Lexie B2 Plus vs Linner Nova Earbud

The Lexie B2 Plus is a mid-priced OTC hearing aid that earns an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.4/5, placing it in the top 9% of OTC devices tested in our lab. At $899, this behind-the-ear style device delivers strong performance in several key areas while showing some limitations worth considering. In our testing, the Lexie B2 Plus excels in speech clarity for quiet environments, scoring a strong 4.3/5—significantly above the OTC category average by 1.49 points. Own-voice comfort is a particular standout at 4.8/5, well above the category average by 2.29 points, meaning wearers are unlikely to experience the hollow or booming quality of their own voice that can make some hearing aids uncomfortable. Speech in noise performance scores 2.1/5, which is above the OTC category average by 0.58 points but remains mixed in absolute terms—typical for this device class. Music streaming scores 2.6/5, similarly above average by 0.68 points while remaining modest overall. Feedback handling at 2.8/5 falls below the category average by 1.74 points, which may require attention during phone calls or when wearing hats. The Lexie B2 Plus is a solid choice for users prioritizing speech clarity in quieter settings and natural own-voice comfort. It features rechargeable batteries and streaming compatibility with both iPhone and Android devices. This two-time Expert's Choice Award winner (2023, 2024) competes against devices like the higher-scoring Sony CRE-E10 in its price range, but offers a compelling balance of comfort and core speech performance.

The Linner Nova Earbud is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid that earns a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.5/5 in our lab testing. Priced at $299, this visible-in-ear device offers an interesting performance profile that sets it apart from typical hearing aids in its category. The Nova Earbud's standout strength is its excellent music streaming quality, scoring 4.5/5—a full 2.58 points above the OTC category average. This makes it one of the better options for users who prioritize audio entertainment through their hearing devices. Feedback handling is equally impressive at 5.0/5, meaning users can expect stable performance without the whistling that plagues some competitors. However, the device shows significant limitations in core hearing aid functions. Speech in quiet environments scores a mixed 2.1/5, falling 0.71 points below the category average. Speech in noise performance is low at 1.3/5, slightly below average for the category. Own-voice comfort is notably weak at 0.5/5, sitting 2.01 points below the category average—users may find their own voice sounds unnatural or boomy. The Linner Nova Earbud is best suited for budget-conscious consumers who value music streaming and stable feedback performance over maximum speech clarity. Those prioritizing speech understanding, particularly in noisy environments, may want to consider alternatives like the higher-scoring Elehear Beyond or Apple AirPods Pro 2 in the same price range.