I recently tested two of the most talked-about over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids on the market – the Eargo 7 and the Sony CRE-C20. Both devices promise nearly invisible wear and are designed for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. I was excited to compare them side by side because, on paper, they share a lot of similarities: in-ear completely-in-canal designs, rechargeable batteries, and app-based self-fitting.
However, they differ in some key areas that any potential buyer should consider, like comfort, sound processing features, battery life, and price. In this guide, I'll walk you through my first-hand impressions and deep-dive research on each of these aspects.
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Product Overview
Before diving into my hands-on experience with these two hearing aids, let’s start with a high-level look at their key features and differences.
Below, you'll find quick product snapshots followed by a side-by-side comparison table, making it easy to see how Eargo 7 and Sony CRE-C20 stack up in terms of design, sound quality, battery life, and value. This will give you a solid foundation before we get into our real-world testing.
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)
Eargo
- Disruptive leader in hearing health, known for sleek, invisible design.
- Rechargeable with a patented tip that allows ears to breathe.
- Eargo 7 adapts to your environment throughout the day.
- Newer models (Eargo SE and Eargo LINK) offer a range of prices and features.
Eargo has long set the standard for design in the hearing aid industry. Their compact devices, along with an intuitive app and thoughtful packaging, make Eargo a standout choice for early adopters. Here’s why we picked it:
- Invisible Design: The Eargo 7 is the smallest rechargeable hearing aid on the market, rivaled only by the Sony CRE-C20.
- Reduced Occlusion: Eargo’s patented “floating” ear tip design sits comfortably in the ear without causing occlusion, a common issue for in-ear hearing aid users.
- User-Friendly App: The Eargo app is easy to navigate, and it allows audiologists to remotely adjust your devices as needed, though most adjustments can be managed directly in the app.
Eargo has received numerous customer reviews, reflecting a generally positive reception.
Overall
Customers frequently commend Eargo for its discreet design, sound quality, and responsive customer service. Many users highlight the significant improvement in their hearing experience and the comfort of the devices.
Positives
- Discreet Design: "The Eargo hearing aids are virtually invisible, and no one can tell I'm wearing them." — James D.
- Sound Quality: "The clarity of sound is remarkable; I can hear conversations clearly even in noisy environments." — Charlie B.
- Customer Service: "Eargo's support team was incredibly helpful and guided me through the setup process with ease." — Rowdy G.
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 Eargo's review page.
- Eargo is a tiny, rechargeable device that sits entirely inside the ear
- Eargo uses a unique design that prevents occlusion
- Eargo is self-fit using an app but offers remote support
- Only appropriate for those with mild to moderate hearing loss
- Requires some tinkering to fine tune the product
- Eargo is not Bluetooth enabled due to the tiny size
Sony CRE-C20 Vs. Eargo 7 Comparison Table
1. Physical Design and Size
Both Eargo 7 and Sony CRE-C20 are aimed at anyone who wants a discreet “invisible” fit. When you put these in, all you’ll typically see is a small pull-tab right at the outer edge of your ear canal.
- Eargo 7 has a slim, straight shape that sits deep in the canal. It’s minuscule—one of the smallest IICs available—and definitely lives up to the “no one will notice” claim.
- Sony CRE-C20 is similarly tiny, but there’s a noticeable curve designed to hug the canal. Many wearers find that curve provides stability and comfort during all-day wear.
Whichever you choose, bystanders probably won’t spot them unless they’re really looking. Technically Eargo is just a bit smaller.
2. Setup & App Experience
These are both OTC, self-fitting hearing aids. That means:
- You buy them online (or in-store).
- You recieve them unprogrammed in the box.
- You download a smartphone app (one for Sony, one for Eargo).
- Each app gives you an in-ear hearing test (tone test). Afterward, the hearing aids automatically adjust to your results.
- You can make further adjustments in each app after the initial programming.
This self-fitting technology is one of the biggest perks of OTC devices. Both Sony and Eargo have straightforward, user-friendly apps, and the process takes just a few minutes. If you’ve got a mild to moderate hearing loss, this approach can deliver similar outcomes to in-clinic care.
3. Battery Life
- Sony CRE-C20 packs up to 28 hours on a full charge. Put them in their charging case for about 3 hours, and you’ll have enough battery for a full day (and then some).
- Eargo 7 offers around 15–16 hours per charge. That’s typically enough for a waking day, but it’s roughly half of Sony’s advertised run time.
Both come with sleek charging cases that carry at least two additional charges on-the-go.
4. Comfort
Comfort can be subjective, but here are my general thoughts:
- Sony CRE-C20 feels a bit “fuller” in the ear. Some folks report that the curved shell leads to a comfortable, stable fit that doesn’t shift around. However, more occlusion can mean you hear more of your own voice or “fullness” in the canal.
- Eargo 7 leaves a bit more room for air to move, so it’s less occlusive. Still, some folks find it can feel a bit “wedged in” at first because it has less of a curve in the design.
Both products are comfortable enough for full days of wear but experiences may vary slightly based on your ear canal shape.
5. Sound Quality
Both Sony and Eargo are top-tier among invisible OTC devices, but the nuances of sound differ:
- Sony CRE-C20 (made by WS Audiology—same folks behind Signia) has a brighter, crisper sound signature. You may notice ambient noises come through a bit more, but it’s great for picking up speech detail.
- Eargo 7 aims for a smoother, less noisy sound. It’s more aggressive at cutting background sounds, which some people appreciate. The trade-off is it might not offer that same “punchy clarity” in speech as Sony.
Neither approach is “wrong”—it’s more like choosing between two good cups of coffee. Both get the job done, just with a slightly different profile.
6. Connectivity
This is where the form factor limits you. Because they’re so small, neither Sony CRE-C20 nor Eargo 7 streams audio (music, calls, podcasts) via Bluetooth. You’ll still use your phone to control settings and volume, but no direct streaming to the hearing aids. If you want that, you’d have to go for a behind-the-ear style (like Sennheiser All-Day Clear or other prescription behind-the-ear devices).
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How to Decide
Both Eargo 7 and Sony CRE-C20 are solid picks for anyone with mild to moderate hearing loss who wants an invisible, rechargeable, and self-fitting solution. So how do you choose?
- If budget is the biggest factor: Sony is about $999 for a pair, whereas Eargo 7 sits around $2,600. Sony clearly wins on price.
- If you hate the feeling of “full ears”: Eargo 7 might be the better pick, thanks to its “open-feel” design (though it can still feel snug in certain ear canals).
- If you want in-ear stability: Many users find Sony’s curved shape more comfortable and stable for long wear, despite slightly more occlusion.
- If you want a longer warranty: Eargo 7 offers two years vs. Sony’s one-year coverage.
At Soundly.com, we’ve seen slightly fewer returns on Sony CRE-C20—potentially because the lower price meets or exceeds expectations, and the fit often suits more people’s ears. That said, there are plenty of loyal Eargo fans who swear they’ll never go back to anything else.
Whichever you pick, you’ll get:
- Modern design
- Rechargeable convenience
- A DIY fitting app that’s totally doable at home
- Reliable sound quality suited for most mild to moderate hearing losses
- If you purchase through Soundly you will also get a complimentary audiologist setup call with either device
If you’ve still got questions, feel free to send us a message. We can help walk you through an audiogram or chat about your personal listening needs. And if you do decide to purchase through Soundly, don’t forget to use the code ClubSoundly at checkout for a little added savings.
Good luck in your research.
