Widex vs. ReSound

Widex offers the best hearing aids for tinnitus management, while ReSound has some of the best rechargeable models and telehealth support.

Brad Ingrao Dr. Brad Ingrao Audiologist

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Both Widex and ReSound are among the best hearing aid providers in the industry, but the features and functions they offer vary. If you are in the market for a new hearing aid, you may want to see how Widex and ReSound hearing aids compare.

Brad Ingrao
Expert Insights
From Dr. Brad Ingrao, Audiologist
I’ve worked extensively with Widex and ReSound, and Widex is my go-to provider for tinnitus management, while ReSound is typically a better option for adults with severe to profound hearing loss.

Widex vs. ReSound Hearing Aids

Both Widex and ReSound offer a full range of hearing aids in several styles, including discreet invisible-in-canal (IIC) models and powerful behind-the-ear (BTE) options, which means they are suitable for mild to profound hearing loss. In my clinical practice, my patients have found both very successful. Patients typically lean one way or another depending on their lifestyle.1

Quick Tip:

Quick Tip: Not sure what level of hearing loss you’re experiencing? Our guide to hearing aids for seniors covers everything you need to know about getting a hearing evaluation, understanding the results and the different types of hearing loss.

An Introduction to Widex

  • Our pick for mild to moderate hearing loss
  • Full lineup of wireless accessories
  • Control devices through high-tech smartphone apps

An Introduction to Resound

  • Our choice for severe to profound hearing loss
  • High-tech devices, accessories and smartphone apps
  • VA-researched Tinnitus Relief app

Widex

Widex’s hearing aid line provides both automatic and manual control over volume and microphone behavior. They excel at providing access to very soft sounds, and their Zen tinnitus management program is top-notch. For gadget geeks, their DEX line of wireless accessories is one of the largest in the industry.

Testing out Widex Moment hearing aids

Testing out Widex Moment hearing aids

ReSound

ReSound created the first made-for-iPhone hearing aid. Their mastery of the 2.4 GHz wireless platform provides rock-solid connectivity to TV streamers with a range of 23 feet and remote microphones with a range of up to 80 feet.

» You Might Like: Best iPhone Hearing Aids

This platform is an excellent option for students and seniors who need to hear well in meetings or crowded environments. Their tinnitus app, based on an approach researched by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA),2 is one of the most comprehensive around.

Testing out ReSound hearing aids

Testing out ReSound hearing aids

Comparing the Brands

Our favorite is ReSound
See Pricing Links to Zip Hearing
  Widex Logo Resound Logo
Bluetooth capability Yes Yes
Tinnitus support help Yes Yes
Customer service Videos, local repairs, help in-app Videos, phone, online support
Accompanying app Yes Yes
Warranty Yes, but only on products sold by authorized distributors Yes, but only on products sold by distribution providers
Free trial Yes, sign up to receive a free trial Yes, 90-day return policy
Website
See Pricing Links to Zip Hearing
See Pricing Links to Zip Hearing

ReSound offers a much wider range of hearing aid options for severe to profound hearing loss. Widex offers the Zen app and tons of tinnitus-management features, but ReSound is still a good option for people who struggle with tinnitus because it has its own VA-backed tinnitus app.

Brad Ingrao
Expert Insights
From Dr. Brad Ingrao, Audiologist
At first glance, Widex and ReSound look like two great hearing aid providers (which is true). There are some key differences, however, that make me lean toward ReSound, particularly for my older patients.

Both providers allow you to choose between rechargeable and disposable batteries. Most of my patients prefer the former, since the cost of disposable batteries can add up quickly. Both providers also offer rechargeable options that last, with some Widex models lasting up to 37 hours on a single charge and some ReSound models lasting up to 30 hours.

» Helpful Guide: Best Hearing Aids for Severe Hearing Loss

Did You Know?

Did You Know? Rechargeable batteries are one of several features that help improve quality of life for hearing aid users.3

Widex and ReSound offer portable charging cases that can hold up to three additional charges, which is perfect for older adults who want to take their hearing aids on weekend camping trips or for those who worry about being away from an outlet for a day or two. Both providers have great rechargeable options, but they still can’t quite beat Signia, which has models that can go up to 61 hours on a single charge!

» Also Check Out: Best Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Purchasing Widex and ReSound Hearing Aids

Contacting a local hearing aid provider is the best way to find prices for Widex and ReSound hearing aids. Neither company shares prices online. A professional in the hearing aid business will not only be able to give you exact costs, but they will also help you determine which brand and model is best for you. That said, you can expect prices for both Widex and ReSound to start at about $1,000 per ear.

