Audicus Hearing Aids Review: Who Is This OTC Brand Right For?
Audicus hearing aids are unique because they offer custom options, which are typically found only in prescription brands. See how the models compare.
- Audicus offers many ways to personalize its OTC hearing aids, including pre-programming them based on the results of your hearing test.
- Audicus hearing aids cost between $1,498–$2,498.
- All of the brand's receiver-in-canal (RIC) models have Bluetooth streaming.
- Audicus hearing aids are discreet, but the colors may make them more noticeable.
NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. That’s why we test and recommend products we believe can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 5,000 hours researching hearing aids to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best invisible hearing aids, we:
- Consulted with audiologists, hearing instrument specialists, and aging care experts
- Put more than 50 hearing aids through a series of 21 different tests
- Mystery shopped more than 20 brands
- Surveyed hundreds of older adults who use hearing aids
- Interviewed experts on hearing loss
- Sent hearing aids to our friends and family with hearing loss to provide long-term testing notes
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
We’re constantly testing new hearing aids to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our hearing aid review methodology.
There is a lot of competition out there for the best OTC hearing aids. And to be fair, Audicus is not the most affordable option. But what’s unique about Audicus hearing aids is that the brand offers several ways to personalize your listening experience. Customized hearing aids are an option that you typically don’t find without a prescription.
Audicus will use the results of a hearing test, either one you upload or one you take on their website, to pre-program your devices. That way, when your Audicus hearing aids arrive, they will be customized to your exact needs. You can also choose between disposable and rechargeable batteries on many models.
Audicus also has some of the best customer service in the industry. The brand provides lifetime audiology support, a two-year warranty, and a 100-day trial period for all of its hearing aids. In this Audicus hearing aids review, we take a look at the brand’s completely-in-canal (CIC) and RIC hearing aids and how to know whether one is right for you.
First time getting hearing aids?
Start with an in-person exam with a hearing professional. That can rule out any issues that hearing aids won’t solve (like impacted earwax).
Why we recommend Audicus hearing aids
Audicus was founded in 2012 as part of an industry-wide movement to make the best hearing aids more affordable and accessible. They sold custom-programmed hearing aids directly to users online. By the time over-the-counter hearing aids were made available in 2022, Audicus was one of the first retailers. The brand’s OTC hearing aids are manufactured by Sonova, the same company that produces Phonak prescription hearing aids. Audicus OTC hearing aids are smaller, lighter, and have better sound quality than many competitors on the market.
Audicus has one CIC device, the Mini 2, and three RIC hearing aids. All the RIC options have Bluetooth streaming abilities that allow users to pair multiple devices at once. That means you can quickly switch from streaming music to a hands-free phone call. Audicus hearing aids are all app-controlled, and they have features typically only found in prescription hearing aids. For example, the RIC models include AutoOptimize, which automatically adjusts the programming based on the environment.
One of our favorite features of Audicus hearing aids is that each device is pre-programmed based on the user’s hearing test (taken either online through the Audicus website or with an audiologist). So your new hearing aids arrive customized to your hearing needs and ready for use.
For its RIC models, Audicus offers a choice between rechargeable and disposable batteries. The CIC model, the Mini 2, comes with rechargeable batteries. We also like that Audicus hearing aids come with a 100-day trial period and a two-year warranty, and lifetime audiology support.
The company is unique in offering the option to lease some models of Audicus hearing aids. If you’ve never worn hearing aids before, this may be a good way to try them out.
Audicus
- Longer-than-average trial period (100 days)
- Lifetime audiology support
- Hearing aids arrive pre-programmed based on your hearing test results
Comparing Audicus hearing aids
| Comparison Features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hearing aid type | CIC |
RIC |
RIC |
RIC |
| Battery type | Rechargeable |
Allows you to choose (rechargeable are $50 more per ear) |
Allows you to choose (rechargeable are $50 more per ear) |
Allows you to choose (rechargeable are $50 more per ear) |
| Bluetooth | No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Noise reduction | Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Understanding Audicus hearing aid models
Audicus Mini 2: The invisible model
The Audicus Mini 2 is the brand’s most expensive model and the most discreet. Unlike the others, which are all receiver-in-canal (RIC) style, the Mini 2 fits completely in the canal (CIC) for an invisible look. It fits comfortably and securely and is highly rated for dust and water resistance.
Audicus Mini 2
- Type of hearing aid: CIC
- Degree of hearing loss: Mild to moderate
- Noise-canceling technology: Yes
- Battery type: Rechargeable
- Battery life: 18 hours
- Bluetooth compatible: No
- Trial period: 100 days
Pros
- Discreet, CIC design
- Sound auto-adjusts to your environment
- Three preset listening environments
Cons
- Unavailable for the Audicus leasing program
- Lacks some of the premium features in the RIC devices
- Only available in one color
Our experience with the Audicus Mini 2
The Audicus Mini 2 hearing aids are the brand's only completely-in-the-canal (CIC) model. They are definitely small, and our testers described them as “very comfortable and lightweight.” Audicus only offers the Mini2 in black. “You can’t see them from the front or back, but you can see them from the side,” said a tester. “The color may stand out.” For other, more discreet brands, check out our best invisible hearing aids roundup.
