Audicus Omni 2 vs Cearvol Diamond X1

The Audicus Omni 2 is a premium behind-the-ear OTC hearing aid priced at $1,898 that earned an A grade in our lab testing, placing it in the top 6% of the 65 OTC hearing aids we've evaluated. This two-time Expert's Choice Award winner (2023 and 2024) delivers consistently strong performance across multiple listening scenarios. In our testing, the Omni 2 demonstrated particular strength in speech clarity during quiet environments, scoring 4.2/5—a strong result that sits 1.38 points above the category average. Music streaming quality also impressed at 3.6/5, exceeding the category average by 1.68 points. Speech understanding in noisy environments scored 2.3/5, which is above the category average of 1.48 but represents mixed performance in absolute terms—meaning challenging noise situations may still prove difficult. The device offers flexible power options with both rechargeable and disposable batteries, and supports streaming from both iPhone and Android devices with hands-free capability. Feedback handling is excellent at 4.5/5, essentially matching the category average, while own-voice comfort scores a solid 3.0/5. The Audicus Omni 2 is best suited for consumers seeking a premium OTC option with strong everyday speech clarity and quality streaming capabilities. Those frequently in very noisy environments should set realistic expectations, though the device still outperforms most OTC competitors in these conditions.

The Cearvol Diamond X1 is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid available for $199, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.7/5 in our lab testing. This visible-in-ear style device ranks #30 among 65 OTC hearing aids tested, placing it in the top 45% of its category. The Diamond X1 delivers a mixed performance profile with one notable strength: music streaming. With a score of 4.1/5, it performs 2.18 points above the category average—a substantial margin that makes it appealing for users who value audio entertainment through their hearing aids. Feedback handling is excellent at 4.5/5, providing stable performance during typical daily movements. Both iPhone and Android streaming are supported with rechargeable batteries for convenience. Speech performance presents a more modest picture. Speech in quiet scores 2.8/5, which is above the category average but only mixed in absolute terms. Speech in noise measures 1.7/5—above the category average of 1.48/5, though still low overall. Own-voice comfort is a weakness at 1.7/5, falling 0.81 points below the category average, which may cause your own voice to sound unnatural or boomy. The Diamond X1 is best suited for budget-conscious consumers who prioritize music and media streaming over maximum speech clarity. Those seeking stronger speech performance in challenging listening environments may want to consider higher-scoring alternatives in this price range, such as the Elehear Beyond or Apple AirPods Pro 2.