Fortell AI Hearing Aids vs. Phonak Audéo Infinio Ultra

Fortell delivers the best background-noise performance we've seen, but its aggressive processing, lack of Android connectivity, and limited in-person clinic network are important tradeoffs.

Phonak’s Infinio Sphere delivers genuinely standout speech clarity in loud, noisy places thanks to its DEEPSONIC “Sphere mode,” but you’ll trade some discretion and may wrestle with fit or Bluetooth pairing to get that top-tier performance.

Fortell AI Hearing Aids achieved a SoundScore of 6.0/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 4.19/5.

Phonak Sphere Infinio Ultra achieved a SoundScore of 4.9/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #3 of 39 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 4.19/5.

Fortell AI Hearing Aids feel well built, though their IP54 rating offers less water and debris resistance than many prescription hearing aids, which commonly carry a higher IP68 rating. As with any hearing aid, regular cleaning and proper care will help keep them performing well over time.

Phonak Audéo Sphere Ultra have an excellent build quality with a robust, portable charging case and a high ingress rating of IP68.

Fortell states that its hearing aids last around 24 hours per charge in the default All-day AI mode, so they should easily last a full day even if you rely heavily on the more processing-intensive “All voices” or “Front voices” programs.

Ultra is designed to deliver all-day use, with battery-life figures of up to 56 hours under ideal conditions (i.e., in quiet with no streaming) and about 10-11 hours when Sphere mode is continuously engaged. They take 3 to 4 hours to recharge, and a 30-minute quick charge can provide an additional 6 hours of use.

While Fortell AI Hearing Aids support hands-free calling and audio streaming on iOS devices, they currently do not support Android, and the company has not announced a timeline for Android compatibility.

Phonak Infinio Ultra are compatible with both iOS and Android, offering wireless audio streaming and hands-free calls. Pairing is now easier directly from your phone's Bluetooth menu.

The Fortell app offers useful controls for volume, a 3-band EQ, and several AI listening modes. While I found it easy to use and sufficiently flexible, it is more limited than many competing apps, with no tinnitus features, health tracking, or other extras.

I found the MyPhonak Hearing Aid app easy to use with many useful features, including health and fitness tracking.

I found Fortell AI Hearing Aids comfortable and similar in fit to other prescription receiver-in-canal hearing aids. Although the body is slightly larger than many competing devices, it should fit comfortably behind most ears without interfering with glasses or causing retention issues. Your provider can help you fine-tune your fit in office.

Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio Ultra were extremely comfortable and lightweight in my ears. In general, hearing care providers can make numerous physical changes to prescription hearing aids to improve comfort.

Fortell AI Hearing Aids use a familiar receiver-in-canal design with a slightly larger body than many other "micro" prescription devices. However, they remain fairly discreet behind the ear. Several colors are currently available with more to come later in 2026.

Phonak's new Audéo Sphere Infinio Ultra model shares the same notably larger size as the original Phonak Infinio Sphere. This is needed for its increased AI processing. While the larger size may be more noticeable, Sphere Ultra remains comfortable, and your provider should have no trouble adjusting the fit to your preference.

Fortell AI Hearing Aids has a value score of 3.2/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Phonak Sphere Infinio Ultra has a value score of 3.5/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

I found Fortell AI Hearing Aids easy to use and comparable to other receiver-in-canal devices. The app, charging case, and physical buttons all worked well, making day-to-day handling straightforward and giving me easy access to the controls I needed.

Infinio Ultra are easy to use and adjust using either the large multi-function button or MyPhonak app. I had no issues making adjustments with either.

Fortell AI Hearing Aids are professionally fit and supported, but access is currently more limited than with major prescription hearing aid brands. In-person care is available in only a handful of major metropolitan areas, though additional clinics are planned. Fortell also offers fully remote care across 30 states, which expands access considerably for those comfortable with telehealth.

Prescription hearing aids like Infinio Sphere Ultra are fit by hearing care providers so you should receive quality care. The MyPhonak app also opens the possibility for remote programming and virtual follow-up appointments.