Phonak vs. Starkey: Our Hearing Aid Comparison

Phonak Hearing Aids Overview

Phonak has been pushing the boundaries of hearing aid technology since the 1970s when they introduced the first behind-the-ear hearing aid. During our testing period with Phonak devices, we were consistently impressed by their sound clarity and ability to handle challenging listening environments.

What truly makes Phonak stand out is its connectivity innovations. They were the first manufacturer to offer hearing aids that could connect via Bluetooth to any cell phone, not just smartphones. This allows users to stream calls, music, podcasts, and other audio directly to their hearing aids without being restricted to specific phone brands. The connection remained consistently reliable when we tested this feature across various phones.

>> Read more: The Best Phones for Seniors

Phonak’s current product lineup includes various styles to match different user preferences and hearing needs:

• Audeo (Receiver-in-Canal): Their most popular style, available in their latest Infinio platform.
• Naída (Behind-the-Ear): Specialized for severe to profound hearing loss.
• Virto (Custom In-the-Ear): Custom-fitted options, including titanium models.
• CROS: Solutions for single-sided hearing loss.
• Lyric: A unique extended-wear solution that can be worn for months without removal.

We found Phonak’s Lumity and Infinio platforms particularly impressive for maintaining speech clarity in noisy environments. The built-in Roger technology in these platforms allows direct connection to Roger microphones without requiring additional receivers, making them excellent for understanding speech in challenging acoustic situations.

When we tested the myPhonak app, we appreciated its comprehensive features, including remote adjustments from hearing care professionals, tracking of wearing time, and personalized settings for different acoustic environments.

To learn more about our hands-on experience with these devices, check out our comprehensive Phonak hearing aids review.

Starkey Hearing Aids Overview

Starkey Hearing Technologies, a privately owned American company with over 50 years in the industry, has established itself as a global leader in hearing aid innovation. When testing their devices, we were particularly impressed by their commitment to integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence into hearing aids.

The star features of Starkey’s current lineup are its health monitoring capabilities and AI technology. Unlike any other major hearing aid manufacturer, Starkey has implemented fall detection in its AI-powered devices, which can automatically alert selected contacts if the wearer falls, similar to dedicated medical alert systems, but built right into hearing aids.

We also found the Edge AI model’s battery life particularly impressive – up to 51 hours on a single 3.5-hour charge, one of the longest in the industry. The sound quality is enhanced by their G2 Neuro Processor, which uses a Deep Neural Network to process language similarly to how the brain would, providing real-time adaptation to different sound environments.

Starkey’s current product lineup includes:

• Edge AI: Their most advanced model with superior waterproofing and sound performance
• Genesis AI: Combines excellent sound quality with health tracking features
• Signature Series: The first invisible, completely-in-canal rechargeable hearing aids
• Evolv AI: Available in traditional behind-the-ear style with AI processing capabilities

During our testing, we found the Thrive Hearing Control app to be intuitive and feature-rich, allowing for easy adjustments to volume and sound settings. The Thrive Care app, on the other hand, enables sharing health metrics with caregivers, a valuable feature for seniors who want to maintain independence while keeping loved ones informed of their well-being.

To explore our complete hands-on analysis of Starkey hearing aids, read our detailed Starkey hearing aids review.

Performance Comparison

In our side-by-side performance comparisons between Phonak and Starkey hearing aids, we found that both manufacturers deliver exceptional sound quality despite excelling in different listening situations.

Quiet Environments

Both brands performed admirably in quiet home environments. Phonak’s advanced models, particularly those with Lumity and Infinio technology, provided exceptional clarity and natural sound reproduction for conversations and music listening. Their directional microphone technology created a comprehensive soundscape that closely mimics natural hearing.

Starkey’s Edge AI and Genesis AI models performed equally well in quiet settings, with their Deep Neural Network processing delivering natural-sounding voices and minimal background interference. We found that many users couldn’t distinguish a significant difference between the brands in optimal listening conditions during our testing.

Complex Listening Environments

The real differences emerged in challenging acoustic environments like restaurants or crowded venues. Phonak’s Ultra Focus mode and sophisticated noise reduction effectively isolated conversations from background noise. Their Roger accessories provided an additional advantage, making them particularly suitable for users who frequently find themselves in noisy social settings.

Starkey’s Edge Mode also showed impressive capabilities in our testing. It features on-demand AI that can be activated with a tap when entering difficult listening environments. We found this feature particularly useful in restaurants, where it effectively isolated speech from background noise.

>> More Options: The Best Hearing Aids with Background Noise Reduction

The Expert Take

From Kasey Craig

If you have tinnitus, sometimes wearing hearing aids, even without a tinnitus program activated, will make it no longer noticeable. However, if tinnitus is your main concern, it is a good idea to make sure that the hearing aid you choose has tinnitus program options.

Connectivity

Phonak holds a significant advantage in terms of connectivity options. Their ability to connect to any Bluetooth-enabled phone, not just smartphones, provides greater flexibility for users. We found this universal connectivity a major benefit during our testing, especially for seniors who haven’t upgraded to the latest smartphone models.

Starkey’s connectivity is still impressive, with direct streaming capabilities for both Apple and Android devices. However, for optimal functionality, it requires more current smartphone models which may be limiting for some senior users.

Battery Life

Battery performance varies between models in both brands. Phonak’s rechargeable models offer excellent longevity, while their disposable battery options provide flexibility for users who prefer traditional power sources.

