The Best Affordable Hearing Aids of 2025
- Our recommendations for the best affordable hearing aids are Jabra Enhance for best overall, Eargo for the best invisible hearing aids, Audien for the best value, and MDHearing for the best product support.
- Hearing aids come in a wide range of prices, but you can find good quality affordable hearing aids both over the counter and by prescription.
- Many insurance plans do not cover hearing exams, fittings, and devices, but there are other ways to access inexpensive hearing aids through financial assistance programs, group discounts, and payment plans.
NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. That’s why we test and recommend products we believe can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 5,000 hours researching hearing aids to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best hearing aids, we:
- Consulted with audiologists, hearing instrument specialists, and aging care experts
- Put more than 50 hearing aids through a series of 21 different tests
- Mystery shopped more than 20 brands
- Surveyed hundreds of older adults who use hearing aids
- Interviewed experts on hearing loss
- Sent hearing aids to our friends and family members with hearing loss to provide long-term testing notes
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
We’re constantly testing new hearing aids to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations.
Read more about our hearing aid review methodology.
- Our top pick for OTC hearing aids
- Long battery life
- 100-day risk-free trial
- Audiology support
- Virtually invisible design
- Free “Fit & Feel” sample kit
- Includes lifetime support and warranty
- Most affordable model on this list
- Bluetooth available
- 45-day trial period
Our picks for the best affordable hearing aids:
- Jabra Enhance: Best Overall
- Eargo: Best Invisible
- Audien: Best Value
- MDHearing: Best Support
How important are affordable hearing aids? In a 2025 NCOA survey of hearing aid wearers, respondents said price was the most important factor when it comes to buying hearing aids (behind sound quality).1
“The average cost for a pair of hearing aids is usually between $2,500–$3,000 per pair,” said Caroline Dadowski, AuD, a doctor of audiology and assistant professor of audiology at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida. But Dadowski noted that spending $8,000 or more is not uncommon. Because Medicare and other health insurance plans do not typically cover the cost, even partially, it makes sense that the demand for inexpensive hearing aids is high.
OTC hearing aids are one way to meet that demand. They usually cost somewhere in the range of $800–$1,500, which offers considerable savings over many prescription hearing aids. But cheap hearing aids should refer only to cost, and not quality. That’s why we spoke to specialists and conducted extensive real-world testing to determine the best affordable hearing aids available over the counter. Our top picks include models from Jabra, Enhance, Eargo, Audien, and MDHearing. In this guide, you’ll find what convinced us to name these the best affordable hearing aids, and other ways you can save money on hearing aids, whatever your needs are.
Comparing the best affordable hearing aids
| Jabra |
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|
| |
| Our rating (out of 10) | 9.9 | 9.5 | 9.7 | 9.2 |
| Trial period (days) | 100 | 45 | 45 | 45 |
| Battery type | Rechargeable | Rechargeable | Rechargeable | Rechargeable |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Hearing aid type | RIE | CIC, ITE | ITC, BTE | ITC, BTE |
Our reviews of the top affordable hearing aids
Jabra Enhance: Best Overall
Jabra offers three models in its Enhance Select line, and the 500 is the newest model. The balance of comfort, sound quality, and easy-to-use features for a reasonable price made it our pick for the “Best Overall” affordable hearing aids.
- Type of hearing aid: RIE
- Type of hearing loss: Mild to moderate
- Battery type: Rechargeable
- Bluetooth compatible: Yes
- Trial period: 100 days
Pros
- Comfortable fit
- Strong Bluetooth capabilities (long range and great sound quality)
- Super easy set up with app and user manual
Cons
- Domes can be hard to change
- Sport locks were hard to put on
Why we chose the Jabra Enhance Select as Best Overall
Jabra Enhance stands out among the OTC hearing aids we tested in terms of offering the most discreet, comfortable, and easy-to-use products with clear sound quality and desirable features at a still-reasonable price. The price tag isn’t at the very bottom as inexpensive hearing aids go. But the cost is well worth the convenience and consistent quality they deliver, which is on par with many pricier prescription brands.
