Widex Allure RIC 440 vs Widex Moment SmartRIC

The Widex Allure RIC 440 is a premium prescription hearing aid that earns an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.5/5 in our lab testing, ranking #7 among 36 prescription hearing aids tested. At $4,398, it sits in the highest price tier and delivers excellent overall sound performance. Speech clarity is a standout strength for this device. Speech in quiet scores a strong 4.3/5, which is 0.87 points above the category average of 3.43/5. Speech in noise measures 2.5/5—above the category average of 1.55/5 by 0.95 points, though only mixed in absolute terms. Own-voice comfort is solid at 3.0/5, slightly above the 2.75/5 category average. The most significant limitation is feedback handling, which scores just 1.7/5 compared to a category average of 4.71/5. This represents a notable weakness that potential buyers should discuss with their hearing care provider. Music streaming performs at a mixed 2.7/5, essentially matching the category average. The Allure RIC 440 features Bluetooth streaming for both iPhone and Android devices, hands-free calling capability, and rechargeable batteries. It competes against other premium devices like the Oticon Intent (4.75/5) and Phonak Sphere Infinio (4.65/5). This hearing aid may suit those prioritizing speech understanding who can work with a provider to manage feedback, though its below-average feedback handling warrants careful consideration during fitting.

The Widex Moment SmartRIC is a premium behind-the-ear prescription hearing aid priced at $3,398, earning an A grade with a SoundScore of 4.2/5 in our lab testing. It ranks #12 among 36 prescription hearing aids tested, placing it in the top 31% of its category. This device demonstrates particular strength in speech understanding. Speech in quiet scores a strong 4.0/5, which is 0.57 points above the category average. Speech in noise performance is 1.35 points above the prescription category average, though the absolute score of 2.9/5 reflects the inherent challenge this listening situation presents for all hearing aids. Own-voice comfort also stands out at 3.7/5, measuring 0.95 points above average—a meaningful advantage for wearers sensitive to how their own voice sounds. Professional tuning makes a notable difference with this device. The normalized Initial Score of 4.1/5 improves to 4.5/5 after tuning, a 0.4-point gain that underscores the value of working with a hearing care professional. Music streaming delivers solid performance at 3.1/5, sitting 0.46 points above the category average. Feedback handling scores 3.5/5, which is solid in absolute terms, though 1.21 points below the category average—worth discussing with your provider if feedback stability is a priority. The SmartRIC has earned Expert's Choice Awards in both 2023 and 2024. It supports rechargeable batteries, iPhone and Android streaming, and hands-free calling. Consumers who prioritize speech clarity and own-voice naturalness, and who plan to work with a professional for optimized fitting, will find this device delivers strong overall performance in our testing framework.