Check out our comparison of the Audien Hearing Atom X vs Eargo 8. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
A clever touchscreen charging case and long battery life modernize Audien's budget lineup—but speech clarity (especially in noise) still trails many OTC rivals.
Read full reviewEargo 8 is Eargo's latest flagship OTC hearing aid, featuring automatic sound environment adjustments, enhanced audio fidelity, and patented device-health monitoring. Designed for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, it emphasizes user convenience, extended battery life, and robust customer support.
Read full reviewAudien Atom X achieved a SoundScore of 2.98/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #9 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.
Eargo 8 achieved a SoundScore of 2.85/5 and a SoundGrade of C in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #39 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.
Audien Atom X hearing aids lack an IP rating, so they might not be the best against moisture or dust. While using them they feel decently built and they do come with an excellent portable charging case.
Eargo 8 hearing aids appear to be well build with an IP68 rating, offering great protection against moisture and debris. The portable charging case is also a nice addition and should protect Eargo well when not in use.
Atom X offer up to 12 hours of battery life, which is less than many of Audien's hearing aids. Recharging will take roughly 3-4 hours, with the case offering several additional full charges.
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.
Atom X offer wireless control and streaming for both iOS and Android. This is the key new addition for Atom X and I found it to work very well.
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 found Atom X more comfortable than Atom Pro 2, though other hearing aids will likely offer you a better fit and overall comfort.
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.
The design of Atom X falls between a custom hearing aid and wireless earbud. They are only available in a medical beige color, which is meant to match skin color, but will not suit everyone.
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.
Audien Atom X has a value score of 3.9/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
Eargo 8 has a value score of 2.0/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
Atom X is the most user friendly hearing aid I have tried from Audien Hearing to date. The physical buttons are large and the bright touchscreen feature is a great addition.
Handling can be challenging with Eargo 8 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.
Like many OTC products, Audien does not offer remote assistance from hearing experts, support is limited to email and phone customer support.
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.
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
Compatible accessories for each hearing aid
The Eargo 8 charger is a compact, USB-C and wireless-compatible case that provides up to 14 full charges, with clear LED indicators for device and case battery levels, Bluetooth pairing, and error states. It includes cradles with charging contacts, a reset button, and requires regular cleaning to ensure optimal device performance and hygiene.
The Eargo app allows users to perform Sound Match personalization, select listening programs, and control volume and tone.
The Eargo app allows users to perform Sound Match personalization, select listening programs, and control volume and tone.