It’s easier than ever to find a good hearing aid for less than $200. Technological improvements have radically improved hearing amplifiers and hearing aids since I first wrote this article in early 2019. Back then, the list featured eight different hearing amplifiers. Out of those eight, half are no longer available, and the others often have better alternatives. That’s why I’m presenting a new list of the best hearing aids that cost less than $200 a pair.
Direct-to-customer hearing aids are be a great alternative for the hearing aids your doctor recommends. While prescription hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars, you can buy a direct-to-costumer (DTC) hearing aid for less than $200. And the quality difference is quickly getting smaller. Top-shelf DTC hearing aids are around $600, but rival their prescription counterparts that cost a tenfold.
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Still, there remains a difference. Hearing aids like these are delivered to your door and take some time to adjust. You’ll have to do all the adjusting yourself, and there is always a certain loss in hearing quality compared to the top-of-the-line hearing aids your ear doctor would recommend – especially for people with profound hearing loss. However, for the rest of us, hearing amplifiers are an absolute steal.
In this article, we’ll compare the most popular models hearing amplifier in the same price range. All models in this comparison article cost less than $200 a pair (although the exact price will change on a daily basis). We’ll start with a lightning-quick table for a snapshot overview. Then we’ll discuss the distinguishing features for each model in a summarized review, the reasons you’d buy one over the other, and finally give some alternatives if you’re looking to pay slightly more or less for a hearing amplifier.
| Model | Key Feature | Hearing Loss | Price |
| LAIWEN LP-01 | Rechargeable | Mild-moderate | Check |
| Banglijian Ziv-201 | Upgraded evergreen model | Mild-moderate | Check |
| Onebridge J707 | Charging case for travel | Mild-moderate | Check |
Short review for the LAIWEN
The LAIWEN was the most exciting hearing aid in the comparison two years ago, and some updates have ensured it’s here to stay. A pair of these upgraded LAIWENS is still less than $200, which means it’s gotten better and cheaper. Nevertheless, it offers a good balance of features, especially when you consider the price point.
It offers a great sound quality and advanced noise reduction features with 12 channels and 6 bands. The four listening programs and eight volume settings allow for even more customization. The battery has been upgraded to a rechargeable battery.
Looking to know more before you buy? Read the full review for the LAIWEN here.
Short review for the Banglijian Ziv-201
The Banglijian Ziv-201 is a surprising hearing amplifier. Two years ago, it was one of a select few models that featured rechargeable batteries. Currently, every model under $200 is rechargeable. The Ziv-201 has very little that’s truly exciting, but it’s remained popular for years.
In a lot of ways, the Banglijian is a very neat device. It works great, comes in a shock-proof case that makes unpacking a small adventure, and has a great return policy on top of a three-year warranty that is rivaled by few competitors.
In this price category, the Banglijian Ziv-201 is the middle-of-the-road option with a battery-free bonus.
Want more information? The full review for the Banglijian Ziv-201 lets you in on all the finer details.
Short review for the Onebridge J707
The Onebridge J707 is a newer model with an increasingly popular configuration. This pair of hearing aids comes in a traveling case. By charging the case, it in turn charges the hearing aids up to four times.
Other than that special trick, the Onebridge has no features that stand out. Buying a pair of hearing aids for less than $200 has gotten easier, but still comes with compromises. The Onebridge J707 is a clear example. While the sound quality is decent, its power and special functions still make this a base model.
To learn more, read the full review for the Onebridge J707.
A guide to buying a hearing aid for less than $200
Buying a hearing aid for less than $200 can be tricky. It could be the perfect price point to find yourself an absolute steal, but only if one of these models has precisely what you’re looking for. Because these three models are so different, there is a good chance one of them will have what you need. Unfortunately, none of the models really excel in more than one area. In this price range, you’re always compromising.
That was true two years ago, and still remains true. The biggest change with the first version of this blog post is that all models have become cheaper and better. It is now possible to buy a good pair of hearing aids for under $200, two years ago that would have been the price per ear.
Whichever you choose, every hearing amplifier in this price range will significantly improve your hearing. As technology gets better and hearing aids get smaller and better, vanity becomes less and less reason to walk around with poor hearing. If you’re looking to scale up a little, there are some alternatives you could consider by looking in a completely different price range.
Alternatives for hearing amplifiers in the $150-$200 price range
If you’re looking to scale up and find a hearing amplifier that offers a bit more comfort, quality, and slightly better packaging, you’ve got a lot of choices. Stepping up the price range to hearing aids under $300 gives you better devices with less compromises: the Otofonix Apex, ZVOX VB20, and Neosonic B10 are all great choices.
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