Linner Mars vs Rexton Reach R-Li T80 at Costco

The Linner Mars is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid released in 2023, earning a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.2/5 in our lab testing. At $399, it falls in the lower price tier of the OTC category but ranks #55 of 65 OTC devices tested, placing it in the bottom 17% of its category. This visible-in-ear device presents a mixed performance profile with notable strengths and significant weaknesses. Music streaming is a standout feature, scoring an excellent 4.6/5—a full 2.68 points above the category average. Feedback handling is also excellent at 5.0/5, meaning users can expect stable performance without whistling during normal use. However, speech clarity presents challenges. Speech in quiet scores a low 1.9/5, falling 0.85 points below the category average. Speech in noise performance is particularly limited at 1.0/5, sitting 0.46 points below average. Own-voice comfort also scores low at 1.0/5, which is 1.51 points below the category average—users may notice their own voice sounding unnatural or boomy. The Linner Mars may suit budget-conscious consumers who prioritize music and media streaming over speech understanding in challenging environments. However, buyers seeking better speech performance should consider alternatives like the Elehear Beyond or Apple AirPods Pro 2, which offer stronger overall sound scores in the same price range.

The Rexton Reach R-Li T80, available exclusively at Costco for $1,500, is a behind-the-ear prescription hearing aid that earned an A grade and ranks #11 of 36 devices in its category in our lab testing. This 2024 release earned HearAdvisor's Expert's Choice Award, reflecting its strong overall performance. In our standardized testing, the Reach R-Li T80 delivered a SoundScore of 4.6/5, placing it in the top 28% of prescription hearing aids. Speech clarity stands out as a particular strength, scoring 3.9/5 in quiet environments—0.54 points above the category average. Own-voice comfort also impressed at 3.6/5, a full 0.85 points above average, suggesting wearers may experience less of the "talking in a barrel" sensation that can occur with hearing aids. Feedback handling is excellent at 4.8/5. Speech-in-noise performance scores 2.5/5, which is above the category average by 0.54 points but remains mixed in absolute terms—a common challenge across prescription devices. Music streaming similarly scores 2.7/5, slightly above average but not a standout feature. This device supports both iPhone and Android streaming, offers hands-free functionality, and uses rechargeable batteries. For Costco members seeking a prescription hearing aid with reliable speech clarity, strong own-voice comfort, and excellent feedback control at a mid-tier price point, the Reach R-Li T80 represents solid value in our testing framework.