Jabra Enhance Select 700 vs Linner Mars

The Jabra Enhance Select 700 is a premium-priced OTC hearing aid available at $1,795, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.8/5 in our lab testing. This behind-the-ear device ranks #26 of 65 OTC hearing aids tested, placing it in the top 38% of the category. In our testing, the Enhance Select 700 showed notable strengths in comfort-related metrics. Own-voice comfort scored a solid 3.7/5, measuring 1.19 points above the category average—a meaningful advantage for wearers sensitive to the sound of their own voice. Feedback handling was excellent at 5.0/5, well above the 4.54 category average, indicating reliable stability during typical wear. Speech performance presented a mixed picture. Speech in quiet scored a solid 3.1/5, sitting 0.27 points above average. However, speech in noise was a weakness at 1.0/5, falling 0.48 points below the category average—an important consideration if challenging listening environments are a priority. Music streaming scored 2.5/5, which is above the category average by 0.58 points but only mixed in absolute terms. At this price point, several alternatives delivered stronger overall performance in our testing, including the Lucid Tala (4.61/5) and Audicus Omni 2 (4.59/5). The Jabra Enhance Select 300 and Lucid Engage also achieved higher scores at lower prices. The Enhance Select 700 may suit those prioritizing own-voice comfort and feedback stability over speech-in-noise performance, but shoppers should weigh these trade-offs carefully given the premium pricing.

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.