EarCentric EX2 vs Go Hearing Go Prime

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.

The Go Hearing Go Prime is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid available for $299, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.3/5 in our lab testing. This visible-in-ear style device with rechargeable batteries ranks #50 of 65 OTC hearing aids tested, placing it in the top 75% of its category. In our testing, the Go Prime delivered mixed results across performance metrics. Its standout strength is excellent feedback handling, scoring a perfect 5.0/5—0.46 points above the category average. This means users can expect stable amplification without whistling during typical daily activities. However, speech clarity showed more modest performance, with speech in quiet scoring 2.7/5 and speech in noise at 1.1/5, both falling slightly below category averages. The device's most significant limitation is music streaming, which scored 0.0/5 in our testing—nearly 2 points below the category average. Users who prioritize phone audio streaming for calls or media should consider alternatives. Own-voice comfort also scored low at 1.8/5, which may result in a "boomy" quality when speaking. At its $299 price point, the Go Prime faces stiff competition. Higher-scoring alternatives in the same price range include the Elehear Beyond (4.34/5) and Apple AirPods Pro 2 (4.04/5). Budget-conscious shoppers might also consider the Olive Union Max or Lucid Enrich Pro, which offer comparable or better sound scores at lower prices. The Go Prime may suit those who prioritize feedback-free amplification and don't need streaming functionality, but most buyers would benefit from exploring these alternatives.