Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs Jabra Enhance Select M3

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid that earned an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.0/5 in our lab testing, ranking #18 among 65 OTC hearing aids tested. At $249, it offers hearing assistance through Apple's familiar true-wireless earbud design. In our testing, the AirPods Pro 2 demonstrated strong performance in speech clarity during quiet listening situations, scoring 4.2/5—a full 1.38 points above the OTC category average. Music streaming quality is a standout strength at 4.4/5, exceeding the category average by 2.48 points and delivering strong linear fidelity for phone audio. Feedback handling earned a perfect 5.0/5, indicating excellent stability during movement. Speech understanding in noisy environments scored 2.3/5, which is above the category average by 0.77 points but remains mixed in absolute terms—users in challenging acoustic situations may find performance adequate rather than exceptional. Own-voice comfort is a limitation, scoring 1.9/5 and falling 0.61 points below the category average, which may result in noticeable occlusion effects when speaking. The AirPods Pro 2 is best suited for iPhone users seeking a discreet, multipurpose device that combines solid speech clarity in quieter settings with excellent music streaming. Those who prioritize own-voice naturalness or need stronger noise performance may want to explore alternatives.

The Jabra Enhance Select M3 is a premium OTC hearing aid priced at $1,995, earning an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.1/5 in our lab testing. This behind-the-ear device delivers strong overall performance, positioning it well above the OTC category average of 3.69/5. In our testing, the Enhance Select M3 demonstrated notable strengths in speech clarity for quiet environments, scoring 3.8/5—a solid result that sits 0.95 points above the category average. Feedback handling proved excellent at 4.6/5, essentially matching the already-high category standard. Music streaming performance also exceeded category norms by 0.87 points, though the absolute score of 2.8/5 remains mixed rather than exceptional. The device shows limitations in challenging listening situations. Speech in noise scored 1.3/5, falling 0.18 points below the category average and representing a low absolute performance level. Own-voice comfort scored 2.7/5—above the category average by 0.18 points but only mixed in absolute terms, which may affect naturalness during conversations. Consumers seeking alternatives may find similar or better sound performance at lower price points from devices like the Sennheiser All Day Clear or Jabra Enhance Pro 20 at Costco. The Enhance Select M3 is best suited for those who prioritize speech clarity in quieter settings and reliable feedback control, but who encounter fewer noisy environments in their daily routines.