The latest model, the Enhance Select 500, is smaller and lighter than the previous Select 300 and Select 50R, which makes it hard to tell you’re even wearing hearing aids. Our tester noted “they feel well made” and durable, and stay securely in the ear canal, even when bending over to tie a shoe.
The app is easy to follow and allows you to switch between the four preset listening modes and even make your own custom noise filters, and these OTC hearing aids clearly beep to signal when a change has been made. What most impressed our tester, though, was the clear sound quality through Bluetooth connection, which didn’t degrade even 100 feet away. Jabra scored at the top of all our testing criteria, with barely any negatives, which led us to name these the best affordable hearing aids.
Our testing experience with the Jabra Enhance Select 500
The tech in these hearing aids was exceptionally easy to set up and operate through the app. “The app is very user friendly, and makes it easy to adjust programs and volume,” our tester said. The range of the Bluetooth sound was also notable, with our tester observing consistently high sound quality even at distances of up to 100 feet. Charging the device is equally problem-free, with one three-hour charge delivering 24-hour power and no guesswork required, since the case has lights that indicate the charging status.
The hearing aids are both discreet and comfortable, with four sizes of domes to ensure a proper fit. We also like that Jabra offers five different colors to help match your skin or hair color. Most affordable brands offer only one or two colors.
While our tester did note the smaller domes and sports lock were slightly difficult to put on and may require some dexterity, they did make the hearing aids feel more secure once placed. “The hearing aid does not move much at all as I jog, walk, or bend over. With the sport lock, it feels extra secure for more intense movements,” our tester said.
Comparing Jabra Enhance Select models
| Enhance Select 50R | Enhance Select 300 | Enhance Select 500 | |
| Cost | $995–$1,195* | $1,495–$1,695 | $1,795–$1,995 |
| Type | RIE | RIE | Mirco RIE |
| Model notes | Affordable price with high-end features like Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries | Includes advanced acoustics and hands-free calling | Only model with Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast |
*Jabra Enhance hearing aids cost an additional $200 when you add the premier package
The Jabra customer experience
- Warranty: One to three-year manufacturer’s warranty, and loss-and-damage protection (depending on basic or premium package)
- Trial period: 100-day risk-free trial period
- Financing: Yes
- Customer service:
- Phone: 800-854 2772, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m to 8 p.m. ET, and Saturday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
- Email: support@jabraenhance.com
- Chat: We found the chat to be responsive and helpful. Once you send a message, a real-life support agent will respond within two to five minutes.
Eargo: Best Invisible
For inexpensive and barely noticeable hearing aids, Eargo is our go-to brand for two reasons: One is the Eargo 7’s tiny profile, which makes it all but invisible for anyone wearing it. The second is its superior sound quality, which our tester calls “excellent” and secured the Eargo 7 a spot in our roundup as the “Best Invisible” affordable hearing aids.
- Type of hearing aid: Earbud and CIC
- Type of hearing loss: Mild to moderate
- Battery type: Rechargeable
- Bluetooth compatible: Yes
- Trial period: 100 days
Pros
- Clear, consistent sound quality
- Very discreet look
- Water resistant
Cons
- Lower battery life (16 hours)
- No choice of colors to match skin tones for added concealment
- Price is on the higher end for OTC hearing aids
Why we chose the Eargo as Best Invisible
The Eargo 7 is the brand’s third self-fitting OTC hearing aids, and a definite upgrade. We chose to include it in our roundup of the best affordable hearing aids because of its low profile and superior sound quality.
One of the concerns with OTC hearing aids is that you don’t have an audiologist to help fit them. But Eargo makes the process much simpler and more reliable with its self-fitting style of hearing aids. While it can take some trial and error with the provided domes, our tester noted the devices actually notify you when you have them fit properly, and reported that when placed, they were so natural that, “after enough time, it’s easy to forget you are wearing them, which is a desirable feature.” This held true even during vigorous movement. The app also guides you through an initial hearing test to calibrate the hearing aids, a process our tester said “made me more confident in the product’s functionality.”
