Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Eargo 7

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are wireless earbuds that offer hearing aid functionality. They are suitable for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss and come with features such as Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Transparency, and Conversation Boost, all aimed to improve hearing in various environments.

Eargo 7 provides clear speech for those with mild hearing loss, especially in quieter settings, but lacks wireless streaming.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 achieved a SoundScore of 3.56/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #27 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.

The Eargo 7 achieved a SoundGrade of B and ranked in the top 59% in the OTC Hearing Aid category. While this places it in the upper half of OTC devices tested, its overall sound score of 3.09/5 falls below the category average of 3.43, reflecting weaknesses in noise handling and feedback performance.

The build quality is solid with a sleek case, but the IP54 rating means they are not as water-resistant as you might expect. People commonly report them lasting 2-3 years, which is conveniently consistent with Apple's product cycles.

Eargo 7 hearing aids appear to be well build with an IPX7 rating, making them sufficiently durable against moisture which is important given their deep ear canal placement. The portable charging case is also a nice addition and should protect Eargo well when not in use.

Airpods Pro Gen 2 battery life is disappointingly short at around 6 hours, less based on usage and settings. However, they recharge quickly in the case which works well as they are more intended for situational use.

Eargo are extremely small making their 16 hour rechargeable battery life impressive. The case offers additional on-the-go power and I found the magnetic charging bays a nice easy to use addition.

I have found Bluetooth to work almost flawlessly on iPhones, offering a solid connection every time. I can't speak for Android devices though Apple reports they are fully compatible with other Bluetooth devices.

Not yet rated by our experts

AirPods Pro 2 offer impressive and useful features for an advanced earbud. I particularly like the ability to take an app based hearing test, or directly upload hearing thresholds. While the menu system is not user-friendly, you also have other options for personalizing your experience such as active noise cancellation.

I found Eargo's app to be packed full of useful features like the Sound Match hearing assessment and automatic noise reduction controls. You have plenty of options for personalization though adjustments are not always reliable as Eargo relies on phone speaker commands instead of Bluetooth.

I find them generally comfortable but have experienced some ear soreness with long-term use. Some people have also noted struggling with keeping them in place however, this will depend on your ears and uses.

Comfort will vary by individuals depending on your tolerance to a deeper fitting hearing aid. Overall, I found them moderately comfortable through they can cause a tickling ear sensation due to their fit.

Like most Apple products, Airpods Pro are iconic. They are very noticeable due to their brilliant white color and shape. While your opinion may differ, most people regard them as stylish and well designed.

Eargo's instant-fit, completely-in-the-canal, style is unique discrete. If you are interested in a nearly-invisible OTC hearing aid you will love their design.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 has a value score of 4.7/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

The Eargo 7 has a value rating of 2.1, reflecting its premium pricing relative to sound performance compared to other products tested.

I find Bluetooth pairing and general use exceptionally easy. However, navigating the deeper personalization features, and touch controls, could be more user friendly.

Handling can be challenging with Eargo 7 due to the small size and reliance on tap controls. Furthermore, Eargo relies on acoustic indicators for wireless communication, which is less reliable than Bluetooth and caused me several problems.

These are advanced earbuds, not hearing aids, so expect only tech support from Apple’s customer service.

Eargo is one of the first direct to consumer hearing aids, but support is unfortunately limited to to their Client Care team and personal hearing professionals. While Eargo claims they work alongside audiologists, it is not the same as direct professional hearing care.