Eargo 8 vs Sony CRE-C20

The Eargo 8 is a premium-priced OTC hearing aid at $2,399, featuring an invisible-in-ear design with rechargeable batteries. In our lab testing, it earned a C grade with a SoundScore of 2.8/5, placing it in the top 60% of the OTC hearing aid category. Sound performance shows a mixed profile across our tested scenarios. Own-voice comfort is a notable strength, scoring 3.2/5—a solid result that sits 0.71 points above the category average. Feedback handling also performs well in absolute terms at 4.2/5, though this falls slightly below the category average. However, speech-in-noise performance is low at 0.3/5, sitting 0.83 points below average, which may limit effectiveness in challenging listening environments. Speech-in-quiet performance is mixed at 2.6/5, essentially matching the category average. Music streaming scored 0.0/5 in our testing, falling 1.93 points below the category average—a significant limitation for users who value audio quality when streaming from their phone. At this premium price point, the Eargo 8 faces stiff competition. Within the same price range, the Eargo 6 and Eargo 7 both achieved higher scores. Additionally, several lower-priced alternatives like the Blaids BlaidsX Pro (3.20/5) and HearingAssist Control (3.04/5) outperformed it in our testing. The Eargo 8 may appeal to users who prioritize the invisible form factor and own-voice comfort over speech-in-noise performance, but those seeking maximum value or strong performance in noisy environments should explore alternatives.

The Sony CRE-C20 is a mid-priced OTC hearing aid at $999 that earned a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.7/5 in our lab testing, ranking #21 of 63 devices in the OTC category. This invisible-in-ear design prioritizes discretion with its compact form factor and rechargeable batteries. Speech performance is where the CRE-C20 truly stands out. Speech in quiet scored an excellent 4.7/5, a full 2.06 points above the category average. Speech in noise also performed well at 3.2/5, more than 2 points above the typical OTC device. These results suggest strong amplification and processing for conversational clarity across varying listening environments. However, the CRE-C20 has notable limitations. Music streaming scored 0.0/5, falling 1.93 points below the category average—meaning audio streaming from phones is essentially unusable for music enjoyment. Feedback handling at 3.9/5 is solid in absolute terms, though it sits 0.63 points below the category average. Own-voice comfort scored 2.9/5, slightly above average but still mixed in absolute quality. The CRE-C20 is best suited for users who prioritize speech clarity and discreet appearance over streaming capabilities. Within the same price range, alternatives like the Sony CRE-E10 (5.0/5) or Lexie B2 Plus (4.48/5) offer stronger overall performance, making them worth considering if streaming or higher scores are priorities.