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
Expert Rating
Score
4.2
N/A
User Rating
2.65 reviews
3.619 reviews
Hearing Loss Level
MildModerate
MildModerateSevere
Product Features
RechargeableiPhone
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
4.4ABOVE AVERAGE
Lexie B2 Plus achieved a SoundScore of 4.4/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #7 of 65 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.68/5.
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 Cafe
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Powered by Bose
HearLink 9050
Lab recordings not yet available
Quiet Office
Hear this scene unaided, for comparison
Powered by Bose
HearLink 9050
Lab recordings not yet available
Streaming Music
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
Accelerometer
No
Yes
Bluetooth® Audio
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Bluetooth® Auracast™
Gyroscope
No
Yes
Hands-Free Calling
No
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
IP Rating
No
IP68
Push Button
No
- Program control
- Volume Control
- Mute control
- Power on/off
- Call accept/reject
- Tinnitus volume
- Airplane Mode
Rechargeable Batteries
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion
Tap Controls
No
- Accept/end calls
Telecoil
No
Yes
Volume Rocker
Yes
No
Software Features
Powered by Bose
HearLink 9050
Adjustment Bands
No
Yes
AI Noise Removal
No
AI Noise Reduction
Better Ear Focus
No
Yes
Directionality
Yes
No
Ear Simulation
No
3 options
Extended bandwidth
No
10kHz
Extended Dynamic Range
No
Yes
Feedback Suppression
Yes
Yes
Frequency Lowering
No
Yes
Handling noise reduction
No
Yes
Listening Programs
No
4
New User Adaptation
No
Yes
Noise Reduction
Yes
No
Processing Channels
12
64
Self-fitting
Tuned based on hearing test through device
No
Soft Speech Boost
No
Yes
Spatial Awareness
No
4 options
Spatial Noise Cancellation
No
Yes
Streaming Bass Boost
No
Yes
Sudden Loud Noise Reduction
No
SoundProtect Transient Noise Reduction: 6 options
Tinnitus Relief
No
Tinnitus SoundSupport
Unique Amplification Strategy
No
SoundGuideSoundMap 3Speech Clarifier5 options
Wind Noise Reduction
No
SoundProtect Wind Noise Management
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.