Phonak vs. Oticon, Compared and Tested by an Audiologist in 2025
Phonak is our top pick for those with severe hearing loss, while Oticon offers the best listening comfort for mild to moderate hearing loss.
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Phonak at a Glance
- Directional microphones zoom in on desired sounds
- Unique IIC offerings
- Best technology for complex listening environments
- Our pick for severe to profound hearing loss
Oticon at a Glance
- Hearing aids with 360-degree soundscape
- Bluetooth features for some Android users require an intermediary device
- Best technology for listening comfort
- Our choice for mild to moderate hearing loss
Phonak and Oticon are prescription hearing aid brands that offer solutions for all levels of hearing loss. They each offer advanced technology, excellent customer service and some of the best hearing aids on the market. Estimated prices range from $2,000 to $8,000 per pair, but prices aren’t listed online and vary by dispenser. Phonak is one of our favorite solutions for people with severe to profound hearing loss, while Oticon offers some of the best comfort listening, particularly for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
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|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth capability | Yes | Yes |
| Tinnitus support help | Yes | Yes |
| Customer service | Online FAQ, 1-800 number, online form | Online support, 1-800 number |
| Accompanying app | Yes | Yes |
| Website |
See Pricing
Links to Zip Hearing
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See Pricing
Links to Zip Hearing
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Comparing the Costs
Phonak and Oticon do not advertise hearing aid prices online, and costs vary by dispenser and location. We estimate that prices range from $2,000 to $8,000 per pair for Oticon and $2,000 to $7,500 per pair for Phonak. If you’re interested in a product, you’ll be directed to find a professional hearing aid provider in your area to book an appointment.
Audiologists use special equipment to test prescription hearing aids, like Phonak devices, and ensure the best experience for their patients
If you’re worried about the cost of hearing aids, watch our video below. We discuss how you can find free or discounted hearing aids.
Phonak vs. Oticon: How Do They Compare?
The most significant difference between Phonak and Oticon is the technology under the hood that calculates how much sound is produced and at which pitches. Both providers have approaches that accurately represent the entire spectrum of sound, from very soft to very loud noises. Oticon’s approach provides a little more listening comfort, however, since its BrainHearing technology helps users listen with less effort.1 Research has shown the two providers’ algorithms are pretty much equal when listening to speech, so you really can’t go wrong with either one for everyday communication.
Did You Know? Adults with hearing loss have to dedicate more cognitive resources to listening than adults with normal hearing, resulting in greater mental fatigue.2
Beyond providing basic loudness correction for hearing loss, Phonak and Oticon differ significantly in how they approach hearing speech in background noise. Phonak relies on automatic and manually adjusted directional microphones to zoom into desired signals. Oticon’s Open Sound approach in their OPN-generation devices aims to provide an accurate 360-degree representation of the world that allows the brain to select the signal you want to listen to. Oticon’s 360 listening is especially beneficial for older adults who like to be on the move and are constantly entering new sound environments.
» You Might Like: Best Hearing Aids for Active Lifestyles
I don’t see a significant difference between the two approaches for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. For people with more severe hearing loss — particularly those with very poor hearing in background noise — the Phonak approach works a bit better. Phonak has become one of the go-to choices for older adults whose hearing loss is at 65 dB or above on the hearing threshold.
» Related Reading: Best Hearing Aids for Severe Hearing Loss
Phonak and Oticon Devices
Both Oticon and Phonak offer hearing aids ranging from invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) to high-power behind-the-ear (BTE) devices. The most popular for both is the receiver-in-canal (RIC) style that provides a great balance between discretion and functionality.
Phonak offers a variety of hearing aids for all levels of hearing loss.
Phonak also offers a unique device called Lyric, which is an extended-wear IIC device and the world’s first 100 percent invisible hearing aid.3 It uses a sealed battery and is placed very deep in the ear canal by specially trained dispensers. After about three months, the device is replaced under a subscription plan.
» For Discreet Listening: Best Invisible Hearing Aids
For people with mild to moderate hearing loss and the right size and shape of ear canal, the devices work quite well.
My friend's Oticon hearing aids
Quick Tip: Not sure which hearing aid style is right for you? Check out our hearing aid buying guide for more details on hearing aid styles.
Wireless Connectivity
Both Phonak and Oticon offer made-for-iPhone (MFi) devices. Android users can also connect to both, but Oticon users will need an intermediary device called the Connect Clip for some incompatible Android phones. In contrast, the Phonak Marvel can connect directly to most Android devices using the Bluetooth Classic protocol.
» Learn More: Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids
Hearing Assistive Technology
Both Oticon and Phonak offer accessories to help overcome the limitations of distance, reverberation and background noise, but Phonak has the edge here. Their Roger system, although quite expensive, is the leader for hearing well in complex listening environments, including educational settings. Both offer equivalent TV streaming devices and smartphone apps.
