Audicus Omni 2 vs. Lucid Hearing Tala

Audicus Omni 2 is a polished “premium OTC” RIC built on proven Sonova/Unitron tech, with a smaller design, strong speech enhancement in quieter settings, reliable universal Bluetooth and hands-free calling, and a simple, capable app, but its rechargeable battery life is only middling and the remote-care model feels more limited and less modern than some top direct-to-consumer competitors.

While it features customizable sound settings through the Lucid Hearing app and boasts a 16-hour battery life, it lacks ear-level controls and has subpar Bluetooth audio quality, making it a mixed bag for users.

Audicus Omni 2 achieved a SoundScore of 4.32/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #8 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.

Lucid Tala achieved a SoundScore of 4.64/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #3 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.

I found the build quality of Omni Series 2 top-notch which is consistent with a prescription hearing aid redesigned for the OTC market. With a durable ingress rating of IP68, these hearing aids should last many years with a good maintenance regiment.

Tala is an impressive OTC hearing aid though it does not seem to have the best build quality. I found the plastic casing of Tala and the charging case

Omni Series 2 have a 16 hour battery life, which less than many other prescription level hearing aids. However, Audicus also offers a disposable battery option which you may prefer based on your needs and preferences.

Tala hearing aids packs some impressive features, but the build quality isn't great. Both the hearing aids and portable charger appear to be made of thin plastic, which aligns with its lower ingress rating of IP22.

Omni Series 2 are Made for All (MFA) with Universal Bluetooth compatibility for iOS and Android devices. I found the Bluetooth features highly reliable and easy to use, just as you would expect with reputable hearing aids. Various wireless accessories are also available which can be very useful.

I was pleased to learn that Tala offer audio streaming and hands-free calls for both iOS and Android, but make sure you purchase the right version as they are mobile OS specific. While the audio quality is not great, it is still a great feature to have.

The app is user-friendly, with many handy features such as hearing based personalization and multi-band adjustments. You should find plenty of tools to tailor Omni 2 to your preferences.

Lucid's app offers many useful features, like the 7-band equalizer LucidShape, and recently received an update improving the overall appearance. You will definitely want to use the app to get the most out of Tala hearing aids.

I found Omni Series 2 very comfortable with their slim design and modern earwire design. You will also have plenty of options to improve fit and sound with different ear tips, earwire sizes, and expert remote support.

I found Tala lightweight and had no issues with them fitting and staying in my ears. They are not as occluding as some other earbud-like hearing aids so I felt less plugged, though this can hurt audio performance in various ways.

Sleek and modern, Omni Series 2 feature a contemporary earwire receiver design and come with a strong charging case. This showcases Audicus's, and their parent company Sonova's, renowned quality.

Tala hearing aids have an interesting earbud-like design that stands out, but it is not the most modern-looking option available. Its bright white color also makes it very noticeable in ear which can be good or bad depending on your preferences.

Audicus Omni 2 has a value score of 3.7/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Lucid Tala has a value score of 3.7/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Overall, my experience using Omni 2 was straightforward with no major issues. There are many options for personalizing Omni 2, such as the app and remote case, which were easy to use and worth taking advantage of to get the most out these hearing aids.

Tala are easy to use, but they lack physical buttons, so you'll need to use the app for adjustments. The included case also works well, but be careful to place the left and right hearing aids in the correct charging slots.

Audicus provides superior support compared to many OTC hearing aid companies, offering remote phone and email assistance from hearing experts. While the remote programming works effectively, it feels a bit outdated compared to what other modern prescription hearing aids offer.

Lucid is a step above some other OTC companies as they offer lifetime support from licensed professionals. This is not the same as in person can but it is a great addition even for those familiar with hearing aids.