Key Takeaways:
- Style: Jabra and Sennheiser have similar, behind-the-ear designs
- Bluetooth: Sennheiser connects more seamlessly with Android, while both products connect seamlessly to iPhones.
- App Controls: Sennheiser keeps it simple, while Jabra’s app gives you more customization options.
- Special Features: Jabra comes pre-programmed for your hearing loss, while Sennheiser relies on a self-fitting system programmed by you.
- Sound Quality: Sennheiser offers a smoother sound, while Jabra delivers crisper clarity.
If you've explored Soundly.com, you’ll know we frequently recommend both Jabra Enhance Select and Sennheiser All Day Clear. These are two of the leading hearing aids in the direct-to-consumer market. Today, we’re putting them head-to-head to see which one might be right for you.
Head-to-Head Rules:
This matchup will go five rounds, with a winner in each category.
- Round One: Styles – Shape, comfort and form factor..
- Round Two: Bluetooth Connection – Streaming and phone calls.
- Round Three: App Controls – Customization in your pocket.
- Round Four: Special Features – What makes them stand out?
- Round Five: Sound Quality – Because that’s what really matters.
A quick note on price: Sennheiser All Day Clear is priced at $999 per pair while Jabra Enhance Select 500 costs $1,995 per pair. The cost difference mostly comes down to the programming service included with Jabra’s products.
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Round One: Styles
Both Jabra Enhance Select and Sennheiser All Day Clear are receiver-in-canal devices. This means they feature a behind-the-ear component connected to a tiny wire and speaker that sits in your ear. Jabra Enhance Select 500 is just fractionally smaller but both devices are virtually identical in their overall shape and size.
It’s also worth noting that Jabra Enhance Select offers 5 colors (brown, champaign, gold, dark gray, bronze) while Sennheiser All Day Clear comes only in a duotone silver and black.
Round One Winner: Tie – Both products deliver meaningfully similar design and comfort.
Round Two: Bluetooth Connection
When it comes to Bluetooth, both Jabra and Sennheiser connect to iPhones and Android devices, but they use different approaches.
Sennheiser All Day Clear relies on Bluetooth Classic, making it easy to connect with a wider range of devices, especially Android phones. If you're an Android user, Sennheiser allows you to make calls without holding your phone up to your mouth—something Jabra doesn't offer.
On the other hand, Jabra Enhance Select connects through the accessibility settings on your iPhone. Android users need to keep their phone close to capture outbound sound.
Round Two Winner: Sennheiser – Especially for Android users, Sennheiser’s Bluetooth connectivity takes this round.
Round Three: App Controls
The core sound-programming between these two devices is handled differently. Sennheiser uses a smartphone app to self-fit program your hearing aids from home using your inputs. Jabra hearing aids are programmed before they are shipped to you based on a test that you send through. This difference is one of the main reasons for the price difference between these products.
Once the hearing aids are programmed, both brands offer smartphone apps that allow you to adjust your volume and sound. Jabra’s app is more detailed, while Sennheiser keeps things simple with a straightforward app that handles the essentials like volume control and sound balance.
Round Three Winner: Jabra – The brand’s service includes pre-programming and professional support. Jabra’s app also gives you more control day-to-day.
Round Four: Special Features
The real differentiator comes down to the care and fitting process.
Sennheiser is designed for independent users. You program the device yourself using their app, which guides you through a hearing test and adjusts the settings accordingly. It’s a good option for those who prefer to handle things on their own and save.
Jabra takes a different approach, offering pre-programmed devices based on your specific hearing test results. You can send in your audiogram, or take an online test, and Jabra will program the aids for you before they even arrive. This takes the guesswork out of setting up the devices but also costs an extra $1,000.
Round Four Winner: Jabra – Pre-programmed, remote fitting makes the process smoother for those who prefer professional assistance.
Round Five: Sound Quality
Now for the big one: sound quality.
Sennheiser All Day Clear offers a smoother, more relaxed sound, which is great for users who are sensitive to sharp noises or want a more natural listening experience. If you’re someone who dislikes sudden, loud sounds, Sennheiser’s sound profile will likely suit you better.
On the other hand, Jabra Enhance Select delivers a crisper, brighter sound, making it a solid choice for those who want to make sure they catch every syllable in conversation. It’s ideal for people who prefer clarity and precision.
Both brands have strong background noise suppression and handle mild to moderate hearing loss exceptionally well. Jabra is manufactured by GN, the fourth-largest hearing aid maker in the world, while Sennheiser is produced by Sonova, the world’s number one hearing aid manufacturer.
Round Five Winner: Tie – Sennheiser excels in natural sound, while Jabra offers sharper clarity.
Final Score:
While both Jabra Enhance Select and Sennheiser All Day Clear offer fantastic options for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, the choice comes down to your preferences.
- Sennheiser wins for Android users and those who prefer a more hands-on, independent fitting process.
- Jabra shines if you want a professionally programmed device and are looking for more customization.
Overall Winner: Jabra Enhance Select 🏆 – With its personalized programming and detailed app controls, it’s our top pick for overall value.
If you’re still unsure, check out our full reviews of both products, or get in touch with our team for a second opinion.