Our testing experience with Eargo
When it comes to the Eargo 7, our tester reported better than expected sound quality, and was impressed with such a small, discreet device that felt comfortable to wear. While the manual and app were easy enough to set up and operate, our tester did find the initial online hearing test Eargo uses to calibrate its hearing aids to be a bit lengthy and glitchy. But the test does help ensure these OTC hearing aids are customized to individual needs. It was easy to switch among the six programmed presets and adjust volume using the app, and our tester calls the sound quality “excellent.”
Our tester compared the Eargo Link to a “high-end bluetooth earbud” and appreciated the noise cancelling features. But they also remarked on the larger size and increased visibility of these hearing aids. The tester called them “an underwhelming product from a hearing aid standpoint” with “below average performance” in terms of amplification, noise reduction, and overall hearing.
Testers also liked Eargo’s free sample kit. You can order two non-working devices to test the fit, and you have a 45-day risk-free trial to decide.
Comparing Eargo models
| LINK by Eargo | Eargo SE | Eargo 7 | |
| Cost | $799 | $1,699 | $2,699 |
| Type | ITE earbud style | CIC | CIC |
| Model notes | Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries | Virtually invisible; has five preset listening modes | The smallest model; automatically adjusts based on your environment |
The Eargo customer experience
- Warranty: One to two-year limited manufacturer’s warranty, and the option to extend coverage by one year with the optional purchase of Eargo Care
- Trial period: 45-day risk-free trial
- Financing: Yes
- Customer service: Eargo offers lifetime support for its products. Users can either submit a support request to the client care team from their Eargo online account or contact them in the following ways:
- Phone: 800-615-9000 Monday-Friday 8am-8pm CST, Saturdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CST.
- Email: support@eargo.com
- Chat: The AI chat isn’t the most helpful, but it was easy to connect quickly to someone who was.
Audien: Best Value
If you have mild to moderate hearing loss and are on a budget, Audien makes the most affordable hearing aids around, with options starting at $98. The Audien Atom 2 is a step-up from the base model, and the newest release, the Audien Ion Pro, is the first with Bluetooth capabilities, giving good options at an incredibly lower price, which is why we named this brand the “Best Value.”
- Type of hearing aid: ITC and BTE
- Type of hearing loss: Mild to moderate
- Battery type: Rechargeable
- Bluetooth compatible: Only Audien Ion Pro
- Trial period: 45 days
Pros
- Least expensive device on this list
- Decent comfortability and fit
- 24-hour rechargeable battery life
- UV-light cleaning case
Cons
- Inconsistent sound quality
- May not be the best choice for hearing lower registers or noise filtering
- App for the Ion Series can be spotty
Why we chose Audien as Most Affordable
For anyone looking for a basic OTC hearing aid at a low price, it’s tough to beat Audien, which offers three series: the Atom One, a no-frills entry-level option; the Atom 2 mid-range option, and the Ion Pro, which has more features including Bluetooth streaming. All of these come in at well below the average cost for OTC hearing aids, making them easily the most affordable brand in our roundup of the best affordable hearing aids by about $200.
Our tester had zero issues with the fit or comfort of these inexpensive hearing aids, stating they “feel snug but not tight” and are “comfortable enough that she could forget she was wearing them.” There is also no app required for products in either Atom series, which may be a bonus for those who are not technologically inclined. For others, the lack of an app may be frustrating since it gives you less control.
Instead, the hearing aids are operated manually, with buttons to control volume and switch among programs (this can be a challenge for anyone with dexterity issues, our tester notes). Also, these hearing aids use a rechargeable battery with a 24-hour life.
Audien does not have top-of-the-line sound quality. And our tester did experience feedback during initial placement and when adjusting volume. Yet these hearing aids did provide decent sound amplification. Our tester said the hearing aids “could be a good affordable option for people needing a little extra boost of sound, especially for hearing [conversation].”
Our testing experience with Audien
The tester of the Atom 2 was impressed with the fit, both in terms of comfort and low visibility, of these hearing aids, and felt that the performance for the price was a bargain. While there is no app, the tester said manually controlling the volume and presets was not difficult, (although it could be for people with dexterity issues), and the hearing aids stayed in place even with vigorous movement. Being able to clean and sanitize the hearing aids using UV light while charging them was a nice perk, and although the sound quality wasn’t top-notch and there was some minor feedback and inconsistency, the quality is better than what you’d expect from such affordable hearing aids.
