Jabra Enhance vs. Eargo

Jabra Enhance Hearing Aids Overview

Formerly known as Lively Hearing Aids, Jabra Enhance hearing aids have long impressed us with their great sound quality and advanced features not often found in OTC hearing aids. Foremost among them is the Jabra Enhance SoundScape system, which provides enhanced sound clarity across various listening environments. Another useful feature is the hearing aid’s Bluetooth streaming capabilities. While many hearing aids have Bluetooth capabilities, Jabra Enhance Select devices are among the few that can actually stream music and phone calls directly from a phone.

>> Read more: The Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids

The hearing aids come with a sophisticated smartphone app that puts complete control at users' fingertips, allowing for easy adjustments and program changes to suit different listening situations. Whether you're in a quiet room, a busy restaurant, or outdoors, the multiple program settings can be quickly adjusted to optimize your hearing experience. While designed primarily for mild to moderate hearing loss, these devices offer remarkable versatility in addressing various hearing needs. It’s estimated that 36.1 million adults have mild to moderate hearing loss, so it’s likely that one of their devices can provide assistance.

The Jabra Enhance Select series comes in three models (50R, 300, and 500), each offering progressively more advanced features and customization options. While their behind-the-ear design is more visible than some competitors, it provides robust functionality and easier handling for many users. The company also offers professional support as an optional upgrade, allowing users to access expert guidance when needed.

Eargo Hearing Aids Overview

Eargo has revolutionized the hearing aid market with its “invisible” hearing aids that prioritize discretion and comfort. Their innovative approach centers around a unique fiberglass design incorporating proprietary Flexi Fibers, which allows for natural airflow and exceptional comfort during extended wear.

Sound quality is enhanced through Eargo's Sound Match and Sound Adjust technology, which enables personalized tuning to match individual hearing profiles. Users can easily adjust their settings through a companion mobile app, providing convenient control over their hearing experience. Each pair of Eargo hearing aids comes with a rechargeable case, which streamlines the charging process and ensures users always have power when they need it. The devices also feature sophisticated noise reduction capabilities that help maintain clarity in challenging acoustic environments.

Eargo's current models (Link, SE, and 7) showcase the company's commitment to improving technology while maintaining Eargo’s signature discreet design. While most don't offer Bluetooth streaming (save for the Link), they provide a natural listening experience that focuses on clarity and comfort for everyday conversations and activities. The in-canal placement not only ensures near-invisibility but also takes advantage of the ear's natural anatomy to deliver more natural sound quality.

To learn more about our experience with these devices, read our Eargo 7 review.

Performance Comparison

After testing out hearing aids from both brands, we found that their higher-end models (as expected) performed the best in all environments. In quiet home environments, both Jabra Enhance Select 500 and Eargo 7 delivered exceptional clarity for everyday conversations and TV watching. The Enhance Select 500's SoundScape technology provided slightly more natural sound reproduction, while the Eargo 7's created a more organic listening experience. In other words, the voice of the wearer sounded a bit more natural.

Restaurant testing highlighted significant differences between the models. The Jabra Enhance Select 500 and 300 models excelled in this environment, with their directional microphones effectively isolating conversation from background noise. The basic Select 50R struggled more with complex sound separation, and often several noises blended together into an inaudible static. Eargo's models showed interesting variation here. While the Eargo 7 and SE performed admirably, the Link model had more difficulty distinguishing speech in noisy settings.

The outdoor performance revealed each brand's distinct advantages. Eargo's in-canal design proved particularly effective in windy conditions, with all models showing minimal wind interference. The Eargo Link and 7 performed exceptionally well here. Conversely, Jabra's behind-the-ear design was more susceptible to wind noise, though their premium 500 model's advanced wind reduction partially compensated for this. The Select 50R and 300 struggled more noticeably in breezy conditions.

>> Read more: The Best BTE Hearing Aids

Battery life testing showed Jabra Enhance models consistently delivering 30+ hours per charge across all models, while Eargo devices averaged 16 to 18 hours, although their portable charging case added convenience for extended use. That said, Jabra Enhance models also include a portable charging case.

>> Read more: The Best Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Features Comparison

Both Jabra Enhance and Eargo provide sophisticated noise-reduction capabilities that help filter out unwanted background sounds, making conversations clearer in challenging environments. Both manufacturers also offer intuitive smartphone apps that allow users to adjust volume levels, switch between listening programs, and fine-tune their hearing experience.

The most significant distinction between these brands lies in their streaming capabilities. All Jabra Enhance models support direct Bluetooth streaming, allowing users to listen to music, take phone calls, or enjoy other audio content directly through their hearing aids. This feature proves particularly valuable for users who frequently make calls or enjoy streaming media. In contrast, Eargo models, with the exception of the new Eargo Link, do not offer audio streaming capabilities. Instead, their primary focus is on pure hearing enhancement.

>>Read more: Eargo Hearing Aid Review

Pricing Comparison

Jabra Enhance’s entry-level Enhance Select 50R is priced at $995 per pair, offering essential features for those seeking a basic but reliable solution. The mid-tier Enhance Select 300 comes in at $1,495 per pair, and their premium Enhance Select 500 is available for $1,795 per pair. The Enhance Select 500 features their most advanced technology and sound processing capabilities. While this may sound expensive, it’s important to remember that, on average, hearing aids cost $4,700.

>> Read more: Jabra Enhance Costs

One noteworthy aspect of Jabra Enhance's pricing model is their optional premium support package. For an additional $200, customers can upgrade to receive three years of comprehensive remote support and extend their warranty coverage from one to three years. This package can provide significant value, particularly for first-time hearing aid users who may need ongoing adjustments and support.

Eargo's pricing structure reflects different technological approaches and target markets. Surprisingly, their newest device, the Eargo Link, is their most affordable option at $799 per pair, making it an attractive entry point. The Eargo SE costs $1,699 per pair, and the flagship Eargo 7, featuring the company’s most sophisticated sound processing technology, is priced at $2,699 per pair.

All Eargo models include their standard support package in the base price, which includes basic remote support and a one-year warranty. Unlike Jabra Enhance, Eargo does not offer an extended warranty or premium support upgrade option; instead, it focuses on providing comprehensive standard support from the outset.

Bottom Line

Both Jabra Enhance and Eargo offer quality OTC hearing aid solutions, but they serve different user needs:

Choose Jabra Enhance if you:

• Want Bluetooth streaming capabilities
• Prefer more program customization options
• Don't mind a behind-the-ear design
• Don’t mind paying extra for professional remote support

Choose Eargo if you:

• Prioritize discretion
• Prefer an in-canal design
• Want remote support for no extra cost
• Have mild-to-moderate hearing loss