They serve different needs rather than competing head-to-head: the Beyond Pro is a self-fit OTC device for mild-to-moderate loss at about $950 less per pair, while the HearLink 9050 is a professionally fitted prescription aid covering mild-to-severe loss with an IP68 rating and telecoil. Which is 'better' depends on your loss level and whether you want a professional involved in fitting.
Elehear Beyond Pro vs. Philips HearLink 9050
Check out our comparison of the Elehear Beyond Pro vs Philips HearLink 9050. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.
Published Updated
Quick Verdict
AI summarizedSummarized with AI assistance from our human-researched product information, in-lab testing, objective sound measurements, and expert ratings.
The real choice here is professional-fit versus self-fit: the Elehear Beyond Pro lets you self-adjust for mild-to-moderate loss at roughly $950 less, while the Philips HearLink 9050 is a professionally fitted aid built for a wider loss range and tougher IP68 durability, sold exclusively at Costco.
Beyond Pro
Choose the Elehear Beyond Pro if you have mild-to-moderate loss, want to self-fit and adjust your own settings, and don't need the highest water resistance or telecoil access — it costs roughly $950 less per pair than the HearLink 9050.
HearLink 9050
Choose the Philips HearLink 9050 if you have loss extending into the severe range, want telecoil compatibility and an IP68 rating for heavier moisture/dust exposure, and are comfortable shopping through Costco, where it's sold exclusively.
What actually separates them
AI summarizedCare model and fitting
SpecThe Beyond Pro is a self-fitting OTC device you adjust yourself, while the HearLink 9050 is a prescription aid fitted through a hearing professional — this is the biggest practical difference and should drive the decision before price does.
Hearing loss range and durability
SpecHearLink 9050 covers mild-to-severe loss and carries an IP68 rating plus a telecoil, giving it more headroom for greater loss and rougher conditions; Beyond Pro is rated IPx5 and limited to mild-to-moderate loss.
Price gap
PriceThe Beyond Pro runs about $950 cheaper per pair than the HearLink 9050, a large enough gap to matter for anyone whose loss falls in the mild-to-moderate range both devices cover.
Self-adjustment control
SpecThe Beyond Pro gives you 16 adjustment bands to fine-tune yourself, a meaningful lever for an OTC buyer who wants to shape their own sound without a clinic visit.
Product Overview
Beyond Pro
HearLink 9050
Form Factor
Form FactorThis type of hearing aid sits behind the ear. A wire runs along the top of the ear and down to a speaker sitting inside the ear canal. An custom-fitted mold may be required.
Form FactorThis type of hearing aid sits behind the ear. A wire runs along the top of the ear and down to a speaker sitting inside the ear canal. An custom-fitted mold may be required.
Expert Rating
Score
4.4
N/A
User Rating
3.52 reviews
3.619 reviews
Hearing Loss LevelHearing Loss LevelThis represents HearingTracker's best guess on suitability. Please consult a licensed audiologist to confirm your own candidacy for this device.
MildModerate
MildModerateSevere
Product Features
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroid
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidTelecoilIP68
Expert Ratings
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
Beyond Pro
HearLink 9050
HearingTracker Score
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
HearAdvisor SoundScore
Beyond Pro
4.8EXCELLENT
Elehear Beyond Pro achieved a SoundScore of 4.78/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #2 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
Build Quality
Beyond Pro
4.3AVERAGE
Elehear Beyond Pro hearing aids have an IPx5 rating, meaning you will need to protect them from moisture and dust. However, they appear to be build from quality materials and come with a robust portable charging case.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
Battery
Beyond Pro
4.0AVERAGE
Beyond have a reported battery life of up to 20 hours per charge, which is enough to get most people through the day. The case also offers on-the-go power and can recharge Elehear in around 2.5 hours, longer if the portable-charger needs to be simultaneously recharged.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
Bluetooth
Beyond Pro
5.0EXCELLENT
Beyond are Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for audio streaming and hands-free calling.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
App Features
Beyond Pro
4.5EXCELLENT
The Elehear app has a user-friendly interface and modern, appealing design. It includes practical features like volume control and a tone balance from Brighter to Deeper. At this time, Beyond are "preset-based", though you can get a more customized fit using their ElePro feature.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
Comfort
Beyond Pro
4.0AVERAGE
I found Beyond Pro fairly comfortable in spite of their larger body size. Be sure to test various ear tips to find optimal comfort and hearing benefit. You may want to try the included tulip domes as the default closed domes plug your ear significantly.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
