Audicus Omni 2 vs Linner Mars

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 Linner Mars is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid released in 2023, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.2/5 in our lab testing. At $399, it falls in the lower price tier of the OTC category but ranks #55 of 65 OTC devices tested, placing it in the bottom 17% of its category. This visible-in-ear device presents a mixed performance profile with notable strengths and significant weaknesses. Music streaming is a standout feature, scoring an excellent 4.6/5—a full 2.68 points above the category average. Feedback handling is also excellent at 5.0/5, meaning users can expect stable performance without whistling during normal use. However, speech clarity presents challenges. Speech in quiet scores a low 1.9/5, falling 0.85 points below the category average. Speech in noise performance is particularly limited at 1.0/5, sitting 0.46 points below average. Own-voice comfort also scores low at 1.0/5, which is 1.51 points below the category average—users may notice their own voice sounding unnatural or boomy. The Linner Mars may suit budget-conscious consumers who prioritize music and media streaming over speech understanding in challenging environments. However, buyers seeking better speech performance should consider alternatives like the Elehear Beyond or Apple AirPods Pro 2, which offer stronger overall sound scores in the same price range.