Our testers had no problems placing the Mini 2s—and only a little trouble removing them. “They are small, so you do kind of have to dig in there, but I would say it was pretty easy considering how tiny they are,” noted one tester. “You can use the receiver to pull it out, which makes it much easier.” The small size may pose challenges for someone with vision or dexterity issues. But testers enjoyed how the Mini 2s fit. “They feel very secure while exercising, and I like how lightweight they feel in my ears,” said one tester. “They didn’t move at all when I was running, jumping, and picking things up off the floor. I could barely feel it in my ear.”
The Audicus Mini 2 does not have manual controls. “There are no buttons on these hearing aids,” said a tester. “You need to make adjustments with the app or [optional] remote control.” Still, they found the manual helpful for walking through the setup and operation of the devices. “There are lots of images. The large text is great, and the instructions are pretty clear,” said one tester. “The app was very intuitive and simple. The preset options helped me understand how to adjust the hearing aids for me. Switching to new modes could only happen in the app, but it was very easy.”
For an OTC CIC hearing aid, the Audicus Mini 2 made a good impression. “I really enjoyed this hearing aid,” one tester said. “Overall, I think this is a fantastic option for someone looking for a small, lightweight, and comfortable hearing aid and does not want to go through the process of, or pay the price of, a prescription hearing aid.”
Audicus Wave 2: The entry-level RIC model
The Audicus Wave 2 is the brand’s base model and has the lowest price tag. But it still has many of the same features as the higher-end Spirit 2 and Omni 2, including Bluetooth streaming. The Wave 2 is not designed for extremely noisy environments, but it does a decent job filtering out background noise and enhancing speech in a home setting. And it offers a good value for the price.
Audicus Wave 2
- Type of hearing aid: RIC
- Degree of hearing loss: Mild to moderate
- Noise-canceling technology: No
- Battery type: Disposable (rechargeable for an extra $100)
- Battery life: Up to 16 hours (rechargeable), 5–7 days (disposable)
- Bluetooth compatible: Yes
- Trial period: 100 days
Pros
- Most affordable Audicus hearing aids
- Users can create their own custom programs
- Available in four colors
Cons
- Not available to lease
- Only two preset sound environments
- Less impressive sound quality than other Audicus RIC models
Our thoughts on the Audicus Wave 2
The Audicus Wave 2 is an OTC RIC-style hearing aid and the brand’s lowest-priced model. It has plenty of premium features, though, including Bluetooth streaming. The Audicus Wave 2 features a discreet profile for an RIC-style hearing aid and is lighter in weight than previous models.
We did not test this hearing aid, but the main difference between it and the higher-end models is sound quality. The Wave 2 is designed for use in moderately noisy spaces, like a home with a TV in the background, or a small group of friends. Its noise-filtering features are not as strong as the Spirit 2 or Omni 2. It has only two present sound environments to choose between, compared to the Spirit’s four and Omni’s six.
Audicus Spirit 2: The mid-range RIC model
The Spirit 2 RIC hearing aid is a step up from the Wave 2 in features and price. It has a small, discreet profile. Compared to the Wave 2, it has improved sound quality and four preset sound environments (the Wave 2 has only two).
Audicus Spirit 2
- Type of hearing aid: RIC
- Degree of hearing loss: Mild to moderate
- Noise-canceling technology: Yes
- Battery type: Disposable (rechargeable for an extra $100)
- Battery life: Up to 18 hours (rechargeable), 5–7 days (disposable)
- Bluetooth compatible: Yes
- Trial period: 100 days
Pros
- Can lease for $99 a month
- Two directional microphones
- Auto-adapts to environments
Cons
- No Speech Finder technology
- Only four preset listening programs
- Telecoil only available with rechargeable batteries
Our thoughts on the Audicus Spirit 2
The Audicus Spirit 2 is described as the brand’s best value model with all-around great sound quality in most everyday environments. From a price standpoint, it falls between the lower-end RIC model, the Wave 2, and the more advanced Omni 2. The Spirit shares many of the same features with those models, including Bluetooth streaming for music and phone calls, as well as the ability to switch between them.
We did not test the Spirit 2, but the main difference is its smart sound optimization. The Spirit 2 automatically detects and switches among four different programmed environmental presets for sound, while the Wave 2 only has two presets, and the Omni 2 has six. The Spirit 2 is designed to minimize background noise and enhance speech in somewhat noisy environments (outdoors, restaurants, and other shared public spaces). The Spirit 2 offers many of the same features as the more expensive Omni 2, just lacking the more advanced model’s impressive Speech Finder technology.