Design
Beyond Pro
3.8BELOW AVERAGE
Beyond have a more modern receiver-in-canal design, although the body size is larger than many other hearing aids. While this should not effect comfort much, it may make them more noticeable based on your ear size and hairstyle.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
Value
Beyond Pro
4.7EXCELLENT
Elehear Beyond Pro has a value score of 4.7/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
Handling
Beyond Pro
4.5EXCELLENT
I did not run into any issues while using Beyond Pro or the Elehear mobile app. First-time users may need some practice to get accustomed to inserting the receiver-in-ear style properly.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
Pro Support
Beyond Pro
3.0ABOVE AVERAGE
Unlike many OTC devices, remote support from licensed audiologists is available through the ElePro app feature. This offers several benefits, but one we particularly liked was the ability for Elehear providers to recommend program settings based on their app or web based hearing assessment.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
Lab Recordings
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
Beyond Pro
HearLink 9050
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Beyond Pro
HearLink 9050
Lab recordings not yet available
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Beyond Pro
HearLink 9050
Lab recordings not yet available
Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Beyond Pro
HearLink 9050
Lab recordings not yet available
HearingTracker partners with HearAdvisor to provide recordings and performance data from an acoustic laboratory that follows standard scientific procedures. All hearing aids are fitted and performance-tested for mild sloping to moderate hearing loss. All audio samples cutoff above 10kHz.
Accessories
Compatible accessories for each hearing aid
Beyond Pro
HearLink 9050
Battery Charger
None
Charger Plus miniRITE+1
A fast, portable charger for traveling light and charging on the go. Charge for a full day's power in 1 hour or get 4 hours of use from a quick 15-minute charge.
HearLink desk charger
A faster contact charger for a full day’s power in one hour, or up to four hours of hearing in only 15 minutes.
Remote Control
App+1
The ELEHEAR app lets users set up and personalize the Delight hearing aids from a smartphone. It supports volume, tone, noise-control, and preset-mode adjustments, along with battery monitoring and firmware updates. The app also includes mode switching between hearing-aid use and headset/streaming use, plus extra features such as AI translation and Serene natural white-noise sounds for tinnitus masking. It is available for iOS and Android, with Bluetooth support for calls, music, and other media streaming.
AudioClip+3
The Philips AudioClip is a hearing aid accessory that serves as a remote microphone to help you better hear one-to-one conversations in noisy environments or when listening to someone speak from a distance.
Remote Control
To turn the volume up and down on your hearing aids you can use the Philips HearLink app. In case you prefer using the Philips Remote Control we have this option as well.
HearLink 2 app+2
App allows you to change programs, adjust the volume, mute your hearing aids, activate streaming options and personalize your sound. You can also use the app to connect with your hearing care specialist if you need to have your hearing aid settings adjusted remotely.
TV Streamer
None
TV Adapter
Connect the Philips TV Adapter to your TV so you hear the sound from the TV directly in your hearing aids. This allows you to watch TV at your preferred volume.
Hardware
Beyond Pro
HearLink 9050
AccelerometerAccelerometerThis hearing aid is capable of measuring acceleration through an embedded sensor.
No
Yes
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
- Bluetooth® (A2DP)
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Bluetooth® Auracast™
GyroscopeGyroscopeThis hearing aid is able to determine orientation using embedded sensors.
No
Yes
Hands-Free CallingHands-Free CallingIt is possible to have a hands-free phone call with this hearing aid. You are not required to hold the phone up to your mouth.
- Bluetooth® (HFP)
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
IP RatingIP RatingIP Ratings rate sealing effectiveness of hearing aids against intrusion from foreign solid matter (dirt, dust) and moisture.
IPx5
IP68
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
- Volume Control
- Power on/off
- Streaming start/stop
- Call accept/reject
- Program control
- Volume Control
- Mute control
- Power on/off
- Call accept/reject
- Tinnitus volume
- Airplane Mode
Rechargeable BatteriesRechargeable BatteriesCharge your batteries overnight in a docking station and get a full day's use (in most cases) of battery life the following day.
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion
Tap ControlsTap ControlsThe hearing aid may be controlled by physically tapping it with your fingers.
