They're built for different buyers, so 'as good' depends on your hearing loss. Lexie is lab-tested and scores well for OTC (4.6/5 SoundScore, #4 of 61 OTC devices), but it's limited to mild-to-moderate loss; the 9050 covers severe loss and is professionally fitted, though we haven't lab tested it yet.
Lexie Powered by Bose vs. Philips HearLink 9050
Check out our comparison of the Lexie Powered by Bose 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.
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Quick Verdict
AI summarizedSummarized with AI assistance from our human-researched product information, in-lab testing, objective sound measurements, and expert ratings.
This is a self-fit-and-save-$700 choice against a professionally-fitted device built for a wider range of hearing loss: the Lexie suits mild-to-moderate users comfortable managing their own settings, while the 9050 suits anyone who wants a hearing professional verifying the fit or who needs more than mild-to-moderate coverage.
Powered by Bose
Choose the Lexie Powered by Bose if you have mild to moderate hearing loss, want to self-fit and manage everything through a phone app, and would rather save roughly $700 than get a prescription-grade fitting.
HearLink 9050
Choose the Philips HearLink 9050 if you have hearing loss up to severe, want a professional to verify the fit with real-ear measurement, and value IP68 durability and hands-free calling enough to pay roughly $700 more.
What actually separates them
AI summarizedWho fits and adjusts the device
SpecLexie is self-fit through an in-app hearing test with remote Lexie support, while the HearLink 9050 is fitted in person by a Costco hearing professional who can run real-ear measurement — a meaningful difference in how precisely the device gets matched to your ears, not a quality gap between the two.
Degree of hearing loss covered
SpecLexie is built and labeled for mild to moderate loss only, while the 9050's feature set and Costco fitting model extend to severe loss and tinnitus needs.
Lab-verified sound performance
Lab measuredWe've lab tested the Lexie B2 Plus: it scored 4.6/5 SoundScore (ranked #4 of 61 OTC devices) with a 4.3/5 speech-in-quiet score, though speech-in-noise (2.0/5) and music streaming (2.6/5) are only mixed in absolute terms despite beating the OTC average. The HearLink 9050 hasn't come through our lab yet, so there's no measured comparison to make against those specific numbers, even though it shares core technology with the Oticon Intent, one of the highest-scoring aids we've tested.
Connectivity and durability specs
SpecThe 9050 adds hands-free calling on iPhone and Android, a telecoil, and an IP68 rating, while Lexie's Bluetooth streaming is limited to iPhone-only calls and rated 3/5 by our reviewer, below the 4.8/5 site-wide average for bluetooth.
Product Overview
Powered by Bose
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
4.2
N/A
User Rating
3.74 reviews
3.719 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
Rechargeable
Hands-freeRechargeableiPhoneAndroidTelecoilIP68
Expert Ratings
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
Powered by Bose
HearLink 9050
HearingTracker Score
Powered by Bose
4.2ABOVE AVERAGE
This rechargeable device offers iPhone and Android call streaming, a new recharging case, and an in-app hearing test for personalized sound customization.
Read full reviewHearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
HearAdvisor SoundScore
Powered by Bose
4.6EXCELLENT
Lexie B2 Plus achieved a SoundScore of 4.60/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #4 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
Build Quality
Powered by Bose
4.6EXCELLENT
Lexie claims all of their products have an IP rating of 67 which is near the maximal egress protection for hearing aids. Beyond this, I found B2 well built with a good button click feel and robust portable charging case.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
Battery
Powered by Bose
4.0AVERAGE
Lexie B2 has a reported battery life of 18 hours so it should last all-day for most people. It takes only 3 hours to recharge in its case which also doubles as a portable charger thanks to the internal power-bank.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
Bluetooth
Powered by Bose
3.0BELOW AVERAGE
B2 does offer audio streaming though it is unfortunately limited to iOS devices. I found B2’s streamed audio quality mediocre but it is a useful feature to have for those of use using Apple products.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
App Features
Powered by Bose
4.0AVERAGE
The phone app is one of my favorite features of B2. It is simple and visually pleasing while offering excellent personalization. Lexie has recently added an in-app hearing test making it even better.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
Comfort
Powered by Bose
5.0EXCELLENT
B2 is a rather sleek receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid. I found its comfort similar to that of prescription hearing aids and experienced no issues wearing it long-term (even with glasses).
