Not universally. The Select 700 improves own-voice comfort and music streaming, but the Select 500 scored notably higher for speech in noise (1.8/5 vs 0.8/5) and carries a SoundGrade of A versus the 700's B. Which is 'better' depends on whether noise performance or comfort/streaming matters more to you.
Jabra Enhance Select 500 vs. Jabra Enhance Select 700
Check out our comparison of the Jabra Enhance Select 500 vs Jabra Enhance Select 700. 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 newer, pricier Select 700 actually tested weaker for speech in noise than the Select 500 it replaces, so this isn't a simple upgrade — it's a tradeoff between the 500's stronger noise performance and the 700's refinements in comfort and music streaming.
Enhance Select 500
Choose the Jabra Enhance Select 500 if you want Jabra's stronger-tested speech-in-noise performance (1.8/5 lab score vs. 0.8/5) and a slightly lower price, and don't mind that it's the outgoing model.
Enhance Select 700
Choose the Jabra Enhance Select 700 if you want the newer flagship with better own-voice comfort (3.7/5) and music streaming (2.5/5 vs. 2.9/5 close but above category norm), even though it costs roughly $100 more and tested weaker for speech in noise.
What actually separates them
AI summarizedSpeech-in-noise lab performance
Lab measuredThe Select 500 posted a lab speech-in-noise score of 1.8/5 versus just 0.8/5 for the Select 700 — a meaningful gap in the hardest listening scenario for any hearing aid, and one that favors the older model.
Overall sound grade and rank
Expert ratingHearAdvisor gave the Select 500 a SoundGrade of A (ranked #9 of 56 OTC devices, top 14%), while the newer Select 700 came in at SoundGrade B (ranked #16 of 61, top 35%) — the 500 tested better despite being the discontinued model.
Price
PriceThe Select 500 runs about $100 less than the Select 700, a modest gap given both sit near $1,700-$1,800 for the pair.
Battery life
Hands-on reviewThe Select 500 offers a 30-hour battery per charge versus roughly 24 hours on the Select 700, useful if you regularly stream audio through a full day.
Product Overview
Enhance Select 500
Enhance Select 700
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
4.3
Score
4.1
User Rating
3.02 reviews
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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
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidIP68
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidIP68
Expert Ratings
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
Enhance Select 500
Enhance Select 700
HearingTracker Score
Enhance Select 500
4.3ABOVE AVERAGE
The Jabra Enhance Select 500 earned a SoundGrade of A and ranked in the top 5% of devices tested by HearAdvisor. With GN Resound technology, it has an IP68 rating, 30-hour battery life, and reliable Bluetooth. While streaming audio quality was not high-fidelity, the Jabra Enhance App offers good audio personalization. The device includes telehealth and remote programming, though support response times were slower than expected. Lightweight and compact, with larger buttons for ease of use, the receiver-in-canal design may take some adjustment.
Read full reviewEnhance Select 700
4.1ABOVE AVERAGE
Jabra’s flagship Enhance Select 700 offers premium sound, LE Audio, Auracast, and top-tier remote audiology care in a tiny, discreet design.
Read full reviewHearAdvisor SoundScore
Enhance Select 500
4.3ABOVE AVERAGE
The Jabra Enhance Select 500 achieved a SoundGrade of A and ranked #9 in the OTC Hearing Aid category, placing it in the top 14% of the 56 OTC devices tested by HearAdvisor.
Enhance Select 700
3.9ABOVE AVERAGE
Jabra Enhance Select 700 achieved a SoundScore of 3.91/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #16 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.
Build Quality
Enhance Select 500
5.0EXCELLENT
Quality is fantastic when it comes to Jabra hearing aids as they share technology from GN Resound. Select 500 have a solid ingress rating of IP68 and the portable charging case will have no problems handling daily use.
Enhance Select 700
5.0EXCELLENT
Jabra hearing aids share technology from GN Resound and generally have fantastic build quality. Select 700 is no exception with an ingress rating of IP68 and the standard robust portable charging case.
