Yes, for a student pilot who plans to keep flying, the Bose A30 is a headset you will not outgrow. It is Bose’s current around-ear aviation headset, with three selectable levels of active noise reduction, 20% less clamping force than the A20 it replaced, optional Bluetooth, and up to 45 hours on two AA batteries. The decisions that matter are which connector and power version fits the aircraft you fly and whether you want Bluetooth.
Part of our Aviation Headsets buyer’s guide. Every specification here comes from Bose’s own A30 product page, owner’s guide and warranty terms, checked in October 2026.
Bose A30 specifications at a glance
Bose has sold the A30 since 2023. These are the figures Bose publishes. Bose does not publish a clamping force in pounds or a decibel figure for each noise reduction mode, so be wary of such numbers elsewhere.
| Specification | Bose A30 (as Bose states it) |
|---|---|
| Headset weight | 12 ounces (headset only) |
| Clamping force | 20% less than the Bose A20 |
| Noise cancellation | Three selectable modes (High, Medium, Low) plus Tap Control talk-through |
| Battery power | Two AA alkaline batteries: up to 45 hours, or 25-plus hours with continuous Bluetooth |
| Aircraft power | LEMO and XLR versions: 10 to 32 VDC (XLR 14 to 32 VDC) |
| Bluetooth | Optional; Bluetooth 4.2, 30 ft (9 m) range, two devices connected at once |
| Wired audio input | 3.5 mm AUX port, cable included |
| Microphone | Noise-cancelling electret, side swappable without tools; 5-ohm and 150-ohm dynamic mics in specific configurations |
| Headphone impedance | 150 ohms mono, 300 ohms stereo |
| Cable length | 6.56 ft (2 m) |
| Full noise cancellation limits | 115 dB SPL ambient noise; 15,000 ft pressure altitude |
| Certification | FAA TSO and EASA E/TSO-C139a |
| Warranty (U.S.) | 5 years from original retail purchase (2 years refurbished) |
Who the A30 is for, and who it is not for
Bose designed the A30 for pilots who want maximum comfort and noise reduction across a wide variety of aircraft, and it names general aviation pilots, flight instructors and frequent cross-country pilots among those it suits best.
A good fit if
- You train in a loud piston airplane and plan to keep flying. HIGH mode is the setting Bose describes for loud aircraft, and the lower clamping force pays off on long cross-country flights.
- You fly more than one airplane. The battery-powered dual plug version uses the standard twin jacks, Bose’s most popular connection option.
- You fly helicopters. Bose says the A30 works in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters and builds a U174 version. See our helicopter pilot guide.
Not the right fit if
- You fly an open cockpit. Bose does not recommend the A30 where the headset sits in the direct path of the wind and slipstream.
- You need a helmet. Bose says not to use it with a helmet or as crash protection.
- You fly quiet, pressurized jets and want the lightest headset. Bose points those pilots to its in-ear ProFlight Series 2.
- You are still deciding whether to train. Borrow a headset for your discovery flight and first lessons.
To compare the A30 with passive and other first headsets, read our best headsets for student pilots.
Noise reduction: three modes and Tap Control
Active noise reduction (ANR) uses microphones and electronics to cancel low-frequency engine noise that ear seals alone cannot fully block; our ANR vs passive headsets guide explains the difference. The A30’s three-position ANC switch sets how much you get:
| Mode | What Bose says it is for |
|---|---|
| HIGH | Maximum quiet and the best signal-to-noise ratio for radio and intercom in loud aircraft |
| MED | Consistent reduction across a wide range of frequencies; best for typical jet aircraft |
| LOW | Easier conversation outside the intercom in quieter environments |
Tap Control is the talk-through feature: firmly double-tap one earcup and that side drops to LOW so you can hear someone beside you; double-tap it again, or move the ANC switch, to restore full cancellation. It ships switched off. Turn it on with the TAP CONTROL switch inside the control module’s battery compartment. It works only on HIGH or MED, and the headset disables it in extreme noise.
