Phonak vs. Oticon: A 2025 Hearing Aid Brand Comparison

Our Testing Experience

We evaluated the performance of several hearing aid models from both Phonak and Oticon in multiple real-world environments, including restaurants, outdoor settings, and group conversations. Here’s what we discovered:

Sound Quality

Oticon’s BrainHearing technology delivered a slightly clearer speech understanding than Phonak’s models in complex and noisy sound environments, such as busy restaurants. Our team noted that Oticon devices reduced listening fatigue during extended conversations, making them particularly valuable for socially active users.

However, Phonak’s latest Lumity and Infinio platforms impressed us with their ability to balance speech clarity with environmental awareness and adaptability. During our outdoor testing, Phonak models provided excellent spatial awareness that some testers preferred for everyday use.

The Expert Take

From Kasey Craig, Au.D.

When you wear hearing aids, your brain grows accustomed to the sound processing and sound quality of those particular aids. If you have had good success with one brand of hearing aids, but now it’s time to upgrade or replace, it’s often good to stick with the same brand again. Your brain has likely grown accustomed to that brand’s sound!

Connectivity Features

Phonak clearly outperformed Oticon in connectivity versatility. Phonak’s universal Bluetooth connectivity worked seamlessly with both Android and iOS devices, allowing direct streaming from any Bluetooth-enabled phone we used, even flip phones.

In contrast, Oticon’s connectivity features worked exceptionally well with iPhones but offered more limited functionality with Android devices. Our Android-using testers particularly noted that two-way calling functions weren’t available on most Android phones with Oticon’s Intent line.

Both manufacturers offer accessories to enhance connectivity, but we found Phonak’s Roger system particularly effective in challenging listening environments like lecture halls and conferences.

Battery Life

Our battery performance testing showed mixed results:

• Rechargeable models: Both manufacturers’ latest rechargeable hearing aids provided approximately 24+ hours of use on a single charge, with Phonak slightly ahead when heavy streaming was involved.
• Disposable batteries: Oticon devices typically lasted about half a day to a full day longer than comparable Phonak models in our testing.

Phonak Hearing Aid Models

Based on our hands-on experience, here are the standout features of Phonak’s current lineup:

Phonak Audéo Infinio

As Phonak’s newest platform, Audéo Infinio impressed us with its sound quality and advanced features. During our testing, we appreciated the ability to use the push buttons on the hearing aids to activate voice recognition, answer calls, or control audio playback. The Infinio technology is only available in the Audéo and Virto styles, with other styles likely following soon.

Phonak Naída Lumity

In testing devices for severe to profound hearing loss, the Naída Lumity delivered powerful sound amplification without distortion, even at higher volumes. The built-in RogerDirect technology was particularly valuable, allowing direct streaming from Roger microphones without requiring an external receiver—a feature our testers found significantly improved speech clarity in noisy environments.

Phonak Lyric

The Lyric offers a unique long-term wear experience unlike other models we’ve tested. This completely invisible hearing aid can be worn 24/7 for months without removal, making it ideal for users seeking discretion and convenience. While we couldn’t test the long-term comfort (as Lyric requires professional fitting, insertion and removal), user feedback indicates high satisfaction with its invisibility and natural sound quality.

Phonak CROS

When evaluating solutions for single-sided deafness, Phonak’s CROS system effectively transmitted sound from the non-hearing ear to the hearing ear in our tests. Available in various styles, this system significantly improved spatial awareness and hearing comprehension for our testers with unilateral hearing loss.

Oticon Hearing Aid Models

Here’s what stood out during our testing of Oticon’s current lineup:

Oticon Intent 2

As Oticon’s most advanced model, the Intent 2, impressed us with its Deep Neural Network technology, which delivered noticeably improved speech clarity in crowded environments. During our testing, the rechargeable batteries consistently provided full-day use (about 24 hours), even with several hours of audio streaming.

One limitation we discovered is that two-way calling functions aren’t compatible with most Android phones – an important consideration for non-iPhone users.

Oticon Real

We found that the Real line offers many of the same BrainHearing benefits as Intent at a slightly lower price point. The Real performed almost as well as the Intent in speech clarity in a busy restaurant setting, though it didn’t handle extreme background noise quite as effectively.

Oticon Xceed

The Xceed provided powerful amplification without the feedback issues common in high-power hearing aids for those with severe-to-profound hearing loss. Our testers with severe hearing loss confirmed that the Xceed delivered clear sound even at higher volumes, making it comparable to Phonak’s Naída line.

Oticon CROS

For our single-sided deafness testing, Oticon’s CROS system (particularly the newer CROS PX) provided excellent sound transmission from the non-hearing ear. We found that Oticon’s solution offered slightly better battery life, while Phonak’s CROS system provided more seamless integration with its accessory ecosystem.

