EarCentric EX2 vs Jabra Enhance Pro 20 at Costco

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 Jabra Enhance Pro 20 at Costco is a behind-the-ear prescription hearing aid priced at $1,600, placing it in the premium tier. With a SoundScore of 4.0/5 and an A grade, it ranks #25 of 39 prescription hearing aids tested in our lab. In our testing, this device demonstrates notable strengths in own-voice comfort, scoring 3.5/5—0.80 points above the category average. This solid performance means wearers may find their own voice sounds more natural compared to many competitors. Feedback handling is excellent at 4.8/5, slightly above the category average, indicating reliable stability during movement and phone use. However, the Enhance Pro 20 shows limitations in challenging listening environments. Speech-in-noise performance scores just 1.1/5, falling 0.97 points below the category average—a significant gap that may affect conversations in restaurants, social gatherings, or other noisy settings. Speech-in-quiet is solid at 3.2/5 in absolute terms, though still 0.17 points below the category average. Music streaming scores 2.8/5, which is above the category average but only mixed in absolute terms. This device suits users who prioritize comfortable own-voice perception and excellent feedback control, and who spend most listening time in quieter environments. Those frequently navigating noisy situations may want to consider alternatives like the Rexton Reach R-Li T80 at Costco, which scored 4.56/5 in our testing. The Enhance Pro 20 includes rechargeable batteries, iPhone and Android streaming, and hands-free functionality.