Hear.com Horizon Go IX vs Jabra Enhance Select 700

The Hear.com Horizon Go IX is a premium behind-the-ear prescription hearing aid released in 2024, priced at $6,500. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it earns an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.2/5, ranking #14 among 36 prescription hearing aids tested. This device demonstrates strong speech performance in our testing. Speech in quiet scores a strong 4.0/5, sitting 0.57 points above the category average. Speech in noise performance is particularly notable at 0.57 points above average, though the absolute score of 2.7/5 reflects the inherent difficulty of understanding speech in challenging acoustic environments. Feedback handling scores a strong 4.4/5 in absolute terms, though this falls 0.31 points below the category average. Own-voice comfort presents a notable limitation, scoring 1.8/5—a low absolute score that also sits 0.95 points below the category average. Users who are sensitive to how their own voice sounds may want to discuss this with their hearing care provider. Music streaming performance is mixed at 2.7/5, essentially matching the category average. The Horizon Go IX has received HearAdvisor's Expert's Choice Award in both 2023 and 2024. However, shoppers in this premium price tier should note that several competitors offer higher overall scores, including the Oticon Intent (4.75/5) and Phonak Sphere Infinio (4.65/5). Those seeking similar sound quality at a lower price point may want to consider alternatives like the Rexton Reach R-Li T80 at Costco, which scores 4.51/5.

The Jabra Enhance Select 700 is a premium-priced OTC hearing aid available for $1,795, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.9/5 in our lab testing. This places it in the top 24% of OTC hearing aids tested, ranking #16 of 63 devices in the category. In our testing, this behind-the-ear device demonstrated notable strengths in own-voice comfort, scoring 3.7/5—a solid result that sits 1.21 points above the category average. This suggests users may experience less of the "talking in a barrel" sensation common with some hearing aids. Feedback handling was excellent at 5.0/5, indicating strong resistance to whistling during typical daily movements. Speech clarity presents a mixed picture. Speech in quiet environments scored a solid 3.1/5, which is 0.46 points above the category average. However, speech in noise scored just 0.8/5, falling 0.33 points below average—a notable limitation for users who frequently encounter noisy environments like restaurants or social gatherings. Music streaming scored 2.5/5, above the category average but only mixed in absolute terms. At this price point, buyers should note that several alternatives in the same price range delivered higher overall scores in our testing, including the Jabra Enhance Select 300 and 500 models. The Enhance Select 700 may appeal to those prioritizing own-voice comfort and feedback-free performance, but users needing strong speech-in-noise performance should consider alternatives.