Lucid Hearing Engage vs. Sony CRE-E10

It features Bluetooth streaming, app-controlled personalizable sound settings, and rechargeable batteries, and can be purchased online or in stores like Best Buy, Walmart, and Sam's Club.

Sony’s CRE-E10 is one of the strongest true self-fit OTC options we’ve tested, combining an earbud-like, comfortable in-ear design with excellent speech enhancement, strong feedback control, and genuinely impressive streamed audio quality and battery life, though it’s expensive for OTC, streaming is iPhone-only, and the lack of physical controls means you’re locked into the app for adjustments.

Lucid Engage achieved a SoundScore of 4.49/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #5 of 61 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.

The Sony CRE-E10 achieved a SoundGrade of A and ranked #1 in the OTC Hearing Aid category, placing it in the top 2% of all 56 OTC devices tested by HearAdvisor. This represents the highest measured sound performance in the category.

Engage has an ingress rating of IP22 indicating it does not offer the greatest protection against moisture and debris. T

With an ingress rating of IP68, CRE-E10 offer excellent resistance to moisture and debris. They also feel well-built in hand and come with a sturdy charging case.

With a reported battery life of up to 20 hours you should make it through the day on a single charge. One downside though is the case does not have a power bank and must be plugged in to charge.

CRE-E10 offer an impressive battery life of up to 26 hours. I also liked the portable charging case which offers you Qi wireless charging.

Engage's audio streaming is not the highest fidelity but it works with both iOS and Android mobile devices. Hands-free calling is not available at this time.

While CRE-E10 offers high quality audio streaming and hands-free calling, it only works with iOS devices. You may want to look elsewhere if you use an Android device.

Lucid's app offers many useful features, like the 7-band equalizer LucidShape, and recently received an update improving the overall appearance. You will definitely want to use the app to get the most out of Engage hearing aids.

Sony's Hearing Control app is not as elaborate as some other OTC hearing aids. However, the on-ear hearing test is a nice addition and it offers you all basic adjustments you will likely need.

Engage is lightweight and fit comfortably like other behind-the-ear style hearing aids. Their licensed professionals can help if you need assistance with comfort or ear tip selection.

CRE-E10 are comfortable and fit like other earbud-like hearing aids. They were surprisingly lightweight and offered high quality audio without completely plugging my ears.

Engage are not the most sleek or modern looking hearing aids but they are small enough where they remain mostly invisible behind your ear.

CRE-E10 have a modern earbud-like look which may be undesirable depending on your preferences. Unlike other hearing aids, CRE-E10 are all black and very visible in your ears.

Lucid Engage has a value score of 4.4/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

The Sony CRE-E10 offers strong value given its category-leading sound performance at the mid-price tier.

Engage are straightforward and offer decent button controls, though you will want to install the associated app. If this is your first time wearing RIC, or receiver-in-canal, devices, contact their support team for guidance on proper wear.

I had no issues wearing or adjusting CRE-E10 though it is worth mentioning that they do not have physical buttons, you must use Sony's Hearing Control app for programming changes.

Lucid is a step above some other OTC companies as they offer lifetime support from licensed professionals. This is not the same as in person can but it is a great addition even for those familiar with hearing aids.

Sony does offer consultations with their product experts though this is not the same as hearing care from a licensed provider. You may want to look elsewhere if you would like assistance from a hearing care provider.