Zepp Clarity Pixie aims to give you high-quality amplification and better hearing in an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid without a trip to the audiologist. Featuring an almost invisible in-ear fit, nearly all-day battery life, tap controls and a reliable smartphone app for adjustments, Zepp Clarity Pixie checks many boxes for an advanced OTC hearing aid—and even did quite well during testing at the HearAdvisor lab (see the bottom of this page for test results). In fact, it just narrowly missed earning a HearAdvisor Expert Choice Award.

Below I'll dive into the details of Zepp Clarity Pixie, give you my impression of what it was like using these hearing aids, describe their key features, and provide you with test scores, sound samples, and more.

What I loved about Zepp Clarity Pixie hearing aids

  • Improved Speech Clarity
    While not on par with properly programmed prescription hearing aids, I found Zepp Clarity to offer some improvements to speech clarity, especially in quieter environments.
  • Competitively Priced
    While the Zepp website displays a retail price of $2,000, we've never seen the price go above $999. This easily beats the Pixie's nearest competitor, Eargo 7, which comes in well above above $2,000.
  • Personalized to Your Ears
    The mobile app allows you to take a hearing assessment through Zepp Clarity which should help customize the settings for your specific hearing needs. While this does not replace a diagnostic hearing evaluation and real-ear measurements, it should be more effective than OTC hearing aids that rely only on presets for most people.
  • Rechargeable & Nearly Invisible
    Zepp Clarity is nearly invisible-in-ear, which is great if you are searching for a discreet hearing aid option.
  • Instant-Fit
    Zepp Clarity uses soft silicone multi-flange ear tips, making them “instant-fit” without the need for custom earmolds.
  • All Day Battery Life for Most
    Zepp Clarity has a 17-hour battery life that will likely get you through your day without needing to reach for your charger. Run time will vary with streaming, age of batteries, and other factors.
  • Tap Controls
    There are no physical buttons on Clarity due to their small size; however, Zepp has included a feature allowing you to switch programs with a double-tap of your ears.
  • App Control
    The Zepp mobile app allows you to wirelessly control the Clarity Pixie hearing aids. Continue reading to learn more about the included features.
  • Resilient Case with Power Bank
    While not groundbreaking, the charging case is durable and the extra on-the-go power is a nice modern feature.
  • Over-the-counter hearing aids
    Zepp Clarity is an OTC hearing aid that can therefore be purchased without the need to visit an audiologist or clinic. While this has drawbacks, it can make it easier for you to purchase hearing aids.
  • Risk-Free Trial
    Like most hearing aids, Zepp offers a 45-day risk free trial on all of their hearing aids and a 24-month limited warranty.

Drawbacks

  • Quality of Benefit is a Gamble
    It is not possible to verify the gain (amplification) you receive from hearing aids without real-ear measurements. As Zepp Clarity is an OTC device, it is uncertain how accurate the gain will be for your hearing loss and whether some hearing benefit is left on the table.
  • No Bluetooth Streaming
    Bluetooth streaming is unfortunately not available with Zepp Clarity. This means other features like Live Listen will not work for iOS users.
  • No Physical Buttons
    Adjustments must be made through the app or with the tap-control features, which must be adjusted separately for each device.
  • May be Difficult to Handle
    Zepp Clarity is small, which can make it difficult to handle and see, especially if you have low vision or dexterity issues.
  • Not Appropriate for Everyone
    Zepp Clarity is a direct-to-consumer OTC hearing aid and is therefore not appropriate if you are younger than 18 years of age, have a more significant hearing loss, or other complex needs.
  • No Accessories
    Currently, Zepp does not offer any wireless accessories, such as remote microphones. This may be a reason to find similarly priced prescription hearing aids from an audiologist.
  • No T-coil
    You will not be able to pick up audio broadcasts via hearing loops in public auditoriums or other places as these aids do not feature a telecoil.
  • Low IP Rating
    Zepp has an IP rating of X7, meaning that while it has good moisture protection, the manufacturer has either not tested or chosen not to publish the protection against dust or debris. They will therefore likely require extra care to keep them working well long-term.

