It depends on your hearing loss and needs: the HearLink 9050 covers severe loss, adds a telecoil and hands-free calling on iPhone and Android, and carries an IP68 durability rating, none of which the Lexie offers. If your loss is mild to moderate and you don't need those extras, the Lexie's lower price is the more practical choice.
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 fit-model and severity tradeoff, not a close call: Lexie suits mild-to-moderate users who want a lower-cost, self-fitted device, while the Costco-exclusive Philips HearLink 9050 suits buyers needing coverage up to severe loss plus hands-free calling and telecoil, fitted by a professional.
Powered by Bose
Choose the Lexie Powered by Bose if you have mild to moderate hearing loss, want to self-fit through an in-app hearing test without a clinic visit, and want to spend roughly $700 less than the Philips HearLink 9050.
HearLink 9050
Choose the Philips HearLink 9050 if you have hearing loss ranging up to severe, want a professional fitting with an IP68 rating for sweat and dust resistance, and are comfortable paying about $700 more for a Costco-exclusive device with hands-free calling and telecoil support.
What actually separates them
AI summarizedCare model: self-fit vs. professionally fitted
SpecLexie is bought and self-fitted through its own app with no clinic visit required, while the HearLink 9050 is a prescription device fitted by a hearing professional — that difference in who sets it up matters more than any spec here.
Hearing loss range covered
SpecLexie is designed for mild to moderate loss only, while the HearLink 9050 is built to also cover severe loss, so buyers with more significant loss aren't candidates for the Lexie at all.
Hands-free calling and telecoil support
SpecThe HearLink 9050 supports hands-free calling on both iPhone and Android plus a telecoil for compatibility with induction loop systems; the Lexie's Bluetooth is iPhone (MFi) only and it lists no telecoil.
Durability rating
SpecThe HearLink 9050 carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance; no equivalent rating is listed for the Lexie.
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
2.65 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
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
4.5EXCELLENT
Lexie B2 Plus achieved a SoundScore of 4.5/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #4 of 63 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.49/5.
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™
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 feature helps conversations stand out, even when you’re surrounded by noise.5 options
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 Powered by Bose is the pick for someone with confirmed mild-to-moderate hearing loss who wants to handle setup themselves through an app and save roughly $700 in the process.
Its user rating of 2.6/5 (from a small sample of 5 reviews) is a caution flag worth weighing against that lower price.
Which is right for you?
The Philips HearLink 9050 is the stronger all-around device on paper — IP68 durability, telecoil, hands-free calling on both major phone platforms, and coverage up to severe hearing loss — and its 3.6/5 user rating from 19 reviews reflects a more established track record. That extra capability and professional fitting come at about $700 more per pair, and it's sold only at Costco, so factor that into your shopping plan.
Before you buy
AI summarizedConfirm your hearing loss severity
The Lexie only covers mild to moderate loss, so if your loss is more significant the HearLink 9050 is the only one of the two you can consider.
Complete the Lexie in-app hearing test carefully
Because the Lexie is tuned entirely from your in-app test result rather than a professional exam, take it in a quiet space and retake it if the fit doesn't feel right.
Ask about the HearLink 9050 fitting appointment
Since the Philips is a prescription device, use the fitting session to discuss its Bluetooth Auracast, telecoil, and tap-control call features so the professional programs them to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
AI summarizedNo. The HearLink 9050 is a prescription device fitted by a hearing professional, while the Lexie is designed to be self-fitted through its own app using an in-app hearing test.
The Philips HearLink 9050 is built for mild through severe hearing loss, while the Lexie Powered by Bose is designed only for mild to moderate loss, so it isn't an option if your loss is severe.
The Lexie's Bluetooth is listed as Made for iPhone (MFi) only, without Android hands-free calling support. The Philips HearLink 9050 supports hands-free calling on both iPhone and Android.
The Philips HearLink 9050 is sold exclusively through Costco. The Lexie Powered by Bose has no such exclusivity listed.