Bose A20 Vs A30 | The Pick Most Pilots Skip

This vs That / By

For pilot headsets, choose A30 for 3‑level ANC and lower clamp force; pick A20 if you want a lower price and can still find it new.

Picking the right ANR headset shapes how fresh you feel after a long cross‑country. Bose’s two around‑ear models cover the same mission with different trade‑offs. This guide gives you the quick verdict and the clear reasons that push buyers one way or the other.

In A Nutshell

The newer A30 fits pilots who want adjustable noise control, a side‑swappable mic, and a gentler clamp for long days. The A20 suits buyers chasing a lower price or a second headset without losing Bose’s ANR character. Both run on AA batteries and carry a long warranty, but only the A30 is still being sold new by Bose.

Side‑By‑Side Specs

Feature Bose A30 Bose A20
Cost $1,299.00 (typical U.S.) $1,095.95 (last MSRP)
Weight 14.2 oz on‑head 12 oz headset
Noise Control Three ANC levels Single ANC mode
Battery Life Up to ~45 h (25+ h w/ Bluetooth on) ~45 h typical
Mic & Cable Toolless side‑swappable mic; standard or BT module Fixed‑side mic (swap requires service kit); standard or BT module
Certification FAA/EASA TSO‑C139a FAA/EASA TSO‑C139

Here’s the short version: A30 brings adjustable ANC and ergonomic perks; A20 saves money if you can still buy it new.

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

✅ What We Like

  • Three selectable ANC levels match different cabins and phases of flight.
  • Lower clamping force helps on long legs without sacrificing seal.
  • Side‑swappable mic and down‑cable, no tools needed.
  • Active equalization keeps ATC and intercom callouts crisp.
  • FAA/EASA TSO‑C139a certification for airline and training fleet needs.

⚠️ What We Don’t Like

  • Higher price than older stock of its predecessor.
  • On‑head weight is listed above the A20’s headset‑only weight; comfort still wins due to clamp tuning.

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

✅ What We Like

  • Lower MSRP makes it the value play when you find new inventory.
  • Classic Bose ANR, clear radio calls, familiar control feel.
  • Long 5‑year warranty, with service still available.

⚠️ What We Don’t Like

  • No adjustable noise modes; single ANC profile.
  • Mic swap isn’t toolless; moving sides takes extra steps or parts.
  • New units are harder to source; plan to act when you see stock.

Bose A20 Or A30: Which Fits You Better

Fit & Comfort

The A30 is tuned for lighter clamp, which reduces hotspots during long flight blocks. That’s a real perk for pilots who wear glasses or who swap crews mid‑day and don’t want to fight headband pressure. The cushions and headband pad spread load evenly, and the side‑swappable mic lets you route the down‑cable on your preferred side without twisting the yoke.

The A20 remains a comfortable around‑ear design, and its listed headset‑only weight is lower. In practice, clamp force and seal quality matter more than a couple of ounces. If you fly two‑ to three‑hour legs, both feel fine; if you regularly stack four‑plus hours, the A30’s clamp tuning is the comfort upgrade most pilots notice.

Noise & Comfort

Adjustable ANC is the A30’s ace. Three levels let you pick a stronger cut for a noisy cabin, dial back for better situational feel during taxi or descent, or split preferences across crew. That flexibility is helpful in piston singles and twins where RPM, prop loading, and door seals vary a lot between airframes.

The A20’s single ANC profile is set‑and‑forget. It works well in many GA cabins. If your flying spans different aircraft or you coach new pilots who like to hear more engine detail at times, the A30’s modes make life easier.

Battery & Runtime

Both run on two AA cells. In typical GA noise, expect around 45 hours on a fresh pair. With Bluetooth active for audio and calls, the A30’s official estimate drops to 25‑plus hours. Aircraft‑powered LEMO variants remove battery planning entirely; the control module can still fall back to batteries in many installs.

Ports & Connectivity

Each model ships in common connector options: dual GA plugs, 6‑pin LEMO for aircraft power, or other specialty plugs. Bluetooth and non‑Bluetooth control modules exist for both. The A30’s toolless mic and cable swap make it simple to mirror your panel layout or reduce snags; that change on the A20 takes more effort.

Cleaning & Parts

Consumables are easy to replace. Ear cushions and headband pads are available for both lines, and a refresh kit stretches service life at low cost. Keep the mic windscreen fresh if you fly in dusty or humid conditions; it helps intelligibility and reduces odd artifacts from “hot mic” intercoms.

Safety & Standards

Both families carry FAA/EASA TSO approvals in the C139 series. That matters in airline operations and some training contracts. For GA under Part 91, a TSO label isn’t required, but it’s a strong quality signal. The FAA explains what a TSO means—minimum performance standards and separate installation approval—on its Technical Standard Orders page.

ℹ️ Good To Know: TSO certification covers the article’s performance; it isn’t an installation approval. Airlines and some flight departments require TSO. Many Part 91 owners choose TSO headsets for durability and resale confidence.

Warranty & Service

Bose covers aviation headsets with a 5‑year limited warranty in the U.S. That’s longer than many consumer audio products and helps total cost of ownership. You can read the U.S. policy in Bose’s limited warranty (PDF). Aviation products bought on Bose.com also qualify for a 30‑day return window, which gives buyers a short trial period to check fit and cabin compatibility.

Service and parts remain available for both models. If you fly for hire or use your headset daily, that support picture matters as much as sticker price.

Pricing & Packages

New A30 units in the U.S. list at $1,299. You’ll see variants with dual GA plugs or aircraft‑powered 6‑pin LEMO, and Bluetooth or non‑Bluetooth control modules. Legacy A20 units carried a $1,095.95 MSRP when sold new; if you find fresh stock, expect that neighborhood. Connector choice and Bluetooth add‑ons shift the final total a bit.

Price, Value & Ownership

Factor Bose A30 Bose A20
Current U.S. Price $1,299.00 $1,095.95 (when new)
ANC Modes Three levels Single level
Warranty 5 years 5 years
Sales Status Current model Retired from sale; serviced
Power Options AA batteries or 6‑pin aircraft power AA batteries or 6‑pin aircraft power

The math is simple: A30 costs more but adds adjustability and a longer sales runway; A20 trims price if you can source new stock.

Where Each One Wins

Where Each One Wins:
🏆 Comfort — Bose A30
🏆 Adjustable ANC — Bose A30
🏆 Price — Bose A20
🏆 Weight (spec) — Bose A20
🏆 Fleet‑Ready Features — Bose A30

Decision Guide

✅ Choose Bose A30 If…

  • You want selectable ANC to match different cabins and phases of flight.
  • Comfort on long legs matters more than saving a couple hundred dollars.
  • You like the flexibility of a mic and cable that can swap sides without tools.

✅ Choose Bose A20 If…

  • You want the lowest price on a Bose around‑ear ANR headset and find new inventory.
  • You fly mostly one airframe and don’t need adjustable noise modes.
  • You prefer a simple control layout and plan to refresh cushions over time.

Best Fit For Most Flyers

If you’re buying once and plan to keep it for years, the A30 is the safer starting point. Three ANC modes, the gentler clamp, and the toolless mic swap take stress out of long days and mixed fleets. If budget rules the choice and you spot new A20 stock, that headset still delivers Bose ANR at a friendlier price. Either way, match the connector to your panel, pick the Bluetooth module only if you’ll use it, and keep a fresh pair of AA cells in the bag.

Method note: This comparison compiles specifications and policies from official product pages, manuals, and FAA guidance. Pricing reflects U.S. pages in USD and can vary by connector or module.