Nuheara IQBuds Max vs Oticon More

The Nuheara IQBuds Max is a budget-priced OTC hearing aid that earns a B grade with a SoundScore of 3.3/5 in our lab testing. Priced at $499, this visible-in-ear device from 2021 ranks #46 of 65 OTC hearing aids tested, placing it in the top 69% of its category. The standout feature of the IQBuds Max is its exceptional music streaming performance, scoring 4.3/5—a strong result that sits 2.38 points above the category average. For users who prioritize audio entertainment alongside hearing assistance, this device delivers notably better streaming fidelity than most OTC alternatives. However, speech performance presents a mixed picture. Speech in quiet scores 2.0/5, falling 0.78 points below the category average. Speech in noise is essentially at par with competitors at 1.5/5, which is above average for the category but low in absolute terms. Own voice comfort also trails the category average by 0.31 points with a score of 2.2/5. Feedback handling scores a solid 3.4/5 in absolute terms, though this falls 1.14 points below the category average. The IQBuds Max is best suited for users who value music and audio streaming quality over speech clarity, particularly those seeking an affordable entry point into amplification. Competing devices in this price range—including the Elehear Beyond (4.34/5) and Apple AirPods Pro 2 (4.04/5)—offer stronger overall sound performance for similar investment.

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.