Battery
Enhance Select 500
4.6EXCELLENT
Jabra have stepped up their game with a 30 hour battery life, ensuring you get through the day even with streaming. The case also holds enough power for 3 addition charges which is plenty for a weekend excursion.
Enhance Select 700
4.0AVERAGE
Jabra 700 offer full-day 24 hour battery life. The case also holds enough power for 3 addition charges which is plenty for a weekend excursion.
Bluetooth
Enhance Select 500
5.0EXCELLENT
Bluetooth was straightforward and reliable, working seamlessly without any issues. While the streamed audio quality has improved, it needs work before I'd consider it hi-fidelity.
Enhance Select 700
5.0EXCELLENT
Bluetooth was straightforward and reliable, working seamlessly without any issues. This is what I've come to expect with Jabra hearing aids.
App Features
Enhance Select 500
4.5EXCELLENT
The Jabra Enhance App mirrors the useful features available in Resounds medical hearing aid app. I found it to offer plenty of options to personalize audio quality beyond the custom programming.
Enhance Select 700
4.5EXCELLENT
The Jabra Enhance App mirrors the useful features available in Resounds prescription hearing aid app. I found it to offer plenty of options to personalize audio quality beyond the custom programming.
Comfort
Enhance Select 500
5.0EXCELLENT
I found 500 very comfortable given their shockingly small and lightweight design. The button are also larger than many OTC products making setting changes easier.
Enhance Select 700
5.0EXCELLENT
Jabra Enhance 700 are very comfortable given their shockingly small and lightweight design. The button are also larger than many OTC products making setting changes easier.
Design
Enhance Select 500
5.0EXCELLENT
Jabra has done a nice job redesigning prescription technology for the direct-to-consumer market. Select 500 is sleek, with a range of stylish colors, and sat discretely behind my ear.
Enhance Select 700
5.0EXCELLENT
Jabra has done a nice job redesigning prescription technology for the direct-to-consumer market. Select 700 shares the same shockingly discrete size as the previous Select 500 model.
Value
Enhance Select 500
3.8AVERAGE
The Jabra Enhance Select 500 offers above-average sound performance, though similar results are available at lower price points in the OTC category.
Enhance Select 700
3.7AVERAGE
Jabra Enhance Select 700 has a value score of 3.7/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
Handling
Enhance Select 500
4.5EXCELLENT
500 are easy to use, though receiver-in-canal devices might take a bit of practice. Pro support can assist, and the easy charging case makes on-the-go charging a breeze.
Enhance Select 700
4.5EXCELLENT
I found Enhance 700 easy to use, though receiver-in-canal devices might take a bit of practice. Pro support can assist, and the easy charging case makes on-the-go charging a breeze.
Pro Support
Enhance Select 500
3.0ABOVE AVERAGE
Jabra has arguably the best pro support offering among OTC devices, providing telehealth with hearing care providers, remote programming, and tech support. However, the support I received while trying Select 500 was slower than expected.
Enhance Select 700
3.0ABOVE AVERAGE
Jabra has arguably the best pro support offering among OTC devices. They provide 3 years of telehealth audiologic services including remote programming and video appointments. While I'd prefer in-person appointments, Jabra continues to bridge the gap given the limitations of remote care.
Lab Recordings
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
Enhance Select 500
Enhance Select 700
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Enhance Select 500
Enhance Select 700
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Enhance Select 500
Enhance Select 700
Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Enhance Select 500
Enhance Select 700
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
Enhance Select 500
Enhance Select 700
Remote Control
Unite Phone Clip++2
Small enough to clip onto your shirt collar, it streams phone calls and audio to your hearing aids from any Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone or smartphone.
Unite Phone Clip++2
Small enough to clip onto your shirt collar, it streams phone calls and audio to your hearing aids from any Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone or smartphone.
Remote Microphone
Multi Mic+3
A flexible remote microphone that can either be clipped to clothes or used as a tabletop mic for meetings. Use the mini-jack input for streaming audio from a music player to your hearing aids.
