HSKLock Hearing Aid vs Lexie B2 Plus

The HSKLock Hearing Aid is a budget-priced amplification product available for $69, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.0/5 in our lab testing. This behind-the-ear device uses disposable batteries and ranks #5 of 8 amplification products tested. In our testing, the HSKLock delivered excellent feedback handling at 5.0/5, scoring 0.72 points above the category average. This means users can expect stable performance without whistling during typical wear. Own-voice comfort scored 2.8/5, slightly above the category average but only mixed in absolute terms. However, speech clarity presents significant limitations. Speech in quiet scored 1.5/5, falling 0.63 points below the category average, while speech in noise measured 1.0/5, which is 0.37 points below average. Music streaming scored 0.0/5, well below the already-low category average of 1.16/5, making this device unsuitable for audio entertainment purposes. The HSKLock may appeal to budget-conscious consumers seeking basic amplification with reliable feedback control. Those prioritizing speech understanding or music quality should consider alternatives. At this price point, competitors like the Autiphon U0 Series offer similar overall performance, though each device has distinct trade-offs in specific metrics.

The Lexie B2 Plus is a mid-priced OTC hearing aid that earns an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.4/5 in HearAdvisor's lab testing, ranking #7 among 65 OTC devices. Priced at $899, this behind-the-ear rechargeable device has earned back-to-back Expert's Choice Awards in 2023 and 2024. In our testing, the B2 Plus demonstrates strong speech-in-quiet performance at 4.3/5, which is 1.49 points above the OTC category average. Own-voice comfort is excellent at 4.8/5, measuring 2.29 points above average—a notable strength that may appeal to users who find their own voice bothersome with other devices. Speech-in-noise scores 2.1/5, which is above the category average by 0.58 points but remains mixed in absolute terms, reflecting the broader challenge OTC devices face in noisy environments. The device does show a weakness in feedback handling, scoring 2.8/5—which is 1.74 points below the category average of 4.54/5. Users may encounter occasional whistling during activities that bring objects close to the ear. Music streaming performance is mixed at 2.6/5, though still 0.68 points above the OTC average. The Lexie B2 Plus offers both iPhone and Android streaming compatibility. It's well-suited for users prioritizing clear speech in quieter settings and natural own-voice perception, though those frequently in noisy environments or concerned about feedback stability may want to consider alternatives like the Sony CRE-E10 in this price range.