Best Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

Jabra Enhance Select 700 hearing aids are small and discrete

Jabra Enhance's product lineup, pricing, features, and customer support make it a standout in the OTC hearing aid industry. The company's premium BTE, micro receiver-in-ear model, the Select 700, offers excellent value, which is why they earned the No. 1 spot on our best hearing aids list!

The Jabra Enhance Select 700 are Bluetooth-enabled, with noise-canceling technology, tinnitus management, and a mobile app for easy adjustments. All Jabra Enhance hearing aid models (Select 50R, Select 300, and Select 700) come with a three-year warranty and three years of follow-up care, so you can chat with an audiologist and make remote adjustments from home.

With free shipping and a 100-day risk-free trial, Jabra Enhance makes it easy to test their devices. Most OTC hearing aid brands, such as MDHearing and Eargo, have shorter 45-day free trial periods, so we appreciate the extended trial. The one downside is that Jabra Enhance only offers behind-the-ear (BTE) and micro receiver-in-ear (RIE) hearing aids. Consider MDHearing's NEO XS models if you want something less visible.

We tested the Enhance Select 700 and found its sound quality to be superior to the Select 300, which already offered better-than-average sound. The sound from both models was crisper and richer than MDHearing's NEO XS model. The Select 700 is particularly well-designed for noisy or unpredictable sound environments, making it worth the higher price tag in our book.

There wasn't any feedback or humming, and we could fine-tune our settings in the mobile app. The rechargeable devices lasted about 24 hours, about eight hours longer than Eargo 8, perfect for all-day wear.

All three Jabra Enhance models provide great value. The Select 50R is the most budget-friendly option, ideal for everyday listening, but it lacks advanced features. We recommend the Select 300 for users with active lifestyles and the Select 700 for those wanting the best sound clarity and features, such as enhanced noise reduction, beneficial on windy days.

Read our Jabra Enhance review to learn more.

Expert Insights

From Audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman,

The clear sound quality is likely due to Jabra Enhance Select 700's ability to meet research-based targets for those adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. These targets are in place to enhance audibility and enhance speech understanding for those with hearing loss.

Pricing

The Select 700 is Jabra Enhance’s most expensive model at $1,995 per pair, but it also comes with the best sound and the most features. Users on a tighter budget can also opt for the Select 300 ($1,695 per pair), or the Select 50R ($1,195 per pair).

Jabra Enhance is certainly not the cheapest devices on our list (that honor goes to Apple’s Airpods Pro 3), but they’re less expensive than other premium brands, such as Phonak and ReSound.

Jabra Enhance also offers financing starting at $34 per month, so you can still access these quality hearing aids on a budget.

» Pricing Guide: Jabra Enhance hearing aid cost and pricing

In the past, Jabra Enhance offered Basic and Premium packages for all of their hearing aids. Now, they’ve done away with the Basic packages, so all their hearing aids come with the higher costs and superior benefits of the Premium package.

All Jabra Enhance hearing aids now provide three years of follow-up care, three years of loss and damage protection, and hearing aids customized to your needs. During testing, we spoke with an audiologist who answered our questions and helped us adjust our settings and equipment.

Expert Insights

From Audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman,

Jabra devices provide an array of benefits, including tinnitus management and hearing-loss treatment. With superior sound quality, seamless connectivity, innovative design, advanced noise cancellation, and versatile applications, Jabra consistently delivers exceptional audio solutions; they enhance productivity, entertainment, and communication clarity.

Eargo 8 device

Eargo designs their hearing aids with discretion in mind. The company offers two completely-in-canal (CIC) models for mild to moderate hearing loss, including their top-rated hearing aid (and our personal favorite), Eargo 8. Plus, they offer a unique earbud-style hearing aid called the LINK by Eargo that offers seniors a more budget-friendly alternative. Eargo 8 earned high marks as CIC hearing aids that are highly water-resistant (IP68) and offer plenty of ways to customize your listening experience.

