Only if the Horizon Mini IX's smaller, completely-in-canal shell is essential to you. The Active Pro IX costs roughly $2,600 less per pair and adds IP68 water/dust resistance plus iPhone and Android connectivity that the Horizon Mini IX's spec list doesn't include.
hear.com Horizon Mini IX vs. Signia Active Pro IX
Check out our comparison of the hear.com Horizon Mini IX vs Signia Active Pro IX. 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 is size versus connectivity and cost: the Horizon Mini IX is the more discreet completely-in-canal device, while the Signia Active Pro IX adds IP68 durability and iPhone/Android connectivity for about $2,600 less per pair.
Horizon Mini IX
Choose the hear.com Horizon Mini IX if you want the smallest, most discreet completely-in-canal fit and are willing to pay roughly $2,600 more for that size and hear.com's included support.
Active Pro IX
Choose the Signia Active Pro IX if you want IP68 water/dust protection, iPhone hands-free calling, and Android Bluetooth streaming in an earbud-like design that costs roughly $2,600 less per pair.
What actually separates them
AI summarizedWater/dust protection
SpecActive Pro IX carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance; no such rating is listed for the Horizon Mini IX, so if you sweat heavily or want peace of mind in wet conditions, that's a real practical edge for the Signia.
Connectivity for calls and streaming
SpecActive Pro IX supports Made-for-iPhone hands-free calling plus Android (ASHA) and Bluetooth LE streaming, giving Android and iPhone owners alike direct calls and audio; the Horizon Mini IX's feature list doesn't include this connectivity.
Form factor and discretion
SpecThe Horizon Mini IX is built as a completely-in-canal device for near-invisibility, while the Active Pro IX uses an earbud-like instant-fit canal design; pick based on how much you prioritize invisibility versus a more modern, visible earbud look.
Price
PriceThe Active Pro IX is the cheaper pair by about $2,600, a large enough gap to matter unless the Horizon Mini IX's smaller size is a must-have for you.
Product Overview
Horizon Mini IX
Active Pro IX
Form Factor
Expert Rating
N/A
Score
4.5
User Rating
—
3.01 reviews
Hearing Loss Level
MildModerate
MildModerate
Product Features
Rechargeable
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidIP68
Expert Ratings
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
Horizon Mini IX
Active Pro IX
HearingTracker Score
Horizon Mini IX
Not yet rated by our experts
Active Pro IX
4.5EXCELLENT
The Signia Active Pro IX offers the functionality of a high-performance hearing aid in a sleek, earbud-like design, making it ideal for those who value both modern aesthetics and advanced hearing enhancement. Lab tests showed strong performance in speech clarity and music streaming, though its instant-fit design has some limitations, such as reduced feedback handling and lack of custom-fit personalization.
Read full reviewHearAdvisor SoundScore
Horizon Mini IX
Not yet rated by our experts
Active Pro IX
4.6EXCELLENT
Signia Active Pro IX achieved a SoundScore of 4.6/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #8 of 39 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 4.19/5.
Build Quality
Horizon Mini IX
Not yet rated by our experts
Active Pro IX
4.9EXCELLENT
Active Pro IX has an IP rating of 68, meaning it has excellent protection against dust and moisture. This is consistent with my hands-on testing which suggested it is built well and will hold-up to daily use.
Battery
Horizon Mini IX
Not yet rated by our experts
Active Pro IX
4.4ABOVE AVERAGE
I love the all-day rechargeable battery life of Active Pro IX. Even with 5 hours of audio streaming, you can expect around 29 hours of user per charge.
Bluetooth
Horizon Mini IX
Not yet rated by our experts
Active Pro IX
5.0EXCELLENT
Signia Active Pro hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for audio streaming and hands-free calling. While streamed audio quality is not the best, I did not run into any issues while testing.
App Features
Horizon Mini IX
Not yet rated by our experts
Active Pro IX
5.0EXCELLENT
Signia's hearing aid app stands out with its user-friendly interface and modern, appealing design. It includes practical features like the ability to control the focus of your hearing aids and a mask mode to enhance speech clarity. Additionally, the app offers wellness features, utilizing hearing aid motion sensors for activity tracking.
Comfort
Horizon Mini IX
Not yet rated by our experts
Active Pro IX
4.5EXCELLENT
I found the instant-fit comfort and retention of Active Pro good. Your hearing care provider can demo various ear tips to find the best fit for your ears and hearing needs.