The brand’s other model, the ION Pro, while more technologically advanced, had a few glitches with the app used to control it. And the hearing aids emitted occasional static and were more difficult to control manually. In spite of these issues, the sound quality was solid, and these inexpensive hearing aids include features you typically only get with pricer models, including Bluetooth. Our tester noted the Bluetooth streaming had a decent range and clarity for music but was significantly quieter for conversation.
Comparing Audien Models
| Audien Atom | Audien Atom 2 | Audien Atom Pro 2 | Audien Ion | Audien Ion Pro | |
| Cost | $98 | $189 | $289 | $489 | $689 |
| Type | ITC | ITC | ITC | BTE | BTE |
| Model notes | Lowest price | 24-hour battery life and four hearing preset modes | Most discreet model; has background noise cancellation | Four hearing profiles and directional sound technology; 48-hour battery life | Only model with Bluetooth and app control |
The Audien customer experience
- Warranty: Optional protection plan for $4/month that covers broken, lost, or water-damaged devices
- Trial period: 45-day risk-free guarantee
- Financing: No
- Customer service: Audien offers lifetime support for its products. The brand can be contacted in the following ways for customer support:
- Phone: 205-255-1112, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday
- Email: support@audienhearing.com
- Online chat: Available on audienhearing.com/support
On the Audien website, there are video tutorials on setting up, wearing, and cleaning hearing aids.
MDHearing Aid: Best Support
The MDHearing Neo XS is one of the more affordable hearing aids on the market. And it comes with premium support from licensed hearing specialists, including one-on-one fitting, programming, and adjustments. That’s why we named it “Best Support.”
- Type of hearing aid: BTE (Air, Volt, and Volt Max) and ITC (NEo, Neo XS, Neo XS Pro)
- Type of hearing loss: Mild to moderate
- Battery type: Rechargeable
- Bluetooth compatible: No
- Trial period: 45 days
Pros
- Low price
- Comfortable fit
- Audiology support included
Cons
- No app or Bluetooth capability
- Issues with sound quality
- Set up is not intuitive
Why we chose MDHearing Aid as Best Support
You may not get a lot of frills with MDHearing. But the brand offers both in-the-ear (ITE) and behind-the-ear (BTE) models of affordable hearing aids at very affordable prices, and a service package that’s comparable to many pricier brands. MDHearing offers a VIP Care package for $400, which gives you dedicated virtual fitting sessions with audiologists or hearing instrument specialists as well as an extended two-year warranty. We haven’t seen any other affordable hearing aid brand offer such comprehensive post-purchase support.
Our testing experience with MDHearing Aid
The tester of the NeoXS wishes these inexpensive hearing aids “had more intuitive charging, controls, and an app interface, but a lot of that is a trade-off for a very small size and affordable price.” Once fit with the right sized domes, these hearing aids felt very secure and were easy to operate, and are as discreet as promised.
In testing the MDHearing Volt, our user found it somewhat bulky and uncomfortable, and complained about the volume of the notification beeps, but did appreciate the device is durable and was easy to set up and use, with “lots of pictures, lots of clear instructions, and step-by-step options for troubleshooting.”
Comparing MD Hearing models
| MDHearing Aid Air | MDHearing Aid Neo | MDHearing Aid Volt | MDHearing Aid Neo XS | MDHaring Aid Volt Max | MDHEaring Aid Neo XS Pro | |
| Cost | $297 | $297 | $397 | $397 | $597 | $597 |
| Type | BTE | ITE | BTE | ITE | BTE | ITE |
| Model notes | Entry-level model; 16-hour battery life | Background noise and feedback reduction | 20-hour battery life, four preset programs | Small model; longest battery life | Compatible with smartphones | Smallest model |
The MDHearing Aid customer experience
- Warranty: One- or two-year limited warranties. MDShield Protection Plan costs $10 per month and covers manufacturer defects and damage. The VIP Care that comes with the Volt Max also includes an extended two-year warranty.
