Eargo 5 vs Jabra Enhance Plus

The Eargo 5 is a premium-priced OTC hearing aid ($1,450) that earns a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.6/5 in our lab testing. This invisible-in-ear device offers a discreet rechargeable design, though its acoustic performance shows notable strengths and weaknesses compared to alternatives in its price range. In our testing, the Eargo 5 demonstrates solid speech-in-quiet performance at 3.5/5, scoring 0.75 points above the OTC category average. Own-voice comfort also measures above average, which may appeal to users sensitive to occlusion effects. However, speech-in-noise performance is low at 1.4/5, and music streaming scores 0.0/5—significantly below the category average of 1.92/5. Users who prioritize phone streaming or frequently encounter noisy environments should consider these limitations. Feedback handling is strong in absolute terms at 4.2/5, though slightly below the category average of 4.54/5. The device uses closed sleeves for ear coupling in both initial and tuned configurations, with minimal score improvement from tuning (3.6 to 3.7/5). At this price point, competitors like the Lucid Tala (4.63/5) and Audicus Omni 2 (4.61/5) offer substantially higher overall sound performance. Budget-conscious shoppers may also find similar or better sound quality from lower-priced options like the Sony CRE-C10. The Eargo 5 may suit users who prioritize invisible cosmetics and quiet-environment listening over streaming and noise performance.

The Jabra Enhance Plus is a mid-priced OTC hearing aid ($799) that earns a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.8/5 in our lab testing, ranking #28 of 65 devices in the OTC category. This visible-in-ear device delivers strong speech-in-quiet performance, scoring 4.2/5—a full 1.36 points above the category average. Music streaming is another highlight at 3.8/5, nearly 1.9 points above average, making it a solid choice for users who value audio quality beyond speech. Speech-in-noise performance scores 2.1/5, which is above the category average by 0.62 points but remains mixed in absolute terms for challenging listening environments. The most significant limitation is own-voice comfort, scoring just 0.3/5—well below the category average of 2.51/5. Users sensitive to how their own voice sounds while wearing hearing aids should consider this trade-off carefully. Feedback handling is excellent at 4.7/5, meaning wearers can expect stable performance without whistling or squealing. The Jabra Enhance Plus is best suited for users who prioritize clear speech in quieter settings and enjoy streaming music or calls to their iPhone. Those frequently in noisy environments or particularly bothered by occlusion effects may want to explore alternatives. Several competitors in the same price range achieve higher overall scores, including the Sony CRE-E10 and Lexie B2 Plus.