Pricing Comparison

Based on our market research and consultations with multiple audiologists, both Phonak and Oticon position their hearing aids in the premium price segment. For a pair of hearing aids, you can expect to pay $2,000-$8,000 from either brand. The final price depends on several factors, including:

• Technology level (both manufacturers offer multiple performance tiers)
• Style (in-the-ear styles typically cost more than behind-the-ear options)
• Provider services included (hearing tests, follow-up appointments, adjustments)
• Additional accessories

Connectivity and Apps

Our comparative testing of both manufacturers’ apps and connectivity options revealed significant differences:

Phonak Connectivity

Phonak’s universal Bluetooth connectivity consistently impressed us with its ability to:

• Stream audio directly from any Bluetooth-enabled device (not just smartphones)
• Connect to multiple devices simultaneously
• Offer telecoil options alongside Bluetooth for maximum versatility

The myPhonak app also provided comprehensive control options, including:

• Volume adjustments for each ear individually
• Program changes for different environments
• Sound personalization settings
• Hearing tracking statistics
• Remote support for virtual appointments with hearing professionals

Oticon Connectivity

In our evaluation of Oticon’s connectivity features, we found:

• Excellent integration with Apple devices, with direct audio streaming
• More limited functionality with Android phones (particularly for two-way calling)
• Intuitive Oticon Companion app with a user-friendly interface

Meanwhile, the Oticon companion app offered:

• Volume control and program changes
• “Find My Hearing Aid” feature
• Battery status monitoring
• Custom sound settings for different environments

While both apps performed well, Phonak’s offered more adjustment options and features, though some testers found Oticon’s interface more intuitive to navigate.

Accessories

Both manufacturers offer accessories to enhance hearing aid performance in challenging situations. Here’s what stood out in our testing:

Phonak Accessories

Roger System: We also tested Phonak’s Roger accessories, which provided exceptional speech clarity in challenging acoustic environments. The three styles—Roger Pen, Roger Select, and Roger Table Mic II—each excelled in different situations:

• Roger Pen: Allowed discrete pointing toward speakers in group settings
• Roger Select: Automatically focused on active speakers in group conversations
• Roger Table Mic II: Performed exceptionally well in business meetings and conference settings

TV Connector: This provided direct streaming from televisions to hearing aids with excellent sound quality and minimal delay.

Oticon Accessories

ConnectClip: This versatile accessory effectively turned Oticon hearing aids into wireless headsets for phone calls and streaming. The remote microphone function improved speech clarity at distances up to approximately 65 feet in our tests.

TV Adapter 3.0: This adapter provided clear audio streaming from TVs directly to hearing aids with separate volume control.

Tinnitus SoundSupport: For our testers with tinnitus, this feature (available on select models) provided noticeable relief with various customizable soothing sounds.

The Expert Take

From Kasey Craig, Au.D.

When you purchase a prescription hearing aid, your customer service experience will be based on the healthcare provider, not the company itself, as you will rarely deal with the hearing aid company directly. Make sure that you like your provider and have a good rapport, because you will likely be seeing them for regular checkups over the next 3-4 years!

Returns and Warranties

Based on our research and discussions with providers of both brands:

Phonak Warranties

• Typically 1-3 years of manufacturer coverage (varies by provider)
• Coverage for repairs and sometimes replacements
• 30-45 day trial period (varies by provider)
• Global warranty coverage for travelers

Oticon Warranties

• Typically 3-year manufacturer warranty on most models
• Coverage for repairs and one-time replacement if lost or damaged
• 30-45 day trial period (varies by provider)
• Warranty service through local providers

Both manufacturers provide similar warranty terms, though Oticon’s standard three-year coverage slightly edges Phonak’s typical coverage. During our testing, we found that warranty handling varied somewhat between individual providers rather than being strictly brand-dependent.

Methodology

Our comparison of Phonak and Oticon hearing aids involved a comprehensive evaluation process:

• Hands-on Testing: Our team tested multiple models from both manufacturers in various environments, including quiet settings, restaurants, outdoor spaces, and group conversations. Each device was worn for a minimum of 40 hours in each situation.
• Technical Evaluation: We used standardized testing protocols to assess key performance indicators such as sound quality, battery life, Bluetooth connectivity, feedback management, and app functionality.
• Comparative Analysis: We directly compared equivalent models from both brands in identical testing environments.
• Expert Consultation: We interviewed audiologists and hearing aid specialists who regularly fit Phonak and Oticon products to gather professional insights.
• User Experience: We incorporated feedback from long-term users of both brands, spanning different age groups and hearing loss profiles.
• Price Research: We contacted multiple providers to establish accurate price ranges and identify variations in service bundling.