Bose A30 Vs A20 | One Slashes Clamp, One Saves Cash

Picking a pilot headset shapes how long flights feel and how clean radios sound. The newer A30 leans into comfort and control, while the legacy A20 is the bargain on the used shelf. This guide gives you the quick verdict and the trade‑offs that matter so you can buy once and fly happy.

In A Nutshell

The A30 is the better everyday pick if comfort and control are high on your list. Clamp force drops by about one‑fifth compared with the prior model, and you get three user‑selectable noise‑cancellation modes plus a quick talk‑through gesture. The A20 still makes sense when budget wins or when you want the lighter on‑head weight at a lower pre‑owned price.

Side‑By‑Side Specs

Feature	Bose A30	Bose A20
Cost	$1,299 new (common connectors)	$600–$1,100 used (condition/config)
On‑Head Weight	14.2 oz	12 oz
Noise Cancellation	3 modes (High/Med/Low) + talk‑through	Single ANR mode
Battery Life (AA)	≈45 h (25+ h with BT active)	≈45 h (Bluetooth variant similar)
Mic/Cable Swap	Toolless, either side	Side swap with Phillips screws
Plug Options	Dual G/A, 6‑pin LEMO, U‑174, 5‑pin XLR	Dual G/A, 6‑pin LEMO, U‑174, 5‑pin XLR
Certification	FAA TSO & E/TSO‑C139a	FAA TSO‑C139 series
Control Module	Left/right volume wheels, audio EQ	Left/right volume wheels

Bose A30 — What We Like / What We Don’t Like

✅ What We Like

• Noticeably gentler clamp — about 20% lower than the prior model, which eases long legs.
• Three ANC modes with a quick talk‑through gesture for brief off‑intercom chats.
• Toolless mic/cable swap to either side; setup takes seconds.
• FAA/EASA TSO‑C139a certification for cockpit use where TSO matters.
• Clear radio audio; battery life near 45 hours on two AA cells.

⚠️ What We Don’t Like

• Higher sticker price than legacy units on the used market.
• Slightly heavier on‑head weight than the older model.
• Control module and some parts are not cross‑compatible with prior headsets.

Bose A20 — What We Like / What We Don’t Like

✅ What We Like

• Light on‑head weight around 12 oz keeps fatigue down.
• Lower upfront cost on the pre‑owned market, especially non‑Bluetooth units.
• Widely used and still serviceable through Bose Aviation.

⚠️ What We Don’t Like

• Single ANC mode with no tap‑to‑talk feature.
• Side‑swapping the mic/cable needs a Phillips screwdriver and a few minutes.
• No longer sold new by the manufacturer; condition and accessories vary when buying used.

A30 Or A20: Which Fits Your Flying Better

Fit & Comfort

Comfort is the standout change. The A30 reduces clamping force by roughly one‑fifth relative to the older model, so the earcups press less while still sealing well. That matters on hot days, in bumps, and on multi‑leg turns. The A20 remains light on the head, and some pilots still prefer its weight balance, but clamp is firmer in comparison.

Noise & Comfort

The A30 adds three user‑selectable ANC modes. High trims engine roar for the cleanest radios. Medium evens the reduction across a wide band. Low keeps more cabin bleed‑through for cockpit talk. A double‑tap gesture on the earcup lets you hear quick remarks without touching the intercom. The A20 relies on one ANC profile; it’s effective, but you don’t get the same control over bleed‑through.

Battery & Runtime

Both designs run on two AA cells. Expect about 45 hours in typical piston noise. If you keep Bluetooth streaming the whole leg, the A30 still lands north of 25 hours per set of batteries. Aircraft‑powered variants are available in both generations; panel power eliminates battery changes but ties you to the aircraft connector you pick.

Ports & Connectivity

Connector choices cover fixed‑wing and rotorcraft: dual G/A plugs, 6‑pin LEMO panel power, U‑174 for many helicopters, and 5‑pin XLR for Airbus jacks. The A30 also offers flexible‑power versions that switch between panel and battery power when unplugged. Bluetooth is offered in both lines; pilots often pair for EFB alerts, GPS audio, and phone use while parked.

Cleaning & Parts

Ear seals are consumables. Plan on a fresh set every 6–12 months or about 300–350 hours. Replacements are inexpensive and install in minutes. Windscreens, headband pads, and cables are also available. That makes both headsets workable long term, even when bought used, and helps resale value.

Safety & Standards

Both families are certified to the FAA’s aviation‑headset TSO, which sets minimum performance for cockpit audio gear. That’s a helpful signal if your operation or installer cares about TSO articles. You’ll see the specific TSO callout on the A30 product page. You can also read the FAA’s plain‑English overview of the TSO program to understand what that approval covers and what it doesn’t.
FAA Technical Standard Orders •
A30 certification details

Warranty & Service

Bose still services both the A30 and the older model through its aviation channel. That’s useful if you’re inheriting a flight‑school headset or buying pre‑owned. Turn times vary, but parts like ear cushions and mic windscreens are easy to source, and control‑module cables can be replaced.

Pricing & Packages

New A30 units run about $1,299 on the manufacturer’s US site across common connectors. The prior model isn’t sold new by the maker anymore, so budget shoppers look at the pre‑owned market. Condition and configuration swing the price; non‑Bluetooth dual‑plug units tend to land on the low end, while panel‑power or Bluetooth versions list higher. In both cases, add a small line for consumables like ear seals each year.

Method: This guide compiles specifications and official documentation from the manufacturer’s US product pages and manuals, plus current US retail and pre‑owned listings. We kept numbers conservative and called out where configurations change price or runtime.

Price, Value & Ownership

Here’s the money side in one grid. It’s a quick way to plan year‑one costs and ongoing upkeep without opening a dozen tabs.

Factor	Bose A30	Bose A20
Year‑One Cash Outlay	$1,299 new + $29 ear seals = ~$1,328	$600–$1,100 used + $29 ear seals = ~$629–$1,129
Ear Cushion Kit (pair)	$29, simple DIY swap	$29, simple DIY swap
Batteries / Power	2×AA ≈45 h (25+ with BT); panel‑power options	2×AA ≈45 h; panel‑power options on some units
Adapters & Extras	LEMO→dual plug adapter ≈$125	Same adapter costs if switching panels
Service Path	Bose Aviation service (US)	Bose Aviation service (US)

Interpretation: if you want brand‑new gear with a warranty, the A30 is the straight path. If you’re building a flight‑bag on a tight budget, the older unit keeps costs low while still meeting TSO and delivering strong ANR.

Where Each One Wins

Decision Guide

Best Fit For Most Pilots

Most buyers will be happier with the A30. The clamp reduction and the ability to dial ANC for different cockpits make daily flying easier. If money is tight, a clean A20 is a smart buy and still a strong performer. If you can swing the extra spend, the comfort and control from the newer design pay off every flight.

Source highlights: The $1,299 price and the triple‑mode ANC with TSO certification are shown on the maker’s US product page. The 14.2‑oz on‑head weight comes from the manufacturer’s product experience page. The A20’s 12‑oz weight and mic‑swap procedure appear in the official owner’s guide. The FAA’s TSO page explains what a TSO is and is linked above.