» Also Check Out: Best Smartphones for Seniors
Watch our video with audiologist Dr. Brad Ingrao to learn more about both brands and who they’re best for.
Phonak and Oticon vs. the Competition
Phonak and Oticon both offer excellent hearing solutions, but they’re definitely not the only options out there! Here is a closer look at Phonak and Oticon compared with some of their biggest prescription hearing aid competitors.
| Phonak | Oticon | Beltone | ReSound | Widex | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $1,000 per ear | $1,000 per ear | $1,400 per ear | $1,000 per ear | $1,000 per ear |
| Best for those who want | Streaming to most mobile devices and better listening in noisy environments | Long-lasting hearing devices that make listening less tiring | Plenty of styles and accessories for seniors who are not as tech-savvy | Remote microphones, MFi hearing aids and custom earmolds | Fast-charging options and more advanced tinnitus relief |
| Free trial | Yes, 30 days | Yes, 30 days | Yes, 30 days | Yes, 90 days | Yes, 40 to 60 days |
| Hearing loss levels | Mild to profound | Mild to profound | Mild to profound | Mild to profound | Mild to profound |
| CROS available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tinnitus solutions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile apps | 3 apps | 1 app | 3 apps | 3 apps | 4 apps |
| Battery types | Rechargeable and disposable | Rechargeable and disposable | Rechargeable and disposable | Rechargeable and disposable | Rechargeable and disposable |
Our Methodology
How We Researched Phonak and Oticon Hearing Aids
Our resident audiologist, Dr. Ruth Reisman, has years of experience prescribing Phonak and Oticon hearing aids. We spoke with Dr. Reisman about both providers, including their advantages and weaknesses. Dr. Reisman even provided us with insights from her patients who have used hearing aids from each provider for years. Our tech team also spent over 50 hours researching Phonak and Oticon to ensure that we had the most accurate, up-to-date information. Here’s what our research process looked like:
- We used the hearing tests from Phonak and Oticon. Our team then compared the results to in-person hearing evaluations.
- Our tech team researched each model available from Phonak and Oticon, analyzing their underlying tech and features. We even compared their offerings to other top providers on the market.
- We tried the mobile apps from Phonak and Oticon to ensure that they address the most common concerns of older adults with hearing loss. We specifically evaluated their functionality, usability and senior-friendliness.
- Our team contacted customer-service representatives from Phonak and Oticon to evaluate their overall quality of care.
The Factors We Used to Compare Phonak and Oticon
Our team worked with Dr. Reisman to narrow down the most important things to consider when comparing Phonak and Oticon. Here are the top factors we examined:
- Product lineup: Having experience with dozens of hearing aid brands, we know some providers offer more options than others. We like to see more options, because it helps audiologists work with their patients to find the perfect fit for each person’s specific hearing needs and budget.
- Hearing technology: Both Phonak and Oticon offer enhanced hearing tech that helps their hearing aids stand out from the competition. The two providers offer different approaches to listening improvement, however, so it’s important to consider how different technology affects the patients who use the devices.
- Mobile app: We love quality mobile apps, because they can make setting up and using hearing aids far easier. In addition to hands-on testing, we also examined the availability of each mobile app on different devices (primarily iOS and Android).
- Bluetooth connectivity: Bluetooth is becoming increasingly commonplace for hearing aids, especially high-end prescription devices. Some providers, however, make it easier to connect to your favorite mobile devices via Bluetooth without the need for intermediary accessories.
- Brand reputation: We value brand reputation, because it indicates consistency, quality and consumer trust. Fortunately, both Phonak and Oticon are respected brands that offer quality hearing products.
Why Trust Us?
Our team of tech experts tries the latest gadgets and devices for older adults each year. We’ve logged hundreds of hours testing and reviewing hearing aids from dozens of brands.
In addition to our hands-on research, we work alongside experts with decades of experience prescribing hearing aids and helping seniors with hearing loss. Dr. Reisman has firsthand experience with the brands we discuss, including Phonak and Oticon.
Phonak vs. Oticon: The Bottom Line
We would recommend either Oticon or Phonak for the average first-time hearing aid user. Both brands offer world-class technology and customer service at a fair price. Phonak and Oticon are currently available only through brick-and-mortar dispensers, but they offer some level of telemedicine support.
I tend to lean toward Phonak for those with more severe hearing loss, since those users usually need the more aggressive speech-in-noise approach that Phonak provides. For patients of mine who struggle with listening fatigue, however, Oticon offers some top-notch devices.
Check out our Phonak review and Oticon review for more details on both brands.
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Oticon. (2019). BrainHearing Approach.
American Academy of Audiology. (2013). Listening Fatigue.
Phonak. (2023). Phonak Lyric.
