Sony CRE-E10 vs. Widex Allure

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.

Widex Allure is the brand’s most refined take yet on natural sound, pairing its signature low-delay PureSound approach with stronger speech processing and an excellent HearAdvisor A SoundGrade that places it among the top tier of prescription hearing aids, though it’s currently limited in styles and still waiting on key firmware updates like Auracast.

Sony CRE-E10 achieved a SoundScore of 5.0/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #1 of 63 OTC Hearing Aid devices tested. The OTC Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.49/5.

Widex Allure RIC 440 achieved a SoundScore of 4.5/5 and a SoundGrade of A in HearAdvisor lab testing. It ranked #7 of 36 Prescription Hearing Aid devices tested. The Prescription Hearing Aid category average SoundScore was 3.91/5.

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.

Widex Allure hearing aids have an impressive build quality, featuring a top-of-the-line IP68 ingress rating and a sturdy tabletop charging base.

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.

Moment Allure offer 25 hour all-day rechargeable battery life, with an impressive 7 hours of streaming. Recharging Allure will take around 4 hours and there is also a quick charge feature where 30 minutes of charge provides an additional 4 hours of power.

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.

Widex Allure hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for audio streaming and hands-free calling. While they do not currently offer Auracast, they are future ready with Bluetooth LE audio.

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.

The Widex Moment app is all around impressive with its modern, high-contrast appearance and comprehensive features, including sound customization options like a multi-band equalizer. The app also offers dedicated tinnitus features which can be optimized with your hearing care provider.

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.

I found Sheer sRIC very comfortable due to their smaller size and ergonomic design. Your hearing care provider should help fit them with optimal comfort and hearing benefit.

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.

Sheer sRIC have a modern design and are available in a range of colors from discrete to bold. Personally, I appreciate how Widex hearing aids have a smoother shape and a subtly textured feel.

Sony CRE-E10 has a value score of 4.1/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

Widex Allure RIC 440 has a value score of 3.2/5 based on lab performance and public display price.

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.

I did not run into any issues while using Widex Moment Sheer hearing aids. They are very easy to use once setup by your hearing care provider. First-time users may need some practice to get accustomed to inserting the receiver-in-ear style properly.

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.

You should receive quality hearing care and support from your provider. Telehealth, or remote care options, are also available though this requires some extra setup with a separate app and necklace dongle.