Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Jabra Enhance Pro 20 at Costco

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid released in 2025, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.3/5 in our lab testing. At $250, it sits in the most affordable price tier of OTC devices, though its overall sound performance ranks #49 of 65 in the category. This device delivers standout performance in music streaming, scoring a strong 4.3/5—a full 2.38 points above the category average. Feedback handling is equally impressive at 5.0/5, meaning users can expect excellent stability without whistling or squealing during normal use. These strengths make the AirPods Pro 3 particularly appealing for users who prioritize media consumption alongside hearing assistance. However, speech clarity presents a more mixed picture. Speech in quiet scores 2.3/5, falling 0.53 points below the category average. Speech in noise measures 1.8/5, which is above the category average but still low in absolute terms. Own-voice comfort also trails at 1.9/5, sitting 0.61 points below typical OTC performance. The AirPods Pro 3 is best suited for users already invested in the Apple ecosystem who want hearing assistance combined with premium streaming quality. Those prioritizing speech understanding in conversations may want to explore alternatives like the Apple AirPods Pro 2, which scores higher overall at a lower listed price, or the Elehear Beyond at the top of this price range.

The Jabra Enhance Pro 20 at Costco is a prescription behind-the-ear hearing aid available for $1,600, earning an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.0/5 in our lab testing. This places it in the top 61% of the 36 prescription hearing aids we've evaluated. In our testing, this device shows a mixed performance profile. Own-voice comfort is a clear strength, scoring 3.5/5—0.75 points above the category average—making it a solid choice for users who prioritize natural sound quality when speaking. Feedback handling is excellent at 4.8/5, slightly above the category average, indicating stable performance during typical daily activities. However, speech-in-noise performance is notably limited, scoring just 1.1/5—0.82 points below the category average of 1.96. This is a meaningful weakness for users who frequently encounter noisy environments like restaurants or social gatherings. Speech in quiet is solid at 3.2/5, though slightly below the category average. Music streaming scores 2.8/5, above average but only mixed in absolute terms. At this price point, buyers should consider alternatives. The Rexton Reach R-Li T80 at Costco scores 4.58/5 in the same price range, while lower-priced options like the Lexie B3 (4.76/5) offer stronger overall performance. The Jabra Enhance Pro 20 may suit users who prioritize own-voice comfort and feedback stability over challenging listening environments, but those needing robust noise handling should explore other options.