Bose ProFlight Series 2 vs Bose A20: Pilot Guide

Choosing an aviation headset is less about finding one universal winner and more about matching the design to your cockpit, flight time, and personal fit. The Bose ProFlight Series 2 takes an in-ear approach aimed specifically at jet pilots. The Bose A20 uses a traditional over-ear design that many professional and general-aviation pilots know well.

Use our aviation headset buying guide to compare your options.

Start with the ProFlight Series 2's in-ear design, including the features that make it particularly relevant to airline pilots and other turbine-aircraft operators.

Bose ProFlight Series 2: The In-Ear Airline Pilot Headset

For pilots comparing an in-ear headset with a traditional earcup design, the ProFlight Series 2 starts with a different fit philosophy. Bose describes it as an in-ear aviation headset designed specifically for jet pilots. That positioning makes it worth considering for airline crews. It also suits pilots who prefer a compact headset that does not surround the ears.

Bose lists an ultra-lightweight design and a thinner, lighter cable than the previous model. Bose also claims a 0.4-ounce (11-gram) reduction in on-head weight from that cable change. Those are Bose's product claims. They do not guarantee the same comfort for every pilot. The practical question is whether the eartips remain secure and comfortable throughout the flight. The package includes small, medium, and large StayHear+ eartips, giving pilots three starting points for finding the right fit.

Fit matters more with an in-ear headset because the eartip sits in the ear rather than relying on an over-ear cushion to create the wearing experience. Take time to test each size and adjust the headset before evaluating it on a long duty period. A poor fit can distract you, reduce confidence in the headset, and make any comparison with an A20 unfair. Bose also lists an adjustable microphone and cable, while the microphone boom includes winglets intended to assist with correct microphone alignment and adjustment.

The ProFlight Series 2 includes three noise-cancellation modes. Bose also lists tap control for talk-through communication, which can help when you need to hear or speak with someone nearby without fully removing the headset. The product is available in Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth configurations, so choose connectivity based on your cockpit and employer requirements rather than assuming Bluetooth is necessary.

Connector selection is another airline-specific detail. Bose lists dual-plug, 5-pin XLR, and 6-pin LEMO variants. Confirm the aircraft jack and the exact configuration before ordering. The headset package includes a carry case, case hook, control-module holder, and two AA batteries, which supports straightforward storage between flights. For a closer look at the available configuration and product details, review the Bose ProFlight Series 2 headset.

In short, the ProFlight Series 2 is best evaluated as a jet-oriented in-ear option. Its compact form, adjustable controls, and fit flexibility may appeal to airline pilots, but the final choice should come from a secure eartip fit and confirmed aircraft compatibility.

Bose A20: The Over-Ear Standard for Professional Pilots

The Bose A20 takes the traditional aviation headset approach and refines it for pilots who want full-size earcups, a familiar fit, and substantial acoustic coverage. Its over-ear design can feel especially reassuring in louder cockpits, where a secure seal around the ears helps separate engine noise from radio communication. That does not make it the universal winner in the bose proflight series 2 vs bose a20 decision. The better choice depends on your aircraft, wearing habits, and how your ears respond to each design.

Why pilots choose an over-ear headset

Bose lists the A20 at 12 ounces and claims 30 percent more noise reduction than conventional aviation headsets. Those are Bose's published specification and performance claim. They do not guarantee the same result in every aircraft. Fit, cockpit acoustics, seal condition, and personal hearing all affect the experience.

For pilots flying piston aircraft, turboprops, or other environments where sustained noise is a major concern, the A20's over-ear coverage provides a practical starting point. A snug earcup seal can help reduce the amount of outside sound competing with intercom and radio audio. It also gives pilots who prefer a conventional headset an immediate sense of coverage without placing eartips inside the ear canal.

Comfort over long flights

The A20 is not the lightest style of headset, but Bose says it uses sheepskin cushions and minimal clamping force. Those details matter during extended duty periods. Comfort is more than scale weight. Pressure at the temples and heat around the ears can matter. So can the way the headset sits with sunglasses or other cockpit equipment.

Pilots should still treat comfort as personal. Some prefer the stability and familiar feel of earcups. Others find an in-ear headset less constricting, particularly during long jet flights. If you are uncertain, compare the A20 with the other Bose aviation headset options while considering your typical aircraft rather than relying on a single weight figure.

Who benefits most from the A20?

The A20 is a strong candidate for pilots who prioritize over-ear coverage, fly louder general-aviation aircraft, or simply prefer the traditional headset format. It may also suit pilots who do not want to manage an in-ear seal. Before choosing, confirm the exact aircraft connection and make sure the earcups fit comfortably with your normal eyewear. A headset that is technically capable but poorly fitted will not deliver its best practical performance.

