Jabra Enhance Select 500 vs Phonak Sphere Infinio

The Jabra Enhance Select 500 is a premium behind-the-ear OTC hearing aid priced at $1,995 that earns an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.2/5 in our lab testing. Ranking #13 of 65 OTC hearing aids tested, it places in the top 18% of its category. This 2024 release demonstrates strong speech-in-quiet performance, scoring 4.3/5—a full 1.50 points above the OTC category average. Speech-in-noise scores 1.8/5, which is above the category average by 0.31 points but remains low in absolute terms, reflecting a common challenge across OTC devices. Feedback handling is excellent at 4.6/5, slightly above the already-high category average. Music streaming scores 2.9/5, which is 0.98 points above the category average but only mixed in absolute terms—adequate for casual listening but not audiophile-quality. Own-voice comfort at 2.2/5 falls 0.31 points below the category average, which may be noticeable for users sensitive to how their voice sounds. The Enhance Select 500 supports iPhone and Android streaming, hands-free calling, and uses rechargeable batteries. It's a solid choice for those prioritizing clear speech in quieter environments and reliable feedback control. However, buyers seeking better value might consider the Jabra Enhance Select 300 or Lucid Engage, which offer similar sound performance at lower price points. This model has earned HearAdvisor's Expert's Choice Award in both 2023 and 2024.

The Phonak Sphere Infinio is a premium prescription behind-the-ear hearing aid released in 2024, priced at $4,898. In HearAdvisor's lab testing, it achieved a SoundScore of 5.0/5 and an A grade, ranking #1 among 36 prescription hearing aids tested. This device delivers exceptional speech performance, particularly in challenging listening environments. Speech in noise scored an excellent 4.7/5, measuring 2.74 points above the category average—a substantial margin that sets it apart from competitors. Speech in quiet also performed strongly at 4.5/5, sitting 1.15 points above average. Music streaming earned a strong 4.0/5, exceeding the category average by 1.36 points. The Sphere Infinio does show some trade-offs. Feedback handling scored a solid 3.6/5 in absolute terms, though this falls 1.11 points below the category average of 4.71/5. Own-voice comfort scored a mixed 2.3/5, slightly below the category average. These are areas where some competing premium devices perform better. This hearing aid is best suited for those who prioritize speech clarity, especially in noisy environments like restaurants or social gatherings. The behind-the-ear style offers rechargeable batteries and streaming compatibility with both iPhone and Android devices. Among premium-priced competitors like the Oticon Intent (4.85/5) and Oticon Real (4.75/5), the Sphere Infinio leads in overall sound performance, earning HearAdvisor's Expert's Choice Award for 2024 and 2023.