Sennheiser All-Day Clear vs. Sony CRE-C20

Featuring hands-free calling, Bluetooth streaming for both iPhone and Android, and intelligent scene detection for optimal sound quality, these devices provide a user-friendly and high-quality hearing solution.

The Sony CRE-C20 is a discreet, over-the-counter hearing aid designed for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, featuring a compact size and rechargeable battery for up to 28 hours of use. While it offers a user-friendly setup and an Auto Sound Analyzer for enhanced speech clarity, it lacks Bluetooth streaming capabilities, which may be a consideration for users seeking more advanced connectivity options.

Sennheiser All Day Clear achieved a SoundScore of 4.20/5 in HearAdvisor lab testing. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.47/5.

The Sony CRE-C20 achieved a SoundGrade of B and ranked #21 out of 56 devices in the OTC Hearing Aid category, placing it in the top 36% of OTC devices tested by HearAdvisor. This positions it as an above-average performer within a competitive category.

All Day Clear have an ingress protection rating of 68, meaning they offer impressive protection against moisture and debris. They feel well built in hand and the case, while on the larger side, offers good storage protection and should hold up to daily use.

Sony CRE-C20 has an excellent IP rating of 68, which aligns with our hands-on experience as we observed an improved build quality compared to CRE-C10.

All Day Clear last up to 20 hours per charge, meaning they should last your entire day.

CRE-C20 offer an impressive battery life of up to 28 hours. I also liked the portable charging case which offers you Qi wireless charging.

I found All Day Clear to offer easy and stable wireless connection. Their audio quality while streaming music, and during hands-free calling, was decent and comparable to other hearing aids in this price range.

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The All-Day Clear app is straightforward and offers useful customization like volume control, programs, and a 3-Band EQ. It is missing more advanced features commonly found in other products like directional microphone controls and health tracking.

Sony's Hearing Control app includes good features and allows your to further personalize CRE-C20 with their on-ear hearing assessment. One downside though is that the hearing aids and app communicate with sound cues from your phone. I find this method of wireless communication less reliable that Bluetooth, and it overall makes the pairing process more complicated.

I found All Day Clear comfortable, even with prolonged wear times, and did not experience any retention issues.

CRE-C20 are good comfortable once you find the best tip for your ears. They are not overly plugging though it can take some time to get used to having a hearing aid so deep in your ear canal.

Sennheiser All Day Clear look and feel like modern prescription hearing aids in an OTC package.

CRE-C20 are surprisingly small and sit mostly invisible in your ears. The style works well and was originally designed as an "instant-fit" prescription hearing aid from Signia.

Sennheiser All Day Clear has a value score of 4.6/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

The Sony CRE-C20 offers moderate value relative to its $999 price point, with several higher-scoring alternatives available at similar or lower prices.

All Day Clear are fairly easy to use receiver-in-canal style hearing aids and I did not run into any usability issues while trying them. One things worth noting is that, while the case works well, it does not have an internal battery and must be plugged in to charge.

CRE-C20's smaller size and method of wireless communication make it more difficult to manage than many other hearing aids. However, Sony has improved upon the design as CRE-C20 now uses internal rechargeable batteries, as opposed to disposable ones. It is a unique offering with many pros but be sure to consider this against your needs and abilities.

All Day Clear are self-fit OTC hearing aids, intended to be by you in the comforts of your home. However, Sennheiser offers an in-office option where they can be programmed by a provider like more traditional prescription devices.

Sony does not offer great support with their hearing aids. You are limited to phone and email based technical assistance which is a downside to many OTC products.