EarCentric EX2 vs Meta Ray-Ban Glasses (Gen 2)

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 Meta Ray-Ban Glasses (Gen 2) is a budget-priced amplification product in the hearing glasses style, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.8/5 in our lab testing. Priced at $375, this device ranks #2 of 8 in the Amplification Product category. In our testing, this product demonstrated exceptional strengths in music streaming quality, scoring 4.3/5—a remarkable 3.14 points above the category average. Own-voice comfort was equally impressive at 4.7/5, exceeding the category average by over 2 points. These results suggest Meta has prioritized the audio experience that their glasses are known for, delivering strong fidelity for streamed content and minimal occlusion-related discomfort. However, speech performance presents a more mixed picture. Speech in quiet scored 2.7/5, which is above the category average by 0.62 points but only mixed in absolute terms. Speech in noise measured 1.6/5—still above average for the category, but low overall. The most notable weakness is feedback handling at 1.9/5, falling 2.38 points below the category average. The Meta Ray-Ban Glasses (Gen 2) are best suited for users who prioritize music streaming quality and comfort over maximum speech clarity. Those seeking amplification primarily for challenging listening environments may want to consider alternatives with stronger speech-in-noise performance.