It was time to replace my 20+ year old David Clark's, and I was torn between going with the DC ONE X or the Bose A20. I've been a loyal DC customer for a long time, and their products never let me down, plus the DC's are roughly 25% less expensive. But I've also flown with Bose, and they've always impressed me with the amazing Bose noise suppression. In the end, since I needed a pair of headsets, I ended up buying one of each - and so far, I have no regrets about either purchase.
If you're in this position too, I thought I'd offer a comparison of these two terrific products...to me, there's no clear hands down winner here - each headset is good at different things. Indeed, both are amazing in their own right, and the good news is that this means you can't go wrong with either one, especially if you're like me and are upgrading from older technology.
In terms of overall construction quality, I'd give a slight edge to DC. Both are very good and should hold up a long time, but the Bose feel like high-end consumer products, while the DC's feel "professional". Although the Bose are slightly lighter, the DC's are quite a bit more compact with a smaller control pod. The Bose case is larger, but more protective. Both products pair easily with Bluetooth phones/tablets, and I've had no connectivity issues with my iPhone or iPad.
I don't like that both products make it difficult to access the optional features like auto-off and stereo/mono. Granted these tend to be "set and forget" options, but in both products, you need to pop open the battery compartment and remove the batteries to change these settings. Speaking of batteries, I use lithium batteries in my headsets, and both seem to provide better battery life than you might think - at least 50 hours.
In terms of comfort, there's no clear winner. To me, the DC's feel smaller but less secure on my head - in turbulence and with thicker sunglasses on, they sometimes slide around on my head, no matter how I adjust them. The Bose have larger ear cups that tend to feel more secure, although they also tend to make me feel a little sweaty in warm weather. In smooth air, the DC's are more comfortable to me, but I don't like the sense that they might shift on my head if I move too quickly.
As for overall sound quality, both are good, but to my ears, the DC's are slightly clearer with voice communications. I think the better noise suppression in the Bose does interfere slightly with audio legibility, and sometimes I find myself struggling with ATC communications that seem to come through more clearly on the DC. I find the microphones to be a tie - I've never had less than a "loud and clear" response on any com check, and they work equally well with my phone or with the airplane.
Of course, the reason you spend big bucks on a headset like this is for the noise suppression, and here is where the Bose headsets excel. Although the DC's are quite good, the Bose are simply better. Sometimes I'll switch from one or the other in flight, and the difference is immediately obvious. On the other hand, if you didn't have them side by side, you'd probably find either one to be more than good enough - but if you fly in a really loud environment and want the best possible noise suppression, then the Bose is the winner in this regard.
I'm happy to say that both are made in the USA, and both companies have good customer service. DC especially has really impressed me over the years...I once had a ten year old headset repaired (I crushed the cord), and they came back with new ear seals, headband pads and so on - all at zero charge to me.
Bottom line is that I'm happy with the Bose A20's and if you're looking for the best aviation headset that will have maximum noise suppression in a noisy cockpit, then you can't go wrong with the Bose - although in my opinion, they aren't the only game in town.
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From the manufacturer
In the box
Included items
- A20 Aviation Headset
- In-line clothing clip
- Control module
- 2 AA batteries
- Aux-in cable adapter
- Carrying case
No other active noise cancelling headset offers this combination of features and benefits
No matter why you fly, the Bose A20 Aviation Headset is engineered to improve the experience. It provides acclaimed noise reduction and clear audio with active equalization. Plus, a comfortable fit with minimal clamping force that makes even your longest flights more enjoyable. Designed for those who prefer an installed, aircraft powered headset. Features include a high-performance electret microphone with a Bluetooth audio and communications interface, auto-on (when using aircraft power), customizable audio prioritization and intuitive operation for plug-and-fly convenience. AA batteries and dual G/A plugs optional.
- 30% greater active noise reduction than conventional aviation headsets
- 30% less clamping force than conventional aviation headsets
- Clear audio with active equalization
- Now with Bluetooth audio and communications interface for connectivity with your communications and navigation devices
- Customizable audio prioritization control lets you mute an audio signal when receiving a communication, or mix the two together
- Auto-on activates headset automatically when the avionics panel is turned on
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6-pin plug straight cableSelf-latching plug connects to the panel connector of an installed wire harness. Comes with Bluetooth control module, auto-on switch, high-performance mic. 67 inches. |
Enjoy a peaceful flightWith 30% greater noise reduction than conventional aviation headsets, you’ll enjoy a peaceful flight that lets you focus on what matters--flying. |
Comfort for the long haulAt just 12 ounces, with minimal clamping force, the A20 Aviation Headset is one of the lightest and most comfortable aviation headsets you’ll find. |
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Clear audio for music and communicationBose Active EQ keeps the audio clear and distinct, whether you’re listening to music or an important communication. |
Customize your experienceErgonomic control module includes Bluetooth connectivity for taking calls or listening to music, with a customizable audio prioritization control with “mute” and “mix” settings. |
Flexible power with auto-onHeadset turns on automatically when avionics panel is powered on, then can switch seamlessly to and from battery power and aircraft power. |
Compare with similar items
This Item  Bose A20 Aviation Headset with Bluetooth 6-Pin Plug Cable, Black |  |  | |  |  | |
| Price | $1,195.00 | $1,299.00 | $1,045.00 | $995.95 | -8% $1,095.00 List: $1,195.00 | -14% $89.99 List: $105.00 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 21 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | — | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Noise cancellation | ||||||
| Comfort | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Durability | ||||||
