EarCentric EX2 vs Jabra Enhance Select 700

The EarCentric EX2 is a budget-priced prescription behind-the-ear hearing aid released in 2021, earning a C grade with a SoundScore of 2.7/5 in HearAdvisor's lab testing. At $218, it ranks #33 of 36 prescription hearing aids tested, placing it in the bottom 11% of its category. In our testing, the EX2 showed a significant split in performance. Feedback handling was excellent at 4.7/5, essentially matching the category average and demonstrating stable operation during movement. However, speech performance was notably limited, with both speech in quiet and speech in noise scoring 1.0/5—well below the category averages of 3.32 and 1.96 respectively. Music streaming scored 0.0/5, falling 2.64 points below the prescription category average of 2.64/5. Own-voice comfort scored 2.3/5, a mixed result that sits 0.45 points below the category average. The device uses a rechargeable battery, which adds convenience for daily use. Notably, tuning did not improve performance in our testing—the Initial and Tuned fit scores were identical at 2.7/5. Budget-conscious shoppers in this price range may want to compare alternatives. The RxEars Rxi scored 4.09/5 at a similar price point, while OTC options like the Audien Hearing Atom offer comparable or better sound performance at lower prices. The EX2 may suit users who prioritize feedback stability and rechargeable convenience over speech clarity, but its limited speech performance is a significant tradeoff.

The Jabra Enhance Select 700 is a premium-priced OTC hearing aid available at $1,795, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.8/5 in our lab testing. This behind-the-ear device ranks #26 of 65 OTC hearing aids tested, placing it in the top 38% of the category. In our testing, the Enhance Select 700 shows notable strengths in own-voice comfort, scoring 3.7/5—a solid result that sits 1.19 points above the category average. This makes it a comfortable choice for users sensitive to the "hollow" sound of their own voice that some hearing aids produce. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, meaning users can expect stable performance without whistling during typical daily activities. Speech clarity in quiet environments is solid at 3.1/5, coming in 0.27 points above the category average. However, speech understanding in noisy settings is a weakness, scoring just 1.0/5—falling 0.48 points below the category average. Users who frequently encounter restaurants, group gatherings, or other challenging listening environments may find this limitation significant. Music streaming quality is mixed at 2.5/5, though still 0.58 points above the category average. At this price point, buyers should note that several same-priced alternatives deliver stronger overall performance, including the Lucid Tala (4.63/5) and Audicus Omni 2 (4.61/5). The Enhance Select 700 is best suited for users who prioritize own-voice comfort and feedback-free wear over speech-in-noise performance, and who value Jabra's established brand and support ecosystem.