Welcome to our regularly updated best-sellers guide.
If you've spent time with us here at soundly.com, you know we review just about every hearing aid on the market—evaluating audiological performance, comfort, and features in detail.
You might also know that we sell and provide service for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids directly through our shop. Soundly offers industry-leading perks like a complimentary audiologist setup call, hassle free returns and 45-day price protection.
This gives us a unique window into how thousands of customers experience the leading OTC hearing aids available today.
Currently, Soundly carries six carefully selected over-the-counter products. Out of those six, the three hearing aids below are our current best sellers in behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, and sub-$500 categories.
What about prescription hearing aids?
If you're exploring prescription hearing care, check out the video here where we highlight the best prescription hearing aids available. If you opt for prescription care we typically recommend visiting our partners at ZipHearing here. They offer no-nonsense pricing and great service.
Not sure whether OTC or prescription hearing aids are right for you? Keep reading—we'll help you make sense of it all and guide you to the best solution for your needs.
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
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We launched Soundly.com in 2022 to create a better starting point for the hearing health experience.
Instead of selling hearing aids directly, we spend our time reviewing products, publishing clearly organized information, and building modern tools to make the process of accessing hearing health easier. Learn more.
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Featured in this article
Best Selling Behind-The-Ear - Sennheiser
If you're searching for the best all-around, self-fit over-the-counter hearing aid, the Sennheiser All Day Clear is an excellent place to start.
- Manufactured by Sonova—the world’s largest hearing aid company—this device combines trusted expertise with solide features.
- It offers rechargeable batteries, seamless Bluetooth streaming for both Android and iPhone, and strong performance in background noise.
- This is our top-selling OTC hearing aid with the lowest return rate on Soundly.
Sennheiser All Day Clear
- Our favorite OTC hearing aids for under $1,000
- Manufactured by the largest hearing aid maker in the world
- Compatible with iPhone and Android devices
Here’s why we picked the Sennheiser All-Day Clear:
- Trusted Manufacturer: Developed by Sennheiser, a leader in audio, and backed by Sonova, the world's #1 hearing aid maker, ensuring high-quality sound and technology.
- Comfortable Design: Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear, available in both Slim and standard models to suit different preferences.
- Affordable Price: Offers premium sound quality and features typically found in prescription hearing aids, all for under $1,000.
- Easy App Control: The intuitive smartphone app allows for quick, user-friendly setup and self-programming, ideal for even mildly tech-savvy users.
Sennheiser All Day Clear reviews are about as glowing as you'll find among self-fit devices. Users comment on Sennheiser's lightweight comfort, clear sound and easy to use app. Some users wished that the battery life was longer for 16+ hours of wear. Here are some sample reviews:
- "One of the best over-the-counter hearing aids you'll find.They're extremely lightweight which I really appreciate because usually whenever I use any sort of earbuds I like it to wear I don't even feel like they're on my ear.The clarity of the audio that comes out of these small little hearing aids is very impressive." - Jay
- "The instructions are not complicated and the all day clear app for the phone is easy to use and works well for personal customization. You can use the hearing aids itself to control the volume and connect to other devices. The all day clear hearing aids are comfortable to wear all day. I feel more confident because I feel like I am apart of conversations and not alienated in life. The battery life is good but you will need to recharge if you are wearing them all day." - Kamille
- "I got my 72-year-old dad the Sennheiser hearing aid, and oh boy, it's a total game-changer! Dad's been dealing with some hearing trouble for a while, but this device has turned things around big time.Being far away from him, I sent the aid his way, and he managed to set it up all by himself using YouTube. Easy peasy! Now, he's raving about how it's like night and day. In group chats, he used to miss out on voices, but not anymore. He's hearing everyone loud and clear, even when Mom calls him from another room." - Britto
- Premium Sonova-built technology for less than prescription channels
- Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calls (Android and iPhone)
- Comfortable all-day form factor
- Charger must be plugged in while charging
- Requires a smartphone for programming
- All-Day Clear is an OTC product appropriate for mild-moderate hearing loss levels
- If you have more significant hearing loss you might consider local or Telehealth care. Read more about prescription Vs. OTC hearing aids here
- Available for purchase online via Soundly
- Does not require a prescription from a doctor
- Customize your hearing aids with the Sennheiser All-Day Clear app
- Soundly customers get a complimentary guided setup session
- Sennheiser offers impressive underlying background noise management technology
- We found this product performed at a similar level to top prescription brands
- Comfortable receiver-in-canal style is great for all day wear
- Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
- The form factor of Sennheiser All-Day Clear is comparable to leading prescription hearing aids like Phonak Lumity
- Available in a dual-tone black and silver
- Choose between slim and non-slim versions (we recommend the non-slim option for most people)
- Sennheiser All-Day Clear comes with rechargeable batteries
- 16 hours of wear on a single charge
- Recharge case must be plugged into the wall while in use
- All-Day Clear streams to all devices including iPhone and Android
- All Day Clear allows hands free phone calls on both iPhone and Android
- Streaming quality is similar to the top prescription products on the market
- All-Day Clear is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- The All-Day Clear recharge case has ports that must be in contact for charging. This type of charger is more difficult than premium conduction chargers which do not require ports to be touching
- Sennheiser All-Day Clear hearing aids have an IP68 rating
- These devices can be submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes without damage
- The Sennheiser All-Day Clear app enables setup and customization of your hearing aids
- The smartphone app allows on-the-go volume and sound quality adjustments
- The All-Day Clear app has a music and automatic program but does not offer Tinnitus masking, program creation or other advanced features
Best Selling In-The-Ear - Sony
If you’re looking for an over-the-counter hearing aid that sits discreetly inside the ear rather than behind it, the Sony CRE-C20 is typically our recommendation.
