Phonak vs. Unitron, Compared by an Audiologist
Phonak is one of our top choices for severe to profound hearing loss, while Unitron is known for its more affordable models.
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It’s important to take time and shop around to find the best hearing aids for your needs. With so many brands and models to choose from, it can be daunting to narrow down your options. Phonak and Unitron are two trusted hearing aid brands that offer hearing solutions for a wide range of needs and hearing loss levels.
Our tech experts researched and compared hearing aids from both brands for this comparison guide. We also spoke with our resident audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman to learn about her experiences with both brands.
Phonak and Unitron Comparison Table
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|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth capability | Yes | Yes |
| Tinnitus support help | Yes | Yes |
| Customer service | Online FAQ, online form, phone | Phone, product videos on website, online FAQ |
| Accompanying app | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Yes, 1-year limited international warranty valid from date of purchase | Yes, 3-year manufacturer’s warranty beginning on the date of original invoice |
| Free trial | Yes, 30-day free trial | Yes, 30-day free trial |
| Website |
See Pricing
Links to Zip Hearing
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Phonak Fast Facts
- Premium hearing aids with price tags to match
- Unique extended-wear IIC model
- Industry-leading microphone technology for noisy environments
Unitron Fast Facts
- Less expensive options
- The “little brother” to Phonak
- Good hearing solutions for all ages
Phonak Overview
Phonak’s Marvel line is the flagship of the brand. These devices use a sophisticated automatic scheme analyzer to set volume and microphone behavior automatically as you move throughout your day. They also provide a direct connection to iPhones, Android devices, and their premium remote Roger microphones.
For my patients with severe difficulty hearing well in environments with background noise, this combination of features is among the best in the business. For a closer look at Phonak’s hearing aids, check out this year’s Phonak review.
Testing out Phonak hearing aids
Unitron Overview
Unitron shares some basic tech with Phonak, but because it’s the “little brother” of Phonak, the prices tend to be a little lower. Their accessories are identical, and Unitron offers an excellent set of solutions for most patients. Unitron is a solid choice for seniors who want to save on their hearing aids without sacrificing on quality sound and advanced hearing technology.
Did You Know? About 6,000 American newborns are diagnosed with permanent hearing loss every year.1
Unitron shares some basic tech with Phonak, but because it’s the “little brother” of Phonak, the prices tend to be a little lower. Their accessories are identical, and Unitron offers an excellent set of solutions for most of my patients. Unitron has had a solid footing in the pediatric market for many years, so if you’ve had hearing loss for most of your life, you may have worn Unitron devices in school. You can still benefit from the same technology and great customer service as an older adult since the company offers solutions for seniors as well.
» Also Check Out: Best Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids
Phonak and Unitron Hearing Aid Lineups
Unitron Hearing Aid Lineup
Both companies offer a wide range of styles, with in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), and behind-the-ear (BTE) options. You’ll find that the two have many similar hearing aids since they are under the same parent companies. While larger BTE hearing aids typically offer more features, ITC hearing aids are less visible and are great for seniors who prefer discretion.
» Related Reading: Best Invisible Hearing Aids
One of Phonak's BTE hearing aid styles
Phonak has one unique device called Lyric, which is an extended-wear invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aid. This model is great for people with mild to moderate hearing loss and minimal difficulty with background noise. They are sold on a subscription plan and worn 24/7. The device’s sealed battery lasts about three to four months, at which time your hearing specialist replaces it. Lyric is also an excellent solution for seniors who struggle to remember to charge their devices regularly, which is even more common among seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
FYI: According to research from Columbia University, 1 in 10 Americans has some form of dementia or Alzheimer’s.2 Learn more in our guide to the best hearing aids for Alzheimer’s patients.
The Cost of Phonak and Unitron Hearing Aids
Like most hearing aid manufacturers, Phonak and Unitron do not list any product prices on their websites. You can find accurate hearing aid costs by contacting or visiting a hearing aid professional near you. A specialist will also give you a hearing evaluation and fitting to find the solution that’s best for your level of hearing loss, budget, and preferences. You can generally expect both providers to offer hearing aids starting at $1,000 per ear.
» You Might Like: Best Cheap Hearing Aids for Seniors
Phonak and Unitron vs. the Competition
Since Phonak and Unitron have a lot in common, it’s a good idea to check out how they match up to other hearing aid providers.
