Eargo 8 vs Lexie B3

The Eargo 8 is a premium-priced OTC hearing aid ($2,399) that earns a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.3/5 in our lab testing. This invisible-in-ear device represents Eargo's 2025 flagship offering, featuring a rechargeable design that sits completely within the ear canal. In our testing, the Eargo 8 showed mixed performance across key metrics. Speech clarity in quiet environments is a relative strength, scoring 0.27 points above the OTC category average. Own-voice comfort also performs well, measuring 0.69 points above average at 3.2/5—a solid result that suggests reduced occlusion effects during conversation. However, speech understanding in noisy environments scored 1.2/5, which is both low in absolute terms and 0.27 points below the category average. The most significant limitation we measured was music streaming, which scored 0.0/5—nearly 2 points below the OTC average. This makes the Eargo 8 unsuitable for users who prioritize streaming audio quality. Feedback handling is strong in absolute terms at 4.2/5, though slightly below the category average. At its premium price point, the Eargo 8 faces stiff competition. Several devices in our database deliver comparable or better sound performance at lower prices, including alternatives from Eargo's own lineup. The Eargo 8 is best suited for users who prioritize invisible cosmetics and own-voice comfort over streaming capability and value, and who primarily need help hearing speech in quieter settings.

The Lexie B3 is a mid-priced OTC hearing aid available at $999 that achieves an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.7/5 in our lab testing, ranking #1 among 65 OTC hearing aid devices tested. This behind-the-ear style device delivers category-leading performance across multiple metrics. Speech clarity is a standout strength. In our lab testing, the Lexie B3 scores an excellent 4.5/5 for speech in quiet, measuring 1.73 points above the OTC category average. Speech in noise performance scores 2.5/5—above the category average by 1.02 points, though only mixed in absolute terms at 2.5/5. This pattern reflects the broader challenge OTC devices face in noisy environments while still positioning the B3 as a top performer relative to its category. Music streaming quality is solid at 3.3/5, outperforming the category average by 1.38 points. Own-voice comfort scores a solid 3.0/5, sitting 0.49 points above average. Feedback handling is excellent at 4.6/5, essentially matching the already-strong category average. The Lexie B3 is best suited for consumers seeking top-tier OTC sound performance without prescription hearing aid costs. Those who prioritize speech clarity in quieter settings will find particular value here. Budget-conscious shoppers may want to consider alternatives like the RxEars Rxi, which offers strong performance at a lower price point.