Design
Horizon Mini IX
Not yet rated by our experts
Active Pro IX
5.0EXCELLENT
Active Pro IX have a modern earbud-like look, which may be desirable depending on your preferences, and you can choose among 6 colors.
Value
Horizon Mini IX
Not yet rated by our experts
Active Pro IX
3.7AVERAGE
Signia Active Pro IX has a value score of 3.7/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
Handling
Horizon Mini IX
Not yet rated by our experts
Active Pro IX
4.8EXCELLENT
I did not run into any issues while testing Active Pro IX. However, I do wish they offered ear-level controls such as buttons, or tap controls, as it would make the streaming features more user-friendly.
Pro Support
Horizon Mini IX
Not yet rated by our experts
Active Pro IX
5.0EXCELLENT
You should receive quality hearing care and support from your provider. The Signia App should enhance your experience with AI assistance and user-friendly virtual appointments, given your provider offers telehealth services.
Lab Recordings
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
Horizon Mini IX
Active Pro IX
Busy Cafe
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Horizon Mini IX
Lab recordings not yet available
Active Pro IX
Quiet Office
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Horizon Mini IX
Lab recordings not yet available
Active Pro IX
Streaming Music
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Horizon Mini IX
Lab recordings not yet available
Active Pro IX
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.
Hardware
Horizon Mini IX
Active Pro IX
Accelerometer
No
Yes
Bluetooth® Audio
No
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
Hands-Free Calling
No
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
IP Rating
No
IP68
Rechargeable Batteries
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion
Tap Controls
No
- Accept/end calls
Software Features
Horizon Mini IX
Active Pro IX
Adjustment Bands
20
20
Adjustment Synchronization
e2e wireless 4.0
e2e wireless 4.0
Direction Selection
No
- 5/5
Directionality
Binaural OneMic directionality
Binaural DirectionalitySpatial SpeechFocus
Ear Simulation
No
TruEar 360
Echo Reduction
Auto EchoShield
Auto EchoShield
Environmental Adaptation
No
Conversation Dynamics AnalyzerConversation Source Analyzer5/5RealTime Conversation Enhancement5/5
Extended bandwidth
12kHz
12kHz
Extended Dynamic Range
Yes
Yes
Feedback Suppression
Feedback cancellation
Feedback cancellation
Listening Programs
6
6
Noise Reduction
SoundSmoothing™: 3
SoundSmoothing™: 3
Own Voice Comfort
No
OVP™ 2.0
Processing Channels
48
48
Tinnitus Relief
Yes
Yes
Unique Amplification Strategy
Advanced Focus Streams3Dynamic Soundscape Processing 3.05/5Speech & Noise Management5/5SpeechStabilizer
Advanced Focus Streams3Augmented Focus™Conversation Booster5/5Dynamic Soundscape Processing 3.05/5Speech & Noise Management5/5SpeechStabilizer
Wind Noise Reduction
eWindScreen binaural
eWindScreen binaural
Bottom Line
AI summarizedThe Verdict
If invisibility in the ear is your top priority and you're comfortable paying a premium for it, the Horizon Mini IX's completely-in-canal shell delivers that at $4,950 a pair.
But for most buyers, the Signia Active Pro IX makes a stronger case: it adds IP68 water and dust resistance, iPhone hands-free calling, and Android streaming, all while costing roughly $2,600 less.
Which is right for you?
Neither choice should come down to size alone — think about how you'll actually use the device day to day. If calls, streaming, or durability against sweat and moisture matter more to you than shrinking the shell further, the Active Pro IX's lower price and added connectivity make it the more practical pick.
What to ask at your fitting
AI summarizedCompare in-ear feel and visibility
Ask your fitting provider to let you try both the Horizon Mini IX's completely-in-canal shell and the Active Pro IX's earbud-style shape side by side, since sameFormFactor differs and that's the biggest lifestyle call here.
Confirm your phone's calling and streaming needs
If you're on Android and want direct calls or streaming, discuss the Active Pro IX's Android (ASHA) and Bluetooth LE support with your provider, since the Horizon Mini IX's listed features don't include this.
Ask about water and activity exposure
If you're active, sweat a lot, or want daily durability reassurance, raise the Active Pro IX's IP68 rating during your fitting to see if it changes the recommendation for your routine.