Lightspeed Delta Zulu vs. Bose A30: Which ANR Headset Is Right for You?

Apr 19

3 min read

At Air Place, headset questions come with the territory—and one of the most common debates we see is Lightspeed Delta Zulu vs. Bose A30. If you’re a pilot trying to decide which premium ANR headset to invest in (or rent first), this post is for you.

We’ve broken down the key differences and similarities to help you decide which headset fits your flying style best.

Noise Cancellation (ANR)

Both headsets offer excellent Active Noise Reduction, but with different strengths.

Bose A30: Offers three modes of ANR, which you can adjust based on your environment—ideal if you switch between cockpits or need better voice clarity.
Delta Zulu: Lightspeed's ANR is top-tier as well, and many pilots report slightly stronger low-frequency cancellation—great for piston aircraft.

Winner: Tie — Both are industry leaders in ANR, with the A30 winning on customizability and Delta Zulu on raw power.

Comfort & Fit

Long flights demand comfort, and this is where preferences start to diverge.

Bose A30: Lighter clamping force and a slightly more refined fit. At just 14.2 oz, many pilots say it “disappears” after a few hours.
Delta Zulu: Also very comfortable, though a bit more clamping pressure. Weighs in at 14.9 oz—not heavy, but slightly more noticeable over long hauls.

Winner: Bose A30 — Especially if you fly long cross-countries or wear glasses.

Audio & Bluetooth Features

Both models offer Bluetooth, stereo audio, and dual GA plugs. But they’re not equal when it comes to extras.

Bose A30: Excellent clarity and wireless performance, with a smooth user interface.
Delta Zulu: Here's where Lightspeed pulls ahead—it includes a built-in CO detector with alerts, EQ tuning via the app, and the HearingEQity™ feature that tailors audio to your personal hearing profile.

Winner: Delta Zulu — If tech features matter to you, Lightspeed went all out.

Build Quality, Mic Performance & Warranty

Both headsets are built tough, but subtle differences might sway you.

Bose A30: Known for durability and a super clear mic that performs well even in louder cockpits. Comes with a 5-year warranty.
Delta Zulu: Sturdy magnesium & stainless steel build with a flexible mic that holds its position well—but some users say the mic is slightly more sensitive to positioning. Comes with an impressive 7-year warranty, one of the best in the industry.

Winner: Delta Zulu — Longer peace of mind and excellent build.

Price & Value

When you're choosing between premium headsets, price often reflects feature sets and brand preference.

A30: MSRP around $1,299, but feels like a long-term investment.
Delta Zulu: Priced similarly at $1,199, but adds bonus features like the CO detector and app integration.

Winner: Delta Zulu — More features for the lower price.

Try Before You Buy?

Both are amazing headsets—but there’s no substitute for flying with them.

At Air Place, we rent both the Lightspeed Delta Zulu and the Bose A30. Whether you want to test one out or use a premium headset for your entire flight training, we’ve got you covered.

Final Thoughts

Choose the Bose A30 if you want the lightest feel, adjustable ANR, and legendary comfort.
Go for the Lightspeed Delta Zulu if you love advanced tech, custom hearing EQ, and built-in CO detection.