Autiphon U0 Series vs Rexton Reach R-Li T80 at Costco

The Autiphon U0 Series is a budget amplification product priced at $99, earning a C grade with a SoundScore of 2.9/5 in HearAdvisor's lab testing. This visible-in-ear device ranks #6 of 8 amplification products tested, placing it in the top 63% of its category. In our testing, the U0 Series demonstrates a mixed performance profile. Its standout strength is excellent feedback handling, scoring a perfect 5.0/5—well above the category average by 0.72 points. This means users are unlikely to experience whistling or squealing during normal use. Speech in quiet environments scores 2.3/5, which is 0.22 points above the category average, though still only mixed in absolute terms. The device shows notable limitations in other areas. Speech in noise performance is low at 1.0/5, falling 0.37 points below the category average—meaning challenging listening environments like restaurants or gatherings will be difficult. Music streaming capability is essentially non-functional, scoring 0.0/5 and sitting 1.16 points below category average. The Autiphon U0 Series is best suited for budget-conscious users who primarily need basic amplification in quieter settings and prioritize freedom from feedback issues. Those who frequently encounter noisy environments or want to stream music should consider alternatives. At this price point, the HSKLock Hearing Aid offers slightly higher overall performance at 2.98/5.

The Rexton Reach R-Li T80, available at Costco for $1,500, is a behind-the-ear prescription hearing aid that earned an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.6/5 in our lab testing. This places it in the top 28% of the 39 prescription hearing aids we've tested and earned it our 2024 Expert's Choice Award. In our testing, this device demonstrated solid speech clarity performance. Speech in quiet scored 3.9/5, which is 0.46 points above the category average. Speech in noise measured 2.5/5—above the category average by 0.39 points, though still mixed in absolute terms. Own-voice comfort was a particular strength at 3.6/5, scoring 0.90 points above the category average, which may appeal to users sensitive to how their own voice sounds while wearing hearing aids. Feedback handling proved excellent at 4.8/5, just above the category average of 4.72/5. Music streaming scored 2.7/5, which is 0.06 points below the category average—a minor gap but worth noting for users who frequently stream audio content. The Reach R-Li T80 features rechargeable batteries and supports both iPhone and Android streaming with hands-free capability. At its price point, it outperforms same-priced competitors like the Jabra Enhance Pro 20 at Costco (4.01/5) and the Orka Two (4.00/5). This device is well-suited for users seeking strong overall sound performance with excellent feedback stability and above-average speech clarity through the Costco channel.