In our testing, Starkey’s Edge AI models demonstrated superior battery performance, with rechargeable models lasting up to 51 hours per charge. This extended battery life is particularly valuable for users who heavily utilize streaming features that typically drain batteries more quickly.

Severe Hearing Loss Solutions

Both manufacturers offer specialized solutions for users with severe to profound hearing loss. Phonak’s Naída models are designed to address severe-to-profound hearing loss with powerful sound amplification. They are also compatible with cochlear implants.

Starkey’s power BTE models also provide effective solutions for severe hearing loss, though in our comparative testing for this specific need, Phonak’s Naída models typically received slightly higher user satisfaction ratings.

>>Read more: The Best Hearing Aids for Severe Hearing Loss

Features Comparison

Both Phonak and Starkey incorporate advanced technologies, but their feature sets have different focuses.

AI and Sound Processing

Both manufacturers utilize artificial intelligence for sound processing, but with different approaches.

Phonak’s AI focuses primarily on sound quality enhancement, with their Lumity and Infinio platforms using neural networks to distinguish between speech and noise. This could result in more explicit conversations in complex sound environments. We tested this feature in various settings and found it particularly effective in situations with multiple speakers.

Starkey takes AI further by incorporating health monitoring capabilities. Their Edge AI and Genesis AI hearing aids not only enhance sound but also track physical activity, such as steps taken and time spent standing or moving. In our testing, we found these health metrics to be surprisingly accurate, almost similar to dedicated fitness trackers.

>> On That Note: FitBit for Seniors – Review and Pricing Guide

Special Features

Starkey stands out with its fall detection technology, and could be a runner-up for our list of the best fall detection devices. During our controlled testing of this feature, it reliably detected simulated falls and sent alerts to designated contacts. Integrating safety features into hearing aids represents a significant advancement for senior users concerned about falls.

Phonak’s unique offering is its Lyric extended-wear hearing aid, which can be worn continuously for months without removal. This “invisible” solution simultaneously addresses hearing needs and cosmetic concerns. When we interviewed Lyric users, many expressed high satisfaction with the convenience of not having to remove or charge their hearing aids.

>> Similar Options: The Best Invisible Hearing Aids of 2025

Accessory Ecosystem

Both manufacturers offer comprehensive accessory ecosystems to enhance hearing in specific situations.

Phonak’s Roger wireless microphone technology impressed us during testing in large group settings and lectures. The Roger Pen, Roger Select, and Roger Table Mic II all significantly improved speech understanding at a distance or in noisy environments.

Starkey’s accessory lineup includes the Table Microphone, TV Streamer, and Remote Microphone+, which performed similarly well in our evaluations. Their accessories integrate seamlessly with AI-powered hearing aids, offering an enhanced listening experience in challenging environments.

Pricing Comparison

Phonak and Starkey both position themselves as premium hearing aid manufacturers, and their pricings reflect this high-end status. For context, MDHearing, an OTC brand, offers hearing aids for as low as $300 for a pair, and Jabra Enhance hearing aids cost as low as $995 for a pair.

Phonak hearing aids typically range from $1,000 to $4,000 per device, meaning a pair will usually cost between $2,000 and $8,000. These prices vary based on the technology level, style, and features. During our market survey, we found that their Lyric subscription model costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually depending on the provider.

Starkey hearing aids fall into a similar price range, usually between $1,000 and $4,000 per device, with pairs costing $2,000 to $8,000. Their most advanced AI models with health tracking features typically command prices at the higher end of this spectrum.

For both brands, pricing varies significantly depending on the provider, location, technology level, and included services. While these prices seem high, they often include professional fitting services, follow-up appointments, and adjustments for the life of the hearing aid.

Warranties and Support Comparison

Both Phonak and Starkey offer comprehensive warranties and support services, though terms vary by the specific hearing health provider.

Warranties

Phonak warranties typically range from one to four years, depending on the model and provider. These warranties generally cover manufacturing defects and may include damage protection. Our research found that many providers offer extended warranty options for an additional cost.

Starkey warranties usually cover one to three years and include similar protections for defects in materials and workmanship. Their coverage terms can vary significantly by provider, with some offering enhanced loss and damage protection.

Unlike brands like Eargo, which offer standardized warranties by the model, Phonak and Starkey warranties will depend largely on the vendor from which you purchase them.

Professional Support

Both manufacturers sell their hearing aids exclusively through licensed hearing health care professionals, ensuring personalized fitting and ongoing support.

For Phonak users, the myPhonak app enables remote support from hearing care providers, allowing adjustments without in-person visits. When we tested this feature, we found it particularly convenient for minor adjustments and troubleshooting.

Starkey offers similar remote support through its Thrive app, which allows virtual appointments and remote fine-tuning. Additionally, its TeleHear feature lets audiologists make real-time adjustments to hearing aids remotely, which proved valuable during our pandemic-era testing.

The Expert Take

From Kasey Craig

With all prescription hearing aids, your customer service experience will depend more on your healthcare provider than the hearing aid company, because you usually don’t deal directly with the hearing aid company. Make sure to ask what is included in customer service, for example, follow-up visits.

Customer Service

Both companies maintain strong customer service reputations, though the direct customer experience is primarily determined by the local provider rather than the manufacturer.

Both brands received high marks for durability and long-term support in our customer satisfaction surveys. Users particularly appreciated both companies’ global service networks, which allow for warranty service while traveling internationally.