Yes, the HearLink 9050 runs about $100 less per pair than the Enhance Select 500. That's a modest gap given both are IP68-rated rechargeable devices.
Jabra Enhance Select 500 vs. Philips HearLink 9050
Check out our comparison of the Jabra Enhance Select 500 vs Philips HearLink 9050. 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 split here is care model and hearing-loss range: the Enhance Select 500 is a self-fit OTC device capped at Moderate loss, while the Costco-exclusive HearLink 9050 is professionally fitted, reaches Severe loss, and adds telecoil — for about $100 less.
Enhance Select 500
Choose the Jabra Enhance Select 500 if you want a self-fit OTC device with remote/telehealth adjustment support and don't need telecoil access, and you're comfortable paying roughly $100 more than the HearLink 9050.
HearLink 9050
Choose the Philips HearLink 9050 if you have moderate-to-severe loss (it covers Severe, which the Enhance Select 500 doesn't), want telecoil for looped venues, and prefer a professional fitting through Costco's hearing centers.
What actually separates them
AI summarizedHearing loss range and care model
SpecThe HearLink 9050 is fitted by a hearing professional and supports Mild through Severe loss, while the Enhance Select 500 is self-fit OTC and is intended for Mild to Moderate loss only — a real fit constraint if your loss is more advanced.
Telecoil for looped venues
SpecThe HearLink 9050 has a telecoil for use with induction loop systems in theaters, places of worship, and some phones; the Enhance Select 500 has no telecoil.
Fine-tuning control during fitting
SpecThe Enhance Select 500 offers 12 adjustment bands a user or remote support tech can tune via the Jabra app; band count for the HearLink 9050 isn't specified, so no comparison can be drawn there.
Price
PriceThe HearLink 9050 runs about $100 less per pair than the Enhance Select 500, a modest but real gap for otherwise closely matched IP68-rated devices.
Product Overview
Enhance Select 500
HearLink 9050
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
N/A
User Rating
3.02 reviews
3.619 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
MildModerateSevere
Product Features
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidIP68
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidTelecoilIP68
Expert Ratings
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
Enhance Select 500
HearLink 9050
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 reviewHearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
HearAdvisor 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.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
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.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
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.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
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.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
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.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
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.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
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.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
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.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
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.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
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.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
Lab Recordings
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
Enhance Select 500
HearLink 9050
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Enhance Select 500
HearLink 9050
Lab recordings not yet available
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Enhance Select 500
HearLink 9050
Lab recordings not yet available
Streaming MusicStreaming MusicStreaming music provides a full range of bass and treble
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Enhance Select 500
HearLink 9050
Lab recordings not yet available
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
HearLink 9050
Battery Charger
None
Charger Plus miniRITE+1
A fast, portable charger for traveling light and charging on the go. Charge for a full day's power in 1 hour or get 4 hours of use from a quick 15-minute charge.
HearLink desk charger
A faster contact charger for a full day’s power in one hour, or up to four hours of hearing in only 15 minutes.
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.
AudioClip+3
The Philips AudioClip is a hearing aid accessory that serves as a remote microphone to help you better hear one-to-one conversations in noisy environments or when listening to someone speak from a distance.
Remote Control
To turn the volume up and down on your hearing aids you can use the Philips HearLink app. In case you prefer using the Philips Remote Control we have this option as well.
HearLink 2 app+2
App allows you to change programs, adjust the volume, mute your hearing aids, activate streaming options and personalize your sound. You can also use the app to connect with your hearing care specialist if you need to have your hearing aid settings adjusted remotely.
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.
None
TV Streamer
Unite TV Streamer 2
Streams stereo sound from the television directly to your hearing aids from up to 22 feet away.
TV Adapter
Connect the Philips TV Adapter to your TV so you hear the sound from the TV directly in your hearing aids. This allows you to watch TV at your preferred volume.
Hardware
Enhance Select 500
HearLink 9050
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.
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Bluetooth® Auracast™
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Bluetooth® Auracast™
GyroscopeGyroscopeThis hearing aid is able to determine orientation using embedded sensors.
No
Yes
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)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
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
No
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
- Mute control
- Power on/off
- Call accept/reject
- Tinnitus volume
- Airplane Mode
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
TelecoilTelecoilThe hearing aid is able to pick up audio from landline telephones or public audio systems without using its acoustic microphones. This minimizes background noise and improves clarity and understanding, even over great distances. At performing arts venues, events, government meetings, etc., look for assistive listening systems (hearing loop, FM, and infrared systems), which must be provided at no cost under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other international regulations.
No
Yes
Software Features
Enhance Select 500
HearLink 9050
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
Yes
AI Noise RemovalAI Noise RemovalArtificial Intelligence is utilized to remove or modify background noise from the sound signal to help isolate speech for better speech understanding.