- Manufactured by WS Audiology—one of the largest hearing aid companies globally—this model shares a similar form factor and technology with its in-clinic counterpart, the Signia Silk iX.
- The CRE-C20 is self-fitted using your smartphone, offering clear, balanced sound quality at a reasonable price.
- Our most popular in-ear model by a wide margin, it has earned outstanding customer feedback since its launch in late 2024.
Sony CRE-C20
- Soundly's top-selling in-ear OTC hearing aid
- Nearly invisible in most ears
- 28-hour battery life per charge
- Self-fits through Sony's smartphone app
Sony’s CRE-C20 is a big step up for in-ear OTC hearing aids, packing new features that make it our top pick. Here’s why we chose it:
- Sound Quality Boost: Sony borrowed tech from in-clinic product Signia Silk for sound processing, and the difference is clear. The CRE-C20 delivers noticeably better sound than past models.
- Long-Lasting Battery: With 28 hours on a single charge, you can count on the CRE-C20 to get you through a full day.
- Invisible, Comfortable Fit: Designed to be invisible in most ears, the CRE-C20 fits comfortably and stays discreet—even more so than many other IIC models we’ve reviewed. We especially like the slightly curved design that improves in-ear comfort.
If you’re looking for an in-ear OTC hearing aid, the CRE-C20 wins on sound, battery, and comfort.
Sony CRE-C20 is Soundly's top-performing in-ear OTC hearing aid. Our customers love the discretion and sound quality and often comment on how comfortable CRE-C20 is compared to other in-ear options. Some customers do report that the app setup is more involved than simpler products like Lexie or Sennheiser. Some sample review:
- "Over the past few years, I have tried a half-dozen or more OTC hearing aids and none of them were better than the Sony CRE-C20 aids that I have had the opportunity to evaluate. I have tried less costly and more expensive OTC's - doesn't matter - these were the answer to my inability to hear in many situations." - Ern
- "In terms of function, I was very impressed with the overall sound quality once it was dialed in. Initially they sounded a bit tinny, but that was easily adjusted with the Sound Balance control. It took a couple of days of use and adjusting before I really felt they were dialed in. At that point I wore them all day in different environments to put them through their paces. One of my main concerns is the ability to hear clearly and understand what the person I’m speaking with is saying in a louder environment. The CRE-20Es did a fantastic job with toning out the background noise and producing a clear and easy to understand conversation experience. I tend to have to listen and read lips at the same time but quickly realized I could hear the conversation very well, even in a loud restaurant environment." - Stanley
- "These are IP68 Sweat and water resistant - I was able to wear these biking multiple times without any fear of them falling out or being damaged." - James
- "I shut down and restarted the app, turned off my phone, uninstalled and reinstalled the app, and nothing seemed to work. I tried the next day, and then it worked." - Trobadaur
- C20 is Nearly invisible in most ear canals
- High quality sound for a lower price
- Self-fit at home
- Rechargeable with 28 hours of battery life
- Does not allow Bluetooth streaming
- Requires some tech-savvy for setup
- Only for mild-moderate hearing loss
- Sony CRE-C20 hearing aids are sold over the counter and are appropriate for those with mild-moderate hearing loss
- If you have more significant hearing loss it is recommended that you access professional care through Telehealth or local care
- Available for purchase here Soundly.com with a complimentary guide setup service
- Does not require a prescription from a doctor
- Customize your hearing aids with an onboard hearing test and app-controls
- Sony CRE-C20 is made in collaboration with hearing leader WSA audiology
- Sony CRE-C20 offers good background noise management algorithms and newly re-designed processing chip
- Sony CRE-C20 sits discreetly in the ear and comes with various ear tip sizes
- Sony CRE-C20 is not custom-molded to your ear shape
- Our team finds all in-the-ear models slightly less comfortable for all-day wear than RIC hearing aids
- Sits inside the ear
- Only available in one completely-in-canal size (invisible in many ears)
- Only available in black
- Sony CRE-C20 has rechargeable batteries
- Sony CRE-C20 batteries last 28 hours on a single charge