- Trial period: 45-day risk-free guarantee
- Financing: Yes
- Customer service:
- Phone: 800-918-3914, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday
- Email: support@MDHearingAid.com
- Online: Contact form
How much do hearing aids cost?
Hearing aids cost, on average, $2,500 per pair, according to a 2020 study.2
But the cost of hearing aids varies greatly and depends on many factors, including whether the devices are prescription or OTC hearing aids. OTC devices are more affordable. But before being made widely available in 2022, the 2020 study pegged the average cost of hearing aids at $2,500 a pair, a price described as a ”catastrophic expense for 77% of Americans with functional hearing loss.”2
When the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed over-the-counter hearing aids to be sold to people with mild to moderate hearing loss, it made inexpensive hearing aids more accessible. “What we have seen is that it broadened access for a large group of people,” said Caroline Dadowski, AuD.
In fact, another recent study found the cost of a traditional pair of hearing aids was $3,690, while the cost of OTC hearing aids ranged from $200–$1,400. Every brand in this list sells a model within this range. Using those figures, someone could save up to 38% by purchasing OTC hearing aids compared to traditional prescription devices.3
What makes hearing aids so expensive?
Hearing aids are medical devices, and developing the latest technology to enhance sound quality and reduce background noise requires an initial investment. “If you think of hearing aids as any consumer product out there, there will be various degrees on the levels of technology available,” said David Craig, AuD, a doctor of audiology with Hearing Diagnostics Center in South Bend and Goshen, Indiana. “These levels also reflect the difference in pricing. The lower quality hearing aids will obviously be the cheaper alternative, and the higher up you go in technology and the professional fitting of these devices, the higher the price involved.”
Depending on whether you are purchasing OTC hearing aids or prescription ones, some of the cost of services may be rolled into the price you’re paying as well. That’s one reason OTC devices are often the more affordable hearing aids, said Dadowski, the audiologist in Florida. The more features and capabilities a hearing aid has, the higher the cost as well.
Ways to save money on hearing aids
While it can be tricky to find inexpensive hearing aids, it is possible to save money on them a few different ways:
- Discounts/sales: Many manufacturers will discount older models or run occasional sales. Signing up for their newsletters can alert you to when these sales take place.
- Private insurance: Some private insurance plans will cover part or all of the cost of hearing aids, said Dadowski.
- Medicare Advantage plans: While most Medicare plans do not cover the cost of hearing aids or fittings, Medicare Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage) may reimburse for some expenses related to hearing aids.3
- Medicaid: If you qualify for Medicaid, some state plans will cover part or all of the cost of hearing aids and/or screenings. Consult your state’s Medicaid program for more information.
- Veterans Affairs: U.S. military veterans are eligible to receive hearing exams, hearing aids, and batteries, and other hearing assisting devices at no cost, as well as free repairs to existing devices. To learn more, visit the Veterans Affairs (VA) website.4
- Indian Health Clinics: Similar to the VA, Indian Health Clinics help cover the costs of tribal members seeking health care, including hearing health.
- Membership discounts: Some organizations, including the AARP and Lions Club, offer discounts on hearing health to their members. Visit their websites for more information.
- Hearing Aid Project: People with limited income may qualify for no-cost hearing screenings and/or refurbished hearing aids through this national program.
OTC vs. prescription hearing aid costs
The generally lower cost of OTC hearing aids does not necessarily mean they’re lower in quality, said Dadowski, the Florida audiologist. A lot of factors go into the cost of hearing aids, and technology is only one. OTC hearing aids are only intended for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Devices that are suited for children or people with more significant hearing loss are going to be more powerful and thus likely to cost more.
Technology is always advancing, said Dadowski, and it will be costly at first. If you want the latest tech in your hearing aids—things like bluetooth capabilities or a fast-charging battery— you’re likely to pay more. The same is true of special features like smartphone compatibility, water resistance, color options, or devices that are much smaller and less visible.
