Jabra Enhance Select 500 vs. Oticon Real

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.

The Oticon Real Hearing Aid is the latest flagship model from Oticon, featuring advanced technologies such as Bluetooth audio streaming, Deep Neural Network (DNN) technology, and water resistance. It offers significant improvements over previous models with new features like the wind and handling stabilizer and Sudden Sound Stabilizer, enhancing speech clarity and reducing background noise for a more natural listening experience.

Jabra Enhance Select 500 achieved a SoundScore of 4.2/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #13 of 65 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.71/5.

Oticon Real achieved a SoundScore of 4.8/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #4 of 36 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 4.13/5.

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.

Real offer excellent moisture and dust protection with an ingress rating of IP68. Both the hearing aids and case are well build and ready for daily use.

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.

With a battery life of up to 16 hours, longer without streaming, it is possible that the internal rechargeable batteries will last all day. If you need uncompromised all day use consider their newer generation Intent and or disposable battery options.

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.

I found Real hearing aids to offer easy and stable wireless connection. Their audio quality while streaming music, and during hands-free calling, was good and comparable to other prescription hearing aids.

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.

I found the Companion app easy to navigate and use. Other prescription hearing aid companies offer more in-depth apps, but there is still plenty of opportunity to customize settings from your mobile device. The HearingFitness component is also a nice feature for those who like to actively track their progress.

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.

Oticon Real were extremely comfortable and lightweight in my ears. In general, hearing care providers can make numerous physical changes to prescription hearing aids like Real to improve comfort.

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.

Real are sleek modern looking prescription hearing aids. The body may appear slightly larger than some other prescription devices, but this is not likely not noticeable with the devices on ear. They also allow you to customize the look of your hearing aids with an array of color options.

Jabra Enhance Select 500 has a value score of 3.7/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Oticon Real has a value score of 3.3/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

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.

Real are easy to use and adjust either with the multi-function button or Oticon Companion app. I had no issues making adjustments with either.

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.

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