Phonak Audéo Infinio Ultra vs. Starkey Edge AI
Check out our comparison of the Phonak Audéo Infinio Ultra vs Starkey Edge 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
Phonak’s Infinio Sphere delivers genuinely standout speech clarity in loud, noisy places thanks to its DEEPSONIC “Sphere mode,” but you’ll trade some discretion and may wrestle with fit or Bluetooth pairing to get that top-tier performance.
Read full reviewEdge AI is equipped with Starkey's all-new G2 Neuro Processor with an integrated neural processing unit that classifies complex soundscapes, enhances speech, and reduces noise in real-time using advanced AI.
Read full reviewHearAdvisor SoundScore
Phonak Sphere Infinio Ultra achieved a SoundScore of 4.9/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #3 of 39 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 4.19/5.
Starkey Edge AI RIC achieved a SoundScore of 4.3/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #20 of 39 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 4.19/5.
Build Quality
Phonak Audéo Sphere Ultra have an excellent build quality with a robust, portable charging case and a high ingress rating of IP68.
Edge AI have excellent build quality as evidenced by their IP68 ingress rating. However, the portable charging case does not feel as robust compared to other prescription hearing aid brands.
Battery
Ultra is designed to deliver all-day use, with battery-life figures of up to 56 hours under ideal conditions (i.e., in quiet with no streaming) and about 10-11 hours when Sphere mode is continuously engaged. They take 3 to 4 hours to recharge, and a 30-minute quick charge can provide an additional 6 hours of use.
Edge AI offers an impressive 51 hour battery life on a single charge, with a quick recharge time of just 3.5 hours. Their rechargeable battery outperforms most products available today.
Bluetooth
Phonak Infinio Ultra are compatible with both iOS and Android, offering wireless audio streaming and hands-free calls. Pairing is now easier directly from your phone's Bluetooth menu.
Edge 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 MyPhonak Hearing Aid app easy to use with many useful features, including health and fitness tracking.
The My Starkey app features an updated look and offers useful features like sound customization and health tracking. However, user reviews indicate that connection issues can occur.
Comfort
Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio Ultra were extremely comfortable and lightweight in my ears. In general, hearing care providers can make numerous physical changes to prescription hearing aids to improve comfort.
Edge AI are capable of excellent comfort which can be personalized by your hearing care provider.
Design
Phonak's new Audéo Sphere Infinio Ultra model shares the same notably larger size as the original Phonak Infinio Sphere. This is needed for its increased AI processing. While the larger size may be more noticeable, Sphere Ultra remains comfortable, and your provider should have no trouble adjusting the fit to your preference.
I find Edge AI hearing aids similar to their previous generation Genesis, and overall more modern and sleek compared to the previous Evolv AI generation. Starkey also offers various color choices and the fitting can be adjusted to meet your needs and preferences.
Value
Phonak Sphere Infinio Ultra has a value score of 3.5/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
Starkey Edge AI RIC has a value score of 3.2/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
Handling
Infinio Ultra are easy to use and adjust using either the large multi-function button or MyPhonak app. I had no issues making adjustments with either.
Edge 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 Infinio Sphere Ultra are fit by hearing care providers so you should receive quality care. The MyPhonak 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
RogerDirect™
As a break-through in hearing technology, Marvel hearing aids feature RogerDirect™ which allows the Roger technology to stream directly to Marvel hearing aids without having to attach an external receiver. This major innovation makes Roger technology easier to use and more attractive for a broader group ranging from mild to profound hearing loss. Roger technology makes use of intelligent and adaptive algorithms that continuously measure and precisely analyze noise levels to keep the Roger signal clearly audible above the background noise.
ChargerGo RIC Sphere Infinio+1
Charger with integrated battery
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 (RIC RT)
StarLink Premium Charger 2.0 (RIC RT)
myPhonak App+2
The myPhonak app allows you to access remote support, information about their hearing aids, and a hearing diary. The app also allows you to adjust the volume and pitch of your hearing aids, and change program settings.
RemoteControl
The Phonak RemoteControl provides a discreet way to control your Phonak hearing aids.
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.
Roger Table Mic II+1
Phonak Roger Table Mic II is a microphone dedicated for working adults who participate in various meetings. It selects the person who’s talking and switches automatically between the meeting participants.
PartnerMic™
Discreet remote microphone that helps to boost your partners voice in one-to-one conversations in noise.
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.
Roger Select™+4
Phonak Roger Select is a microphone specifically designed to help boost your hearing performance and keep you at the heart of the conversation.
TV Connector
The Phonak TV Connector is a wireless accessory that streams audio directly from your TV or stereo system to your Phonak hearing aids, transforming them into wireless stereo headsets. Enjoy high-quality sound, independent volume control, and a long transmission range of up to 15 meters.
Roger On+1
Phonak Roger On is an advanced remote mic accessory developed by Phonak. It is designed to improve speech understanding in noisy environments, over distance, and when many people are speaking simultaneously. Equipped with MultiBeam 2.0 Technology, it provides a boost in understanding by capturing voices from all directions. The Roger On can connect to a variety of multimedia devices and is fully compatible with almost all hearing aids and cochlear implants that have a T-coil or a Roger receiver.
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
- Bluetooth® (A2DP)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Auracast™ Ready
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Bluetooth® Auracast™
- Bluetooth® (HFP)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
- Program control
- Volume Control
- Audio Stream Mix
- Program control
- Volume Control
- Mute control
- Power on/off
- Accessory volume
- Tinnitus volume
- Edge Mode+
- Manual Alert
- Voice assistant
- Accept/end calls
- Pause/Resume
- Tinnitus program
- Play/Pause
- Voice assistant
- Edge Mode+
- Siri
Software Features
- Personalization
- User Control
- App Control
- Adaptive
- Dynamic
- Directional
- Consonant Enhancement
- Voice AI