My Experience Setting Up and Using Zepp Clarity Pixie

In the box, you will find a set of Zepp Clarity Pixie hearing aids, their portable charging case, and other useful accessories like dome ear tips. Be sure to read through the Quick Start Guide as it walks you through general use and the mobile app setup.

A good tip is to let Pixie fully charge as you read and familiarize yourself with these hearing aids. Zepp has included a USB-C cable and wall adapter that you can plug into a standard wall outlet.

Photo of how the Zepp Clarity Pixie hearing aid looks in my ear.
Photo of how the Zepp Clarity Pixie hearing aid looks in my ear.

Before wearing Pixie, install the Zepp app and pair the hearing aids with your mobile device. This enables you to complete the on-ear hearing assessment and customize Pixie to your preferences. I'll tell you more about the Zepp mobile app and its features below.

Once the app is installed and Pixie is paired, it's time to place the devices in your ears. Pixie hearing aids are small, which can make them slightly more challenging to see and handle. To avoid dropping them, it's a good idea to insert and remove them over a counter or tabletop until you become familiar with them. They are also ear-specific, marked with “R” for right and “L” for left, so be sure you are wearing them correctly.

You can see how small the Zepp Pixie hearing aids are in my hand. While this makes them discrete in the ear, they can be challenging to handle. It's best to insert and remove them while over a counter or tabletop (if a sink, make sure the drain plug is in use!).
You can see how small the Zepp Pixie hearing aids are in my hand. While this makes them discrete in the ear, they can be challenging to handle. It's best to insert and remove them while over a counter or tabletop (if a sink, make sure the drain plug is in use!).

Controlling Zepp Clarity Pixie

Pixie performs well with reliable Bluetooth connectivity. The hearing aids enhance speech clarity, and their in-ear design provides a more natural sound quality compared to some behind-the-ear devices. I found the default settings to lack some crispness in the higher tones; however, adjusting the 3-band equalizer in the custom program settings helped.

I also appreciate that Zepp included Tap Controls, which allow you to cycle through the program settings by quickly double-tapping your ear. However, the tap controls could be more sensitive. Additionally, you will need to tap and adjust each hearing aid separately, as they are not wirelessly connected or synchronized. This can be mildly inconvenient, though the tap control is a nice alternative to always being forced to use the app for adjustments.

Overall, Pixie's sound quality falls within the mid-to-high range of OTC hearing aids I’ve tested. However, it does not quite match the clarity of professionally fitted prescription devices. While the sound is generally good, there is room for improvement in clarity and occasional feedback management.

Lacks Bluetooth audio streaming

Zepp Clarity Pixie offers Bluetooth wireless control of the hearing aid's functions, which sets it apart from similar OTC devices like Eargo Link, which use a less reliable audio-based form of wireless communication. However, Pixie does not stream audio as do some other OTC hearing aids, such as Eargo Link, Sony CRE-E10, Lucid Tala, HP Pro, and JLab Hear. In fairness, all these devices have an earbud design versus the Pixie's more discreet completely-in-canal (CIC) style. Thus, given the style and size of these hearing aids, the Pixie's wireless controls are impressive.

Using the Zepp Mobile App

I experienced no issues using the Zepp mobile app with my iPhone 12. It offers many useful features that expand sound customization. For example, the Home tab allows you to adjust volume, mute your hearing aids, and switch between 8 customizable sound profiles. Additional features can be found under the Support and More tabs, which are discussed below.

Here is the main Home tab within the Zepp app. You can control the volume (left), programs (center), and program customization for bass, middle, and treble (right).
Here is the main Home tab within the Zepp app. You can control the volume (left), programs (center), and program customization for bass, middle, and treble (right).

Program Recommendations

The Program Recommendations section allows you to take an on-ear hearing assessment through your Pixie hearing aids. To get the best results, find a quiet environment and let the app guide you through the 5-10 minute test. Once completed, the app will recommend settings based on your results, helping to improve your overall experience with Zepp Clarity Pixie.

Here I am performing the on-ear assessment through the Zepp app.
Here I am performing the on-ear assessment through the Zepp app.

