Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are a convenient and affordable option for individuals experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss.
Unlike prescription hearing aids, which require a visit to a healthcare professional for a custom fitting and typically come with higher price tags, OTC models can be purchased directly without a prescription, making them a more accessible solution.
While prescription hearing aids offer personalized care and advanced features, OTC models can be a great option for those seeking a straightforward, cost-effective way to improve their hearing.
To help you navigate this ever-evolving market, we’ve researched 10 popular OTC hearing aid brands to bring you the top five options of 2025, each selected for their unique strengths in affordability, features, and overall value.
How we picked
Sound Quality & Clarity
Clear, natural sound with minimal distortion and effective noise reduction is essential for improved hearing in various environments.
Sound Quality & Clarity
Clear, natural sound with minimal distortion and effective noise reduction is essential for improved hearing in various environments.
Ease of Use & Adjustability
User-friendly controls, customizable settings, and seamless adjustments help tailor the hearing aid to individual needs for an optimal listening experience.
Battery Life & Charging Options
Long-lasting battery life and convenient charging methods are crucial, whether through replaceable batteries or rechargeable options, to ensure uninterrupted use.
1.) Audien Atom 2: Best Overall… An affordable hearing aid with a comfortable, discreet fit, long battery life, and medical-grade sound.
Best Overall
$189
Grandma’s sweet reaction to being able to hear normally again thanks to Audien Atom 2
The Audien Atom 2 offers medical-grade sound quality in a compact, completely-in-canal (CIC) design. Its rechargeable battery eliminates the hassle of constantly buying replacements, and the 24-hour battery life will last without a midday recharge.
We love how the Atom 2 has simple, intuitive controls and a comfortable fit, making it perfect for anyone looking to enhance their hearing without breaking the bank.
What sets the Audien Atom 2 apart is its ability to deliver many features typically found in more expensive models. It cancels background noise and amplifies speech, making conversations clearer and more enjoyable in noisy or quiet environments.
We also appreciate that these hearing aids come with ear tips of different sizes to fit most people’s ears. They also keep controls simple, making them more accessible for people who aren’t tech-savvy.
Customers praise its clear sound quality, ease of use, and budget-friendly price. The Atom 2’s unmatched value makes it a worthwhile investment—especially for anyone looking for an OTC hearing aid that delivers the basics well.
2.) Jabra Enhance Select 500
$1,595.00
The Jabra Enhance Select 500 hearing aids impressed us with their array of features, making them an excellent choice for anyone seeking a high-performance OTC hearing aid.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 03/27/2025 02:25 am GMT
The Jabra Enhance Select 500 hearing aids are packed with premium features, making them one of the best OTC hearing aids. These devices have directional microphones that amplify speech from a specific direction to hear conversations better, especially in group settings. Advanced noise cancelation technology helps reduce other noises, which is handy in restaurants and shops.
In addition to these features, the Enhance Select 500 offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing seamless integration with smartphones and other devices. You can stream calls, music, and other audio directly to your hearing aids, which enhances your listening experience. The device also includes the Jabra Enhance app, which allows you to fine-tune your hearing settings to suit your needs.
Whether adjusting volume, fine-tuning sound environments, or enabling sound personalization, the app gives you complete control over your hearing aids for a fully customized experience.
Jabra hearing aids are rechargeable. This model lasts up to one day, although this may decrease with frequent Bluetooth usage. We also appreciate that each device fits comfortably behind the ear, tucked just out of sight, and has a hardware compartment that doesn’t get in the way of glasses.
Customer reviews frequently highlight the Enhance Select 500’s robust feature set, with users praising the high-quality sound, exceptional noise reduction, and ease of use. Most people appreciate how easy it feels to use the app and how it offers a personalized and convenient way to optimize performance.
Bluetooth streaming is another standout, enabling users to connect to their phones, music, and media effortlessly. While some customers mention the initial setup process can take time, most customers agree that the Enhance Select 500 offers high-end features that outperform many competitors.
However, it does cost between $1,795 and $1,995, depending on whether or not you want three years of professional hearing care support after your purchase.
