The Lexie B1 Bose Hearing Aids are the latest addition to a constantly changing hearing aid landscape. It’s also the collaboration between Lexie and Bose. You might know Lexie as one of the favorites on this website – their Lexie Lumen is a smash hit that offers you about everything you could wish for. Bose is one of the biggest names in high-quality audio worldwide.
That means the Lexie B1 Bose is essentially the child out of a marriage between a great hearing aid company and a great audio company. If that doesn’t make the Lexie B1 (its official name) one of the best non-prescription hearing aids possible, I don’t know what will.
It’s time to stop the excitement and take an honest look at the Lexie B1. In this review, we’ll look at the key features, pros, cons, and possible alternatives for the Lexie B1. As always, I’ve summarized my findings in a visual review that’s presented at the bottom of this post.
The Lexie B2 by Bose was picked as the best hearing aid in 2023.
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Key features
The first key feature is that the B1 is developed by Bose, or as the company puts it, it’s the Lexie powered by Bose . That may sound a bit trivial, but I assure you that it isn’t. As you may know, Bose is one of the most important manufacturers of audio hardware. Their company is founded on the principles of research, and the company is still connected to MIT.
With the legal changes in the hearing aid landscape – opening up the market for non-prescription hearing aids – Bose was one of the main companies to invest in these types of hearing aids. These Bose hearing aids were impressive, but are now merged with the Lexie company. Therefore, the Lexie B1 replaces all other Bose hearing aids.
Now for the real key features. First of all, the B1 uses the Receiver-In-Canal configuration. This means sound is captured and digitally transferred to the receiver in your ear canal. Compared to the usual setup (where sound is amplified and carried through a hollow tube), this configuration aids the sound clarity.
Next, the Lexie B1 is self-fitting, meaning you set up the device through a listening test. This test adjusts the audio to better fit your needs. In fact, the B1 uses the industry-first self-fitting technology from the Bose SoundControl hearing aid.
It also comes with all the extras from Lexie that made their Lumen such a great hearing aid. You always get great customer service and a one-year warranty. Wearing your hearing aids earns you rewards in the app, such as a 5% discount on your monthly fee if you use the subscription plan. Using that plan to buy the Lexie B1 also gives you a protection plan and a care kit plan. The care kit plan regularly delivers extra domes, batteries, and cleaning brushes.
Who is this hearing amplifier for?
The Lexie B1 is for different types of customers with mild to moderate hearing loss. First, it’s for anyone who would want to buy the discontinued Bose SoundControl hearing aid. Second, it’s for people looking to get one of the best non-prescription hearing aids. Third, it’s ideal if you want to pay a monthly fee instead of buying your hearing aids upfront.
If you’re looking for a bargain, the B1 won’t be your favorite option. It operates at the higher end of this market. More on that in the section on alternatives.
How well does the Lexie B1 work?
Technically, the hearing aid works well. All expected features are present, including noise reduction and feedback management features. The dual microphone setup is also expected with this price point. There are different listening programs you can set up, and you control every aspect of the sound from your smartphone.
The replaceable batteries (size 312) last about 56 hours or 4 days of normal use.
What’s not to like about the Lexie B1 Bose?
Those replaceable batteries. Judging by the device’s listing on the Lexie website, they seem to think that it’s an asset. Rechargeable batteries are commonplace now, and almost expected at this point.
Other than that, there’s really nothing not to like. Just like it’s little brother, the Lexie Lumen, Lexie has delivered a great all-in experience.
Alternatives for the Lexie B1 Bose
With the newer Lexie model, the Lexie B2 Bose, the one downside for the B1 has been fixed. Other than the rechargeable battery, it’s the same model and the obvious alternative.
When it comes to the technical performance of the Lexie B1, only the MDHearing VOLT MAX and the Lexie Lumen compete. Both are a little cheaper than the Lexie B1, but only the Lexie Lumen offers the same extras (rewards program, subscription model). If the $899 price tag feels like too much, there are more affordable alternatives.
The Neosonic MX-RIC also features the Receiver-In-Canal setup and has advanced sound technology, but misses some of the smart features. Neosonic’s smart model, the MX-Smart, makes other compromises. Both these models cost less than $600 a pair, and are rechargeable.
In the other direction, the Eargo 6 might compete with the Lexie B1 on a technological and customer service level, but doesn’t (try to) compete on price. For even more options, please take a look at my ranking of all available hearing aids.
Should you buy the Lexie B1 Bose Hearing Aids?
Yes, definitely. If the Lexie Lumen was a great hearing aid (and it is), the Lexie B1 powered by Bose is even better. It’s also slightly more expensive, but justifies the cost. If you opt for the monthly subscription, you only feel the price difference when you start off. The Lexie B1 combines most positives about non-prescription hearing aids, and is the next step to combining everything into one device.
No, they’ve been replaced by the Lexie B1.
If you buy the hearing aids at once, they cost $899. The Care Kit en Protection Plan are $383 and $96 per pair, respectively. You can also buy a subscription, where you get all these options for $49 a month and a $199 one-time payment.
Yes, Lexie accepts both FSA and HSA to pay for your hearing aids.
The B1 is available in one color: gray. For more colors, Lexie has four options for the Lexie Lumen.
The Lexie B1 Bose has self-fitting features, adjusting the hearing aids to your specific needs. It also features an RIC configuration and offers more control for the directional microphones. The Lumen has auto-tune, whereas the B1 offers different programs you can adjust.
The Lexie B2 was launched to coincide with the availability of OTC hearing aids in the USA. The real difference between the Lexie B1 and Lexie B2 is that the latter has a rechargeable option.
Bose hearing aids used to be pretty popular. Lexie and Bose merged, so the Lexie B1 is the new version of the old Bose hearing aids.
Please explain the Care Kit en Protection Plan are $383 and $96 per pair, respectively to reference what it covers on top of the $899 cost.
Hi Jan,
I’m sorry, I missed your comment.
The Care Kit and Protection Plan are extras that make using your hearing aids a little easier. The Protection Plan is your average additional insurance. It covers damages beyond the 1-year warranty. I think it’s a fair price.
The Care Kit automatically sends you new batteries and domes. Now, you’d only be using one size of domes and you can order all the domes you like through the app. Unlike the Protection Plan, I think the Care Kit is wildly overpriced. Ordering each of these ‘extras’ separately will save you money. You pay for convenience more than anything.
Both types are included with the subscription plan, which I personally feel is the best deal.