Comfort and fit
Comfort is the A30’s headline improvement. Bose cites a lower on-head weight than the A20, 20% less clamping force, angled earcups that follow the shape of your head, and separate left and right earcups. Fit it the way Bose’s guide describes:
- Use the left and right markings inside the earcups to orient the headset.
- Adjust the headband until the ear cushions completely cover your ears and seal.
- Set the microphone 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) from your lips, not touching, with the white dot on the mic base facing your mouth.
- Test the headset before flight.
A low rumble or frequent brief losses of noise cancellation usually mean a poor fit or blocked earcup openings. A brief dip during a very loud moment such as takeoff can be the headset compensating for a pressure change. The mic and cable move to either earcup without tools; the unused side takes a terminator cover, and if that cover is not fully seated, that earcup has no audio.
Bluetooth, AUX and audio priority
Bluetooth is optional: Bose sells the A30 with a Bluetooth or a conventional control module, and every A30 has a 3.5 mm AUX input. The Bluetooth module needs a phone or tablet with Bluetooth 4.2 or later, reaches about 30 ft (9 m) and stays connected to two devices, though you hear one secondary source at a time.
In training, the radio comes first. Bose says Bluetooth and AUX audio never override the intercom, and a Secondary Audio Mode switch sets how they share your ears:
- MUTE: secondary audio pauses whenever radio or intercom audio is present.
- MIX: secondary audio keeps playing underneath.
- OFF: intercom only, with Bluetooth switched off.
Phone calls override other secondary audio, and during a call the call and intercom are mixed.
For lessons, set the Secondary Audio Mode switch to MUTE or OFF. MUTE pauses app alerts and music whenever your instructor or a controller talks, so nothing plays over a clearance. New to the radio? Read your first radio call.
Bose’s safety instructions say not to make phone calls while piloting, so keep calls for the ground. Bose also reminds pilots that they are responsible for making sure a connected device does not interfere with the aircraft’s navigation and communication systems; the FAA rule on portable electronic devices is 14 CFR 91.21.
Which A30 version to buy: connectors and power
Bose builds the A30 with four aircraft connectors, each in Bluetooth or non-Bluetooth form, and the connector decides how the headset is powered. Match it to the jacks in the aircraft you fly most; our aviation headset plugs guide shows what each jack looks like.
| Version | Power | Audio | Where Bose says it is used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual plug (PJ-068 and 1/4-inch stereo plugs) | Two AA batteries | Stereo or mono, set by a switch | Standard twin jacks; Bose’s most popular option |
| 6-pin LEMO | Aircraft power, AA batteries as backup; powers on automatically | Stereo or mono | Aircraft with a 6-pin panel jack |
| U174 | Two AA batteries | Mono only | Military aircraft and several helicopter models |
| 5-pin XLR | Aircraft power or AA batteries, depending on the aircraft; powers on automatically | Mono only | Often called the Airbus plug |
- Two separate jacks at your seat (headphone and microphone) mean the dual plug version.
- A 6-pin LEMO jack lets the LEMO version run on aircraft power. Bose cautions that not every aircraft supplies power to multi-pin connectors; on aircraft power, the power light blinks slowly green.
- A mixed fleet is what adapters are for: Bose sells adapters from the 6-pin connector to a dual plug or U174, and with AA batteries installed the LEMO version runs on battery power when aircraft power is not available.
What you'll need
Pick the dual plug A30 for standard general aviation jacks, or the LEMO 6-pin version if your aircraft has a powered 6-pin panel jack.
A30 vs A20: what changed
Bose calls the A30 the evolution of the A20. It keeps the A20’s noise cancellation and, according to Bose, adds a lower on-head weight, 20% less clamping force, three selectable noise cancellation modes and Tap Control for talk-through communication.
Parts do not carry over freely. Bose says a control module works only with the model it was built for, and that some A20 or ProFlight cushions and parts can be forced onto an A30 but were not designed for it. Bose’s current aviation lineup is the A30 and the in-ear ProFlight Series 2; the A20 is no longer part of it. For the full side-by-side, read our Bose A20 vs A30 comparison.
