Eargo Link vs Orka Two

The Eargo Link is a mid-priced OTC hearing aid released in 2024, earning an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.1/5 in our lab testing. At $799, it ranks #15 of 65 OTC hearing aids tested, placing it in the top 22% of the category. In our testing, the Eargo Link demonstrates notable strengths in music streaming, scoring 4.4/5—a strong result that sits 2.48 points above the category average. This makes it a standout choice for users who prioritize audio quality when streaming from their phone. Speech performance is solid, with speech in quiet measuring 3.2/5 (0.42 points above average) and speech in noise at 2.0/5 (0.54 points above average, though mixed in absolute terms). Feedback handling is excellent at 4.7/5. The main limitation is own-voice comfort, which scores 1.3/5—a low result that falls 1.21 points below the category average. Users sensitive to the sound of their own voice may find this challenging, particularly with the closed dome configuration used in the tuned fit. The Eargo Link supports both iPhone and Android streaming with hands-free capability and uses rechargeable batteries. It's best suited for those who value exceptional music streaming quality and solid speech clarity, and who can tolerate some own-voice occlusion. Competitors in this price range include higher-scoring options like the Yeasound RIC800 and Sony CRE-E10, though the Eargo Link's streaming performance remains a differentiator.

The Orka Two is a behind-the-ear prescription hearing aid priced at $1,899, earning an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.0/5 in our lab testing. This places it in the top 67% of the 36 prescription hearing aids we've evaluated, ranking #25 in its category. In our testing, the Orka Two shows a mixed performance profile with clear strengths and weaknesses. Music streaming stands out at 3.3/5, measuring 0.66 points above the category average—a solid result for users who prioritize phone audio quality. Own-voice comfort also performs well at 3.2/5, sitting 0.45 points above average, which may contribute to a more natural listening experience. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, among the best we've measured. However, speech-in-noise performance is a notable limitation. At 1.4/5, it falls 0.56 points below the category average—a low absolute score that may affect understanding in challenging listening environments like restaurants or group conversations. Speech in quiet fares better at 3.7/5, measuring 0.40 points above average. The Orka Two may suit users who prioritize streaming quality, own-voice comfort, and stability over speech-in-noise performance. Those frequently in noisy environments should note that competitors in this price range, such as the Rexton Reach R-Li T80 at Costco (4.58/5), deliver stronger overall scores. Budget-conscious shoppers might also consider lower-priced alternatives like the Sony CRE-C10, which scored 4.19/5 in our testing.