Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs Resound Nexia

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid that earns an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.1/5 in our lab testing, placing it in the top 26% of OTC hearing aids tested. At $249, it represents one of the more affordable options in the category while delivering strong overall performance. In our testing, the AirPods Pro 2 shows particular strength in speech clarity for quiet environments, scoring 4.2/5—a strong result that sits 1.38 points above the category average. Music streaming is where this device truly excels, earning 4.4/5 and outperforming the category average by a substantial 2.48 points. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, meaning users should experience virtually no whistling issues. The device does have limitations. Own-voice comfort scores 1.9/5, which is low in absolute terms and 0.61 points below the category average—users may notice their own voice sounds different or boomy. Speech in noise performance is above average for the category at 2.3/5 (+0.77 points), but this remains a mixed result in absolute terms, suggesting challenging listening environments will still be difficult. The AirPods Pro 2 is best suited for consumers already in the Apple ecosystem who want hearing support primarily in quieter settings and value excellent music and media streaming. Those frequently in noisy environments or sensitive to own-voice changes may want to consider alternatives.

The Resound Nexia is a premium behind-the-ear prescription hearing aid released in 2023, priced at $4,298. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it earned an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.0/5, ranking #26 of 36 devices in the Prescription Hearing Aid category. The Nexia demonstrates clear strengths in specific performance areas. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, scoring 0.29 points above the category average—meaning users can expect reliable stability without whistling during typical daily activities. Own-voice comfort is also a highlight at 3.6/5, measuring 0.85 points above average, which may appeal to those bothered by their voice sounding hollow or boomy in other devices. However, the Nexia shows meaningful limitations in challenging listening environments. Speech in noise performance is low at 1.0/5, falling 0.96 points below the category average of 1.96/5. Speech in quiet scores 3.2/5—solid in absolute terms, though 0.11 points below the category average. Music streaming is mixed at 2.8/5, slightly above average but not a standout. At this price point, several alternatives in the same range deliver stronger overall performance, including the Phonak Sphere Infinio and Oticon Intent. The Nexia may be best suited for users who prioritize own-voice comfort and feedback-free performance over speech clarity in noisy environments, and who value the Resound ecosystem's connectivity features including iPhone and Android streaming with hands-free capability.