Every year, I take a look at all the hearing aids on this website, and try to make one final overview of the best hearing aid in the year. At the same time, I don’t believe that there’s one best hearing aid for everyone, so I divide them up into categories.
By October 2022, the US market finally opened up to over-the-counter hearing aids. It didn’t introduce a lot of new models, but showed millions of people that you can buy a quality hearing aid for less than $1,000. That means all models below are the best hearing aids below (or righ around) $1,000.
The four categories for best hearing aids in 2023 are as follows:
- Best value for money hearing aid
- Best budget hearing aid
- Best overall hearing aid
- Best smart hearing aid
Disclaimer: links to other websites might be affiliate links. This means I receive a commission when you buy something on these websites. This does not affect my reviews or the price you pay.
Best value for money hearing aid: MDHearing VOLT MAX
In June 2022, I mentioned that the VOLT MAX was the single best hearing aid on the market. Since then, the Lexie B2 (see below) has caught up. But the MDHearing VOLT MAX is still special, and cheaper than the flagship model for every hearing aid company below. I know that $699 is a lot of money, but I’ve never before seen this much quality packed into one device under $700.
Read the review for the MDHearing VOLT MAX here or visit the company website.
Runner up: Neosonic MX-RIC
The Neosonic MX-RIC was last year’s editor’s pick. It’s a great model and cheaper than the VOLT MAX that takes the top spot this year. However, it’s also older and doesn’t have some of the advanced features the VOLT MAX offers. Still a whole lot of hearing aid for a great price ($589).
Read the review for the Neosonic MX-RIC here or visit the company website.
Best budget hearing aid: MDHearing NEO
The MDHearing NEO is one of the models released in late 2022. That means it’s a newer model, and it shows. It offers the popular CIC configuration, where the hearing aid fits in your ear entirely. Normally, these models lack most features, but the NEO keeps up pretty well. You get great sound quality, a rechargeable model, and volume settings. Add to that exceptional customer support, and the price tag of $299 is a steal.
Read the review for the MDHearing NEO here or visit the company website.
Runner-up best budget hearing aid: Neosonic B10
Last year’s budget pick still deserves an honorable mention. The model is regularly sold out for understandable reasons: it’s an all-round hearing aid for $299. You give up a bunch of bells and whistles, but you get quality for a great price.
Read the review for the Neosonic B10 here or visit the company website.
Best hearing aids in 2023 overall: Lexie B2
Now, the Lexie B2 barely makes the cut of best hearing aids in 2023 under $1,000, because it sells for $999. And it’s worth every dollar. It is the most complete over the counter hearing aid, and comes with additional extras, such as a subscription-based pricing model that offers extra support for a lower monthly price (around $50 a month). These former BOSE hearing aids give you great sound quality, all the fixings of a modern hearing aid, and great support.
Read the full review for the Lexie B2 here or visit the company website.
Runner up: Lexie B1
I know, it’s a bit lame to name essentially the same model twice, but both Lexie models are just that good. Compared to the B2, the Lexie B1 isn’t rechargeable. Other than that, it’s essentially the same model for around $800.
Read the full review for the Lexie B1 here or visit the company website.
Best smart hearing aids: Olive SmartEar Plus
Now, the term smart hearing aid can mean a lot of things. My working definition here is a hearing aid that connects to Bluetooth and allows you to adjust settings, automatically set up the device using self-fitting technology and lets you stream audio from your phone to your hearing aids. Sounds like a tall order, but these features are common enough in prescription hearing aids. The Olive SmartEar Plus is the best over-the-counter hearing aid that offers the same. It also pushes the price over $1,000, but it offers a $89 monthly plan.
Read the full review for the Olive SmartEar Plus here or visit the company website.
Runner up: BT Pods
It’s a big gap between the winner in this category and the runner-up. The BT Pods offer the features that make it a smart hearing aid, but can’t yet compete with the top of the line. I would only recommend buying the BT Pods when all you want is the streaming option.
Read the full review for the smart BT Pods here or visit the company website.
More reading
For more comparison articles, please read the following articles:
- A Guide to Buying Hearing Aids Under $300
- Best hearing aid under $400
- Best hearing aids in 2022
- Best Rechargeable Hearing Aids
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