Jabra Enhance Select 200 vs Linner Mars

The Jabra Enhance Select 200 is a premium-priced OTC hearing aid that earned a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.9/5 in our lab testing, placing it in the top 35% of the OTC hearing aid category. At $1,695, this behind-the-ear device offers solid performance in several key areas, though it faces stiff competition from higher-scoring alternatives at similar price points. In our testing, this device showed particular strength in speech clarity during quiet listening situations, scoring 3.5/5—0.67 points above the category average. Own-voice comfort was another highlight at 3.4/5, finishing 0.89 points above average, which suggests users may find their own voice sounds more natural compared to many competitors. Music streaming scored 2.6/5, which is above the category average by 0.68 points but still only mixed in absolute terms. The device's limitations become apparent in challenging listening environments. Speech in noise scored just 1.4/5, slightly below the category average and low in absolute terms—a consideration for users who frequently encounter noisy restaurants or social gatherings. Feedback handling scored 4.0/5, which is strong in absolute terms though 0.54 points below the category average. The Enhance Select 200 has earned Expert's Choice Awards in both 2023 and 2024, reflecting its reliable real-world performance. With Bluetooth streaming for both iPhone and Android, rechargeable batteries, and hands-free capability, it offers modern convenience features. However, shoppers should note that several competitors in this price range—including the Lucid Tala and Audicus Omni 2—scored notably higher in our testing. This device is best suited for users who prioritize speech clarity in quieter environments and own-voice comfort over performance in noisy situations.

The Linner Mars is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid that earns a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.1/5 in our lab testing. At $399, it falls in the lowest price tier for OTC devices, though its overall sound performance ranks #55 of 65 in the OTC Hearing Aid category. This device presents a stark contrast in performance across different listening situations. Music streaming is a genuine standout, scoring an excellent 4.6/5—well above the category average. Feedback handling also earns a perfect 5.0/5, meaning users shouldn't experience whistling or squealing issues. However, the Mars struggles significantly with its core hearing aid function: speech clarity. Speech in quiet scores just 1.9/5, and speech in noise drops to 1.0/5, both falling below category averages. Own-voice comfort is another weak point at 1.0/5, which is 1.51 points below the category average. Users may find their own voice sounds unnatural or boomy when wearing these devices. The tuned fit shows modest improvement over the initial fit (3.4/5 vs 3.1/5), primarily through better speech-in-quiet performance. The Linner Mars may appeal to budget-conscious consumers who prioritize music and media streaming over speech understanding. However, several competitors in the same price range—including the Elehear Beyond and Apple AirPods Pro 2—offer substantially better overall sound performance. Those seeking improved speech clarity should consider alternatives that score higher in that critical area.