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
Design
Powered by Bose
5.0EXCELLENT
Lexie B2 offers a sleek design similar to modern prescription hearing aids from major manufacturers. One potential downside is that it is only available in Gray, with no other color options.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
Value
Powered by Bose
4.2ABOVE AVERAGE
Lexie B2 Plus has a value score of 4.2/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
Handling
Powered by Bose
5.0EXCELLENT
I had no issues adjusting B2 with the app or rocker switch. I found the physical buttons sufficiently large and tactile offering a good click feel when depressed.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
Pro Support
Powered by Bose
2.0BELOW AVERAGE
One downside to Lexie B2 is that you are limited to phone or email based technical support. Fortunately, B2 and their phone app are fairly user-friendly and you will likely not need regular assistance.
HearLink 9050
Not yet rated by our experts
Lab Recordings
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
Powered by Bose
HearLink 9050
Busy CafeBusy CafeSpeech intelligibility improvement in loud environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Powered by Bose
HearLink 9050
Lab recordings not yet available
Quiet OfficeQuiet OfficeSpeech intelligibility improvement in quiet and moderate environments
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Powered by Bose
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
Powered by Bose
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
Powered by Bose
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
None
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.
TV Streamer
None
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
Powered by Bose
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)
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Bluetooth® Auracast™
Disposable BatteriesDisposable BatteriesCommon disposable batteries last anywhere from a few days to two weeks or more. For more information Google "how long do hearing aid batteries last" and click on the Hearing Tracker link.
312
No
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.
No
- 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.
No
IP68
Push ButtonPush ButtonThe hearing aid features a push button which allows toggling across different sound processing programs
No
- 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.
No
- 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
Volume RockerVolume RockerA volume rocker or wheel to allows the adjustment of volume with a finger.
Yes
No
Software Features
Powered by Bose
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.
No
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.
Yes
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
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.
Yes
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)
No
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.
No
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.
Yes
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.
12
64
Self-fittingSelf-fittingThis hearing aid allows you to fit yourself without professional assistance. Typically found in OTC products.
Tuned based on hearing test through device
No
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.
No
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.
No
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.
No
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
The Lexie B2 Plus is a genuinely strong OTC performer — 4.6/5 SoundScore, #4 of 61 OTC devices in our lab testing, and roughly $700 cheaper — but it's boxed in by design to mild-to-moderate loss and iPhone-only calling, with below-average Bluetooth performance in our review.
The HearLink 9050 costs more and hasn't been through our lab yet, but it's fitted by a professional, covers severe loss, and adds IP68 durability, a telecoil, and cross-platform hands-free calling that Lexie can't match.
Which is right for you?
If your hearing loss is confirmed mild to moderate and you're comfortable self-fitting through an app, the Lexie is the better value. If you're unsure of your loss severity, want a professional verifying the fit, or need features like tinnitus support and hands-free Android calling, the extra cost of the 9050 buys real capability the Lexie doesn't have.
Before you buy
AI summarizedConfirm your hearing loss level first
Lexie only covers mild to moderate loss, so take a hearing test before deciding — if you're in the moderate-to-severe range, the 9050 is the one that can actually handle it.
Use Lexie's 45-day trial window
Lexie's self-fitting in-app hearing test drives the whole experience, so use the full 45-day trial to judge whether the app's recommended settings actually work for you before the return window closes.
Ask about real-ear measurement at your Costco fitting
The 9050's fit quality depends on the fitter running real-ear measurement and the ACT tool, and availability of both can vary by store, so ask specifically before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
AI summarizedIt's worth it if you need coverage beyond mild-to-moderate loss, want a professional fitting with real-ear measurement, or need features like a telecoil, IP68 durability, and hands-free Android calling. If your loss is mild to moderate and you're comfortable self-fitting, the Lexie delivers strong lab-measured sound for less.
No. Lexie is designed and labeled for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss only. The Philips HearLink 9050's feature set and fitting process extend to severe loss.
We've lab tested the Lexie B2 Plus and measured strong speech-in-quiet performance (4.3/5) with mixed speech-in-noise results (2.0/5). The HearLink 9050 hasn't come through our lab yet, so we can't give you a direct measured comparison, though it shares core technology with the highly rated Oticon Intent.
Yes, it's fitted in person by a hearing professional at Costco, who can use real-ear measurement to tune it to your hearing loss. The Lexie B2 Plus, by contrast, is self-fit through an in-app hearing test with no in-person appointment required.