How Does Noise Reduction Compare Between In-Ear and Over-Ear Headsets?

In-ear and over-ear aviation headsets can both reduce cockpit noise, but neither design is automatically better in every aircraft. The practical winner depends on the noise profile, the headset's fit, and how consistently the pilot can maintain that fit.

Aircraft noise is not one uniform sound. Engines, propellers, airflow, vibration, and turbulence can all contribute to the cockpit environment. The CDC and NIOSH identify engines and high-speed turbulence over the fuselage as important airborne noise sources for aircrew. FAA guidance also recognizes that cockpit noise can interfere with speech communication. That context matters because a headset must do more than make the cabin feel quieter. It must help the pilot hear radio traffic and communicate clearly. CDC/NIOSH aviation noise guidance and FAA cockpit-noise guidance provide useful background, but they should not be read as a performance certification for either Bose model.

Why fit can matter more than the headset category

An over-ear headset such as the Bose A20 surrounds the ear and uses an earcup seal. That traditional design is generally the stronger starting point for louder piston, turboprop, and other general-aviation environments where sustained engine and propeller noise are prominent. If the cushions sit evenly and the seal is maintained, the design offers consistent physical coverage without relying on an eartip being positioned inside the ear canal.

The Bose ProFlight Series 2 takes a different approach. Its in-ear eartips place the headset close to the ear canal, which can reduce bulk and head pressure. Bose lists three noise-cancellation modes, but the result still depends heavily on selecting and positioning the correct StayHear+ eartip. A small, medium, and large tip are included. A loose fit can allow noise to enter and can make communication less consistent. A secure fit can make the ProFlight a highly practical choice in a pressurized jet or turbine cockpit.

Use the aircraft, not a headline, as the deciding factor

For airline and jet pilots, the ProFlight's in-ear format may be appealing when low weight, compact stowage, and quick access to the surrounding conversation matter. For pilots in louder or more variable aircraft, the A20's over-ear coverage may provide a more forgiving fit. These are use-case distinctions, not a universal ranking. Individual ear shape, glasses, hair, cockpit ventilation, and the aircraft's actual noise can change the experience.

Manufacturer specifications describe what Bose designed and tested. They do not replace a fit check in the aircraft where you fly. For a broader look at active-noise-reduction options, review Marv Golden's ANR headset comparison chart, then confirm the exact model, connector, and operating environment before ordering.

Bose ProFlight Series 2 vs Bose A20 for Airline Flying

For airline pilots, the better headset stays comfortable and keeps crew communication clear. It should also fit the aircraft's connection system without creating extra cockpit friction. The Bose ProFlight Series 2 is designed specifically for jet pilots. Its in-ear format is a natural starting point for airline operations. The Bose A20 takes the traditional over-ear approach. Some pilots prefer its familiar earcup seal and physical isolation.

Long-wear comfort is the clearest dividing line. ProFlight places less equipment on the head and uses an in-ear fit, which can feel less constricting during a long duty period. Bose also lists an adjustable microphone and cable, giving pilots more control over microphone placement and cable routing. The tradeoff is fit. The eartips must seal securely without causing pressure or irritation, and the right size may take some trial. Bose includes small, medium, and large StayHear+ eartips to help pilots establish that fit.

The A20 covers the ears rather than sitting in the ear canal. That design can feel more substantial, but it gives pilots the familiar cushion-and-headband experience associated with a conventional aviation headset. It may be the better personal fit for pilots who dislike in-ear earpieces or who want a consistent over-ear seal. Fit still varies by head shape, glasses, hairstyle, and how the headset interacts with the cockpit seat and other equipment.

Cockpit interaction and stowage

ProFlight has practical features for airline work. Bose lists tap control for talk-through communication, which can make brief cockpit interaction easier without fully removing the headset. Its thinner, lighter cable reduces on-head weight by 0.4 ounces, or 11 grams, compared with the previous model. The supplied case and case hook also support quick stowage between legs or when moving through the flight deck. Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth configurations are available, but airline policy should guide that choice.

Connector compatibility deserves a deliberate check before ordering either model. Bose lists ProFlight variants with dual-plug, 5-pin XLR, and 6-pin LEMO connections. Aircraft fleets can differ, even within the same airline or aircraft family, so confirm the jack and the exact headset variant with your operator or aircraft documentation. A forum pilot reported using ProFlight 2 in an E175 and liking it, while another discussion noted a dual-plug version being used despite XLR jacks. Those are anecdotal operating experiences, not specifications or a guarantee of E175 compatibility.

