Being a student pilot can be such an exciting, but confusing period of your professional career. With so much to learn and get to grips with, you don't want to be worrying about your equipment at the same time as all that!
That is why we have put together this buying guide for the best headset for student pilots. Read through our guide and find out which one is right for you!
OUR TOP PICK
Are you looking for a reliable headset that gives you the best possible sound quality while ensuring maximum comfort?
Then look no further! The Faro G2 PNR is the ultimate aviation headset designed by pilots for pilots. It has been engineered to give you superior audio performance without compromising on comfort.
The headset has been specifically engineered to meet the demands of professional aviators.
It features a high-quality microphone and noise-canceling technology. This allows you to hear clearly while making calls and listening to music.
The headset comes with three different sizes of ear cups, so it can fit comfortably on all types of heads. Its lightweight design makes it easy to wear and remove.
It has replaceable silicone gel ear cushions that are designed to protect your ears from loud noises. A soft velour headband provides comfort and support.
We like how comfortable they feel. They also fit perfectly over headwear that you might be wearing, such as a helmet, visor, or cap.
We were a little concerned about the noise-canceling feature, which is something you should take into account when buying, but the passive noise reduction from the headset itself is quite reasonable.
We do recommend these headsets to anyone looking for a great quality headset, especially students who want to invest in a headset they will use going forward.
Pros
- A great, inexpensive option for student pilots on a budget.
- Comfortable to wear for long periods
- Allows for mp3 audio inputs into your headset.
- Made by pilots, for pilots.
Cons
- With no Active Noise Reduction (ANR) capabilities, this will not be as quiet to wear as some other headsets
- The microphone isn't the most sensitive out there.
Also Available from: skysupplyusa
EDITORS CHOICE
If a reliable budget brand is a thing you are looking for as an aviation student, then let us introduce you to ASA's HS-1 aviation headset.
High-quality ear cups are made from soft, flexible materials that conform easily to the shape of your ears.
The ear cup covers the entire inside surface of your ear canal, so it does not restrict airflow. It also provides maximum protection against wind noise and rain.
The high-density acoustic foam used in these ear cups offers superior noise isolation and minimizes ambient sounds.
These ear cups also feature a double layer design and a unique “ear hook” to keep them securely in place.
The ASA HS-1A ear cup features not just a high-quality earphone driver, but also a flexible boom microphone.
It has been designed to deliver clear, natural sound. The ear cup comes with a high-fidelity speaker and a noise-canceling headset mic.
Not only that, but its gold-plated connectors also ensure the best signal transfer and resistance against corrosion.
The flexible boom mic has been specially designed to reduce background noise and allow for the clearest voice transmission.
Its noise-canceling technology ensures that the microphone doesn’t pick up surrounding noises and that the voice signal is transmitted clearly.
We tested this headset because we wanted to see how this well-known name in this market would be for student pilots, and the results seem to suggest that it is.
We like being able to hear what the person on the other end of the line is saying clearly.
There is no interference from other sounds around you when using it, thanks to the noise reduction elements built into the headset.
We have used this headset for several months without any problems, and would recommend them to anyone looking for a decent aviation headset on a budget.
Pros
- These headphones are durable enough to stand up to anything flight training throws at them!
- The excellent ear seal on the headphones works as an excellent noise canceler.
- The gold-plated microphone is resistant to corrosion and rust. You'll sound great for years to come!
Cons
- These may not be an ideal headset to wear for long periods, which makes using them on longer flights frustrating.
Also Available from: sportys
BEST VALUE
If you're planning to get an aviation headset that will have your back (and ears) for a long time to come, then you should consider seeing what Bose's A20 aviation headset has to offer.
Aircraft are noisy environments. This can cause both short and long-term problems for a pilot without the right gear to protect them.
With Bose Noise Canceling Headphones, you’re able to hear all the important information coming from the cockpit without having to worry about unwanted ambient noises getting in the way.
Bose has designed these headphones to eliminate the need for earplugs by offering 30% greater Active Noise Reduction technology than conventional aviation headsets.
It does this by using three microphones to measure the ambient noise level in the cabin and then use sophisticated digital algorithms to cancel out the unwanted sound.
The result is a headset that provides clear audio quality while blocking up to 99.9% of unwanted environmental noise.
The ergonomically engineered design of the Bose noise-canceling Aviation Headset offers comfort and ease of use. Its soft headband allows you to adjust the fit easily and comfortably.
It also features an adjustable boom microphone arm that extends forward for easy access to controls and displays. You can choose between wired or wireless connection options.
