Eargo SE vs Lexie B3

The Eargo SE is a premium-priced OTC hearing aid ($1,699) featuring an invisible-in-ear design. In our lab testing, it earned a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.2/5, placing it in the top 85% of the OTC hearing aid category—ranking #56 of 65 devices tested. Speech performance presents a mixed picture. The Eargo SE scores 3.2/5 for speech in quiet, a solid result that sits 0.43 points above the category average. However, speech in noise performance is low at 1.3/5, falling 0.23 points below average. Feedback handling is excellent at 4.6/5, slightly above the category average, meaning users can expect stable performance without whistling issues during normal use. The most significant limitation is music streaming, which scores 0.0/5—nearly 2 points below the category average. Users who prioritize streaming audio from their phones should be aware of this substantial weakness. Own-voice comfort scores a mixed 2.4/5, just slightly below the category average. At its premium price point, the Eargo SE faces stiff competition. Several OTC alternatives deliver comparable or better sound performance at lower prices. The invisible-in-ear form factor is the Eargo SE's primary differentiator, appealing to users who prioritize cosmetic discretion. Those who value the nearly invisible design and primarily need help with speech in quieter environments may find the Eargo SE suitable, but buyers seeking balanced performance across streaming and challenging listening situations should explore alternatives.

The Lexie B3 is a behind-the-ear OTC hearing aid priced at $999 that earns an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.8/5 in our lab testing. This places it at #1 among the 65 OTC hearing aids we've evaluated, making it a standout performer in its category. In our standardized testing, the Lexie B3 demonstrates excellent speech-in-quiet performance at 4.5/5, scoring 1.73 points above the OTC category average of 2.79/5. Speech-in-noise results are more nuanced—while the 2.5/5 score sits 1.02 points above the category average of 1.48/5, this remains mixed in absolute terms. Music streaming quality is solid at 3.3/5, exceeding the category average by 1.38 points, and feedback handling is excellent at 4.6/5. Own-voice comfort scores a solid 3.0/5, sitting 0.49 points above the category average. The device uses a tulip dome coupling in both initial and tuned configurations, maintaining consistent performance across fitting conditions with identical normalized scores of 4.8/5 for both fits. For those considering alternatives, devices like the RxEars Rxi, Meta Ray-Ban Glasses (Gen 2), and Cearvol Wave offer lower price points, though with correspondingly lower SoundScores. The Lexie B3 is best suited for consumers seeking top-tier OTC sound performance who prioritize speech clarity in quieter environments and quality music streaming, and who can accommodate its mid-tier OTC price point.