MDHearing Neo XS vs Oticon More

The MDHearing Neo XS is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid in the invisible-in-ear style, available for $397. In HearAdvisor lab testing, it earned a C grade with a SoundScore of 2.9/5, ranking #63 of 65 OTC hearing aids tested. Performance results reveal a mixed profile. The Neo XS shows strength in own-voice comfort, scoring 3.2/5—0.69 points above the category average—meaning wearers may experience less of the "boomy" quality that can accompany hearing aid use. Feedback handling is excellent at 5.0/5, sitting 0.46 points above average, so users should experience stable performance without whistling during typical wear. However, speech clarity is a significant limitation. Speech in quiet scores just 1.0/5, falling 1.77 points below the OTC category average. Speech in noise also scores 1.0/5, 0.48 points below average. Music streaming scored 0.0/5, which is 1.92 points below the category average—this device is not suited for audio entertainment. At this price point, several alternatives offer notably stronger performance. The Elehear Beyond (4.36/5), Apple AirPods Pro 2 (4.06/5), and Zepp Clarity Omni (3.88/5) all deliver better overall sound quality in the same price range. The Neo XS may appeal to those prioritizing own-voice comfort and feedback stability over speech intelligibility, but most users seeking meaningful hearing benefit should consider higher-scoring options.

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.