Smart Phonecall

As noted above, Pixie does not support audio streaming, nor does it provide for hands-free calls. However, Zepp includes Smart Phonecall, which automatically switches to a Phone program when you answer a call. This feature is designed to improve clarity and reduce feedback (whistling) during phone conversations. You can enable Smart Phonecall from the More tab.

Limited Remote Support

Zepp does not currently offer remote support that involves a video chat or remote programming via the mobile app. However, you can contact Zepp’s technical specialists via phone, email, or via text through the Zepp app. Additionally, the Support tab provides a helpful Q&A section should you need assistance.

Find Device

Find Device is a useful feature within the app that helps you locate misplaced hearing aids by emitting a loud, high-pitched tone from them. This feature is uncommon among OTC hearing aids, so kudos to Zepp for including it—especially since hearing aids are easily misplaced. If you cannot hear the tone, consider asking a family member or friend to help with the search.

To use this feature, navigate to the More tab in the mobile app and select Find Device.

The Find Devices tab allows you to click either “bell” icon to make your hearing aids play a series of loud high-pitch tones. Be sure the hearing aids are not in your ears when using this feature!
The Find Devices tab allows you to click either “bell” icon to make your hearing aids play a series of loud high-pitch tones. Be sure the hearing aids are not in your ears when using this feature!

Power and Rechargeability

Clarity Pixie hearing aids have a reported battery life of up to 17 hours per charge, and the case’s internal power bank offers an additional 11 days of rechargeable battery life. Using the included USB-C cable, you can expect to fully charge the hearing aids and the case in around 2.5 hours. Wireless charging with a Qi pad is also an option, though this may take longer.

The portable charging case is well-built and fits easily in your pocket. However, one downside to portable charging case designs is that they do not sit well as tabletop units. The 17-hour battery life should get most people through their day, but a stable tabletop design would be more convenient, as you should not need to carry it around with you unless you plan to use Pixie only part-time as a situational device.

Zepp has included various lights on the case to indicate the battery life and or charging status of your devices. The LEDs will shine orange when charging and turn white when fully charged. If you do not see the light indicators turn on, be sure that the case is plugged into an appropriate power supply and that the hearing aids are placed in the case properly.

Here you can see the left and right Pixie hearing aids in the Zepp charging case. Be sure the devices are in the appropriate charging slot and that the metal leads are touching (the white LED lights will glow when the Pixie devices are placed correctly as seen here).
Here you can see the left and right Pixie hearing aids in the Zepp charging case. Be sure the devices are in the appropriate charging slot and that the metal leads are touching (the white LED lights will glow when the Pixie devices are placed correctly as seen here).

You will want to take extra care when placing Pixie in their case for either storage or charging. There are designated left and right bays for each hearing aid and the battery-charging leads are rather small. Together, this can make it difficult to get them seated properly. I experienced a few incidents where incorrect placement resulted in them not charging and feeding back (i.e., whistling) within the case!

No Wireless Accessories

Like the majority of OTC hearing aids, Zepp does not currently offer wireless accessories for Clarity Pixie. Furthermore, features like Live Listen with iOS mobile devices will not work, as Pixie’s Bluetooth functionality is limited to wireless control and not audio streaming.

Pixie is categorized as a self-fit OTC device and it adjusts sound settings based on an on-ear hearing assessment. Other programming and volume adjustments are available to further tune Pixie hearing aids based on your preferences and environmental hearing needs.

Zepp indicates that their batteries last up to 17 hours which should be enough to span most people’s active day. 

Pixie does not offer tinnitus features. However, some people experience a reduction in the annoyance of their tinnitus when using amplification alone. 

Should You Buy Zepp Clarity Pixie Hearing Aids?

There is much to like about Zepp Clarity Pixie. They are built well with the modern hearing aid user in mind and offer moderate comfort for instant-fit hearing aids. You can expect all day battery life and good wireless controls via the Zepp mobile app, both of which are even more impressive given the extremely small size of Pixie.

For our audio lab test scores and sound samples, please see the HearAdvisor lab ratings and the HearingTracker Score in the sidebars at the bottom of this page. Generally speaking, the scores indicate Zepp Clarity Pixie is a solid performer.

