Lightspeed Zulu 3, I’d lean A20 for most professional/serious GA flying, but the Zulu 3 is arguably the better value.

Bose A20 Aviation Bluetooth Headset

$1,499.00

Lightspeed Zulu 3 Aviation Headset

$949.00

The basic tradeoff is pretty straightforward: Bose prioritizes quietness, weight, comfort and audio quality; Lightspeed gives you a more rugged headset at a lower price. Sporty's similarly rates the A20 as its best overall headset and the Zulu 3 as its best-value option.

Where I'd choose the A20

If you're spending hours in the airplane, the 12 oz vs. 14.6 oz difference becomes meaningful. The A20 is also widely praised for its combination of ANR effectiveness, microphone quality, sound quality and low clamping force.

I'd take the A20 if you fly:

• Long cross-countries
• Turboprops or relatively noisy pistons
• Multiple aircraft
• A lot of radio work
• Flights where headset fatigue matters

Where I'd choose the Zulu 3

The Zulu 3 makes a ton of sense if you're hard on equipment or don't want to spend Bose money. Its metal construction and Kevlar-reinforced cable are substantial advantages, and its larger ear seals can be more comfortable depending on your head/ear shape.

The Zulu also has adjustable microphone gain, which can be useful in particularly noisy aircraft.

One important 2026 consideration

There's a wrinkle: the A20 is no longer Bose's current flagship aviation headset—the A30 is. Current product listings show the A30 as Bose's newer model.

So if you're buying new in 2026, I wouldn't automatically spend A20 money without comparing the A30 as well. The A20 still has an excellent reputation, but you're buying an older-generation design.

My ranking for you:

1. 🥇 Bose A30 — if budget allows and you're buying new
2. 🥈 Bose A20 — if you find a good price / want the proven classic
3. 🥉 Lightspeed Zulu 3 — best value and ruggedness

If you tell me what you're flying (172, Cirrus, Bonanza, King Air, helicopter, jet, etc.), how many hours/month, and whether you care about Bluetooth/music, I can give you a much more definitive pick.

Both the Bose A20 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. and the Lightspeed Zulu 3 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. are S-tier, industry-standard active noise reduction (ANR) headsets , but they cater to slightly different preferences in fit, build, and features.

Note: Bose officially transitioned away from the A20 in favor of the newer Bose A30 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , meaning brand-new A20 units are largely liquidated stock or found on the secondary market , whereas the Zulu 3 remains a core, actively supported staple of Lightspeed’s lineup.

Here is how they stack up head-to-head:

• Active Noise Reduction (ANR)
  • Bose A20 : Generally regarded as having a slight edge in absolute attenuation and high-frequency cancellation, especially in standard piston cockpits . It handles shifting ambient noise very smoothly.
  • Lightspeed Zulu 3 : Highly comparable ANR performance, though some pilots note that thick sunglass temples can break the ear seal slightly more easily than on the Bose, impacting the quietness.
• Comfort and Fit
  • Bose A20 : Noticeably lighter (340 g vs 397 g for the Zulu 3 ) with a lower profile on the head . Its triple-hinged headband design distributes side pressure evenly, making it universally comfortable for almost any head shape.
  • Lightspeed Zulu 3 : Features larger, plush, tapered ear cups that leave more room inside the cavity for your actual ears rather than resting directly on them . Some pilots with larger heads or ears prefer the roominess of the Zulus Go to product viewer dialog for this item., though others find them bulky ("Mickey Mouse" style).
• Build Quality and Durability
  • Bose A20 : Good construction, but relies on more traditional plastic/hinged components that feel slightly less rugged over years of heavy student/CFI abuse.
  • Lightspeed Zulu 3 : Built like a tank with magnesium ear cups, a stainless steel headband, and a Kevlar-reinforced braided cord that resists tangling and kinking.
• Warranty and Support
  • Bose A20 : Standard 5-year warranty . Bose customer service and on-site repair at major aviation events (like EAA AirVenture Oshkosh) are legendary for fast, hassle-free turnarounds.
  • Lightspeed Zulu 3 : Industry-leading 7-year warranty , reflecting Lightspeed’s confidence in their hardware durability.
• Features and Certifications
  • Bose A20 : FAA TSO-certified, meaning it is legally cleared for commercial flight decks and Part 121 operations if you ever transition to the airlines . It also features independent side-swapping for the mic boom right out of the box.
  • Lightspeed Zulu 3 : Not TSO-certified (fine for 98% of general aviation/Part 91/trainers). Features unique audio integration and works great with the Lightspeed FlightLink app for in-flight recording.

