Hear.com Horizon Go IX vs Widex Moment SmartRIC

The Hear.com Horizon Go IX is a premium prescription behind-the-ear hearing aid released in 2024, priced at $6,500. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it earned an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.4/5, ranking #19 among 39 prescription hearing aids tested. Speech performance is a clear strength for the Horizon Go IX. It scores 4.0/5 in speech-in-quiet conditions—0.64 points above the category average—delivering strong audibility in conversational settings. Speech-in-noise performance also exceeds the category average by 0.46 points, though at 2.6/5 the absolute score remains mixed, meaning challenging listening environments may still pose difficulties. Own-voice comfort is the device's most notable weakness, scoring just 1.8/5—a low result that falls 0.90 points below the category average. Users sensitive to how their own voice sounds may find this limiting. Feedback handling scores 4.4/5, which is strong in absolute terms, though slightly below the category average of 4.72/5. Music streaming performance is essentially average at 2.7/5. At this price point, shoppers face stiff competition. Several alternatives in the same premium tier—including the Phonak Sphere Infinio, Oticon Intent, and Widex Allure RIC 440—deliver higher overall scores. Devices like the Rexton Reach R-Li T80 at Costco offer comparable or better sound performance at lower prices. The Horizon Go IX is best suited for users who prioritize speech clarity and have access to this product through hear.com's network, but those flexible on brand should compare alternatives before committing.

The Widex Moment SmartRIC is a premium prescription behind-the-ear hearing aid released in 2024, priced at $3,398. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it earned an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.4/5, ranking #15 among 39 prescription hearing aids tested. This device demonstrates excellent speech clarity in quiet environments, scoring 4.7/5—a full 1.25 points above the category average of 3.40/5. Own-voice comfort is another strength at 3.7/5, which is 1.00 points above average, making conversations feel more natural. Speech in noise performance scores 2.6/5, which is above the category average by 0.51 points, though only mixed in absolute terms. Music streaming quality is solid at 3.1/5, slightly above the category average. However, feedback handling is a relative weakness, scoring 3.5/5—solid in absolute terms but 1.22 points below the category average of 4.72/5. This may require more careful fitting to avoid whistling in certain situations. The Widex Moment SmartRIC offers rechargeable batteries, iPhone and Android streaming, and hands-free functionality. It has earned HearAdvisor's Expert's Choice Award in both 2023 and 2024. This hearing aid is well-suited for users who prioritize excellent speech clarity in everyday listening situations and natural own-voice quality, and who work with their hearing care professional to optimize the fit for feedback stability.