Phonak vs. ReSound
Phonak offers some of our favorite hearing aids for severe to profound hearing loss, while ReSound is our pick for rechargeable devices and telehealth support.
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- Phonak and ReSound both offer a variety of hearing aids with solutions for mild to profound hearing loss.
- Phonak is our top pick for severe to profound hearing loss. Want to learn why? Visit our guide to the best hearing aids for a closer look.
- If you’re searching for some of the best rechargeable hearing aids or telehealth support, ReSound is an excellent choice.
When you’re in the market for a hearing aid, you want to choose a company you can trust and one that’s been in the business for years. Phonak and ReSound check both of those boxes. Whichever provider you choose, you can be sure you are getting a high-quality hearing aid and a company that stands behind its products. Our tech experts researched and compared ReSound and Phonak extensively for this guide. We also consulted with resident audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman for her feedback on both brands. We’ll discuss our findings below.
Phonak Fast Facts
- Industry-leading external microphone for complex listening environments
- Unique Invisible-in-canal (IIC) Lyric device for 24/7 use
- Best solutions for severe hearing loss
ReSound Fast Facts
- More user-friendly mobile apps
- Unique In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids for the best sound in environments with background noise
- Private label options for more affordable hearing aids
Phonak vs. ReSound: The Breakdown
Phonak and ReSound offer a complete range of hearing aids from invisible-in-canal (IIC) to high power behind-the-ear (BTE) styles that allow them to fit almost anyone with hearing loss. While they are very similar, a few specific differences move the needle a bit for some users.
» Learn More: Best Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids
ReSound Products
Phonak and ReSound Equipment
ReSound offers a unique design called Microphone-in-Helix that allows users of small in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids to hear better in environments with background noise. I’ve also used this style for people with atypically shaped ears. If you’ve struggled with hearing aids that never seem to sit well in your ear canal, ReSound’s ITC options could be the solution.
Testing out ReSound hearing aids
Phonak has a unique product called Lyric, an extended wear IIC that is sold by subscription and allows 24/7 use. According to Phonak, it’s the world’s first and only 100 percent invisible hearing aid.1 The device itself is replaced every three to four months, and, in my experience, it is appropriate for a limited number of folks with average-sized and average-shaped ear canals with mild to moderate hearing loss.
» Related Reading: Best Invisible Hearing Aids
While both providers offer “frequency lowering,” Phonak provides the dispenser with a lot more flexibility in adjusting the feature; this will make a difference for those with more severe high-frequency hearing loss.
Testing out Phonak hearing aids
Connectivity
ReSound and Phonak are both leaders in wireless connectivity. ReSound was the first company to use the 2.4 GHz wireless platform and was first out of the gate with “Made for iPhone” direct streaming. The company also offers a flexible and cost-effective remote microphone called the Multi Mic, which connects to your hearing aid for better hearing in very noisy environments.
Phonak was the first to stream directly to Android devices, and their wireless microphone system, the Roger, is the recognized leader for functionality in adverse listening settings. However, it’s much more expensive than the Multi Mic.
Money Tip: Shopping for hearing aids and accessories on a budget? Check out our guide to the best cheap hearing aids for seniors!
Both providers offer solutions for those with cochlear implants. ReSound has wireless accessories that are compatible with Cochlear brand cochlear implants or BAHA bone-anchored devices. “Bimodal” users with one hearing aid and one cochlear implant can sync their ReSound hearing and Nucleus seven implant processor to the same iPhone. Phonak has a similar partnership with Advanced Bionics cochlear implants,2 so the choice comes down to your brand of cochlear implants.
Smartphone Apps
Phonak and ReSound offer well-designed smartphone apps, but I give ReSound the edge here. My patients and I have found their app to be easier to use. The ReSound Tinnitus Relief App is also very effective and has helped many of my patients get a handle on their tinnitus. If you have tinnitus, check out our guide to the best hearing aids for tinnitus.
ReSound Smart 3D App
Comparing ReSound and Phonak
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|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth capability | Yes | Yes |
| Tinnitus support help | Yes | Yes |
| Customer service | Online FAQ, 1-800 number, Online number, videos | Online support, 1-800 number, videos |
| Accompanying App | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1-year limited international warranty, inquire about local warranty | Yes, only products sold by authorized distributors |
| Website |
See Pricing
Links to Zip Hearing
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See Pricing
Links to Zip Hearing
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How Much Do ReSound and Phonak Hearing Aids Cost?
If you want to find out the price of a hearing aid from either company, you’ll have to contact a local hearing aid professional. Neither company advertises prices online. A hearing aid professional will give you a price and help you determine which style is right for you. However, you can generally expect a pair of hearing aids from ReSound or Phonak to cost between $2,000 and $7,500.
