Check out our comparison of the Phonak Audéo Infinio Ultra vs Starkey Genesis AI. Listen to audio samples and see how the two hearing aids differ in terms of sound performance, features, accessories, and more.
Compare comprehensive test results and expert opinions.
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 reviewStarkey Genesis AI, launched in February 2023, is the previous generation of advanced hearing aids from American hearing aid manufacturer Starkey. Products in the family feature industry-leading rechargeable battery life, advanced AI-driven sound processing, and a redesigned ergonomic shape. It offers extensive features such as health and fitness tracking, fall detection, and compatibility with both iOS and Android devices for audio streaming and hands-free calling.
Read full reviewPhonak Sphere Infinio Ultra achieved a SoundScore of 4.58/5 in HearAdvisor lab testing. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.
Starkey Genesis AI achieved a SoundScore of 3.50/5 and a SoundGrade of B in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #26 of 35 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.
Phonak Audéo Sphere Ultra have an excellent build quality with a robust, portable charging case and a high ingress rating of IP68.
Starkey has improved the overall build quality with Genesis, as evidenced by the enhanced IP68 ingress rating. However, the portable charging case still feels somewhat less premium compared to those from other prescription hearing aid brands.
Audéo Infinio Ultra offer around 17 hours of use per charge under normal use and streaming conditions. When using the new Sphere mode, battery life is around 10 hours which is an improvement over the original Sphere Infinio model. They take 3 to 4 hours to recharge, and a 30-minute quick charge can provide an additional 6 hours of use.
Genesis 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.
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.
Genesis AI hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for audio streaming and hands-free calling.
I found the MyPhonak Hearing Aid app easy to use with many useful features, including health and fitness tracking.
The new My Starkey app features an updated look and retains useful features like sound customization and health tracking. However, user reviews indicate that connection issues persist.
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.
Genesis AI RIC are capable of excellent comfort which can be personalized by your hearing care provider.
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 Genesis hearing aids to be more modern and sleek compared to Starkey's previous generation. There are various color choices and the fitting can be adjusted to meet your needs and preferences.
Phonak Sphere Infinio Ultra has a value score of 3.4/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
Starkey Genesis AI has a value score of 3.0/5 based on lab performance and public display price.
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.
Genesis AI and the associated app are very easy to use, though the receiver-in-ear style may require some initial practice.
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.
Listen to direct output recordings from our acoustic test lab.
Compatible accessories for each hearing aid
Streams audio from a variety of sources to select Starkey hearing aids.
Plugs into analog or digital outputs and streams audio to select Starkey hearing aids.
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.
Charger with integrated battery
Unique StarLink Chargers for Genesis AI mRIC R and RIC RT hearing aids – same design but with different charging slots to ensure secure hearing aid placement. These new chargers include on-board turbo charging for three hours of hearing aid use time in just seven minutes of charging and must be plugged into an external power source (i.e, wall outlet) to function/charge the hearing aids.
Unique StarLink Premium Mini Chargers for Genesis AI mRIC R and RIC RT hearing aids – same design but with different charging slots to ensure secure hearing aid placement. These new chargers include on-board turbo charging for three hours of hearing aid use time in just seven minutes of charging and an on-board battery for on-the-go charging.
Streams audio from a variety of sources to select Starkey hearing aids.
CROS system for Starkey Genesis AI.
Streams audio from a variety of sources to select Starkey hearing aids.
Phonak Roger Select is a microphone specifically designed to help boost your hearing performance and keep you at the heart of the conversation.
Charger with integrated battery
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.
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.
The Phonak RemoteControl provides a discreet way to control your Phonak hearing aids.
Phonak Roger Select is a microphone specifically designed to help boost your hearing performance and keep you at the heart of the conversation.
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.
Discreet remote microphone that helps to boost your partners voice in one-to-one conversations in noise.
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.
Streams audio from a variety of sources to select Starkey hearing aids.
The Starkey StarLink Mini Remote Microphone enables hearing aid wearers to focus on a single speaker, making it ideal for noisy environments or television listening. The microphone pairs once and then automatically recognizes the hearing aids, and pairing can be done either within or outside the fitting software. It has a range of up to 65 feet and streams audio for up to 10 hours on a full charge. Volume and other settings can be adjusted via the hearing aid mobile app or remote.
The Table Microphone is placed on a table to improve hearing for speech in a group setting. It contains 8 built-in microphones and transmits sound via a 2.4Ghz wireless connection.
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.
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.
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.
Phonak Roger Select is a microphone specifically designed to help boost your hearing performance and keep you at the heart of the conversation.
Phonak Roger Select is a microphone specifically designed to help boost your hearing performance and keep you at the heart of the conversation.
Streams audio from a variety of sources to select Starkey hearing aids.
Streams audio from a variety of sources to select Starkey hearing aids.
Phonak Roger Select is a microphone specifically designed to help boost your hearing performance and keep you at the heart of the conversation.
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.
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.
Plugs into analog or digital outputs and streams audio to select Starkey hearing aids.