Here is a closer look at Phonak and Unitron compared with some of their biggest prescription hearing aid competitors:
| Phonak | Unitron | Widex | ReSound | Oticon | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $1,000 per ear | $1,000 per ear | $1,000 per ear | $1,000 per ear | $1,000 per ear |
| Best for those who want | Streaming to most mobile devices and better listening in noisy environments | Excellent hearing aid tech and solutions for patients of all ages | Fast-charging options and more advanced tinnitus relief | Remote microphones, MFi hearing aids, and custom earmolds | Long-lasting hearing devices that greatly improve voice quality |
| Free trial | Yes, 30 days | Yes, 30 days | Yes, 40 to 60 days | Yes, 90 days | Yes, 30 days |
| Hearing loss levels | Mild to profound | Mild to profound | Mild to profound | Mild to profound | Mild to profound |
| CROS available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tinnitus solutions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile apps | 3 apps | 2 apps | 4 apps | 3 apps | 1 app |
| Battery types | Rechargeable and disposable | Rechargeable and disposable | Rechargeable and disposable | Rechargeable and disposable | Rechargeable and disposable |
Our Methodology
Dr. Reisman has experience with both brands. In this photo, she is testing a pair of Phonak hearing aids for her patient.
How We Researched Phonak and Unitron Hearing Aids
Our resident audiologist, Dr. Ruth Reisman, has been prescribing Phonak and Unitron for many years. She provided us with invaluable, firsthand information about each provider’s models and how they can best serve seniors with unique needs. In addition to speaking with Dr. Reisman, our tech team spent over 50 hours conducting independent research into Phonak and Unitron. Here’s what our research process looked like:
- We tested out the free hearing tests available on the Phonak and Unitron websites. Afterward, we compared our results to in-person evaluations.
- Our tech team researched each hearing aid model and style from Phonak and Unitron, focusing on what each one offered and how it differed from other providers.
- We tested both providers’ mobile apps to make sure that they were accessible on most mobile devices and were senior-friendly.
- Our team contacted customer service at Phonak and Unitron several times to evaluate their overall quality of care.
The Factors We Used to Compare Phonak and Unitron
Dr. Reisman gave us plenty of information about each provider, but we also needed to use our own research to evaluate Phonak and Unitron. This was particularly challenging since both brands operate under the umbrella of Sonova and share some of the same tech. In any case, here are the most important factors we considered while comparing Phonak and Unitron:
- Product lineup: We like to see providers that offer more than one or two styles of hearing aids. No two seniors have the exact same needs, so it’s great to see BTE, ITE, and IIC hearing aids from both providers. We also consider what kind of accessories these providers offer, like remote controls and portable charging stations.
- Hearing technology: Phonak and Unitron offer similar tech and are both among the most advanced hearing aid providers on the market. For this reason, we deferred to Dr. Reisman’s judgment on how each provider could offer better hearing solutions to seniors.
- Mobile app: Mobile apps are a big part of what makes modern hearing aids so easy to use. We tested out all of the hearing aid apps from each provider and evaluated them based on availability, usability, and dependability.
- Bluetooth connectivity: Bluetooth makes it easier for seniors with hearing loss to connect their hearing aids to TVs, smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-ready devices. This provides a more natural listening experience when doing things like watching a movie or taking a phone call.
- Brand reputation: We value brand reputation, as it indicates consistency, quality, and consumer trust. Fortunately, both Phonak and Unitron are revered for their trustworthiness and quality hearing devices.
Why Trust Us?
Our team of tech experts tries out the latest gadgets and devices for seniors each year. We’ve logged hundreds of hours testing and reviewing hearing aids from dozens of brands.
In addition to our hands-on research, we work alongside experts with decades of experience prescribing hearing aids and helping seniors with hearing loss. Our resident licensed audiologist, Dr. Reisman, has firsthand experience with the brands we discuss, including Phonak and Unitron.
Phonak vs. Unitron: The Bottom Line
Phonak and Unitron are siblings in the larger Sonova company,3 which allows them to share technology and resources for a very comprehensive line of products. Unitron is often slightly less expensive than comparable Phonak devices, but it stacks up very well in hearing correction and build quality. Over the years, I’ve fit patients with Phonak and Unitron products, and they rarely disappoint.
» Useful Guide: How to Choose a Hearing Aid
If you’re still trying to make a decision, check out our video below. Audiologist Dr. Brad Ingrao discusses how to choose a hearing aid and top hearing aid brands to help you make a decision.
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CDC. (2025). Hearing Loss in Children.
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Columbia University. (2022). One in 10 Older Americans Has Dementia.
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Sonova. (2025). Brands.
