Jabra Enhance Pro 20 at Costco vs Nuheara IQBuds Max

The Jabra Enhance Pro 20 at Costco is a behind-the-ear prescription hearing aid priced at $1,600, placing it in the premium tier. With a SoundScore of 4.0/5 and an A grade, it ranks #25 of 39 prescription hearing aids tested in our lab. In our testing, this device demonstrates notable strengths in own-voice comfort, scoring 3.5/5—0.80 points above the category average. This solid performance means wearers may find their own voice sounds more natural compared to many competitors. Feedback handling is excellent at 4.8/5, slightly above the category average, indicating reliable stability during movement and phone use. However, the Enhance Pro 20 shows limitations in challenging listening environments. Speech-in-noise performance scores just 1.1/5, falling 0.97 points below the category average—a significant gap that may affect conversations in restaurants, social gatherings, or other noisy settings. Speech-in-quiet is solid at 3.2/5 in absolute terms, though still 0.17 points below the category average. Music streaming scores 2.8/5, which is above the category average but only mixed in absolute terms. This device suits users who prioritize comfortable own-voice perception and excellent feedback control, and who spend most listening time in quieter environments. Those frequently navigating noisy situations may want to consider alternatives like the Rexton Reach R-Li T80 at Costco, which scored 4.56/5 in our testing. The Enhance Pro 20 includes rechargeable batteries, iPhone and Android streaming, and hands-free functionality.

The Nuheara IQBuds Max is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid that earns a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.3/5 in our lab testing. Priced at $499, this visible-in-ear device from 2021 ranks #46 of 65 OTC hearing aids tested, placing it in the top 69% of its category. The standout feature of the IQBuds Max is its exceptional music streaming performance, scoring 4.3/5—a strong result that sits 2.38 points above the category average. For users who prioritize audio entertainment alongside hearing assistance, this device delivers notably better streaming fidelity than most OTC alternatives. However, speech performance presents a mixed picture. Speech in quiet scores 2.0/5, falling 0.78 points below the category average. Speech in noise is essentially at par with competitors at 1.5/5, which is above average for the category but low in absolute terms. Own voice comfort also trails the category average by 0.31 points with a score of 2.2/5. Feedback handling scores a solid 3.4/5 in absolute terms, though this falls 1.14 points below the category average. The IQBuds Max is best suited for users who value music and audio streaming quality over speech clarity, particularly those seeking an affordable entry point into amplification. Competing devices in this price range—including the Elehear Beyond (4.34/5) and Apple AirPods Pro 2 (4.04/5)—offer stronger overall sound performance for similar investment.