Also, a lot of the savings with OTC hearing aids is due to not having to see a hearing specialist for diagnostic work, fitting, and follow-up care, which are often factored into the price of prescription hearing aids.
Comparing OTC and prescription hearing aid prices
| MDHearing Aid Neo | Audien Ion | Phonak Audéo Infinio | Oticon Intent | |
| Cost | $297 | $489 | $2,276–$6,960 | $2,200–$6,100 |
| Type | ITE | BTE | BTE | BTE |
Where to buy affordable hearing aids
There are many options for where to buy affordable hearing aids these days. “You can really get them anywhere,” said Dadowski. “If you’re confused and lost in this sea of ‘I don’t know what a good one is,’ go with a brand that is affiliated with one of the major prescription hearing aid manufacturers. Some audiologists provide OTC devices in their offices, and typically they will carry the ones backed by manufacturers as well.”
Maybe unsurprisingly, most people purchase hearing aids through an audiologist’s office or hearing clinic, with more than half (65%) of survey respondents in our February 2025 survey of older adults saying they bought them there. You can also purchase directly from the manufacturer—all the products on this list of best affordable hearing aids are sold that way.
It may be more convenient for you to purchase through a chain you frequent. Costco was far and away the favorite brick and mortar store to purchase the best affordable hearing aids, with 12% of those surveyed reporting purchasing them at the chain. Other big box stores accounted for about another 2–3% of purchases, and online retailers made up the rest, with more than 12% of survey respondents saying they purchased affordable hearing aids from online retailers.
Just be cautious when you buy online: Unlike an audiologist’s office, where you may be able to demo devices, the rule of OTC hearing aids is ‘You don’t know until you try,’ said Dadowski. “By law, prescription hearing aids have a return window, but many OTC hearing aids do not. “So always check the return policy before making a purchase,” she said. Every brand on this list has a free trial period of at least 45 days.
Common concerns about affordable hearing aids
While everyone enjoys saving money, affordable hearing aids can sometimes cost you in the long run. “There’s always some really bad apples out there that are trying to scam people into buying these ‘state of the art’ hearing aids and they are just simple amplifiers that don’t fit well, don’t sound good, and are not reliable or very durable,” said Craig, the audiologist in Indiana.
Also, OTC hearing aids tend to be less expensive because they don’t have the added costs of professional hearing services. “Most people have to test their own hearing (usually on an app) to determine how much amplification they need,” said Craig. “They are also in charge of troubleshooting problems they may be having, or difficulty with inserting them in their ears, cleaning and maintaining them, or even the operation of them. There is no continuation of care that goes along with them as you would find with traditional hearing aids. This can be frustrating for many people that purchase these and I find that they just simply give up wearing them because they don’t work properly and they don’t know how to fix them or operate them.”
The best way to avoid these pitfalls is to go with a recognized, trusted brand, and make sure there is a return window and good warranty for the hearing aids you purchase, said Dadowski. “Beware claims this will fix all your problems,” she said. “A 100% satisfaction guarantee is a big red flag to me. Hearing is complex. Even with the best of the best. We can never promise we’re going to fix all your problems.”
FAQ
Some research has found OTC hearing aids range in price between $200–$1,400, while the cost of a traditional pair of prescription hearing aids is $3,690.
You can buy affordable hearing aids from numerous places, including an audiologist or hearing clinic, direct from the manufacturer, online stores, big box stores and wholesale clubs, and pharmacies.
There are many ways to save money on hearing aids. Choosing the best affordable hearing aids in your budget is a great starting point, but some organizations, private insurances, and other groups offer discounts or cover the cost of hearing aids and exams in part or entirely.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org
Sources
- NCOA Hearing Aids User Survey. 300 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched February 2025.
- Jilla AM, et al. Hearing Aid Affordability in the United States. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. Oct. 28, 2020. Found on the Internet at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17483107.2020.1822449?scroll=top&needAccess=true
- Boore E, et al. Potential Clinical and Economic Outcomes of Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids in the US. JAMA Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. May 18, 2023. Found on the Internet at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10196927/
- Medicare.gov. Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hearing-aids
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services. Found on the internet at: https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/psas/Hearing_Aids.asp.