No
AI Noise ReductionAI Noise ReductionHearLink 50 quickly removes background noise with the help of AI-powered technology, so speech is easier to understand in noisy environments.
Better Ear FocusBetter Ear FocusSome modern hearing aids can share sound from one ear to the other. In some cases the sound from the less noisy side can be shared to the other ear, enabling the listener to hear a cleaner sound in both ears.
No
Yes
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.
No
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
3 options
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.
No
ExpansionExpansionExpansion reduces audibility for very soft sounds. This can help to remove microphone noise, which is generated by soft environmental sounds.
3 settings
No
Extended bandwidthExtended bandwidthHearing aid provides amplification at frequencies (pitches) higher than the typical hearing aid.
No
10kHz
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.
No
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.
DFS Ultra IIIDFS Ultra IIIReduces feedback while preserving amplification without compromising sound quality.
Yes
Frequency LoweringFrequency LoweringUnderstanding certain speech sounds is dependent on the high frequency parts of these sounds. For individuals with high frequency hearing loss, this feature can take high frequency speech information and move it to lower frequencies where it will be audible.
No
Yes
Handling noise reductionHandling noise reductionReduces noises related to hearing aid movement on the ear and noises related to hands or objects touching the hearing aid while worn.
No
Yes
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
4
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.
Yes
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.
No
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.
No
64
Soft Speech BoostSoft Speech BoostMore aggressive amplification for softer speech sounds
No
Yes
Spatial AwarenessSpatial AwarenessListening to sound through hearing aids is not a natural experience, and your ability to tell where a sound is coming from may be impacted by the way sounds are amplified with hearing aids. Some hearing aids attempt to fix this problem by preserving cues to sound localization like between-ear level differences, etc.
No
4 options
Spatial Noise CancellationSpatial Noise CancellationThis feature recognizes where sounds are coming from and can reduce noise coming from behind or to the side of the listener. This helps the listener focus on the speaker, usually in front of them.
No
Yes
Streaming Bass BoostStreaming Bass BoostBoosts bass when streaming audio
No
Yes
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.
SoundProtect Transient Noise Reduction: 6 optionsSoundProtect Transient 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 SoundSupportTinnitus SoundSupportTinnitus, 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.
Unique Amplification StrategyUnique Amplification StrategyHearing aids all process sounds a little bit differently. Sometimes it varies even within one model.
No
SoundGuideSoundGuideBy using motion sensing technology to detect whether they are walking on a noisy street, sitting down with a loved one over coffee, or out and about with a group of friends, speech and other important sounds are now clearer than ever.SoundMap 3SoundMap 3SoundMap 3 uses AI Noise Reduction (AR-NR) and advanced directionality to carefully remove noise and prioritize speech in noisy environments...Speech ClarifierSpeech ClarifierSpeech Clarifier makes speech stand out in noise.
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.
SoundProtect Wind Noise ManagementSoundProtect Wind Noise ManagementAs 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.
Bottom Line
AI summarizedThe Verdict
These two land close on price and both carry IP68 durability and rechargeable batteries, so the decision really comes down to how you want to be fitted and how severe your hearing loss is.
If you have Mild-to-Moderate loss and want to manage adjustments yourself with remote support, the Enhance Select 500 fits that use case; if your loss extends to Severe or you want telecoil access for loop systems, the HearLink 9050 is the one that can serve you, and it costs about $100 less besides.
Which is right for you?
Neither choice is a downgrade in build quality, but they're not interchangeable: someone with severe loss shouldn't buy the Enhance Select 500, and someone who wants to skip a fitting appointment for a professional device isn't a match for the HearLink 9050's care model at Costco.
Before you buy
AI summarizedConfirm your loss severity
If your audiogram shows severe loss, the Enhance Select 500's Mild-to-Moderate range rules it out, leaving the HearLink 9050 as the fit.
Check the Enhance Select 500 return window
Because it's self-fit OTC, verify the trial period and use the Jabra Enhance app's remote programming to fine-tune the 12 adjustment bands before that window closes.
Ask about telecoil use at a HearLink 9050 fitting
If you regularly visit venues with induction loops, have the fitting professional program and test the telecoil setting on the 9050.
Frequently Asked Questions
AI summarizedThe Philips HearLink 9050 is rated for Mild through Severe hearing loss. The Jabra Enhance Select 500 only covers Mild to Moderate, so it isn't suitable if your loss is more advanced.
No. The Enhance Select 500 has no telecoil, while the Philips HearLink 9050 does, which matters if you use induction loop systems in theaters or places of worship.
No. The HearLink 9050 is a prescription device fitted by a hearing professional through Costco's hearing centers, while the Enhance Select 500 is an OTC device you set up and adjust yourself via the Jabra app.
Yes, both support Made for iPhone (MFi) hands-free calling, so iPhone call support is not a differentiator between them. Android streaming via ASHA is also shared by both devices.