Ahead of AirVenture 2025, Lightspeed Aviation announced the $1099 Zulu 4—a carry-on product of the successful and good-performing Zulu 3, which will remain in the lineup at $949.
The new Zulu 4 wears an all-black chassis that’s the same build design as the Zulu 3 and also has the same noise canceling circuitry and internal electronics. With its stainless steel headband and magnesium cups, the set weighs the same as the Zulu 3 at 14.6 ounces. But what is different is what Lightspeed calls FrameFit ear seals. These were designed for more comfort when wearing the set with eyeglasses and a hat because the dynamic density foam reduces pressure points by 5% and creates a better seal.
The Zulu 4 also has a longer 7-inch microphone boom for better adjustment (but it’s fixed to the left ear cup and can’t be swapped to the right), dual Bluetooth pairing for connection to two devices, plus a feature called AINR—which reduces microphone audio noise when making phone calls through the Bluetooth connection. The set doesn’t have a TSO, so it’s off-limits to flight crews who work in environments that require TSO’d equipment. But other features that are welcomed include a longer audio cable (51 inches) that’s covered in Kevlar for better durability. Lightspeed is also launching the new Lightspeed app for more recording and playback features.
For a video preview of the new Zulu 4, watch: Lightspeed Zulu 4 Headset Preview
I’ve used Lightspeed headsets since my first Zulu 1 back in 2011. Currently have 3 - My original Zulu 1, a Sierra and the Zulu 3 (purchased through a trade-in promo for another Zulu 1). I like the fit and comfort of Lightspeed products and find the noise cancellation to be equal to the Bose products. One thing that I see as a weak point for Lightspeed is the lack of a TSO approval for their top of the line product. Seems to me that they are missing out on a significant segment of the market where Bose has a big advantage for commercial users. At that price point, guys like me (weekend flyers) don’t see the need for an upgrade, but the younger guys who are looking to get into commercial flying would be willing to buy the Z-4 for use in their day job if they could. If you understand brand loyalty, you know that the first brand a person buys will be the one they stick with if it is a good product. By default, Lightspeed has sent those buyers to Bose, and will likely never have a chance to get them back.
I still own a my DC H10 - 13.4. Had it since 1999 and other than the boom-foam eventually deciding it was time to make itself non-existant, it has served me well for 26 years… Knowing that it wont be possible to buy a headset that will last another 26 years, I’ll stick to my $299 David Clark…