- The included CRE-C20 carry-case comes with three additional on-the go charges
- Sony CRE-C20 does not come with Bluetooth streaming
- Sony CRE-C20 is a small device which can pose dexterity challenges
- Sony CRE-C20 uses rechargeable batteries and has a convenient charge case with strong magnets that pull the devices into place
- CRE-C20 is water resistant but we recommend you avoid water activities while wearing (i.e. swimming)
- Sony CRE-C20 uses a smartphone app which includes an onboard hearing test and manual controls for bass, treble and volume
- The app is required to make changes (no buttons onboard)
Best Selling Under $500 - Elehear
After reviewing dozens of lower-cost options—with varying results—we’ve found that most hearing aids priced at $100–$200 simply don’t meet expectations. Thankfully, the Elehear Beyond, priced at $399 per pair, is a standout exception.
- Elehear Beyond features rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth streaming, smartphone app customization, and even a tinnitus masking option—all at a price significantly lower than the industry average.
- Launched in October 2024, this budget-friendly hearing aid has quickly become our best-selling and best-performing option at this price point, with surprisingly great feedback among our customers.
Elehear Beyond
- Our favorite OTC hearing aids for under $500
- Compatible with iPhone and Android devices
- Bluetooth streaming and rechargeable
Here’s why we picked Elehear Beyond:
- Sound Clarity: Elehear Beyond’s noise reduction effectively separates speech from background sounds, providing clear listening in a variety of environments.
- Simple Bluetooth Streaming: Elehear Beyond connects directly through Bluetooth settings, similar to pairing regular headphones. It supports music and calls without requiring extra accessibility setup steps.
- Battery Life: The charging case provides up to 20 hours of use after a 90-minute charge, making it convenient for all-day wear without needing frequent recharges.
- Customizable Sound Settings: Through the Elehear app, users can adjust bass, treble, and volume to match their personal preferences, offering more control than pre-set options in higher-end models.
- Affordable Choice: Priced at $399 per pair, Elehear Beyond is an accessible option in the OTC market, with essential features suited for those who prefer handling adjustments independently.
- Robust features for a very affordable price
- Bluetooth streaming (iPhone and Android)
- Tinnitus masking features
- Robust features for a very affordable price
- Bluetooth streaming (iPhone and Android)
- Tinnitus masking features
- Requires some tech savvy
- Newer company
- Slightly less advanced sound (although impressive for the price)
- Elehear Beyond is an OTC product appropriate for mild-moderate hearing loss levels
- If you have more significant hearing loss you might consider local or Telehealth care. Read more about prescription Vs. OTC hearing aids here
- Available for purchase online or at retail stores
- Does not require a prescription from a doctor
- Customize your hearing aids through dials and controls inside a smartphone app
- Elehear Beyond has the best sound quality we've seen at products under $500
- Comfortable receiver-in-canal style is great for all day wear
- Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
- The form factor of Elehear Beyond is comparable to leading prescription hearing aids
- Only available in silver
- Elehear Beyond comes with rechargeable batteries and a portable recharge case
- 20 hours of wear on a single charge
- New recharge case carries an additional 80 hours of portable charge (without being plugged in)
- Elehear Beyond is compatible with iPhone and Android Devices
- Bluetooth connection is managed through the settings app
- Elehear Beyond is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- Elehear Beyond has an IPX5 raing
- In practical terms, an IPX5-rated device can handle splashes, rain, and some exposure to water but is not fully waterproof
- Adjust volume, sound quality and background noise
- Elehear Beyond comes with built-in tinnitus management features
Bonus Option (Check Candidacy)
The final product on this list isn’t sold directly by Soundly, but it’s one we frequently recommend to those looking for a hybrid care option - Jabra Enhance Select 500.
- Priced at $2,000—higher than most self-fit hearing aids.
- Instead of programming the hearing aids yourself via a smartphone app, the Jabra Enhance Select 500 is professionally programmed and shipped directly to your home.
