Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs. Lexie Lumen

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are wireless earbuds that offer hearing aid functionality. Our tests show they effectively amplify speech in everyday situations. While background noise can be challenging, proper tuning and reducing ambient noise reduction pushes the AirPods Pro 3 closer to being a truly competitive OTC hearing aid.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 achieved a SoundScore of 3.38/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.

Lexie Lumen achieved a SoundScore of 3.73/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #22 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.

The build quality is solid with a pocket-worthy portable case. AirPods 3 also have a slightly improved IP57 rating meaning they should offer better protection from debris and moisture. AirPods commonly last around 2-3 years.

Lexie Lumen hearing aids boast a good IP67 ingress rating, with a build that's better than other OTC products but not as robust as newer prescription models. The buttons are reliable, though the slimtube design feels a bit outdated.

Airpods Pro 3 offer around 10 hours of use per charge with their Hearing Aid feature. This is an improvement over the previous generation. While this still may not be enough for all-day use, recharge time is fast with several quick-charge options.

You may be disappointed that Lumen are not rechargeable and require a disposable 312 battery. However, the batteries should last you several days, and can offer greater convenience at times, though this makes them more susceptible to water damage.

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 3 offer impressive and useful features to aid speech clarity. 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.

The Lexie app provides good features without being too complicated. Personalizing Lumen with the in-app hearing test is also a nice touch and highly recommended.

AirPods Pro 3 are generally comfortable, though my initial impressions favor the fit of the previous Gen 2. With that said, Apple claims to have improved the overall fit with improved ergonomics and new foam-infused ear tips.

I found Lexie comfortable though the slimtubes are more noticeable than the newer earwire receivers. The body is also larger than many new hearing aids though this did not drastically effect comfort.

AirPods Pro are unmistakably Apple with their sleek, bright white, aesthetic. You will want to look elsewhere if you are searching for a discrete hearing solution. Furthermore, earbuds are commonly associated with being distracted or disconnected and people will not know that you are using them as hearing aids to stay present and engaged in conversation.

The design is slightly older, featuring slimtubes and disposable batteries. Despite this, the hearing aids, multi-function buttons, and app function well together.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 has a value score of 5.0/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Lexie Lumen has a value score of 4.2/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

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

Behind-the-ear hearing aids like the Lumen can be tricky to handle at first, but most people can use them without issue with practice. Some users might find changing disposable batteries inconvenient compared to rechargeable options.

You can receive technical support from Apple, but no audiologic support is offered at this time. You may be able to find a hearing care provider willing to assist with programming your AirPods Pro based on your needs.

Like most OTC products, Lumen do not include in-person care. However, Lexie does offer remote support from their hearing experts along with a unique incentivizing reward system.