Eargo 5 vs Starkey Genesis AI

The Eargo 5 is a premium-priced OTC hearing aid ($1,450) featuring an invisible-in-ear design with rechargeable batteries. In our lab testing, it earned a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.6/5, placing it in the top 52% of the OTC hearing aid category. This device demonstrates solid performance for speech understanding in quiet environments, scoring 3.5/5—0.75 points above the category average of 2.79/5. Own-voice comfort also measures above average at 2.8/5 (+0.29 vs category), though this remains mixed in absolute terms. Feedback handling is strong at 4.2/5, providing reliable stability during wear. However, the Eargo 5 shows notable limitations in other areas. Speech in noise performance is low at 1.4/5, slightly below the category average. Most significantly, music streaming scored 0.0/5, falling 1.92 points below the category average—this device does not support audio streaming functionality. The invisible-in-ear form factor appeals to users prioritizing discretion, and the closed sleeve coupling remains consistent between initial and tuned fits. Tuning provided modest improvement, moving from a normalized Initial Score of 3.5/5 to a Tuned Score of 3.7/5. Given its premium price point, consumers may want to compare against alternatives like the Sony CRE-C10 or Nuance Audio Glasses, which offer similar or better sound performance at lower price points. The Eargo 5 is best suited for users who prioritize cosmetic discretion and primarily need help with speech in quieter settings.

The Starkey Genesis AI is a premium behind-the-ear prescription hearing aid released in 2023, priced at $4,798. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it earned a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.7/5, ranking #33 of 39 prescription hearing aids tested. In our testing, the Genesis AI demonstrated excellent feedback handling, scoring a perfect 5.0/5—0.28 points above the category average. This makes it exceptionally stable during movement and physical activities. Speech in quiet performance is solid at 3.5/5, sitting 0.05 points above the category average. Speech in noise scores 2.3/5, which is 0.21 points above the category average but remains mixed in absolute terms. Own-voice comfort is a weaker area, scoring 2.2/5—0.50 points below the category average. Users sensitive to the sound of their own voice may notice this limitation. Music streaming quality is mixed at 2.8/5, essentially matching the category average with a +0.04 point difference. The Genesis AI shows meaningful improvement with professional tuning, with the normalized score rising from 3.5/5 at initial fit to 4.2/5 when tuned—a 0.8-point gain. The device offers rechargeable batteries and streaming compatibility with both iPhone and Android, plus hands-free functionality. However, at this premium price point, several competitors in the same range deliver notably higher sound performance scores, which prospective buyers should consider when evaluating options.