If you let me know:

• Your primary aircraft type (piston single, multi, jet, aerobatic)
• Whether you wear glasses or sunglasses regularly in flight
• If you need TSO certification for commercial/airline flying

I can help you make the definitive choice between the two.

If you're choosing specifically between the Bose A20 and Lightspeed Zulu 3, I'd take the Zulu 3 if buying new today—with one important caveat: the A20 has been discontinued, so a new A20 is old stock and you're generally better off considering the Bose A30 instead.

A20 vs. Zulu 3

Lightspeed's own comparison says both are exceptionally quiet and clear, but the Zulu 3 has an advantage in low-frequency attenuation while the A20 has an advantage in some mid frequencies. It also reports substantially more ear-cup padding/room on the Zulu 3 and a preference for its comfort among pilots who flew both.

Lightspeed Zulu 3 Headset - LEMO

$1,087.04

What I'd buy

For a GA pilot doing long cross-countries: Zulu 3. The comfort, rugged construction, and 7-year warranty make it a very compelling workhorse. Lightspeed currently lists it at 14.6 oz, with Bluetooth, dual-GA, LEMO and helicopter configurations.

If you love the A20's fit/feel: An A20 can still make sense used, particularly if you find a well-maintained one at a substantial discount. It's a legendary headset, and there's nothing inherently wrong with its performance—the issue is buying a discontinued product at close to new-headset money.

If you're spending ~$1,000+ anyway: I'd actually widen the comparison to Zulu 3 vs. Bose A30 vs. Zulu 4. The A30 is Bose's current replacement for the A20, while Lightspeed now also has the newer Zulu 4.

One practical point: try them on before buying if you can. Head shape, glasses, and clamping pressure can matter more than small differences in ANR performance on a 4–8 hour flight.

If you tell me what you're flying (Cessna/Bonanza/turboprop/jet/helicopter), roughly how many hours a month, and whether you wear glasses, I can give you a much more specific pick.

Choosing between the Bose A20 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (and its successor ecosystem) and the [Lightspeed Zulu 3 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/blog-posts/how-does-the-lightspeed-zulu-3-compare-to-the-bose-a20/?srsltid=AfmBOooPy6-7p6ufIALT_pahyBD-c4StpCZFKvoGCWOcLo4s8ZGf9rfD) comes down to legendary active noise cancellation versus rugged value and ergonomic fit. Both have been gold standards in general aviation cockpits for years.

To help you decide which fits your flying style, here is how they stack up across the features that matter most:

Watch this comparison video to see a visual breakdown of the Bose A20 and Lightspeed Zulu 3 build and features:

10:43 Lightspeed Zulu 3 VS Bose A20 Comparison 77K views  · 5 years ago YouTube · About2Stall

Active Noise Cancellation (ANR) & Audio

Widely regarded as having the slight edge in overall active noise cancellation—particularly across mid-range frequencies. The audio clarity for both ATC communications and music streaming is remarkably crisp. When an ATC call comes in, the Bose completely mutes/pauses auxiliary music.

Offers phenomenal quietness that is nearly indistinguishable from the A20 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. in most piston aircraft (some pilots even note a slight advantage on deep, low-frequency rumble). Instead of cutting out music completely during radio transmissions, the Zulu 3 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. features "ducking," which smoothly dips your music volume in the background so you never miss a beat of your playlist or podcast.

