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
Form FactorNon-custom device that typically sits completely inside the ear canal. Some of the device may be visible to the naked eye.
Form FactorNon-custom device that typically sits inside the ear canal. The device will be clearly visible to the naked eye.
Expert Rating
N/A
Score
4.5
User Rating
—
3.01 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
MildModerate
Product Features
Rechargeable
Hands-freeRechargeableAndroidIP68
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 4.63/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #3 of 35 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.
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
3.6AVERAGE
Signia Active Pro IX has a value score of 3.6/5 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 CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Horizon Mini IX
Lab recordings not yet available
Active Pro IX
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Horizon Mini IX
Lab recordings not yet available
Active Pro IX
Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
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
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.
No
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
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.
No
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
IP RatingIP RatingIP Ratings rate sealing effectiveness of hearing aids against intrusion from foreign solid matter (dirt, dust) and moisture.
No
IP68
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
Software Features
Horizon Mini IX
Active Pro IX
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.
20
20
Adjustment SynchronizationAdjustment SynchronizationThis feature allows for a more pleasant listening experience by ensuring that both hearing aids process sound the same way. If one hearing aid changes its processing in response to noise or speech, it will send a wireless signal to the other hearing aid so both process sound in the same way.
e2e wireless 4.0e2e wireless 4.0Control coupling, synchronization, binaural directionality, Spatial Speech Focus, CROS/ BiCROS.
e2e wireless 4.0e2e wireless 4.0Control coupling, synchronization, binaural directionality, Spatial Speech Focus, CROS/ BiCROS.
Direction SelectionDirection SelectionAllows the user to select one or more directions to focus their hearing aids on. For example, some hearing aids allow the listener to focus on sounds coming from in front or back, or from the right or left.
No
- 5/5
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.
Binaural OneMic directionalityBinaural OneMic directionalityEach CIC receives the sound and information not only from its own microphone but also from the microphone of the other hearing aid. This creates a virtual four-microphone network, allowing the pair of hearing aids to create a directional beam. In addition, the natural pinnae effect of the outer ear supports this directionality and makes the listening experience even more natural.
Binaural DirectionalityBinaural DirectionalityDirectionality provides scientifically proven enhanced speech understanding in noise. Available for bilateral fittings with directional microphones and e2e wireless link.Spatial SpeechFocusSpatial SpeechFocusAvailable for bilateral fittings with Ultra HD e2e.
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
TruEar 360TruEar 360Reproduces benefits of the natural pinna effect by highlighting the difference between front and back sources of sound.
Echo ReductionEcho ReductionThis feature improves speech audibility by reducing the “blurring” of speech sounds that can occur in the presence of echoes.
Auto EchoShieldAuto EchoShieldAutomatically creates a more comfortable hearing experience in high-reverb environments leading to increased speech clarity and natural room perceptions.
Auto EchoShieldAuto EchoShieldAutomatically creates a more comfortable hearing experience in high-reverb environments leading to increased speech clarity and natural room perceptions.
Environmental AdaptationEnvironmental AdaptationThe hearing aid can detect different acoustical environments, like speech in noise, and adjust the sound of the hearing aid accordingly to drive comfort or speech understanding, etc.
No
RealTime Conversation Enhancement: 5/5
Extended bandwidthExtended bandwidthHearing aid provides amplification at frequencies (pitches) higher than the typical hearing aid.
12kHz
12kHz
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.
Yes
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.
Feedback cancellationFeedback cancellationHigh-speed monitoring and control of feedback risk in individual processing channels.
Feedback cancellationFeedback cancellationHigh-speed monitoring and control of feedback risk in individual processing channels.
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
6
6
Noise ReductionNoise ReductionThis feature uses modern hearing aids’ processing power to examine the incoming sound signal, determine if noise is present and reduce the volume of the troublesome sound to increase comfort.
SoundSmoothing™: 3SoundSmoothing™Reduces the sound of clattering cutlery and rustling newspaper, etc.
SoundSmoothing™: 3SoundSmoothing™Reduces the sound of clattering cutlery and rustling newspaper, etc.
Own Voice ComfortOwn Voice ComfortAmplification is applied differently to your own voice versus the other voices around you. This allows adequate amplification of people you want to hear and no over-amplification of your own voice.
No
OVP™ 2.0OVP™ 2.0Processes the wearer's own voice independent from ambient sounds, providing improved speech clarity and a natural perception of their own voice as well as background noise.
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.
48
48
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
Yes
Unique Amplification StrategyUnique Amplification StrategyHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
Advanced Focus Streams: 3
Advanced Focus StreamsAdvanced Focus StreamsAdds up to 3 additional focus streams providing the correct amount of boost for each conversation partner's speech while allowing the wearer to stay connected to their environment.Augmented Focus™Augmented Focus™Separates the focus sound (speech) from surroundings, creating a clear contrast between the two, which makes it easier to follow conversations.Conversation BoosterConversation BoosterDetermines the optimal balance of speech enhancement & noise reduction to augment speech while preserving the acoustic environment.Dynamic Soundscape Processing 3.0Dynamic Soundscape Processing 3.0Integrates inputs for precise hearing aid optimzation, including (when available): acoustic sensors, motion sensors, OVP 2.0, noise detection, SNR analysis, and RealTime Conversation Enhancement.Speech & Noise ManagementSpeech & Noise ManagementReduces listening effort using sophisticated sound processing.SpeechStabilizerSpeechStabilizerPreserves the natural envelope of speech in any situation, including very
noisy situations, which preserves acoustic cues that are important for speech
understanding.
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.
eWindScreen binauraleWindScreen binauralBinaural processing of the audio signal (using Ultra HD e2e) delivers superb performance in asymmetrical wind environments.
eWindScreen binauraleWindScreen binauralBinaural processing of the audio signal (using Ultra HD e2e) delivers superb performance in asymmetrical wind environments.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
AI summarizedThe Signia Active Pro IX carries a listed IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. No such rating is listed for the hear.com Horizon Mini IX.
The Signia Active Pro IX supports Made-for-iPhone hands-free calling and Android (ASHA) streaming. The Horizon Mini IX's feature list does not include this direct calling and streaming support.
The Horizon Mini IX uses a completely-in-canal design built for maximum discretion, while the Active Pro IX uses a more visible, earbud-like instant-fit canal shape. Choose based on how much invisibility matters to you versus the Active Pro IX's added connectivity and durability.