» Save More: Best Cheap Hearing Aids for Seniors

Need Help Finding the Right Hearing Aid?

Answer a few easy questions to find the hearing aid that’s right for you.

Widex and ReSound vs. the Competition

Choosing between Widex and ReSound is not always easy, especially since they both provide excellent hearing experiences and durable devices. It’s even harder when you consider the other great hearing aid providers available! Here is a closer look at Widex and ReSound in comparison with some of their biggest prescription hearing aid competitors.

Widex ReSound Oticon Phonak Rexton
Starting price $1,000 per ear $1,000 per ear $1,000 per ear $1,000 per ear $1,499 per ear
Best for those who want Fast-charging options and more advanced tinnitus relief Remote microphones, MFi hearing aids and custom earmolds Long-lasting hearing devices that greatly improve voice quality Streaming to most mobile devices and better listening in noisy environments Hearing aids that can make their own voice and other voices sound more natural
Free trial Yes, 40 to 60 days Yes, 90 days Yes, 30 days Yes, 30 days Yes, 45 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 4 apps 3 apps 1 app 3 apps 1 app
Battery types Rechargeable and disposable Rechargeable and disposable Rechargeable and disposable Rechargeable and disposable Rechargeable and disposable

Our Methodology

Our audiologists have tested and prescribed hearing aids from both brands, including Widex hearing aids pictured here.

How We Researched Widex and ReSound Hearing Aids

Our resident audiologist, Dr. Ruth Reisman, has prescribed Widex and ReSound hearing aids to hundreds of patients. We sat down with Dr. Reisman to get her take on the pros and cons of each provider, as well as her specific recommendations for older adults with varying levels of hearing loss. Our tech team also spent over 50 hours researching each brand to provide the latest information and get user feedback. Here’s what our research process looked like.

  1. We tried the hearing tests available on the Widex and ReSound websites, and compared our results to in-person evaluations from Dr. Reisman.
  2. We researched specific models and styles of hearing aids from Widex and ReSound.
  3. We tested each provider’s mobile apps to ensure that they were helpful and senior-friendly.
  4. Our tech team reached out to the customer-service teams for Widex and ReSound multiple times to evaluate their overall quality of care.

The Factors We Used to Compare Widex and ReSound

Dr. Reisman has years of experience seeing how each brand works for real patients, so we used her feedback, her patients’ feedback, our research and our personal experiences with each company to compare Widex and ReSound. We focused our attention on the below factors.

  • Product lineup: Having options is always a good thing! We evaluate each brand to ensure that they offer multiple models and styles for different levels of hearing loss. We also research each brand to see the quality of their hearing accessories.
  • Hearing technology: Widex and ReSound offer some of the best tech for hearing loss. We research the latest models and tech and compare how their tech helps older adults enjoy a more natural listening experience. We also see what options are available to address common and unique issues related to hearing loss, such as tinnitus and single-sided hearing loss.
  • Mobile app: The majority of hearing aid providers offer companion mobile apps. We want to ensure that the apps are easy to use and available on most devices (iOS and Android). We also like to see if providers offer alternatives to mobile apps for less tech-savvy older adults.
  • Bluetooth connectivity: Bluetooth is standard with most prescription hearing aids, because it can greatly improve the listening experience when watching TV, listening to music or making a phone call. Both Widex and ReSound offer Bluetooth connectivity with nearly all of their current devices.
  • Brand reputation: We value brand reputation, because it indicates consistency, quality and consumer trust. Both Widex and ReSound are highly reputable hearing aid brands.

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 older adults with hearing loss. Our resident licensed audiologist, Dr. Reisman, has firsthand experience with the brands we discuss, including Widex and ReSound.

Widex vs. ReSound: The Bottom Line

Both Widex and ReSound offer hearing aid products made with cutting-edge technology. In my years of clinical practice, I tend to steer older adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, those with bothersome tinnitus or users who are not tech savvy toward Widex. On the other hand, I recommend ReSound for those who like to control their environments or who have significant difficulty in noisy environments and need a reliable remote microphone at a reasonable price. Other than that, they are both great product families with excellent customer service and long-standing histories of success. To learn more, visit our latest ReSound review and Widex review.

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Written By:
Dr. Brad Ingrao
Audiologist
Read About Our Panel of Experts
As a practicing audiologist since the 1990’s, Brad Ingrao, AuD has fitted thousands of hearing aids to seniors and people of all ages. Brad is the Official Audiologist for the International Committee on Sports for the Deaf and a well-known… Learn More About Dr. Brad Ingrao