Eargo Link vs. JVC EH-Z1500

The Link by Eargo is an over-the-counter hearing aid designed to offer discreet and user-friendly hearing enhancement. It features advanced sound processing technology, competitive pricing, and has been positively reviewed by independent labs for its performance and reliability.

The JVC EH-Z1500 OTC Hearing Aid is a high-quality, over-the-counter device designed to enhance hearing clarity and comfort for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. It features advanced sound processing technology, a discreet design, and easy-to-use controls, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable hearing solution.

The Eargo Link achieved a SoundGrade of B and ranked in the top 23% in the OTC Hearing Aid category. With a SoundScore of 4.00/5, it performs above the category average of 3.43, demonstrating competitive overall sound quality in HearAdvisor's standardized testing protocol.

JVC EH-Z1500 achieved a SoundScore of 3.92/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #15 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.

The Eargo Link seem to be a slight regression in build quality and have an IP54 rating, which is lower than other Eargo models. This means they are not water-proof and will require extra care to continue working well long term.

JVC hearing aids boast an impressive 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 The buttons are reliable, though the slimtube design feels a bit outdated.

I liked the portable charging case and magnetic locks. However, the 9 hour rechargeable battery life means they will not last all day and will be better suited for situational use rather than all-day hearing help.

You may be disappointed that these hearing aids 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 was impressed with Eargo Link's audio quality for both streaming and hands-free calls. The Bluetooth 5.3 compatibility is a significant upgrade from Eargo's other products that don't support streaming.

Not yet rated by our experts

Not yet rated by our experts

The Tuned app provides good features without being too complicated. Personalizing these hearing aids with the in-app hearing test is also a nice touch. For a more accurate fit, input hearing thresholds from an audiologic evaluation.

Link were moderately comfortable in my ears and feel like typical wireless earbuds. I was able to switch through the included ear tips to find the right fit for both comfort and sound quality.

I found JVC hearing aids 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.

With their modern earbud-like appearance, Link is definitely more bold than other Eargo models. While I like the earbud look, you will have to decide whether you prefer a more discrete hearing aid option.

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

The Eargo Link offers solid performance for its $799 price point, though several competitors in the same price range achieve higher scores.

JVC EH-Z1500 has a value score of 3.9/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Instead of typical multi-function buttons, Link uses touch sensors. These worked well, and more reliably than other products I've tested, though the app would be a nice addition for manual controls.

Behind-the-ear hearing aids like these 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.

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.

Like most OTC products, JVC does not include in-person care. However, the app offers both remote programming services from JVC providers as well as various educational guides to help with better hearing.