Comfort & Fit

It is noticeably lighter (~ $340 g vs. ~ $397 g for the Zulu 3 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.). It utilizes a triple-hinged headband design and slightly higher clamping force, which creates a stellar seal, especially if you wear sunglasses (though that extra pressure can fatigue some head shapes on ultra-long cross-countries).

Features larger, tapered ear cups and slightly less side-clamping pressure, making it a favorite for pilots with larger heads, bigger ears, or thick glasses frames who feel pinched by the A20 Go to product viewer dialog for this item..

Build Quality & Durability

Constructed with more plastic components on the sliders and outer shell. It is reasonably durable if treated well, but feels more delicate.

Built like a tank. It features a stainless steel headband, magnesium ear cups, and rugged Kevlar-reinforced cabling. Lightspeed backs this up with an impressive 7-year warranty compared to Bose's shorter standard coverage.

Price & Value

• Bose A20 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.Historically commands a higher price tag (and commands strong residual value on the used market). (Note: Bose transitioned the flagship line to the digital A30 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , making factory-new A20 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. units harder to find outside of the used market or specialized stock).
• Lightspeed Zulu 3 Sits at a friendlier price point (around $850 - $950), delivering roughly 90-95% of top-tier performance with superior durability and a longer warranty.

The Verdict

• Go with Bose if your top priority is absolute maximum noise reduction, a feather-light feel on your neck, and you don't mind a slightly more delicate plastic-and-hinge build.
• Go with Lightspeed if you have a larger head/ears, prefer a rugged stainless steel/magnesium build with a 7-year warranty, love seamless music ducking, and want elite performance for a lower investment.

To help narrow it down, what type of aircraft do you primarily fly (piston single, twin, turbine), and do you usually wear glasses or sunglasses in flight?

If you’re choosing today, I’d lean Lightspeed Zulu 3—but there’s an important 2026 wrinkle: the Bose A20 has been discontinued, and Bose replaced it with the A30.

Lightspeed Zulu 3

$1,024.92

Bose A20

$1,299.99

Zulu 3 vs. A20

Lightspeed itself says the Zulu 3 has better low-frequency attenuation, while the A20 has an advantage in some mid-frequency ranges. The company also reports a preference for Zulu 3 comfort among pilots who flew both, although fit is obviously very individual.

What I'd choose as a pilot

Go Zulu 3 if:

• You're doing lots of GA flying and long legs.
• Comfort over 3–6+ hours matters.
• You want the more rugged construction.
• You're buying new and want ongoing manufacturer support.
• You're flying a particularly low-frequency-noisy airplane—the Zulu's noise attenuation is particularly good there.

Go A20 if:

• You find a new/near-new one at a genuinely good price.
• You've worn both and the A20 fits your head better.
• TSO certification matters for your particular operation/career path. Lightspeed explicitly notes that the Zulu 3 isn't TSO-certified, whereas the A20 is.
• You strongly prefer the A20's lighter feel or audio character.

One thing I'd not do in 2026 is pay a premium for an A20 simply because it's an A20. Bose discontinued it in 2023, so you're buying a legacy product at this point.

And if you're open to a third option: I'd actually compare the Bose A30 vs. Zulu 3 rather than A20 vs. Zulu 3. The A30 is Bose's current replacement for the A20, while Lightspeed has also moved beyond the Zulu 3 with newer models.

If you tell me what you fly (e.g. 172, Cirrus, turboprop, helicopter, jet), roughly how many hours/month, and whether you're going airline/professional, I can give you a much more specific recommendation.

The choice between the Bose A20 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (or its successor, the Bose A30 Aviation Headset Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ) and the [Lightspeed Zulu 3 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/product/zulu-3-anr-headset/?srsltid=AfmBOoo6LnHlDYIF7obg5_ArCibspHOaKfmKSiZSHN06zAZooICSDW27) comes down to a matchup between industry-leading active noise reduction and lightweight fit versus superior rugged durability and a longer warranty . The Bose A20 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. generally retails around $999.00+ , features FAA TSO-certification, and weighs a remarkably light 12 oz (340g) , whereas the Lightspeed Zulu 3 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. retails around $850.00 , features a robust stainless-steel/magnesium build, weighs 14 oz (397g) , and includes a class-leading 7-year warranty.

