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The Best Hearing Aids I’ve Tested (2026): Jabra, Resound, Apple, and More

Published: 10/21/2026, 10:00 AM

Hearing-challenged individuals have long had one option for dealing with this widespread issue: an expensive, bulky hearing aid prescribed by a doctor. That changed in 2022 when the US Food and Drug Administration approved over-the-counter hearing aid devices, giving consumers access to a vast and growing array of alternatives. Today, there are more hearing aids than ever, and they come in different shapes, sizes, and most importantly, prices. How does a $100 hearing aid compare to a $4,000 prescription device for treating mild to moderate hearing loss? I’ve been testing products for the past four years to answer that question. I’ve performed hands-on (ears-on?) testing of more than 65 hearing aid models around my home, outside, and in noisy environments. I’ve found plenty to like on the market today—and even more aids to avoid. The Jabra Enhance Select M3 holds the crown as the best over-the-counter hearing aid, while those seeking a prescription device should seek out a provider to fit them with a pair of Resound Sensia hearing aids. For those just getting started with hearing tech, I almost universally recommend giving Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 earbuds a try. They’re an intuitive way to see how your hearing can improve without breaking the bank. Below is my complete roundup of the best prescription and over-the-counter hearing aids I’ve tested and approved. Updated October 2026: I've updated my picks with the Jabra Enhance Select M3, Resound Sensia 9, Oticon Zeal, and Legato Harmony Glasses. Every person is unique, and so are their hearing loss needs. Consider these factors to find a device that suits your needs and lifestyle. For more tips, check out our How to Buy a Hearing Aid guide. Hearing aids shouldn’t bankrupt you. With such a steep price and minimal insurance coverage, it’s no wonder that so many people put off hearing loss treatment. Between audiologist visits, hearing aid orders, custom fittings, and maintenance, it’s justifiable that you might postpone treatment rather than fork over your credit card. It’s vital you know your budget before you start browsing for hearing aids. Many brands offer trial periods where you can test out the devices for a set number of days and, if they're a bad fit, return them free of charge. It doesn’t have to be obvious that you’re wearing a hearing aid. Despite cartoonish media depictions of hunched-over seniors screaming “WHAT?!” at every person who tries to talk to them, hearing loss doesn’t discriminate by age. With nearly 10 million Americans under the age of 60 affected, more should be taking advantage of the sleekly designed hearing aids on the market. Similar to the stigmas that keep people from seeking mental health treatment, the hearing-loss community is plagued by self-consciousness when it comes to wearing these devices. Modern in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids have come a long way in subtlety. Opt for a professional hearing test over an online one. While online and app-based tests are a good way to dip your toes in and see whether you have hearing loss, a detailed audiogram that only an in-office visit can provide is a far better option. A hearing professional can use this audiogram to calibrate hearing aids to your specific needs. Before you choose which hearing aid is right for you, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the different styles on the market. While you may see multiple design styles, hearing aids essentially boil down to two main varieties: behind-the-ear and in-the-ear. Completely in-canal (CIC) devices also exist, but none are available over the counter. Here are common terms you’ll see: Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, also known as over-the-ear, are probably the most traditional style. For these devices, an often bulky plastic case rests on the back of your ear while a tube delivers sound to an ear mold. Because they’re bigger, they tend to have the most technology and can cater to higher degrees of hearing loss. That said, they also tend to stan