While the Zepp website displays a retail price of $2,000, we've never seen the price go above $999. This easily beats the Pixie's nearest competitor, Eargo 7, which comes in well above above $2,000. A cheaper OTC option, with similar style, would be the similarly tiny Sony CRE-C10 ($700).

Keep in mind many hearing clinics offer “basic” or non-premium technology for less than $2,000 per pair. This comes with the exceptional value of personalized professional hearing care for your unique hearing needs. Research comparing basic versus premium prescription hearing aids when fit using best practices has found little to no performance differences.1-3 Also keep in mind Costco offers premium modern prescription hearing aids starting at around $1,500—which is sometimes lower than other clinics' cost of goods. So if you're budget is $500-$1000 more, you may want to consider going into a clinic for care.

OTC hearing aids have advanced considerably since their inception in 2022, but their offerings still fall substantially short of the knowledge, care, and quality you'll receive at a good hearing clinic. The bottom line: at $1,000 per set, Zepp Clarity Pixie might be a good deal if you're looking for an almost-invisible OTC hearing aid solution; this probably isn't the case if they ever go to their full retail of $2,000. You will have to decide if Zepp Pixie’s unique offering is worth it.

What Other Products Might I Consider as Alternatives?

A few products on the market offer a nearly invisible fit and feature set similar to Zepp Clarity Pixie.

Eargo 7 is a popular but also an expensive option at about $2,400 per pair. HearAdvisor testing found Zepp Pixie to offer slightly better audio performance considering a common age-related hearing loss. Zepp Pixie also uses Bluetooth Low Energy for app connectivity which provides a more reliable and efficient wireless communication. In contrast, Eargo 7 employs its patented Eargo Ultra Sonic (EUS) protocol, which relies on high-frequency sound chirps from your phone to send commands. Based on my experience, this method is less dependable than Bluetooth.

Sony CRE-C20 hearing aids are another alternative at around $999 per pair. Like Zepp Pixie and Eargo 7, they offer a discreet design and respectable speech clarity when properly adjusted through the Sony wireless app. However, Sony also uses high-frequency audio commands for wireless control which is again less reliable than Bluetooth and ultimately means there is no audio streaming. As noted above, there are more economical in-ear options from both brands: the Sony CRE-C10 and the Eargo SE.

While all these OTC options are compact and nearly invisible, they have limitations in wireless features and customization. If you have a higher budget, you might find greater value by visiting a traditional hearing clinic. Prescription devices, like Signia Silk IX, are discrete and available for under $3,000. They have dependable wireless control via the Signia app, are rechargeable, and provide much better customization than most OTC options.

For those open to other styles, such as receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids, you can expect other benefits such as audio streaming. It’s worth comparing prices across clinics to find the best overall value, and do not forget to ensure whatever clinic you choose follows best practices and performs routine probe-tube measurements. Older, non-premium-tier devices can offer excellent value, and Costco often provides competitive pricing due to their bulk purchasing power.

References

  1. Cox RM, Johnson JA, Xu J. Impact of advanced hearing aid technology on speech understanding for older listeners with mild to moderate, adult-onset, sensorineural hearing loss. Gerontol. 2014;60(6):557-568.
  2. Cox RM, Johnson JA, Xu J. Impact of hearing aid technology on outcomes in daily life I: The patients’ perspective. Ear Hear. 2016;37(4):e224-e237.
  3. Johnson JA, Xu J, Cox RM. Impact of hearing aid technology on outcomes in daily life III: Localization. Ear Hear. 2017;38(6):746-759.
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  • Dr Steve Taddei

    Doctor of Audiology

    Steve Taddei, Au.D., merges his audio engineering degree from Columbia College Chicago with his doctorate in audiology from Northern Illinois University to advance hearing technologies and raise hearing loss awareness as the Lab Director at HearAdvisor. He also contributes consumer-focused hearing aid and earplug reviews at HearingTracker.com, and inspires future professionals through his adjunct faculty roles at several colleges, encouraging the next generation to discover and pursue their passions.