EarCentric EasyCharge vs Rexton Reach R-Li T80 at Costco

The EarCentric EasyCharge is a budget-priced prescription hearing aid available for $229, earning a C grade with a SoundScore of 2.7/5 in our lab testing. This behind-the-ear rechargeable device ranks #36 of 39 prescription hearing aids tested, placing it in the bottom tier of its category. In our standardized testing, the EasyCharge demonstrates a stark performance divide. Its standout strength is feedback handling, scoring an excellent 5.0/5—slightly above the category average of 4.72. This means users can expect stable performance without whistling during typical daily activities. However, speech clarity metrics tell a different story: speech in quiet scores just 1.0/5, which is 2.40 points below the category average, and speech in noise also scores 1.0/5, falling 1.11 points below average. Music streaming scored 0.0/5, indicating this device is not suitable for audio enjoyment. Own-voice comfort is also limited at 1.9/5, which is 0.80 points below the prescription hearing aid average of 2.70. The device showed no improvement between initial and tuned fitting conditions, with both scoring 2.7/5. At this price point, shoppers should note that alternatives exist with meaningfully better performance. The RxEars Rxi, available in the same price range, scores 4.07/5. The EasyCharge may appeal to those prioritizing feedback-free operation on a tight budget, but its low speech clarity scores suggest significant limitations for everyday conversation.

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.