We tested dozen OTC hearing aids to find the top 3 for clear sound and comfort. See our picks and start hearing better without spending thousands.
TLDR: After testing dozen OTC hearing aids, these are our top picks:
- Audien Atom 2 – Best overall. Nearly invisible, rechargeable, and just $189. Clear sound for conversations and TV.
- Eargo 8 – Most discreet. Completely in-canal design with adaptive sound. Premium comfort, but pricey.
- Lexie B2 (Bose) – Best features. App-controlled with excellent sound tuning. Mid-range price.
If you want the best value, Audien Atom 2 is our #1 choice; effective, comfortable, and a fraction of the cost of traditional hearing aids.
If you’re tired of missing parts of conversations, turning the TV volume up too high, or feeling disconnected in social situations, over-the-counter hearing aids offer an affordable way to hear clearly again without visiting a specialist. To find out which ones actually work, we researched dozen top-rated brands and rigorously tested them in real-world environments. We evaluated sound clarity, comfort, battery life, ease of use, and value for money. The results were clear: the Audien Atom 2 delivered the best overall performance, combining clear sound, comfortable all-day wear, and unbeatable pricing to help you stay connected and enjoy life’s moments again.
Best Overall 
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Premium Pick 
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Best App Controlled 
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Description: Clear sound, comfortable fit, and unbeatable value, all for under $200. The Audien Atom 2 is the most affordable hearing aid we tested, perfect for mild to moderate hearing loss. Key Features:
| Description: A virtually invisible, completely-in-canal design that delivers clear, natural sound with adaptive environment settings. Ideal for those who value discretion and comfort above all else. Key Features:
| Description: Combines Bose audio technology with an easy-to-use app for a personalized hearing experience. Offers great sound clarity and noise reduction in a comfortable behind-the-ear style. Key Features:
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Our Rating:
4.8 | Our Rating:
4.7 | Our Rating:
4.1 |
$189.00 | $2,499.00 | $839.00 |
Clear sound, comfortable fit, and unbeatable value, all for under $200. The Audien Atom 2 is the most affordable hearing aid we tested, perfect for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Key Features:
- Price: ~$189 per pair
- Nearly invisible in-ear design
- 24-hour rechargeable battery with UV-cleaning case
- One-button control with 5 volume levels and 4 listening modes
- Multiple ear tip sizes for secure, comfortable fit
- 45-day money-back trial and 1-year warranty
A virtually invisible, completely-in-canal design that delivers clear, natural sound with adaptive environment settings. Ideal for those who value discretion and comfort above all else.
Key Features:
- Completely-in-canal, virtually invisible design
- Ultra-soft tips for all-day comfort
- Adaptive sound processing for clear speech in different environments
- ~16 hours battery life per charge
- App-based fine-tuning and control
- 45-day trial and premium build quality
Combines Bose audio technology with an easy-to-use app for a personalized hearing experience. Offers great sound clarity and noise reduction in a comfortable behind-the-ear style.
Key Features:
- Bose-powered sound for clear, balanced listening
- App-based hearing test and personalized adjustments
- Effective noise reduction in multiple environments
- Comfortable, lightweight behind-the-ear fit
- ~18 hours battery life per charge
- 45-day trial and widely available in stores & online
How we picked the best affordable hearing aids
#1: Audien Atom 2 – The Most Affordable Hearing Aid We Tested (and Impressively Discreet)
Hear conversations clearly, enjoy TV again, and feel more connected, without spending thousands.
Audien Atom 2 is a nearly invisible, in-ear OTC hearing aid designed for mild to moderate hearing loss. It’s rechargeable, lasts up to 24 hours per charge, and comes with a UV-cleaning case. With simple one-button controls and multiple ear tip sizes, it’s easy for anyone to use comfortably all day.
Limited-Time Offer: Get the Audien Atom 2 for under $200 and try it risk-free for 45 days!
Audien Atom 2 is our top budget pick for one simple reason: it delivers clearer conversations and everyday hearing at a price almost anyone can afford. At under $200 a pair, it’s the lowest-cost hearing aid we tested – yet it’s rechargeable, comfortable, and nearly invisible in the ear.
In our tests, the Atom 2 offered a noticeable boost in speech clarity, especially in quiet and moderately noisy environments like restaurants or living rooms. Voices came through clearer, TV dialogue was easier to follow, and we experienced minimal feedback when the fit was snug.
The design is refreshingly simple: no apps or complicated setup. A single button controls 5 volume levels and 4 listening modes. The compact charging case doubles as a UV sanitizer, and the battery lasts about 24 hours per charge. Multiple ear tip sizes make it easy to get a secure, comfortable fit, and we often forgot we were even wearing them.
It’s not packed with premium features like app control or advanced noise reduction, but for mild to moderate hearing loss, it does the job exceptionally well for the price. Add in a 45-day risk-free trial and 1-year warranty, and the Atom 2 is a low-risk first step into OTC hearing aids.
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Bottom line: If you’ve been holding off on hearing aids because of the price, the Audien Atom 2 removes that barrier. It’s affordable, comfortable, and effective — the best value we found in 2025.
#2 Eargo 8 – Most Discreet Premium OTC Hearing Aid
We tested the Eargo 8 alongside other top OTC hearing aids, and while it didn’t beat the unbeatable value of the Audien Atom 2, it’s a premium choice for those who prioritize comfort and invisibility. In our tests, the Eargo 8 delivered excellent speech clarity and natural sound in quiet and moderately noisy environments, thanks to its adaptive sound processing.
The completely-in-canal design is nearly invisible and exceptionally comfortable for all-day wear, though battery life is shorter than some competitors at around 16 hours. Build quality is high, setup is straightforward, and the included app makes it easy to fine-tune sound settings. It’s one of the most discreet options available, but it comes at a steep price, and while the performance is strong, the gains over mid-range options may not justify the cost for everyone.
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
#3 Lexie B2 (Powered by Bose) – Best App-Controlled OTC Hearing Aid
We tested the Lexie B2 alongside other leading OTC hearing aids, and it stands out for its excellent sound quality and robust customization options. Developed with Bose audio technology, the Lexie B2 delivered clear, well-balanced sound and effective noise reduction in both quiet and moderately noisy environments.
The companion app makes setup simple and allows users to fine-tune treble, bass, and volume for a more personalized experience. The behind-the-ear style is comfortable and lightweight, though more visible than in-ear designs, and battery life is solid at around 18 hours per charge. While it’s priced higher than budget models and lacks Bluetooth audio streaming, the Lexie B2 offers a strong balance of performance, usability, and support for those who want more control over their hearing experience.
