Jabra Enhance Select 200 vs MDHearing Neo XS

The Jabra Enhance Select 200 is a premium-priced OTC hearing aid that earns a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.9/5 in our lab testing, ranking in the top 35% of OTC devices. At $1,695, it sits at the higher end of the OTC market and has earned HearAdvisor's Expert's Choice Award in both 2023 and 2024. This behind-the-ear device delivers its strongest performance in speech clarity during quiet environments, scoring 3.5/5—a solid result that sits 0.67 points above the OTC category average. Own-voice comfort is another highlight at 3.4/5, which is 0.89 points above average, meaning wearers are less likely to experience the bothersome "talking in a barrel" sensation. Music streaming scores 2.6/5, which is 0.68 points above the category average, though still mixed in absolute terms. The device shows some limitations in challenging listening situations. Speech in noise performance is low at 1.4/5, sitting slightly below the category average. Feedback handling scores a strong 4.0/5 in absolute terms, though this falls 0.54 points below the OTC average of 4.54/5. The Enhance Select 200 includes modern conveniences like rechargeable batteries and streaming compatibility with both iPhone and Android devices, plus hands-free calling capability. However, budget-conscious shoppers should note that several devices in this price range—including the Lucid Tala and Audicus Omni 2—achieve higher scores, and alternatives like the Lucid Engage offer similar sound quality at lower prices. This device is best suited for listeners who prioritize clear speech in quieter settings and natural own-voice quality over performance in noisy environments.

The MDHearing Neo XS is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid in the invisible-in-ear style, available for $397. In HearAdvisor lab testing, it earned a C grade with a SoundScore of 2.9/5, ranking #63 of 65 OTC hearing aids tested. Performance results reveal a mixed profile. The Neo XS shows strength in own-voice comfort, scoring 3.2/5—0.69 points above the category average—meaning wearers may experience less of the "boomy" quality that can accompany hearing aid use. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, sitting 0.46 points above average, so users should experience stable performance without whistling during typical wear. However, speech clarity is a significant limitation. Speech in quiet scores just 1.0/5, falling 1.77 points below the OTC category average. Speech in noise also scores 1.0/5, 0.48 points below average. Music streaming scored 0.0/5, which is 1.92 points below the category average—this device is not suited for audio entertainment. At this price point, several alternatives offer notably stronger performance. The Elehear Beyond (4.36/5), Apple AirPods Pro 2 (4.06/5), and Zepp Clarity Omni (3.88/5) all deliver better overall sound quality in the same price range. The Neo XS may appeal to those prioritizing own-voice comfort and feedback stability over speech intelligibility, but most users seeking meaningful hearing benefit should consider higher-scoring options.