Multi Mic+3
A flexible remote microphone that can either be clipped to clothes or used as a tabletop mic for meetings. Use the mini-jack input for streaming audio from a music player to your hearing aids.
TV Streamer
Unite TV Streamer 2
Streams stereo sound from the television directly to your hearing aids from up to 22 feet away.
Unite TV Streamer 2
Streams stereo sound from the television directly to your hearing aids from up to 22 feet away.
Hardware
Enhance Select 500
Enhance Select 700
Bluetooth® AudioBluetooth® AudioThis hearing aid is capable of streaming Bluetooth® audio certain phones and/or devices.
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Bluetooth® Auracast™
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Bluetooth® Auracast™
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.
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
IP RatingIP RatingIP Ratings rate sealing effectiveness of hearing aids against intrusion from foreign solid matter (dirt, dust) and moisture.
IP68
IP68
Mic + Speaker In EarMic + Speaker In EarPlacing a microphone in the ear allows hearing aids to measure the effect that your pinna (outer ear) has on the sound arriving at your eardrum. This may allow the hearing aid to better emulate the natural sound of your ear.
Yes
Yes
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
- Program control
- Volume Control
- Program control
- Volume Control
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.
- Accept/end calls
- Accept/end calls
Software Features
Enhance Select 500
Enhance Select 700
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.
12
12
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 Directionality™ IIIBinaural Directionality™ IIIBinaural Directionality III provides the ultimate balance for supporting natural hearing: a signal-to-noise ratio improvement similar to bilateral directional microphones and a significant benefit in ease of listening compared to other directional microphone strategies.Synchronized SoftSwitching™Synchronized SoftSwitching™SoftSwitching (synchronized between ears) uses sound level and speech detection algorithms to decide when directionality is likely to be advantageous in a certain listening environment. It also offers the same four selections of MultiScope beamwidth settings: the default AutoScope, Narrow, Medium and Wide. The SoftSwitching mode differs from MultiScope Adaptive Directionality in that it uses slower transitions between directional settings and the omnidirectional setting, which is sometimes more comfortable and preferable among certain hearing aid users.
Binaural Directionality™ IIIBinaural Directionality™ IIIBinaural Directionality III provides the ultimate balance for supporting natural hearing: a signal-to-noise ratio improvement similar to bilateral directional microphones and a significant benefit in ease of listening compared to other directional microphone strategies.Synchronized SoftSwitching™Synchronized SoftSwitching™SoftSwitching (synchronized between ears) uses sound level and speech detection algorithms to decide when directionality is likely to be advantageous in a certain listening environment. It also offers the same four selections of MultiScope beamwidth settings: the default AutoScope, Narrow, Medium and Wide. The SoftSwitching mode differs from MultiScope Adaptive Directionality in that it uses slower transitions between directional settings and the omnidirectional setting, which is sometimes more comfortable and preferable among certain hearing aid users.
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.
Environmental OptimizerEnvironmental OptimizerProvide automatic adjustment of hearing instrument settings.
Environmental OptimizerEnvironmental OptimizerProvide automatic adjustment of hearing instrument settings.
ExpansionExpansionExpansion reduces audibility for very soft sounds. This can help to remove microphone noise, which is generated by soft environmental sounds.
3 settings
3 settings
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.
DFS Ultra IIIDFS Ultra IIIReduces feedback while preserving amplification without compromising sound quality.
DFS Ultra II With Music ModeDFS Ultra II With Music ModeHigh precision feedback path analysis enables DFS Ultra III to cancel feedback with extreme accuracy. Music Mode analyzes the sound over a longer period of time, so the system can better distinguish true feedback from music and other tonal sounds.
Listening ProgramsListening ProgramsNumber of manually accessible listening programs (using push button, remote, app, or other switching method)
Fully flexible programs: 4Fully flexible programsCustom listening programs
Fully flexible programs: 4Fully flexible programsCustom listening programs
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.
