Jabra Enhance Select 50R vs. Phonak Audéo Infinio Ultra

The Jabra Enhance Select 50R is a rechargeable, over-the-counter hearing aid designed for mild to moderate hearing loss, offering features such as iPhone and Android streaming, automatic sound adjustments, and wireless app control.

Phonak’s Infinio Sphere delivers genuinely standout speech clarity in loud, noisy places thanks to its DEEPSONIC “Sphere mode,” but you’ll trade some discretion and may wrestle with fit or Bluetooth pairing to get that top-tier performance.

Jabra Enhance Select 50R achieved a SoundScore of 3.7/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #29 of 65 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.68/5.

Phonak Sphere Infinio Ultra achieved a SoundScore of 4.9/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #3 of 39 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 4.19/5.

50R has an ingress rating of IP68 indicating it has excellent protection against moisture and debris. My hands-on experience with these devices supports that and their overall quality build.

Phonak Audéo Sphere Ultra have an excellent build quality with a robust, portable charging case and a high ingress rating of IP68.

50R has a remarkable reported battery life of 30 hours and you can expect around 3 hours of recharge time. One complaint I have with 50R is the older style tabletop charger. It works well but it does not have a lid or offer on-the-go charging.

Ultra is designed to deliver all-day use, with battery-life figures of up to 56 hours under ideal conditions (i.e., in quiet with no streaming) and about 10-11 hours when Sphere mode is continuously engaged. They take 3 to 4 hours to recharge, and a 30-minute quick charge can provide an additional 6 hours of use.

50R does offer audio streaming for both iOS and Android though it is not the highest fidelity. However, I will take the low-quality audio streaming over none at all. If you need hands-free calling you will want to look at other Jabra hearing products.

Phonak Infinio Ultra are compatible with both iOS and Android, offering wireless audio streaming and hands-free calls. Pairing is now easier directly from your phone's Bluetooth menu.

Jabra’s phone app offers fantastic customization and is easily navigated with their logical tab organization. This comes straight from their prescription hearing aid ties.

I found the MyPhonak Hearing Aid app easy to use with many useful features, including health and fitness tracking.

50R is a rather sleek receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid. Its comfort is consistent with prescription like products and I experienced no issues wearing it long-term (even with glasses).

Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio Ultra were extremely comfortable and lightweight in my ears. In general, hearing care providers can make numerous physical changes to prescription hearing aids to improve comfort.

50R has the look and design of a prescription hearing aid, albeit slightly older in design compared to the latest devices. Regardless, it is sleek and nearly invisible behind the ear.

Phonak's new Audéo Sphere Infinio Ultra model shares the same notably larger size as the original Phonak Infinio Sphere. This is needed for its increased AI processing. While the larger size may be more noticeable, Sphere Ultra remains comfortable, and your provider should have no trouble adjusting the fit to your preference.

Jabra Enhance Select 50R has a value score of 3.9/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Phonak Sphere Infinio Ultra has a value score of 3.5/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

50R works well but some may find the physical button on the smaller side. Otherwise, it offers a good tactile feel with a clear click when depressed.

Infinio Ultra are easy to use and adjust using either the large multi-function button or MyPhonak app. I had no issues making adjustments with either.

50R is a step above most OTC devices offering both technical support and virtual-care with hearing care providers. Direct care should not be overlooked as it is often key to long-term hearing aid success.

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