The Bose A30 is Bose’s current aviation headset and the direct replacement for the discontinued A20, so if you are shopping today, buy the A30. It keeps everything pilots loved about the A20 and adds lighter clamping pressure, three selectable noise-cancellation modes, and a tap control that lets you hear the person next to you without lifting an ear cup.
Part of our Aviation Headsets buyer’s guide. See also our Bose A30 review and best headsets for student pilots.
The short answer
The Bose A20 is discontinued. Bose replaced it with the A30, which is now the company’s flagship general aviation headset. If you searched for the A20 because you are ready to buy a headset, the practical answer is simple: buy the A30. It is the same premium Bose lineage with a lighter, more comfortable fit and a few genuinely useful features the A20 never had.
If you already own an A20 and it is working well, there is no urgent reason to replace it. The A20 was one of the best headsets in aviation for over a decade, and a working A20 is still a fantastic headset. This page is really for two people: the pilot deciding what to buy new, and the A20 owner wondering whether the A30 is worth the change.
What changed from the A20 to the A30
The A30 is an evolution of the A20, not a reinvention. Bose kept the acoustics, build quality, and comfort-first design pilots trusted, then refined the details that matter over a long cross-country. Here is what actually changed:
- Lighter clamping force. The A30 uses reduced side pressure, so it sits more gently on your head. On long flights and in warm cockpits, that lighter clamp is the single change most pilots notice first.
- Three selectable ANR modes. Instead of one fixed level of active noise reduction, the A30 offers three modes, so you can run maximum quiet in a loud piston single or dial it back when you want more situational awareness.
- Tap-to-hear talk-through. A tap control on the ear cup lets you hear voices and sounds around you without removing the headset, which is handy for talking to a passenger, instructor, or line crew.
- Side-swappable microphone. The boom mic can be set up on either side to suit your seat and cockpit layout.
- Smaller control module. The in-line control unit is more compact than the A20’s, so there is less bulk clipped to your harness or hanging in the cabin.
- Bluetooth connectivity. The A30 is available with Bluetooth for audio and phone or app connections, just as Bluetooth was an option on the A20.
- Same plug and power choices. Like the A20, the A30 ships in dual GA plugs, 6-pin LEMO panel power, U-174 helicopter, and 5-pin XLR Airbus versions, so it fits whatever you fly.
Bose A20 vs A30 at a glance
Both are premium ANR (active noise reduction) headsets from Bose. The table below sums up how they compare for a pilot deciding what to buy.
| Feature | Bose A20 | Bose A30 |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Discontinued (replaced by the A30) | Current flagship, sold new |
| Noise reduction | Active noise reduction, single level | Active noise reduction, three selectable modes |
| Talk-through | Not available | Tap control to hear outside voices |
| Clamping and comfort | Comfortable, firmer clamp | Lighter clamping force, lighter feel |
| Control module | Larger in-line control unit | Smaller, lighter control module |
| Microphone | Side-swappable boom mic | Side-swappable boom mic |
| Connections | Dual GA, LEMO, U-174, XLR | Dual GA, LEMO, U-174, XLR |
| Bluetooth | Available as an option | Available as an option |
| Buy new today | No longer produced | Yes, from authorized dealers |
For a deeper hands-on look at the current model, read PilotMall’s Bose A30 in-depth review, or see how it stacks up against the field in their best aviation headsets guide.
A30 plug and power options
One reason the A20 was so popular is that Bose offered it in a plug type for nearly every aircraft, and the A30 continues that. Pick the version that matches your panel. If you fly more than one type, our guide to aviation headset plugs explains dual GA, LEMO, U-174, and XLR connectors and when you need an adapter.
What you'll need
Shop the current Bose A30 at PilotMall, an authorized Bose dealer with genuine, new, full-warranty headsets.
Should current A20 owners upgrade?
Be honest with yourself about what you want. The A20 remains an outstanding headset, and if yours is comfortable and working, you do not need to replace it just because a newer model exists. There is no dramatic step down in the A20’s noise reduction or audio.
Upgrade to the A30 when one of these is true:
- You are buying a headset for the first time, or replacing an aging or non-Bose headset. In that case, buy the A30, since it is the current model and the A20 is no longer produced new.
- You fly long legs and want the lighter clamping force and lighter overall feel.
- You want adjustable noise-cancellation modes and the tap-to-hear talk-through for briefings, passengers, or instruction.
- You want the smaller control module and Bluetooth connectivity.
If you are still weighing active versus passive noise reduction before you spend at this level, our ANR vs passive headsets guide breaks down the tradeoffs.
Where to buy a genuine, new Bose A30
When you buy at this level, buy from an authorized Bose dealer. That is how you know your headset is genuine and new (not gray-market or refurbished stock) and that it carries the full Bose manufacturer warranty. We recommend PilotMall’s Bose headset collection, an authorized dealer with a pilot-staffed support team who fly and can help you pick the right plug type. You can also browse the full aviation headsets collection to compare the A30 against other options.
Upgrading from an older Bose and moving between aircraft with different jacks? Adapters exist so your investment keeps working across panels. The example below converts a Bose 6-pin LEMO connector to dual GA plugs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bose A20 still available?
The Bose A20 has been discontinued and replaced by the A30, so new A20 units are no longer produced. You may still come across leftover or used stock, but the A30 is the model Bose sells and supports today.
What is the difference between the Bose A20 and A30?
The A30 is the direct successor to the A20 with lighter clamping pressure, three selectable noise-cancellation modes, and a tap control that lets you hear people nearby without removing the headset. It also uses a smaller control module while keeping the same plug and Bluetooth options the A20 offered.
Should I upgrade from the A20 to the A30?
If your A20 is working well there is no urgent need to upgrade, because it is still an excellent headset. Buy the A30 when you are ready for a new headset or want the lighter fit, adjustable ANR modes, and talk-through control.
Is the Bose A30 worth it?
Yes, for most pilots the A30 is worth it as a long-term flying headset thanks to its comfort, strong active noise reduction, and clear audio. It is the headset to buy new today because the A20 is discontinued.
Where can I buy a genuine new Bose A30?
Buy a genuine, new Bose A30 from an authorized dealer such as PilotMall, so your headset is covered by the full Bose manufacturer warranty and is not gray-market stock. PilotMall carries the A30 in dual-plug, panel-power, helicopter, and Airbus versions.