Synchronized Acceptance ManagerSynchronized Acceptance ManagerSynchronized Acceptance Manager gives a gradual and automatic increase of the gain in the hearing aid over time.
Synchronized Acceptance ManagerSynchronized Acceptance ManagerSynchronized Acceptance Manager gives a gradual and automatic increase of the gain in the hearing aid over time.
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.
NoiseTracker™ II: 2 settingsNoiseTracker™ IINoiseTracker II uses a technology called spectral subtraction. Spectral subtraction works by subtracting the short-term noise spectrum from the signal, leaving only the speech portion behind ... ReSound’s NoiseTracker II is able to use spectral subtraction successfully because the Environmental Classifier has identified speech and noise so precisely.
NoiseTracker™ II: 2 settingsNoiseTracker™ IINoiseTracker II uses a technology called spectral subtraction. Spectral subtraction works by subtracting the short-term noise spectrum from the signal, leaving only the speech portion behind ... ReSound’s NoiseTracker II is able to use spectral subtraction successfully because the Environmental Classifier has identified speech and noise so precisely.
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.
Impulse Noise Reduction: On/OffImpulse 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.
Impulse Noise Reduction: On/OffImpulse 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.
Tinnitus Sound GeneratorTinnitus Sound GeneratorThe tinnitus sound generator administers sounds that make the disturbing noise less noticeable and draw your attention away from the tinnitus.
Tinnitus Sound GeneratorTinnitus Sound GeneratorThe tinnitus sound generator administers sounds that make the disturbing noise less noticeable and draw your attention away from the tinnitus.
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.
Wind Guard: On/OffWind GuardWhen no wind noise is found, the hearing aid constantly updates and stores the sound input levels in each Warp band. Then, when wind is present, WindGuard calculates the amount of gain reduction needed to return to the stored level of the specific bands affected by wind noise.
Wind Guard: On/OffWind GuardWhen no wind noise is found, the hearing aid constantly updates and stores the sound input levels in each Warp band. Then, when wind is present, WindGuard calculates the amount of gain reduction needed to return to the stored level of the specific bands affected by wind noise.
Bottom Line
AI summarizedThe Verdict
Don't assume newer means better here: the Select 500 outscored its own successor on the metric that matters most in daily life — hearing speech in noise — while costing about $100 less.
The Select 700 answers back with improved own-voice comfort and a touch more polish in music streaming, but its lab speech-in-noise score of 0.8/5 is a real step down.
Which is right for you?
If you prioritize understanding conversation in restaurants or busy rooms, the discontinued Select 500 is the stronger buy at a lower price. If you're bothered less by noise performance and want Jabra's current flagship with the latest comfort tweaks, the Select 700 is the one Jabra is actively selling and supporting going forward.
Before you buy
AI summarizedCompare sound files before buying
Since the 500 tested notably better for speech in noise (1.8 vs 0.8 lab score), listen to both devices' sound samples if available before assuming the newer 700 is the better performer.
Use the 100-day trial window
Both devices are ordered direct with a 100-day return period, so wear each in your actual noisy environments (restaurants, workplaces) before the window closes.
Check availability of the discontinued 500
The Select 500 has been superseded by the 700, so confirm stock and whether you'll still get the full 3-year telehealth support cycle before choosing the older model to save $100.
Frequently Asked Questions
AI summarizedThe Select 500 has been superseded as Jabra's flagship OTC model, and it's priced about $100 less than the Select 700. Despite being the outgoing model, it actually tested stronger for speech in noise in HearAdvisor lab testing.
The Select 500 is the stronger performer in noise, with a lab speech-in-noise score of 1.8/5 compared to the Select 700's 0.8/5. Both remain OTC devices intended for mild-to-moderate hearing loss, so neither is designed for severe noise challenges.
Both are OTC devices ordered direct with a 100-day return window, so you can trial either in real-world settings before committing. Check current stock of the discontinued 500, since it's being phased out in favor of the 700.