MDHearing Neo XS vs Oticon More

The MDHearing Neo XS is a budget OTC hearing aid featuring an invisible-in-ear design, priced at $397. In our lab testing, it earned a C grade with a SoundScore of 2.9/5, ranking #63 of 65 devices in the OTC hearing aid category. This device presents a mixed performance profile. Its standout strength is excellent feedback handling at 5.0/5, scoring 0.46 points above the category average—meaning users should experience minimal whistling or squealing during everyday use. Own-voice comfort is also solid at 3.2/5, sitting 0.69 points above average, which suggests the device manages occlusion reasonably well for its invisible design. However, speech clarity is a significant weakness. Speech in quiet scored just 1.0/5, falling 1.77 points below the category average, while speech in noise scored 1.0/5, sitting 0.48 points below average. Music streaming scored 0.0/5, coming in 1.92 points below average—indicating this device is not suitable for audio entertainment. These low absolute scores mean users may struggle to achieve meaningful speech benefit in our standardized test conditions. The invisible-in-ear form factor and rechargeable batteries offer convenience, but buyers should weigh this against the limited speech performance. Several competitors in the same price range—including the Elehear Beyond (4.34/5) and Apple AirPods Pro 2 (4.04/5)—deliver substantially better sound quality. The Neo XS may appeal to those prioritizing discretion and feedback-free wear over speech clarity, but most users seeking improved communication would benefit from exploring higher-performing alternatives.

The Oticon More is a premium prescription behind-the-ear hearing aid that earns an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.6/5 in our lab testing, placing it in the top 23% of the 39 prescription hearing aids we've evaluated. Currently available at $4,598, this 2021 release has earned our Expert's Choice Award in both 2023 and 2024. In our testing, the Oticon More demonstrates strong speech clarity performance. Speech in quiet scores 4.0/5, which is 0.65 points above the category average—a meaningful advantage for everyday conversation. Speech in noise measures 2.7/5, which is 0.60 points above the category average, though the absolute score reflects the inherent challenge all hearing aids face in noisy environments. Own-voice comfort is solid at 3.1/5, sitting 0.40 points above average. The device does show one notable weakness: feedback handling scores 3.5/5, which is 1.22 points below the category average of 4.72/5. While this is still a solid score in absolute terms, competing devices in this price range generally perform better in this area. Music streaming is solid at 3.0/5, slightly above the category average. The Oticon More offers flexibility with both rechargeable and disposable battery options, plus streaming compatibility with both iPhone and Android devices including hands-free calling. For those considering alternatives, newer models like the Oticon Intent and Oticon Real score higher in our testing at similar price points. The Oticon More remains a capable choice for listeners who prioritize speech clarity and want a well-established platform with proven performance.