The Bose Noise Canceling Headsets come with a USB charging cable which enables you to charge them while onboard, eliminating the hassle of carrying extra batteries.
What’s more, these headphones are compatible with a wide range of smartphones, tablets, and computers.
They offer connectivity via Bluetooth 4.0 technology allowing users to enjoy music streaming services including Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and TuneIn.
And if that's not necessary for your needs, there are versions of this headset without Bluetooth as well, if you are looking to avoid any unnecessary gear in your equipment.
Pros
- Excellent noise cancellation means keeping your ears safe
- The sound quality of these headphones is unparalleled
- Top-of-the-line comfort and lightweight design make this a pleasure to wear for long flights.
- This headset comes with tons of communication and equipment options, such as Bluetooth and control box features.
Cons
- The battery for this headset doesn't exactly reflect the quality of the other features we have listed.
- This is certainly on the more expensive side when it comes to headsets for students.
Also Available from: pilotmall
RUNNER UP
If you love the Faro G2 PNR, but felt that it lacked good enough noise cancellation features for you, then you should take a look at Faro's other G2 aviation headset, the ANR.
These pilot headphones are designed with comfort in mind. They feature premium pleather ear cushions, an adjustable headband, and a comfortable memory foam headband pad.
The headphones come with a 3-year replacement warranty and PilotCare service centers across the country for quick repair.
Faro pilot headphones deliver exceptional sound quality with active noise reduction technology that reduces ambient sounds by up to 50%.
In addition, Pilot Headphones use Bose’s proprietary electret microphone design that produces crisp audio.
Pilot Headphone comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts up to 10 hours on a full charge. It has an included USB charging cable and a convenient carrying case.
Having tested this headset almost daily, we can say with some confidence that it does help you concentrate more when trying to focus during training exercises.
It also helps you stay focused while working on a variety of different tasks, whether that's work-related, or even for leisure. It is comfortable and easy to wear.
We would recommend this headset to anyone looking for not just a good aviation headset, but also a good quality headset that reduces the noises of the outside world in general.
Pros
- The amazing ANR helps cut out background noises that might otherwise ruin your focus.
- Comfortable to wear whilst training, or even outside of work.
- Another headset made by pilots who know what should go into a good headset.
- Also, contain mp3 audio input capabilities.
Cons
- That ANR, whilst excellent whilst you still have power, quickly goes when the batteries run out.
- The microphone, like with the PNR version, isn't as sensitive as others on this list.
Also Available from: faroaviation
RUNNER UP
David Clark is a well-known name in the aviation headset business, and their headphones are some of the most widely used by pilots, both professional and in training alike.
Their H10-13.4 models are some of the best-selling headphones in this market and are great for student pilots too.
The legendary H10 series has been around since the early 1970s, and it's still going strong.
The original model was designed and built by pilot Dave Clark himself. He wanted a lightweight headset that would give him the comfort he needed when flying his aircraft. And that is exactly what he got!
Weighing just 16.5 ounces, the H10 series is the lightest headset available. The H10 weighs less than the popular Sennheiser MDX II.
A super-soft double foam head pad cushions your head while the undercut gel ear seals keep out unwanted ambient noise.
The volume control knob includes detents so you can easily turn up or down the sound without having to worry about accidentally turning off the radio.
The flexible boom mic allows you to position the microphone where you need it. This feature makes it easy to talk to anyone sitting next to you on the flight deck.
The M-7A amplified electrostatic microphone gives you an excellent signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 23 dB.
We tested these headphones because they were both recommended by several pilots, and have a great reputation in general. They are comfortable and sound great!
Pros
- The lightweight design makes these headphones a joy to wear for long flights and training sessions.
- The universal flex boom the microphone uses allows for excellent adjustability.
- Comes with a 5-year warranty from David Clark themselves!
- The volume control knobs allow for excellent volume control.
Cons
- Passive noise cancellation means that other headsets are better for tuning out interfering noises.
Also Available from: sportys
Best Headset For Student Pilot Buying Guide
When considering what other factors you should keep in mind when looking for a good headset as a student pilot, there is a lot of overlap with the features that any professional aviation headset needs.
However, there are a few details that you should keep in mind when looking for a student aviation headset.
Comfort
While the headset will be worn during all phases of your flying career, if you want to get the maximum benefit out of the time you spend in the cockpit, you will want a headset that is comfortable enough to wear throughout the day.