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Gulf Coast Avionics Corp. | Amazon.com | AvShop Pilot Shop | RuggedRadios |
| connectivity tech | Wired, Wireless | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | RF | Wired |
| headphones form factor | In Ear | Over Ear | In Ear | In Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear |
| noise control | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation |
| cable feature | Without Cable | Retractable | Retractable | Retractable | Without Cable | — |
| control type | Media Control | Media Control | Media Control | Volume Control | Call Control | Noise Control |
| material | 6-Pin Plug | Plastic | Plastic | — | Plastic | Stainless Steel, Foam |
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Outstanding Sound and good comfort
Always been using David Clarks since they are made to last for ever. I honestly was not to convince about the A20s. After some research and talking to some of my fellow pilots about the head set I find out that all of them didn’t recommended the A30’s. The mayority recommended the A20’s. So after that I finally make the move and honestly I’m very impressed with the sound quality, on the comfort side I’ll give the credit to the DC X. since I try them on before. I guess I have to get used to the noise reduction since I’m so use to noise with my David Clark’s 13S. I also love the fact that I can answer phone calls and listen to ForeFlight alerts at the same time. I test the music sound on the ground and is sounds good quality but I don’t use it on flight since I believe it could be distracting while flying. In general i am very happy and satisfied with the headsets so far.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2017
Style: A20Pattern: BluetoothSet: Dual PlugVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2022
Their price point is higher than the competition. The Bose A20s are priced around $1,100 while David Clark offers a pair for $350. The David Clark option is popular because of the low price point, but they are not a quality product. I have seen multiple classmates upgrade to the Bose after a month of using the David Clark’s. The David Clark’s are uncomfortable and do not have the longevity of the Bose. Pilots are not relaxed while flying with these because of the poor noise reduction and how uncomfortable they fit. The saying “buy cheap, buy twice” holds true here. Some of my classmates’ headphones from other brands have broken after only a few uses, while the Bose have continued to be a quality product for me. I can feel the quality of the headphones while wearing them, and if something ever does break, Bose has a five-year warranty on the product.
Additionally, the Bose headphones have more features than other aviation headphones. They have active noise canceling, which is a feature that I refuse to fly without now that I have discovered it.The noise canceling feature makes me more relaxed while flying and allows me to easily hear Air Traffic Control. Compared to other headphones I have flown with, the noise canceling is far superior on the Bose. I strongly recommend the bluetooth-enabled A20s as well so that you can pair the headphones to devices and listen to music or a podcast on long cross-country flights. The headphones also offer priority switching, which allows the pilot to decide which audio source they want to hear. This is another feature that makes me feel safer when flying with these headphones. I am confident I can always hear Air Traffic control while using them.
The Bose A20s are the best headphones on the market for pilots. With their noise canceling features and comfortable fit, they make it safer for the user. After experiencing a flight with these myself, I wouldn’t trust a pilot that was wearing any other headphones.
Style: A20Pattern: BluetoothSet: Dual PlugVerified Purchase
May be expensive, but they’re worth it.
Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2022
I got the Bose A20 headset for my aviation program earlier this year and I highly recommend them to any pilot. I have used them for over 50 hours and have no complaints. They are very lightweight and comfortable when wearing. I never find myself needing to adjust the headphones during a flight.Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2022
Their price point is higher than the competition. The Bose A20s are priced around $1,100 while David Clark offers a pair for $350. The David Clark option is popular because of the low price point, but they are not a quality product. I have seen multiple classmates upgrade to the Bose after a month of using the David Clark’s. The David Clark’s are uncomfortable and do not have the longevity of the Bose. Pilots are not relaxed while flying with these because of the poor noise reduction and how uncomfortable they fit. The saying “buy cheap, buy twice” holds true here. Some of my classmates’ headphones from other brands have broken after only a few uses, while the Bose have continued to be a quality product for me. I can feel the quality of the headphones while wearing them, and if something ever does break, Bose has a five-year warranty on the product.
Additionally, the Bose headphones have more features than other aviation headphones. They have active noise canceling, which is a feature that I refuse to fly without now that I have discovered it.The noise canceling feature makes me more relaxed while flying and allows me to easily hear Air Traffic Control. Compared to other headphones I have flown with, the noise canceling is far superior on the Bose. I strongly recommend the bluetooth-enabled A20s as well so that you can pair the headphones to devices and listen to music or a podcast on long cross-country flights. The headphones also offer priority switching, which allows the pilot to decide which audio source they want to hear. This is another feature that makes me feel safer when flying with these headphones. I am confident I can always hear Air Traffic control while using them.
The Bose A20s are the best headphones on the market for pilots. With their noise canceling features and comfortable fit, they make it safer for the user. After experiencing a flight with these myself, I wouldn’t trust a pilot that was wearing any other headphones.
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Top reviews from other countries
MARCO ANTONIO BENAVIDES GUERRERO
Indispensable.
Reviewed in Mexico on April 9, 2024Style: A20Pattern: BluetoothSet: Dual PlugVerified Purchase
Arminder
Powerful Bose aviation headset, Clear audio with active equalization
Reviewed in Canada on August 9, 2023Style: A20Pattern: BluetoothSet: Dual PlugVerified Purchase
Anonym
Bose A20Headset
Reviewed in Germany on February 18, 2024Style: A20Pattern: BluetoothSet: Dual PlugVerified Purchase
baltazar
La reducción de ruido es muy buena
Reviewed in Mexico on August 9, 2021Style: A20Pattern: No BluetoothSet: Dual PlugVerified Purchase
Daniel Hdz
Una súper inversión.
Reviewed in Mexico on July 7, 2017Style: A20Pattern: BluetoothSet: Dual PlugVerified Purchase