Watch this comparison video to see the real-world fit, build, and noise-canceling differences between the Bose A20 and Lightspeed Zulu 3:

5:37 What's the best aviation headset? (Bose A20 vs. ...45K views  · 4 years ago YouTube · Sporty's Pilot Shop

Headset Comparison

Bose A20 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Advantages

• Superior ANR: Offers slightly better active noise reduction across mid-range frequencies and overall quieter performance in heavy piston environments.
• Lighter Feel: Noticeably lighter on the head with less physical mass, which reduces fatigue for some head shapes.
• TSO Compliance: Fully FAA TSO-certified, making it the preferred or required standard for many commercial airline paths and corporate operations.

Lightspeed Zulu 3 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Advantages

• Exceptional Value: Saves you roughly $150–$250 compared to Bose flagship pricing while delivering comparable premium audio and ANR performance.
• Rugged Build: Features magnesium ear cups, a stainless-steel headband, and a Kevlar-braided cable that resists tangling and wear significantly better than legacy plastic builds.
• Plush Comfort & Warranty: Tapered, larger ear seals accommodate a wider variety of ear sizes comfortably over long cross-countries, backed by a robust 7-year warranty.

To help narrow this down, let me know:

• What type of aircraft do you fly most often (piston single, twin, turbine)?
• Are you looking for dual GA plugs, LEMO (panel-powered), or helicopter plugs?
• Do you have a preference for clamping pressure or head size considerations?

Both are excellent headsets. If you're deciding specifically between the Bose A20 and Lightspeed Zulu 3, the choice comes down more to fit and priorities than outright performance.

Quick recommendation

• Choose the Bose A20 if: you want the lightest feel, excellent ANR, and a headset that's proven across thousands of hours in everything from trainers to turboprops.
• Choose the Lightspeed Zulu 3 if: you value rugged construction, a roomier ear cup, a longer warranty, and better value for the money.

Side-by-side

Community feedback is remarkably split because head shape matters so much. Pilots who wear glasses or have larger ears often prefer the Zulu 3's larger ear seals, while others appreciate how light the A20 feels over long legs.

Noise cancellation

The difference is smaller than people often expect.

• The A20 has long been considered one of the benchmarks for active noise reduction.
• The Zulu 3 combines strong ANR with excellent passive isolation from its larger ear seals, and many owners feel it performs just as well—or better—in piston aircraft.

Comfort

This is where the decision is usually made.

Bose A20

• Lighter on the head.
• Less clamping force.
• Better if you dislike headset pressure.

Lightspeed Zulu 3

• Bigger ear openings.
• Thicker ear cushions.
• Many pilots report it's more comfortable over 4–8 hour days, especially if their ears touch the inside of the A20 cups.

Durability

The Zulu 3 has the edge.

Its magnesium ear cups, stainless steel headband, and Kevlar-reinforced cable make it feel exceptionally robust. If your headset spends a lot of time in a flight bag or gets used daily for instruction, that's a meaningful advantage.

One important consideration in 2026

The Bose A20 has been discontinued and replaced by the A30. New A20s are increasingly hard to find, though used and refurbished units remain common. The Zulu 3 is still actively supported, and Lightspeed has also introduced the newer Delta Zulu and Zulu 4 models.

If you're buying new today, I'd also consider the A30 rather than hunting down an A20.

My pick by mission

• CFI / 500+ hrs per year: Zulu 3
• Corporate or turbine pilot: Bose A20 (or better yet, A30)
• Weekend GA flying: Zulu 3 (better value)
• Very noisy piston aircraft: Slight edge to whichever fits your head better—the seal matters more than the spec sheet.

If you tell me:

• what you fly (172, Cirrus, Bonanza, Baron, King Air, helicopter, etc.),
• whether you wear sunglasses or glasses while flying,
• and your connector (dual GA, LEMO, XLR, U-174),

I can narrow it down further.