Linner Nova Earbud vs Oticon More

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.

The Oticon More is a premium behind-the-ear prescription hearing aid that earned an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.6/5 in our lab testing, placing it in the top 22% of the 36 prescription hearing aids we've evaluated. Released in 2021, this device remains competitive and has received HearAdvisor's Expert's Choice Award in both 2023 and 2024. In our testing, the Oticon More demonstrated strong speech clarity performance. Speech in quiet scored 4.0/5, which is 0.73 points above the category average—a notable margin that reflects genuine audibility advantages in everyday conversations. Speech in noise measured 2.7/5, which is above the category average by 0.75 points, though only mixed in absolute terms, meaning challenging listening environments may still require effort. Own-voice comfort scored a solid 3.1/5 (+0.35 vs category average), and music streaming measured 3.0/5 (+0.36 vs category average), both performing above typical prescription aids. Feedback handling scored 3.5/5, which is solid in absolute terms, though below the category average of 4.71/5 by 1.21 points—something to discuss with your hearing care provider. At $4,598, this is a premium-priced device offering iPhone and Android streaming, hands-free calling, and your choice of rechargeable or disposable batteries. The Oticon More is well-suited for those prioritizing speech clarity who want a proven performer from an established manufacturer. Competitors in this price range include the newer Oticon Intent (4.85/5) and Oticon Real (4.75/5), which may be worth comparing during your fitting appointment.