Best In Ear Aviation Headset

A quintessential part of any pilot's flight bag is their aviation headset. In-ear and over the ear options are available for pilots to choose from. For pilots in pressurized cabins with low ambient noise, in-ear aviation headsets may be the best choice for comfortability, functionality, and style. To help you decide which in-ear aviation headset would work best for you, check out the options below.

To help you choose which in-ear aviation headset is best for you, Flying has compiled a list of 6 in-ear aviation headset options. 

The Bose Proflight Series 2 aviation headset is perfect for professional pilots looking for a reliable headset and are not wary of price. The Bose Proflight Series is designed with comfortability, functionality, and professionalism in mind with soft silicone tips, three levels of noise cancellation and a sleek design. 

Best for: Jet pilots 

Power: 2 AA batteries 

TSO Certified: Yes

NRR in dB: 3 levels 

Earplug Type: Silicone- replaceable

Connection: Wired and bluetooth

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The Faro in ear pilot headset is known for having comfortable foam earplug inserts with a high level of noise cancellation. The simplicity of the design does not rely on bluetooth to connect to the aircraft, no batteries, and offers an aux cord input for music. The headset comes in two sizes, medium and large, both with longer than average earplug inserts. 

Best for: Pilots looking for high noise cancellation

Power: No batteries

TSO Certified: Unknown

NRR in dB: 50 dB

Earplug Type: Foam- replaceable 

Connection: Wired 

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Price: $350 on Pilotshop.com

A slightly heavier option, the Clarity Aloft Pro Plus headset, comes with a carrying case and extra foam canal tips. Boasting a FAA TSO certification, airline pilots may find this as the best in-ear aviation headset. A flexible band makes finding the perfect fit easy but the price tag may come as a surprise.

Best for: Airline pilots 

Power: 2 AA batteries

TSO Certified: Yes

NRR in dB: 29-47 dB

Earplug Type: Foam- replaceable 

Connection: Wired and Bluetooth

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Price: $725 on Sportys

The first company to develop a lightweight insert-style noise isolating foam tip headset for aviation, Quiet Technologies, is next on the list. Quiet Technologies Halo Tubephones may be the perfect in-ear aviation headset for those looking to cave on cost but not function. The Halo Tubephones are a simple version of in-ear headsets with little technology and lightweight design. 

Best for: Budget pilots

Power: No batteries 

TSO Certified: No

NRR in dB: None

Earplug Type: Foam- replaceable 

Connection: Wired

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Price: $349

The extremely lightweight design of Axis in-ear headsets makes them arguably the most comfortable on the list. The lack of batteries and the easy to use design make this headset perfect for a flight student looking for an in-ear headset option. The price is a little steep considering there is no active noise cancellation in the headset, but users claim the passive noise cancellation blocks out all unnecessary noise. 

Best for: Sport pilots 

Power: No batteries

TSO Certified: No

NRR in dB: No active noise cancellation, only passive

Earplug Type: Foam- replaceable

Connection: Wired

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Price: $475

The CQ headset offers a great choice for pilots looking for an in-ear headset option with no external batteries. The lightweight and simplistic design make this in-ear headset perfect for all pilots. No active noise cancellation is available on any models. 

Best for: Any pilot

Power: Rechargeable battery

TSO Certified: No

NRR in dB: No active noise cancellation

Earplug Type: Foam- replaceable

Connection: Wired and Bluetooth

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Price: $675 

When choosing the right headset for you as a pilot make sure you are choosing based on comfort and capability. For those who wear hats and glasses, an in-ear option may be the best fit, while pilots looking for high noise cancellation capabilities may want to opt for an over the ear, classic, option.

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In-ear headsets come in many different styles and host a variety of features. When choosing the right in-ear headset consider comfortability, battery life, noise reduction, and price. 

Headsets are worn for the entirety of the flight. Choosing the right type of in-ear insert will ensure you are comfortable for the whole flight. The most common type of earplug is foam but earplugs also come in silicone and molded plastic. Determine which is the most comfortable for your ear type before buying. 

The majority of the Bluetooth-enabled in-ear headsets require batteries, some rechargeable. On average the battery life on in-ear aviation headsets run about 30 hours with Bluetooth enabled and 45 hours when it is turned off. 

Noise reduction ratings are important in high decibel cockpits. To ensure the pilot can hear the communications and respond without interruptions, noise cancellation is needed. In-ear headsets can be equipped with passive or active noise cancellation. For the highest noise cancellation capabilities, opt for an active noise cancellation headset. 

Some features you may want to consider when choosing an in-ear aviation headset is ear plug size, replaceable ear plug capability, and adjustable size headset. Soem in-ear aviation headsets are equipped with an auxiliary cord input to listen to music while flying. 

The price of in-ear aviation headsets vary depending on the features. Try to choose the headset based on comfort and functionality over price. Aviation in-ear headsets can run between $250-$1,100.

In-ear aviation headsets are perfect for pressurized cabins with low ambient noise. Choose an in-ear headset based on comfortability and functionality over all else. To stay up to date on all things aviation, including gear like headsets, subscribe to Flying Magazine.