All of Eargo's models are rechargeable, and Eargo 8 stands out for its discreet design and sound-customization options. Packed with features like automatic sound adjustment, noise reduction, and voice and tone indicators, Eargo 8 offers top-notch technology at a competitive price point. And while you’ll only get about 16 hours on one charge, the portable charging case can hold up to 14 charges. That means you could go two weeks without needing an outlet!

After purchasing your Eargo hearing aids online or by phone, you'll receive a personalized consultation from a licensed hearing professional via phone, text, email, or video chat. Eargo also offers lifetime remote support for your devices.

After purchasing your Eargo hearing aids online or by phone, you'll receive a personalized consultation from a licensed hearing professional via phone, text, email, or video chat. This makes it easy to get your questions answered or adjust your hearing aids. Eargo also offers lifetime remote support for your devices.

» Our Full Review: Eargo hearing aid review

We've tested Eargo's in-ear models: Eargo 8 and Eargo SE, as well as their discontinued predecessors, Eargo 6 and Eargo 7. One of the first things we noticed was that they may be uncomfortable for smaller ears, so keep that in mind. Other than that, we had a great experience with their devices and found the sound quality superb for an OTC hearing aid.

Expert Insights

From Audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman,

Eargo hearing aids are certainly an innovation in the hearing aid arena. Their unique design, features, and customer-service model have allowed for true evolution in the fitting of direct-to-consumer hearing aids.

Like MDHearing, Eargo offers a mobile app. We self-fit our Eargo 8s using the Sound Match hearing test, which took about 20 minutes. The test customizes the hearing aid settings to your needs. We noticed the hearing aids were more effective after using Sound Match.

If we were unsatisfied with the mobile hearing test results, we could arrange a telehealth-style meeting with an audiologist for a more comprehensive evaluation. We appreciated having both options, especially using the app to have an audiologist remotely adjust the hearing aids.

We took Eargo's Sound Match test, which adjusts your hearing aids to your unique needs and hearing loss.

Pricing

Eargo’s pricing varies widely based on the model you choose. Our top pick, Eargo 8, is the most expensive Eargo model at $2,950 per pair. The Eargo SE offers a big drop in price ($1,950), but its sound quality is not quite as good as the Eargo 8, and its charging case only offers up to five days of battery life.

If you like Eargo but you really want to save, the earbud-style LINK by Eargo ($799 per pair) is also an option. While previously available for online order, LINK by Eargo now must be ordered over the phone. It’s important to note that LINK is the only Eargo model that offers Bluetooth streaming, while the Eargo 8 and SE only offer Bluetooth connectivity between their charging cases and a smartphone for sound customization.

Like Jabra Enhance, you don't have the option to buy single devices. Fortunately, Eargo offers financing terms for 12 to 24 months to make its hearing aids more affordable.

» Pricing Guide: Eargo Hearing Aid Cost and Pricing

Testing out Sony s CRE-E10 hearing aids

Sony is one of the most trusted names in the tech industry. In 2022, the company started making OTC hearing aids with the CRE-C10 (now the rechargeable C20) and rechargeable CRE-E10 models. With either model, setup and audio settings are managed through the Sony Hearing Control App. You'll need an iPhone or Android smartphone with the app installed to use them.

The C20’s noise reduction technology and automatic sound adjustment tools make recognizing and understanding speech easier, even in noisy or changing environments. Like Eargo, Sony offers the option to schedule a consultation with a hearing aid expert to help you get your C20s set up properly. This might be helpful, as even a minor error during in-app setup could mean starting over, as some customers have noted.

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After performing a study in her university lab, Dr. Reisman found that Sony offers some of the best OTC hearing aids on the market.

From her experience, she notes, “Sony OTC hearing aids are a great in-ear option for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss. You can customize their options to your hearing levels using the smartphone application. If you need extra support in noisy environments, the E10 and C20 offer the ability to adjust the directional microphones to enhance the speaker's voice over the background noise. The Bluetooth feature allows for direct streaming from your smartphone. If your biggest concern is discretion, the C20 is the way to go, as most patients find that it just looks like a shadow in the ear.”