- This makes Jabra Enhance Select 500 less of a traditional over-the-counter hearing aid and more of a hybrid between prescription and OTC models.
If you’re open to spending a bit more and aren't as interested in programming your own devices, we recommend starting with Jabra’s hearing test to see if you’re a candidate.
Jabra Enhance Select
- Bluetooth enabled and rechargeable
- 100-day risk-free trial
- Nearly invisible with a sleek design
- Professionally programmed before shipping to your home
The Jabra Enhance Select 500 offers an impressive blend of clinic-grade technology, affordability, and user convenience. Here’s why it stands out:
- Professional-Grade Technology at a Lower Price: Jabra’s Enhance Select 500 provides the advanced sound quality of clinic-only brands like ReSound but at less than half the price.
- Professional Programmed Hearing Aids From Home: Jabra’s pre-programmed approach ensures a personalized fit without needing in-clinic visits—customers simply take or upload a hearing test, and Jabra's audiologists program the hearing aids before shipment.
- Seamless Bluetooth Streaming: Equipped with LE Audio, the Enhance Select 500 delivers high-quality, direct streaming for calls and media, with excellent sound quality and range.
- Purchase Perks: Jabra offers 100-day returns, unlimited remote adjustments, and seven-day-a-week customer support.
Overall
Users commend the Jabra Enhance Select 500 for its natural sound quality, discreet design, and effective customer support. Many report significant improvements in hearing clarity and comfort.
Positives
- Natural Sound Quality: "The sound quality is excellent, and the ability to adjust settings via the app is a great feature." — Timothy T.
- Discreet Design: "These hearing aids are virtually invisible and very comfortable to wear throughout the day." — Angel M.
- Customer Support: "The customer service team was incredibly helpful and guided me through the setup process with ease." — Damian.
Complaints
While the majority of feedback is positive, some customers have reported issues with device durability and the need for adjustments. However, these concerns are relatively infrequent compared to the overall satisfaction expressed by users.
For a comprehensive view of customer experiences, you can visit Jabra Enhance's review page.
- One of the most affordable and convenient ways to purchase online while maintaining professional care
- Comes with a 100 day free-return period
- Offers rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming
- Remote care requires users to be somewhat tech savvy
- Jabra only offers styles that sit behind the ear
- Jabra Enhance Select is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
- If you have severe hearing loss and struggle with feedback (squealing) you may need a custom earmold (not available through Jabra Telehealth)
- If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for a high-powered BTE style hearing aid (note available through Jabra Telehealth)
- Jabra is a remote care brand that programs and delivers your hearing aids through Telehealth
- Take or submit a hearing test and a Jabra professional will program your hearing aids and ship them to your door
- Three years of unlimited support is included with every purchase
- Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids come with the capability for remote adjustments. This feature means you don't need to ship your hearing aids back to get program updates
- Jabra Enhance Select is manufactured by GN Hearing (the makers of ReSound hearing aids)
- Jabra devices come with a strong set of background noise handling features and app controls
- Jabra Enhance Select comes in a small and comfortable receiver-in-canal style that is easy to wear all day
- Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
- The form factor of Jabra Enhance Select is comparable to ReSound hearing aids
- Choose between five colors including: Sparkling Silver, Champaign, Gold, Bronze and Warm Grey
- Jabra Enhance Select offers three levels of technology. Select 500 and Select 300 come with rechargeable batteries and as of May 2024, Select 50 also comes with rechargeable batteries
- 30 hours on a full charge
- Comes with a portable charger (does not need to be plugged in)
- All Jabra Enhance Select technology levels allow Bluetooth streaming, music listening, and phone calls.
- Jabra Enhance Select 500 uses Bluetooth LE Audio (Auracast ready) and is handsfree for iPhone (11 and newer) and compatible Android models
- Jabra Enhance Select 300 allows iPhone users to take calls hands-free, while Android users must keep their phones close to pick up outbound audio
- Jabra Enhance Select 300 uses Apple's MFI connection and Android's ASHA connection to stream content through Bluetooth
- Jabra Enhance Select is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
- If dexterity is a concern we recommend Select 300, which is larger and easier to grasp than the microRIE (Select 500)
- The Jabra Enhance Select charge case uses induction charging and is fairly easy to handle
- All levels of Jabra Enhance Select have an IP rating of 68
- These hearing aids can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
- Customization: Treble/bass, volume, microphone directionality
- Jabra Enhance Select includes Telehealth capabilities through the Jabra app
Should I Choose Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids or Prescription Devices?
For the 40 years leading up to 2022, hearing aids were only available through local clinics, where hearing professionals programmed and sold devices. However, in 2022, the industry shifted significantly with the introduction of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids.The FDA created this category to improve access, embrace advancing technology, and lower costs for consumers.