Did You Know? The high cost of prescription hearing aids makes them unaffordable to roughly 75 percent of Americans with functional hearing loss.3
It’s important to note that ReSound has “private label” arrangements with both Beltone and Jabra Enhance; both of these companies offer the same ReSound technology at potentially lower prices, so they may be suitable for those on a tight budget. When evaluating both options, Jabra Enhance has the best prices, but only offers a small subset of the ReSound catalog. One caveat for these deals: Beltone and Jabra Enhance hearing aids can only be adjusted by the company you buy them from, as opposed to a ReSound-branded product, which can be adjusted by any dispenser with a ReSound account.
» Compare Providers: ReSound vs. Beltone
Jabra Enhance Select App
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Phonak and ReSound vs. the Competition
Phonak and ReSound are two of the best in the business. They are neck and neck in most respects, but how do they compare to other top hearing aid providers? Here is a closer look at Phonak and ReSound compared to some of their biggest prescription hearing aid competitors:
| Phonak | ReSound | Oticon | Beltone | Widex | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $1,000 per ear | $1,000 per ear | $1,000 per ear | $1,400 per ear | $1,000 per ear |
| Best for those who want | Streaming to most mobile devices and better listening in noisy environments | Remote microphones, MFi hearing aids, and custom earmolds | Long-lasting hearing devices that make listening less tiring | Plenty of styles and accessories for seniors who are not tech-savvy | Fast-charging options and more advanced tinnitus relief |
| Free trial | Yes, 30 days | Yes, 90 days | Yes, 30 days | Yes, 30 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 | 3 apps | 1 app | 3 apps | 4 apps |
| Battery types | Rechargeable and disposable | Rechargeable and disposable | Rechargeable and disposable | Rechargeable and disposable | Rechargeable and disposable |
Our Methodology
Dr. Reisman has tested and prescribed hearing aids from Phonak and ReSound. In this photo, she is customizing a pair of ReSound hearing aids for her patient.
How We Researched Phonak and ReSound Hearing Aids
Our resident audiologist, Dr. Ruth Reisman, has extensive experience prescribing and fitting Phonak and ReSound hearing aids to hundreds of patients. We used her extensive knowledge to understand the similarities and differences between the two providers. Our tech team also conducted more than 50 hours of research into the individual models, styles, and accessories offered by Phonak and ReSound. Here’s what our research process looked like:
- We conducted hearing tests from Phonak and ReSound. Then, our team compared the results to in-person hearing evaluations from Dr. Reisman.
- Our tech team researched different models and styles from Phonak and ReSound, evaluating the quality and efficacy of individual features and tech.
- We tested the mobile apps from Phonak and ReSound alongside older adults to ensure that they were senior-friendly and easy to use, even for less tech-savvy seniors.
- Our team contacted the customer service representatives from Phonak and ReSound to evaluate their overall quality of care.
The Factors We Used to Compare Phonak and ReSound
Dr. Reisman helped us evaluate and compare Phonak and ReSound, but we still followed a structured process that we’ve developed over years of reviewing hearing aid providers. Here are the top factors we considered during our research process:
- Product lineup: Is more really better? When it comes to hearing aid models and styles, we think so! We compare brands by determining what kinds of hearing devices they offer to seniors with unique needs.
- Hearing technology: Phonak and ReSound are among the best when it comes to top-of-the-line hearing tech. That said, it’s still important to evaluate the quality and longevity of the underlying tech to ensure that these hearing aids will be a good long-term investment for seniors with hearing loss.
- Mobile app: Testing mobile apps is something we do every day, and we often compare apps based on how easy they are to use. We also consider if they’re available for the vast majority of devices (like iOS and Android).
- Bluetooth connectivity: We like providers who offer hearing devices that are Bluetooth-ready, as this allows for a more natural listening experience when taking phone calls, listening to music, or watching TV.
- Brand reputation: We value brand reputation, as it indicates consistency, quality, and consumer trust. Fortunately, both Phonak and ReSound are respected brands that offer quality hearing products.
Why Trust Us?
Our team of tech experts tries out the latest gadgets and devices for seniors 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. Our resident licensed audiologist, Dr. Reisman, has firsthand experience with the brands we discuss, including Phonak and ReSound.
ReSound vs. Phonak: The Bottom Line
These popular hearing aid companies are neck and neck for the average user. ReSound and Phonak will both provide excellent hearing loss correction in quiet and moderately noisy settings. If you have more severe hearing loss or need remote microphones regularly, Phonak has a slight edge by the numbers; however, ReSound provides very comparable performance for a significantly lower price (Phonak Roger vs. ReSound MultiMic).
If you’re still not sure which provider is the right choice for you, head over to our ReSound review and Phonak review for a deep dive into each provider’s offerings.
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Phonak. (2023). Phonak Lyric.
Advanced Bionics. (2024). The Phonak + AB Advantage.
National Library of Medicine. (2023). Hearing Aid Affordability in the United States.