3.) JEargo SE
Unlike traditional BTE models like Jabra Enhance Select 500 and MDHearing VOLT, the Eargo SE features a sleek, in-ear design that sits completely-in-canal (CIC), providing a completely discreet hearing solution. Its design not only helps it blend in but also ensures comfort with soft, flexible materials that mold to the ear for a secure fit without the need for custom molds. We noticed many customers agree it’s a comfortable choice for those wanting a hidden hearing aid.
The Eargo SE also includes advanced features for a better listening experience, such as digital sound processing that adjusts automatically to your environment for crisper sound. Its four sound profiles make it versatile enough to handle many different listening environments, from quiet rooms to noisy auditoriums. We also like how the rechargeable battery offers all-day use, but it’s one of the lowest runtimes on this list at 16 hours. You may want a longer battery life (like the Audien or Jabra models) if you have a long day of traveling or are pulling a double shift at work.
We should also mention the Eargo 7, the brand’s latest model. While the Eargo SE offers excellent value with its discreet design and advanced features, the Eargo 7 ($2,699) is another model to consider if you want to invest in additional features like enhanced sound quality and advanced noise filtering. However, for those focused on affordability and a minimalistic hearing aid experience, the Eargo SE remains a more valuable choice.
4.) Lexie B2 Plus
$899.00
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 03/27/2025 02:26 am GMT
We love the Lexie B2 Plus BTE hearing aids because of their exceptional customer service, which includes virtual consultations, ongoing support, and the ability to adjust more complex settings remotely through the Lexie app. This makes it one of the best options for anyone who values personalized care and assistance for their hearing needs.
The B2 Plus features sound processing technology powered by Bose, providing clear and natural sound with four preset listening modes to suit various environments. The hearing aids are designed to be comfortable for all-day wear and offer 18-hour rechargeable battery life. You can easily adjust settings, such as volume and programs, through the mobile app or via a dedicated support team, ensuring that your hearing aid always functions optimally without the need for frequent visits to a clinic.
We saw that customer reviews often highlight the Lexie B2 Plus for its outstanding hearing test assessments, set-up, and professional service, which are among the key reasons it stands out in the market. People frequently mention how easy it is to connect with the support team for troubleshooting and how helpful the virtual consultations are when fine-tuning settings.
5.) MDHearing VOLT
$397.00
The VOLT is a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid designed with ease of use in mind, offering basic hearing amplification without complicated features or settings. It’s a straightforward solution for those who want to enhance their hearing without dealing with complex adjustments or high costs. We like that the VOLT allows you to adjust the volume and power on the back of the device using a dial and button, making it simple and quick to cater your hearing settings to your environment without using Bluetooth connection to phone apps.
The VOLT has a long-lasting battery, although it’s less impressive than Audien or Jabra. It lasts about 20 hours, the better part of a day, and should last until bedtime without recharging.
According to reviews, these hearing aids are great for their simplicity and affordability. Many users appreciate that it’s easy to use the dial system to switch between modes or adjust sound, especially those new to hearing aids. While the VOLT lacks the advanced features found in more expensive models—such as Bluetooth or customizable settings—it’s praised for being reliable and functional at a budget-friendly price. But if you want a simple and affordable hearing aid in a smaller, more discreet fit, consider the Audien Atom 2 instead.
Choosing the right OTC Hearing Aid for you
Best Overall
$189
When we conducted our research to find the best over-the-counter hearing aids, we prioritized price, features, and simplicity.
The Audien Atom 2 stands out for its excellent overall value, offering a compact, affordable, high-performing solution. If you’re looking for a hearing aid with advanced features, the Jabra Enhance Select 500 offers premium functionality like Bluetooth connectivity and customizable settings.
For those who prefer something simple, the MDHearing VOLT provides a straightforward option with easy-to-use controls at a budget-friendly price.
The Eargo SE is the most hidden model, offering a discreet fit with automatic sound adjustment, while the Lexie B2 Plus, powered by Bose, is the best for customer support, featuring virtual consultations and remote adjustments for a personalized experience.
Each of these options has unique strengths. But if you’re looking for the best combination of affordability, performance, and simplicity, consider the Audien Atom 2.