Use our aviation headset buying guide to compare the fit, cockpit environment, and connector details that matter in your operation before choosing between these two Bose designs.

Our Recommendation: ProFlight vs A20 by Use Case

Choosing between the Bose ProFlight Series 2 and Bose A20 by flying needs.

Consideration.	Bose ProFlight Series 2.	Bose A20.
Aircraft environment.	Especially well suited to jet and pressurized turbine cockpits.	A strong choice for louder piston and turboprop environments.
Design.	In-ear eartips with a lightweight over-head band.	Traditional over-ear earcups.
Noise environment.	Three noise-cancellation modes, dependent on a secure eartip seal.	Over-ear seal and Bose-claimed noise reduction for conventional aviation headsets.
Long-wear comfort.	Minimal on-head weight and no earcup pressure.	Sheepskin cushions and minimal clamping force, with a 12-ounce listed weight.
Fit.	Choose among small, medium, and large StayHear+ eartips.	Adjustable earcups and headband for an over-ear fit.
Connectivity.	Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth configurations.	Confirm the specific A20 configuration and aircraft interface.
Connector check.	Available in dual-plug, 5-pin XLR, and 6-pin LEMO variants.	Verify the connector before ordering.
Best fit.	Airline and jet pilots who prioritize light wear and compact stowage.	Pilots who prefer earcups or need a stronger seal in a louder cockpit.

For airline and jet pilots, the ProFlight Series 2 is usually the more natural starting point. Bose describes it as an in-ear headset designed specifically for jet pilots. Its compact design can be easier to stow between legs or carry as part of a flight bag. The lighter interface also avoids the feeling of having earcups pressing against the sides of your head during a long duty period. Its tap control for talk-through communication can be useful when you need more awareness of a nearby conversation without removing the headset.

That recommendation depends on fit. An in-ear headset only performs as intended when the eartips sit securely and comfortably in your ears. Use the supplied eartip sizes to find a stable seal, and give yourself time to evaluate comfort during actual flying. If the eartips never feel secure, the A20 is the better practical choice, even if you prefer the ProFlight feature set on paper.

Choose the A20 when your aircraft is louder, you prefer a conventional over-ear design, or an earcup seal is more comfortable for you. Bose lists sheepskin cushions and minimal clamping force, while its product information claims 30 percent more noise reduction than conventional aviation headsets. That is Bose's comparison, not a guarantee for every cockpit or individual fit.

Do not treat the connector as a minor detail. Bose lists ProFlight dual-plug, 5-pin XLR, and 6-pin LEMO variants. Confirm the aircraft jack, headset configuration, and any employer or fleet requirements before ordering. For a second opinion based on your aircraft and flying role, review Marv Golden's Bose aviation headset options.

Need help choosing the right Bose headset and connector? Talk with Marv Golden's aviation equipment experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bose ProFlight Series 2 good?

It is a strong choice for pilots who want a lightweight in-ear design, especially in jet operations. Bose describes it as designed specifically for jet pilots, with three noise-cancellation modes, tap control for talk-through communication, and Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth configurations. The best result still depends on getting a secure, comfortable eartip fit.

Is the Bose A20 better for loud aircraft?

Often, yes. The A20's over-ear design is generally the better starting point for pilots who need a traditional earcup seal in louder piston or turboprop aircraft. Bose says the A20 provides 30 percent more noise reduction than conventional aviation headsets, but that is Bose's comparison claim, not a guarantee for every cockpit. Aircraft noise, fit, and personal comfort all affect the outcome.

Does the Bose ProFlight Series 2 fit every aircraft?

No. Confirm both the aircraft jack and the exact headset variant before ordering. Bose lists ProFlight Series 2 versions with dual-plug, 5-pin XLR, and 6-pin LEMO connectors. Also confirm that the in-ear fit works for you. The package includes small, medium, and large StayHear+ eartips, but no eartip design fits every pilot equally well.

Which is better for airline pilots?

For many airline and jet pilots, the ProFlight Series 2 is the more practical choice because its in-ear format is light, compact, and designed for jet use. The A20 may be preferable if you want over-ear cushions, familiar earcup handling, or stronger isolation in a particularly noisy aircraft. Choose based on your fleet's connector, cockpit environment, and long-wear comfort rather than on a universal ranking.

Ready to Choose Between the Bose ProFlight Series 2 and A20?

The right headset depends on your aircraft noise, preferred fit, flying role, and the connector your aircraft uses. If you are still weighing the compact in-ear design against the traditional over-ear seal, practical guidance can help you narrow the choice with fewer surprises.

Explore Marv Golden's Bose aviation headset options.