No
- Accept/end calls
TelecoilTelecoilThe hearing aid is able to pick up audio from landline telephones or public audio systems without using its acoustic microphones. This minimizes background noise and improves clarity and understanding, even over great distances. At performing arts venues, events, government meetings, etc., look for assistive listening systems (hearing loop, FM, and infrared systems), which must be provided at no cost under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other international regulations.
No
Yes
Software Features
Beyond Pro
HearLink 9050
Adjustment BandsAdjustment BandsThese are frequency-divided sections that can be adjusted in a hearing aid in order to amplify sounds. Although there are rarely more than 10 frequencies measured in a hearing assessment, having more bands that can be adjusted may allow for improved speech understanding and user comfort.
16
Yes
AI Noise RemovalAI Noise RemovalArtificial Intelligence is utilized to remove or modify background noise from the sound signal to help isolate speech for better speech understanding.
AI Noise CancellationAI Noise CancellationUp to 24dB noise reduction. Normally 12dB noise reduction.VOCCLEAR® 2.0VOCCLEAR® 2.0ELEHEAR's proprietary VOCCLEAR® AI technology is a synergistic system composed of six integral components: AI Feedback Control, Directionality, Directionality Enhancer, AI Noise Reduction, Speech Enhancer and Amplification. These six modules work together to enhance speech comprehension (especially in noise), and to minimize listening effort, thereby enhancing overall communication.
AI Noise ReductionAI Noise ReductionHearLink 50 quickly removes background noise with the help of AI-powered technology, so speech is easier to understand in noisy environments.
Better Ear FocusBetter Ear FocusSome modern hearing aids can share sound from one ear to the other. In some cases the sound from the less noisy side can be shared to the other ear, enabling the listener to hear a cleaner sound in both ears.
No
Yes
DirectionalityDirectionalityDepending on the types and number of microphones a hearing aid has, the hearing aid may be able to boost sounds from specific directions (by reducing sounds from other directions). This can be helpful to focus on a speaker directly in front of the hearing aid user, as well as to give the user information about where different sounds are coming from.
Dual micDual micDual microphone beamforming/directional enhancement
No
Ear SimulationEar SimulationThe outer ear, or pinna, can have a significant effect on the frequency shape of sound arriving at your inner ear. Some hearing aids mimic the "pinna effect" when producing sound, to deliver more natural sound to the listener.
No
3 options
Extended bandwidthExtended bandwidthHearing aid provides amplification at frequencies (pitches) higher than the typical hearing aid.
Yes
10kHz
Extended Dynamic RangeExtended Dynamic RangeExtended dynamic range typically makes louder sound clearer. This may help with the reproduction of loud music or loud speech in a very noisy environment.
No
Yes
Feedback SuppressionFeedback SuppressionIf any sound amplified by the hearing aid escapes the ear canal, it may reach the hearing aid’s own microphone and cause a harsh whistling noise. Some hearing aids are able to recognize when this feedback occurs and reduce or eliminate it.
Deep Neural Network Hybrid Feedback CancellationDeep Neural Network Hybrid Feedback CancellationDNN based adaptive feedback cancelation to prevent the howling/whistling,
Yes
Frequency LoweringFrequency LoweringUnderstanding certain speech sounds is dependent on the high frequency parts of these sounds. For individuals with high frequency hearing loss, this feature can take high frequency speech information and move it to lower frequencies where it will be audible.
No
Yes
Handling noise reductionHandling noise reductionReduces noises related to hearing aid movement on the ear and noises related to hands or objects touching the hearing aid while worn.
No
Yes
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
5
4
New User AdaptationNew User AdaptationProvider may set the hearing aid to gradually get louder over the first few weeks or months of a new hearing aid fitting. This can be convenient for new users who want to experience maximum benefit without making a lot of trips to the provider for tune ups.
No
Yes
Power On DelayPower On DelayWhen you close the battery door to turn on your hearing aid, the hearing aid won't start producing sound for a certain amount of time. This can alleviate whistling (feedback) sound that sometimes occurs while inserting your hearing aid.
Yes
No
Processing ChannelsProcessing ChannelsThese are all the frequency-divided sections the hearing aid is able to examine at a single time. The hearing aid uses this information to determine whether the contents of each section are noise, speech, or something else and amplify the sound in each section accordingly.