Batteries and power in flight
Bose rates two AA alkaline batteries at up to 45 hours, or 25-plus hours with Bluetooth running continuously. Cockpit noise, temperature, ear cushion condition and battery age all change that. Bose recommends alkaline batteries; other chemistries may run differently and make the battery indicator inaccurate. The power light is your fuel gauge:
| Power light | What it means |
|---|---|
| Slow blinking green | Running on aircraft power (LEMO and XLR) |
| Blinking green | About 8 hours or more left |
| Blinking amber | About 2 to 8 hours left |
| Blinking red | About 2 hours or less; Bluetooth switches off to save power |
If the batteries run down or you switch the headset off, it keeps passing radio and intercom audio in passive mode, just without noise cancellation. Its volume controls go to maximum in passive mode, so you may need to turn up the intercom or radio. If it ever squeals or makes a loud noise with ANR on, Bose says to turn the power off and keep communicating in passive mode. In a dark cockpit, double-press the power button to dim the status lights.
- Earcup openings clean and clear of debris
- Ear cushions intact: no flaking, cuts or flattening
- Power light blinking green
- Spare AA alkaline batteries in your flight bag
- ANC on HIGH for a loud cabin
- Secondary Audio Mode on MUTE or OFF
- Mic 0.5 in from your lips, white dot facing your mouth
- Radio and intercom tested before taxi
Our flight bag guide covers where those spare batteries and the rest of your kit should live.
Care, parts and warranty
- Wipe the headset with a soft cloth dampened with water and mild soap. Never immerse it.
- Check the small openings on the outside of each earcup before every flight. Remove debris with tweezers; do not blow air into or vacuum them.
- If the inner screen inside an earcup gets damp, let it air dry, with no heaters or hair dryers.
- Store it in a carry case, out of direct sunlight, and remove the batteries for long storage.
Bose says to replace the ear cushions every six months or 350 hours of use, and sooner if you have a full beard, leave the headset in an airplane parked outside in severe heat or cold, or store it in a way that strains the cushions. Replace them when you see flaking, cuts or flattening that weakens the seal. Bose also lists replacement headband cushions, microphone windscreens, a carry case and the two 6-pin adapters, and says not to repair the headset yourself. The owner’s guide is on Bose’s A30 support page.
Under Bose’s U.S. limited warranty, Bose aviation headsets are covered against defects in materials and workmanship for 5 years from the original retail purchase, or 2 years if refurbished. It applies to headsets bought from Bose or a Bose authorized reseller and covers only the original purchaser or a gift recipient, so a secondhand A30 does not carry it. Normal wear and tear is excluded, and replacement parts such as cushions carry 90 days.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bose A30 a good headset for student pilots?
Yes, if you plan to keep flying. It gives you three selectable noise cancellation modes, 20% less clamping force than the Bose A20, up to 45 hours on two AA batteries and FAA TSO certification. For a discovery flight or your first lessons, a borrowed headset is fine while you decide.
How long do Bose A30 batteries last?
Bose rates two AA alkaline batteries at up to 45 hours, or 25-plus hours with Bluetooth running continuously. Cockpit noise, temperature, ear cushion condition and battery age all affect that, and Bose recommends alkaline batteries over other types.
What happens if the Bose A30 loses power in flight?
Noise cancellation stops, but Bose says the headset keeps passing radio and intercom audio in passive mode. The control module volume goes to maximum in passive mode, so turn up the intercom or radio volume if you need to.
How much does the Bose A30 weigh?
Bose’s owner’s guide lists the A30 at 12 ounces for the headset only. Bose also says it has a lower on-head weight and 20% less clamping force than the A20.
Is the Bose A30 TSO certified?
Yes. Bose lists the A30 as FAA TSO and EASA E/TSO-C139a certified, and its owner’s guide says approved headsets are marked accordingly. A TSO sets minimum performance and quality control standards for the equipment.
Which Bose A30 plug version should a student pilot buy?
Match the jacks in the aircraft you fly. Two separate jacks mean the dual plug version, which runs on AA batteries and is Bose’s most popular option. Choose the 6-pin LEMO version for a 6-pin panel jack, the U174 version for a U174 jack, and the 5-pin XLR version for the plug often called the Airbus plug.