If you find yourself wearing a headset for hours without taking a break, then chances are you’re going to need something that doesn’t constrict your head or cause irritation.
You may even experience some discomfort due to overheating from a tight headset, which can lead to headaches.
Adjustable Features
If you expect to learn to fly on different types of aircraft, then you'll want to make sure that you're able to change between them quickly.
Since the pilot's seat and cockpit can vary quite drastically across different airplanes, the ideal headset will offer features like adjustable telescoping arms and mics that can be adjusted to fit into the most common positions.
Most students will not have much use for a headset with full range adjustment as they are learning how to fly, but once a beginner has mastered basic controls and procedures, they will need a headset that offers at least limited scope.
Sound Quality
If you plan to stay in the industry for many years, then you'll eventually end up working with more experienced pilots and possibly transitioning to a higher level of operation.
Even though you are still learning the ropes, you'll need to be able to communicate information clearly and efficiently with those who know much more than you do.
If you want to maximize your efficiency and safety, then you'll need a headset that provides clear communication with minimal background noise.
While this isn't something that should be considered right away, it is something that you should think about once you've decided on a headset.
Value
This should go without saying, but you want to look for a headset that fits within the budget that you have available.
While you wouldn't necessarily want to skimp out on the price, you also don't want to pay too much for a product that you do not even find yourself using all that often.
Aviation Headset Type
There are generally two types of aviation headsets that you will be able to find on the market: Over-ear and In-ear models.
Each type of headset has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is best to understand what each one offers before deciding on which is better suited to your needs.
Over-Ear Headsets
The advantage of over-ear headphones is their flexibility. They are designed to allow the user to move around while maintaining sound quality and keeping the microphone easily accessible.
There are times when this mobility comes at the cost of comfort, however. The extra bulkiness of these headphones tends to create pressure points where the ear pads meet the head, causing discomfort over extended periods.
In-Ear Headsets
In-ear headsets tend to provide both convenience and comfort. Oftentimes, the design allows the user to adjust the mic volume and gain.
This makes it easier to hear conversations in noisy environments, and if the headset is equipped with noise-canceling technology (which many of today's models are), then it keeps out ambient noise.
Noise Reduction Features
When looking for an aviator headset, there are a few different methods of noise reduction that you'll find out there. The most common are active noise cancellation and passive noise cancellation.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
An ANC system uses sensors to detect the presence of any unwanted sounds. It then creates a counterforce to cancel out the unwanted sound waves.
This method of noise reduction is usually found in high-end aviation headsets to keep out unwanted noises from wind turbulence or engine vibrations.
Unfortunately, ANC systems come with some drawbacks such as increased power consumption, decreased battery life, and a lack of privacy.
Passive Noise Cancellation (PNC)
A PNC system works by creating a barrier against outside noise through the use of baffles.
The benefit of this approach is that it does not require a lot of power to work effectively, making it suitable for low-power devices like portable media players and mobile phones.
However, they can sometimes suffer from interference issues resulting in poor audio quality.
Best Headset For Student Pilot - FAQ's
What Headsets Do Most Pilots Use?
Although some airplanes will come with their headsets, many pilots opt to buy a personal set that they are familiar with and use these whilst flying.
Generally speaking, most pilots opt for either in-ear or over-ear headsets. These are the most popular choices due to their convenience and flexibility.
Why Do Aviation Headsets Cost So Much?
You'll probably have noticed by now that aviation headsets tend to be more expensive than the normal headsets that you'll buy in other situations, both for personal or commercial settings. Here are a couple of reasons why:
Aviation headsets are engineered specifically for the environment in which they're used. They need to withstand extreme conditions that would damage regular headsets.
Additionally, most of them include features that are made with high-quality materials which help protect against damage over time.
Is There Any Big Difference Between Student And Professional Pilot Headsets?
Generally speaking, there are few if any differences between pilot and student headsets.
As students are training to be professionals someday, this isn't surprising. Student headsets may tend to be easier to operate and learn how to use, however, so the student has time to learn the ropes.
Conclusion
There are plenty of headsets available on the market. Choosing one that suits your needs depends on what kind of aircraft you fly, what type of headset you plan on using, and how much money you want to spend.
We hope you have found this guide helpful!
I decided to create this source of knowledge from my own experiences, in the hopes of helping budding pilots to get through their training.
So, if you’re thinking about becoming a pilot or are in the middle of your training, I hope that this website and my knowledge comes of some benefit to you. I’d love to think that my website made your experience a little less stressful and a lot more fun!
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