Audien Atom Pro 2 vs EarCentric EX2

The Audien Atom Pro 2 is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid that earns a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.3/5 in our lab testing. Available for $289, this visible-in-ear device delivers solid performance in some areas while showing limitations in others. In our testing, the Atom Pro 2 demonstrated excellent feedback handling, scoring a perfect 5.0/5—0.46 points above the OTC category average. This means users can expect stable performance without whistling during typical daily activities. Own-voice comfort scored 2.6/5, slightly above the category average, suggesting acceptable naturalness when speaking. However, speech clarity presents a mixed picture. Speech in quiet scored 2.3/5 (0.49 points below category average), and speech in noise scored a low 1.3/5 (0.16 points below average). The most significant limitation is music streaming, which scored 0.0/5—nearly 2 points below the category average—indicating this device is not suitable for those who want to stream audio from their phone. At this price point, several alternatives offer stronger overall performance, including the Elehear Beyond and Apple AirPods Pro 2. The Atom Pro 2 may suit budget-conscious consumers who prioritize feedback-free operation over streaming capabilities and don't need maximum speech clarity. Those seeking better speech performance or any music streaming should consider higher-scoring options in this price range.

The EarCentric EX2 is a behind-the-ear prescription hearing aid priced at $218, positioning it as a budget-friendly option in the prescription category. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it earned a C grade with a SoundScore of 2.7/5, ranking #35 of 39 prescription hearing aids tested. This 2021 release demonstrates mixed performance across key metrics. Its standout strength is feedback handling, scoring an excellent 4.7/5—essentially matching the category average and indicating reliable stability during movement. However, speech performance is a significant weakness: speech in quiet scores just 1.0/5 (2.40 points below the category average of 3.40), and speech in noise scores 1.0/5 (1.11 points below average). These low absolute scores suggest limited audibility enhancement in our standardized test conditions. Own-voice comfort scores 2.3/5, which is mixed in absolute terms and 0.40 points below the category average. Music streaming scored 0.0/5, indicating this device is not suited for audio entertainment purposes. The EarCentric EX2 may appeal to budget-conscious consumers who prioritize cost over performance, but alternatives exist at similar or lower price points with stronger test results. The RxEars Rxi, available in the same price range, scored 4.07/5 in our testing. Consumers seeking entry-level amplification should weigh the significant speech clarity limitations against the low purchase price.