Oticon Zeal vs. Starkey Omega AI
Check out our comparison of the Oticon Zeal vs Starkey Omega AI. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.
Product Overview
Expert Ratings
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
HearingTracker Score
Oticon Zeal is an instant-fit, nearly invisible, rechargeable prescription hearing aid with AI-driven processing and modern Bluetooth LE Audio connectivity for Android and Apple iOS.
Read full reviewStarkey Omega AI is a top-tier prescription hearing aid with excellent speech-in-noise performance, a best-in-class app and wellness features, and standout durability and battery life—though its high price and feature-heavy setup won’t suit everyone.
Read full reviewHearAdvisor SoundScore
Oticon Zeal achieved a SoundScore of 4.7/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #6 of 39 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 4.19/5.
Starkey Omega AI achieved a SoundScore of 4.5/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #13 of 39 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 4.19/5.
Build Quality
Zeal offer excellent moisture and dust protection with an ingress rating of IP68. Both the hearing aids and case are well build and ready for daily use.
Starkey has improved the overall build quality with Omega, as evidenced by the enhanced IP68 ingress rating. The new portable charging case also feels well built.
Battery
With a battery life of up to 20 hours, Zeal should last you all day.
Omega AI offers an impressive 51 hour battery life per charge, just like the previous Edge AI model., with a quick 3.5 recharge time.
Bluetooth
I found Zeal to offer easy and stable wireless connection. Their audio quality while streaming music, and during hands-free calling, was good and comparable to other prescription hearing aids.
Omega AI hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for audio streaming and hands-free calling.
App Features
I found the Companion app easy to navigate and use. Other prescription hearing aid companies offer more in-depth health features, but there is still plenty of opportunity to customize settings from your mobile device. The HearingFitness component is also a nice feature for those who like to actively track their progress.
The new My Starkey app features an updated look and adds additional useful features for sound customization, health tracking, balance, and more.
Comfort
Oticon Zeal were extremely comfortable and lightweight in my ears. In general, hearing care providers can make numerous physical changes to prescription hearing aids like Zeal to improve comfort.
Omega AI RIC are capable of excellent comfort which can be personalized by your hearing care provider.
Design
Zeal are sleek, easy to use, in-the-ear prescription hearing aids. They are nearly invisible in the ear which is extremely impressive given their battery life and wireless capabilities.
Omega hearing aids are nearly identical to Starkeys previous Edge AI model. They are sleek, available in various colors, and can be adjusted to meet your needs.
Value
Oticon Zeal has a value score of 3.4/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
Starkey Omega AI has a value score of 3.4/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
Handling
Zeal are easy to use and adjust with the Oticon Companion app. I had no issues making adjustments while testing them.
Omega AI and the associated app are very easy to use, though the receiver-in-ear style may require some initial practice.
Pro Support
Prescription hearing aids like Zeal are fit by hearing care providers so you should receive quality care. The Oticon Companion app also opens the possibility for remote programming and virtual follow-up appointments.
You should receive quality hearing care and support from your provider. Starkey also offers technical support and provides a Telehear remote services app, connecting your with your provider for remote care.
Lab Recordings
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
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
StarLink Charger 2.0
The StarLink Charger 2.0 is designed to charge non-custom lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aids, such as RIC RT and mRIC R styles. It requires an external power source, such as a wall outlet, for operation as it lacks an on-board battery. With turbo charging, users can get approximately 3 hours of use time from just 10 minutes of charging when the hearing aids' battery is low. Hearing aids are fully charged in 3.5 hours, and LED indicators show the charging status.
StarLink Premium Charger 2.0+1
The StarLink Premium Charger 2.0 offers the same charging capability for non-custom hearing aids like RIC RT and mRIC R but includes an on-board battery. This feature allows charging without being plugged into an external power source. The Premium charger can fully charge hearing aids up to three times on a single charge and offers turbo charging for quick boosts. It fully charges hearing aids in 3.5 hours, and LED indicators provide information about both the hearing aids' and the charger's battery status.
StarLink Charger 2.0 (mRIC R)
StarLink Premium Charger 2.0 (mRIC R)
StarLink Remote Control 2.0
The Starkey StarLink Remote Control 2.0 is designed to control compatible 2.4 GHz hearing aids. Users can adjust volume, switch programs, and activate features like Edge Mode or Comfort Boost.
My Starkey
Designed with the input of hearing aid wearers, My Starkey pairs with select Starkey hearing aids to help you enjoy greater listening moments, improved well-being, and easier everyday living — all from the palm of your hand.
StarLink Edge TV Streamer
Future-proof and Auracast ready, our Edge TV Streamer is 60% smaller than previous Starkey streamers and uses Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio protocol to stream audio straight from a TV to paired Edge AI hearing aids.
Hardware
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Bluetooth® Auracast™
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Bluetooth® Auracast™
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
- Android (ASHA)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Program control
- Volume Control
- Mute control
- Power on/off
- Accessory volume
- Tinnitus volume
- Edge Mode+
- Manual Alert
- Volume Control
- Change program
- Accept/end calls
- Tinnitus program
- Play/Pause
- Voice assistant
- Edge Mode+
Software Features
- Personalization
- User Control
- App Control
- Consonant Enhancement
- Voice AI