Dr. Reisman testing the sound quality of Sony s CRE-C10 hearing aids

Pricing

Sony C20 hearing aids cost $999, the E10 model is $899, and the C10 model is $699. They can't compete with MDHearing's prices, but they're comparable to Eargo and cheaper than Jabra Enhance. Plus, Sony frequently runs sales that can knock as much as $200 off the purchase price!

We believe Sony's hearing aids offer a good middle ground for individuals willing to spend more on discreet hearing aids with enhanced speech recognition technology, without spending over $1,000 per pair.

Testing out the NEO XS from MDHearing

MDHearing offers several OTC hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss, but the NEO XS is our favorite for its affordability and discreet design. The brand offers more style options than Jabra Enhance, including BTE and in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids with features like noise reduction and feedback cancellation. For those who might not like the small design of the NEO XS, the VOLT 4 is a popular BTE alternative from MDHearing.

MDHearing's hearing instrument specialists guide you through setup and customization, and every hearing aid comes with free shipping and a 45-day risk-free trial. Even when we encountered difficulty inserting the NEO XS comfortably, we were able to hop on a call with a specialist in a matter of minutes.

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We tested MDHearing's NEO XS and VOLT 4 models. We were impressed with the feedback cancellation and noise reduction, especially considering their size and pricing. While the VOLT 4 offers some advanced features like smart sound reduction and dual microphones, it costs $100 more than the comparably discreet NEO XS.

Regardless of the model, MDHearing's devices don't offer the same advanced audio programming as Jabra Enhance, but they offer sleek designs at lower prices.

MDHearing, one of our favorite OTC brands, is a runner-up on our list of the best hearing aids for tinnitus.

We liked that, unlike Eargo, MDHearing makes it possible to adjust settings without using a smartphone. The downside is that MDHearing doesn't have a mobile app, so you'll only have the option to change settings and volume on the device itself. Since the NEO XS hearing aids are quite small, making manual adjustments could prove difficult for older fingers.

MDHearing offers follow-up care via phone, email, and online chat, but Dr. Reisman notes that some patients have had difficulty finding support, especially outside the U.S.

In our experience, we always got our questions answered quickly using MDHearing's online chat feature. Read our full MDHearing review to learn more.

Expert Insights

From Audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman,

Of concern, some of MDHearing’s BTE models significantly surpass uncomfortable loudness levels; this can put the hearing-loss patient at significant risk for further nerve-related damage. However, the in-ear options produced results that were closer to targets and provided less risk of overamplification.

Pricing

Compared to Eargo and Jabra Enhance, MDHearing offers some of the most affordable hearing aids available over the counter (aside from Apple’s latest offerings). The NEO XS model is the most affordable completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid we could find anywhere, while also offering excellent noise reduction and minimal feedback.

MDHearing's prices range from $297 to $597 per pair, thanks to promotions. That's around $200 to $500 less than Eargo's least expensive model.

Ongoing sales can save you hundreds of dollars. Unlike Jabra Enhance, MDHearing allows you to buy a single hearing aid, but you may not get the same sale price as purchasing a pair.

» Pricing Guide: MDHearing hearing aids cost and pricing

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Apple isn’t a name people associate with hearing aids, but the Apple AirPods Pro 3 earned a spot on our list because they can function as entry-level hearing aids for seniors with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. They’re especially good for older adults who already use iPhones, iPads, or are familiar with Apple products.

Apple’s Hearing health experience includes a hearing test and a regulated hearing aid feature that can apply personalized audio adjustments, plus tools like Conversation Boost that help bring the person in front of you into clearer focus.

We tested our pair of AirPods Pro 3 specifically in common “hearing aid” scenarios. We wore them in quiet, one-on-one conversations, louder environments like cafés, and on-the-go errands with ample background noise. In every environment, we found Apple’s latest AirPods to perform surprisingly well, not just increasing volume, but adjusting to prioritize speech and conversation.

The setup couldn’t have been easier (partly because we are very familiar with Apple products). Once paired to our phone, we found the Hearing Health settings easily, ran the guided hearing flow, and then toggled “Conversation Boost” on and off to see how much it helps speech happening right in front of us.

