Hearing-challenged individuals have long had one option for dealing with the issue: an expensive, bulky hearing aid prescribed by a doctor. That changed in 2022 when the US Food and Drug Administration approved over-the-counter hearing aid devices, giving consumers access to a vast and growing array of alternatives. Today, there are more hearing aids than ever, and they come in different shapes, sizes, and most importantly, prices. How does a $100 hearing aid compare to a $4,000 prescription device for treating mild to moderate hearing loss? We’ve been testing products for the past four years to answer that question.
I’ve performed hands-on (ears-on?) testing of more than 45 hearing aid models around my home, outside, and in noisy environments. I’ve found plenty to like on the market today—and plenty of aids to avoid. The Jabra Enhance Select 300 holds the crown as the best hearing aid, with the Sony CRE-C20 close behind. Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 deserve special mention too as the easiest way for anyone to get started with hearing aid tech. Here’s our complete roundup of the best prescription and over-the-counter hearing aids we’ve tested and approved.
Updated February 2026: We've added the Oticon Zeal, Phonak Audeo Infinio Ultra Sphere, and Jabra Enhance Select 50R.
Every person is unique, and so are their hearing loss needs. Consider these factors to find a device that suits your needs and lifestyle. For more tips, check out our How to Buy a Hearing Aid guide.
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