64
64
Soft Speech BoostSoft Speech BoostMore aggressive amplification for softer speech sounds
No
Yes
Spatial AwarenessSpatial AwarenessListening to sound through hearing aids is not a natural experience, and your ability to tell where a sound is coming from may be impacted by the way sounds are amplified with hearing aids. Some hearing aids attempt to fix this problem by preserving cues to sound localization like between-ear level differences, etc.
No
4 options
Spatial Noise CancellationSpatial Noise CancellationThis feature recognizes where sounds are coming from and can reduce noise coming from behind or to the side of the listener. This helps the listener focus on the speaker, usually in front of them.
No
Yes
Streaming Bass BoostStreaming Bass BoostBoosts bass when streaming audio
No
Yes
Sudden Loud Noise ReductionSudden Loud Noise ReductionThis feature detects loud sounds and reduces their volume to a comfortable level. Though not a replacement for hearing protection, this technology can greatly improve listener comfort.
Yes
SoundProtect Transient Noise Reduction: 6 optionsSoundProtect Transient Noise ReductionThis feature detects loud sounds and reduces their volume to a comfortable level. Though not a replacement for hearing protection, this technology can greatly improve listener comfort.
Tinnitus ReliefTinnitus ReliefTinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be addressed by hearing aids in several different ways, such as introducing a soft therapeutic signal or targeted notched noise.
Yes
Tinnitus SoundSupportTinnitus SoundSupportTinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be addressed by hearing aids in several different ways, such as introducing a soft therapeutic signal or targeted notched noise.
Unique Amplification StrategyUnique Amplification StrategyHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
No
SoundGuideSoundGuideBy using motion sensing technology to detect whether they are walking on a noisy street, sitting down with a loved one over coffee, or out and about with a group of friends, speech and other important sounds are now clearer than ever.SoundMap 3SoundMap 3SoundMap 3 uses AI Noise Reduction (AR-NR) and advanced directionality to carefully remove noise and prioritize speech in noisy environments...Speech ClarifierSpeech ClarifierSpeech Clarifier makes speech stand out in noise.
Wind Noise ReductionWind Noise ReductionAs wind blows against the microphones of hearing aids, unpleasant noise may be generated. Some hearing aids have the ability to recognize this wind noise and reduce its level. Such reductions may also affect the audibility of desired sounds, like speech.
Yes
SoundProtect Wind Noise ManagementSoundProtect Wind Noise ManagementAs wind blows against the microphones of hearing aids, unpleasant noise may be generated. Some hearing aids have the ability to recognize this wind noise and reduce its level. Such reductions may also affect the audibility of desired sounds, like speech.
Bottom Line
AI summarizedThe Verdict
If your hearing loss is mild-to-moderate and you want to control your own settings without going through a clinic, the Beyond Pro's $950 lower price and 16-band self-adjustment make it the more efficient buy.
If your loss extends further, or you want telecoil access and IP68-rated durability, the HearLink 9050's prescription fitting and broader loss coverage justify the higher cost — just know it's sold only through Costco.
Which is right for you?
Neither choice is about chasing features for their own sake: the Beyond Pro suits someone comfortable managing their own hearing aid, while the HearLink 9050 suits someone who wants a professional involved and needs the extra headroom for more severe loss.
Before you buy
AI summarizedConfirm your loss falls in Beyond Pro's range
Beyond Pro only covers mild-to-moderate loss, so if a recent hearing test shows severe loss, the HearLink 9050 is the only one of the two built for that.
Try Beyond Pro's self-fitting app first
Since Beyond Pro is self-fit, spend time in its app adjusting the 16 bands during any return window before deciding it's right for you.
Ask about Costco's fitting process for the HearLink 9050
The HearLink 9050 is sold only at Costco, so plan your purchase and follow-up visits around that channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
AI summarizedNo. The Beyond Pro is rated for mild-to-moderate hearing loss only; the Philips HearLink 9050 extends to severe loss, so it's the appropriate choice if your loss is more advanced.
The HearLink 9050 is sold exclusively at Costco. The Elehear Beyond Pro is not tied to a single retailer in the data we have.
No — it's an OTC device designed for self-fitting, with 16 adjustment bands you can tune yourself through its app. The HearLink 9050, by contrast, is a prescription aid fitted by a hearing professional.
It's worth the difference if you need its wider mild-to-severe loss coverage, IP68 durability, or telecoil compatibility — features the Beyond Pro doesn't offer. If your loss is mild-to-moderate and you're comfortable self-fitting, the Beyond Pro covers the same core range for less.