Conversation Boost made the biggest difference in face-to-face conversations (even across a large kitchen table), and it was easy to fine-tune the intensity when a voice sounded either too sharp or a little muffled.

In noisy spaces, we found the AirPods Pro3 could help reduce the “wash” of background sound enough to make conversations less tiring, but they couldn’t replace what a dedicated hearing aid can do when it comes to consistent speech clarity, especially when you have speakers coming at you from all directions.

Comfort-wise, these still feel like premium earbuds. They’re not super lightweight, and they’re definitely very visible (unlike the Eargo 8 or Sony C20). However, millions of people of all ages and hearing capabilities use Apple AirPods every day, so it’s easy to use them and blend right in!

That said, you can definitely feel when you’re wearing them. They don’t sit quite as comfortably as traditional hearing aids, so they might be best for shorter periods or as a backup option when your primary hearing aids are charging.

We also noticed a practical trade-off: AirPods are earbuds first. If you’re buying them primarily as hearing aids, you’ll want to be realistic about battery management and how often you’re willing to pop them into the case. This is even more important if you plan to use them to stream music or TV. AirPods are great for streaming, but the battery may drain even faster if you stream daily.

Pricing

Apple offers their latest AirPods for just $249 per pair. That’s even less than MDHearing’s NEO XS. You can even finance your purchase through Apple to pay as little as $41.50 per month for six months.

Just keep in mind that, while Apple AirPods Pro 2 and 3 are recognized by the FDA as clinical-grade, OTC hearing aids, they don’t come with the support of hearing professionals. Additionally, they only come with one year of warranty by default. If you want to extend your warranty to two years, you’ll need to pay $1.99 per month (or $19.99 annually) for AppleCare+ coverage.

Lexie B2 hearing aids sitting in their charging case.

Lexie B2 Plus is our top pick for customization because they give users a lot of control without making the setup a pain. These are self-fitting OTC hearing aids powered by Bose, and most of the magic happens inside the Lexie app where you can run a hearing test, apply recommended settings, and then fine-tune your sound profile over time.

The result is a “set it and forget it” option if you want simplicity, but with enough ways to change things and keep improving comfort and clarity as you adapt to the devices.

Wearing the Lexie B2 hearing aid. It fits comfortably even with glasses!

When we tried out the Lexie B2 Plus, they stood out for one reason: the hearing devices let us dial in the sound without the need for an instruction manual.

We started with the in-app hearing test and applied the recommended settings, then wore the devices in a mix of quiet rooms, conversational settings, and noisier public spaces. In quieter settings, it didn’t take much adjustment to get natural speech clarity. We just had to make small changes to reduce “sharpness” with certain voice types.

Where the B2 Plus really earned its keep was the day-to-day fine-tuning. We liked being able to make small, incremental changes and immediately hear the difference, rather than picking from a few rigid presets.

In noisy environments, we found the best results came from combining the app adjustments with realistic expectations: these improved speech focus and reduced listening fatigue, but they didn’t completely erase background noise.

Still, the B2 Plus gave us more room to “shape” the sound than budget-friendly models from MDHearing or even Apple. That’s exactly what you want if you’re particular about how voices should sound.

We also appreciated the high level of support. When we had questions during setup and early wear, Lexie’s remote support model made it easy to troubleshoot and keep moving forward. This is a great perk for seniors who might otherwise get frustrated and give up on their new devices early.

Pricing

Lexie B2 Plus starts at $999 per pair, which puts it in the mid-range for OTC hearing aids. It’s not nearly as affordable as MDHearing or Apple, but it’s about half as much as top-tier models from Eargo or Jabra Enhance. You also get a 45-day trial period and a one-year warranty, which we consider solid baseline protection at this price point.

If customization is your top priority, the value here is less about being cheap and more about being in control. You’re paying for a better self-fitting experience, stronger day-to-day adjustability, and a support system that helps you stick with your devices long enough to benefit from them.