Despite these changes, many people still choose prescription devices for various reasons.
While Soundly specializes in OTC hearing aids, we also review leading prescription devices and offer guidance on when they may be the better option. We believe both OTC and prescription hearing aids play essential roles in the overall hearing care market.
Before you dive into products, it’s important to consider what makes you a good candidate for OTC versus prescription hearing aids. We’ve created a full video to help you make this decision (linked below), but here are some key highlights:
Severity of Hearing Loss
If your hearing loss is mild to moderate, you can choose either OTC or prescription hearing aids. OTC devices, like those mentioned above, are designed to address these levels of hearing loss effectively. However, if your hearing loss is severe or profound, prescription devices are likely the better option. Prescription hearing aids, available through local clinics, can achieve higher volume levels than OTC devices, which are capped in their output for safety reasons.
Comfort with Technology
Many leading OTC hearing aids rely on smartphone apps for customization and programming, making them an attractive option for tech-savvy users. If you’re less comfortable navigating app-based setup processes, prescription devices programmed by a professional might be a better fit.
At Soundly, we aim to bridge this gap by including a complimentary audiologist setup call with every OTC purchase. This service helps customers overcome potential challenges during the setup process, ensuring they make the most of their devices. Still, OTC hearing aids require some tech savvy for successful setup.
Price Differences
Prescription hearing aids purchased through a clinic typically range from $3,000 to $6,000 per pair, depending on the technology and care level. These prices can vary between offices.
OTC hearing aids, on the other hand, generally range from $400 to $2,000, with advertised pricing that makes comparison shopping much easier.
For those considering prescription care, we recommend ZipHearing, which offers a network of clinics with agreed-upon, upfront pricing for a simpler shopping experience.
For a deeper dive into the differences and guidance on making the right choice, watch the video below. This decision is an important one, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. You can also get in touch with our team for a personalized review of your hearing test.
Need Help Deciding?
Start With Our Hearing Test
If you’re still deciding which device or care method is right for you, we recommend starting with our hearing test. The test takes about five minutes and evaluates your hearing across various frequencies in each ear. You’ll receive a simple chart that identifies whether your hearing loss is mild, moderate, or severe, along with the specific frequencies where you might be struggling the most.
Create a Hearing Profile
From there, you can fill out our hearing profile, and our team will follow up with personalized recommendations tailored to your needs.
Get in Touch
Call or text us anytime at 1-213-460-1310, or email us at [email protected]. Our team has hundreds of conversations with people navigating hearing health decisions each week, and helping you through this journey is one of the most rewarding parts of our job.
Whether you choose to purchase an over-the-counter device through Soundly, visit a local clinic, or explore other options, we’re grateful for your time and look forward to serving you
Why Buy from Soundly?
Soundly is one of the leading independent sellers of over-the-counter hearing aids in the United States, but we often hear this question: why purchase from Soundly instead of a big-box retailer like Amazon or Best Buy? It’s a fair question—Amazon has become a go-to shopping destination for virtually everything. But when it comes to hearing health, our customers consistently find value in the expertise and care that only a specialized team like ours can provide.
Hearing health is all we think about. That means your questions, concerns, and setup challenges will be uniquely understood and addressed with care. Here are a few practical benefits of purchasing from Soundly that set us apart:
- Upfront Personalized Expert Consultations
Before you buy, you can access a personalized expert consultation free of charge. Take our custom-built hearing test, and our team will review the results to recommend the best options based on your individual needs. Helping you find the right solution is one of the most rewarding parts of our work. - Complimentary Audiologist Setup Call
Every Soundly customer receives a complimentary setup call with our audiologist. If you encounter any difficulties during the setup process, we’re here to help. Our team can even sit with you live while you go through the steps, ensuring your hearing aids are up and running and tailored to your hearing loss. You’ll be in control, but we’ll support you every step of the way. - Fast, Free Shipping and Hassle-Free Returns
We offer fast, free shipping and a no-hassle return policy, so you can shop with confidence. - Price Drop Protection
With our price drop protection, you’re guaranteed the best price—even if a discount appears after your purchase. - Exclusive Discounts
Soundly users get access to exclusive discounts. Use code ClubSoundly at checkout with any product to unlock available discounts and save on your purchase.
Ultimately, you can buy OTC hearing aids from many retailers, but our customers value working with a team exclusively focused on hearing health. At Soundly, you’re not just purchasing a product—you’re gaining personalized care and support every step of the way.
Learn more about our process below, and let us help you get started on your hearing journey.