Audicus Omni 2: The most advanced model
The Audicus Omni 2 hearing aid is the brand’s most advanced model in terms of sound quality. This RIC-style hearing aid has a discreet profile and shares premium features like Bluetooth streaming with the Spirit 2 and Wave 2. But it’s known for its excellent sound quality in noisy environments.
Audicus Omni 2
- Type of hearing aid: RIC
- Degree of hearing loss: Mild to moderate
- Noise-canceling technology: Smart Speech Finder
- Battery type: Disposable (rechargeable for an extra $100)
- Battery life: Up to 16 hours (rechargeable), 5–7 days (disposable)
- Bluetooth compatible: Yes
- Trial period: 100 days
Pros
- Automatically adjusts to your listening environment
- Available to lease for $119 a month
- 6 preset listening environments
Cons
- Most expensive Audicus model
- Shorter rechargeable battery life for the price
Our thoughts on the Audicus Omni 2
Even more so than the other Audicus RIC hearing aids, the Omni 2 is designed to function in noisy environments. It uses the brand’s unique Smart Speech Finder technology to automatically filter out background noise and focus on speech, so there’s no need to adjust the settings on your devices.
We did not test the Omni 2, but it has six environmental presets, more than any other Audicus model. That means more options for enhancing sound in the place you’re in without having to change the settings. Like other Audicus RIC models, the Omni has Bluetooth streaming of music and phone calls. Along with these premium features, the Omni 2 has a discreet profile and a choice of four color options.
Other Audicus hearing aids we tested
We previously tested the Audicus Mini, the CIC model that preceded the Mini 2. Our testers found the device to be discreet and fit securely, but it didn’t always feel comfortable, possibly due to an incorrect dome size. The Mini we tested used disposable batteries, which could be difficult to change because of the small size of these devices. If you are looking for a CIC-style hearing aid, the Mini 2 has many of the same features but is also upgraded for better sound quality.
Audicus hearing aids customer service
The Audicus customer experience
- Warranty and trial period: 100-day risk-free trial, two-year warranty, and free lifetime support with next-day appointments
- Financing: Yes
- Customer service:
- By phone: 855-971-0451 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET)
- By email: help@audicus.com
Warranties
Audicus offers a two-year manufacturer's warranty on all its hearing aids. The warranty covers repairs and unlimited reprogrammings.
The brand also offers additional coverage called Audicus Protect at a cost of $99 per hearing aid ($198 per pair). That service must be purchased within 100 days of purchasing the hearing aids. It provides three years of coverage of your hearing aids, including unlimited repairs (subject to a $50 copay), unlimited Clean & Care services, and loss replacement (with a $195 copay per device).
Audicus hearing aids costs and purchasing options
Audicus’s hearing aids range from $1,498–$2,498 for rechargeable models. For that price, they offer a lot of options and features you’d expect from prescription hearing aids. And they are backed by one of the longest warranties (2 years) for OTC brands and lifetime audiology support.
Most insurance plans, including Medicare Part A and Part B, do not cover the full cost of hearing aids. Medicare Advantage (Part C) may cover some of your hearing aid costs.1 If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), you may also be able to use those to purchase hearing aids. Check with your insurance provider to see what’s covered. Audicus offers HSA or FSA payment as an option at checkout.
Audicus offers financing through CareCredit and Allegro. If you choose one of these options, read the fine print about interest rates and financing fees carefully. Many financial institutions charge additional fees or high interest on purchases. For example, the Allegro financing option has fixed interest rates between 17% and 20% and charges a $250 financing fee on orders. This is extremely high, and we would recommend searching for other options if possible.
Audicus also has a program where you can lease the brand’s Spirit Series 2 and Omni Series 2 hearing aids. The program, called Audicus Premier, charges a monthly fee for the hearing aids and mails supplies, such as domes and cleaning equipment, every six months. The monthly fee also covers insurance, unlimited remote telecare, and free upgrades every 18 months. There is a flat setup fee of $249. You can also buy the hearing aids you are leasing, with your payments credited toward the purchase. If you are outside of the trial period, a $350 credit will be applied to your hearing aid of choice.
Comparing the costs of Audicus hearing aids
| Comparison Features | Audicus Mini 2 |
Audicus Wave 2 |
Audicus Spirit 2 |
Audicus Omni 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $2,498 |
$1,648–$1,748* |
$1,648–$1,998* |
$1,398–$1,498* |
| Type | CIC |
RIC |
RIC |
RIC |
| Model notes: | The smallest, most discreet model |
Bluetooth streaming, four sound presets, best day-to-day sound |
Bluetooth streaming, six sound presets, best for noisy environments |
Bluetooth streaming, two sound presets, best for quieter environments |
*Rechargeable devices cost $100 more per pair
Where to buy Audicus hearing aids
Though they’re offered at some Sam’s Club locations, it wasn’t clear to us exactly which ones had them. And when we called to confirm, an Audicus representative told us that 95% of their sales are through their website.
How to take care of Audicus hearing aids
All Audicus hearing aids are highly rated (IP68) for water and sweat resistance. Routine maintenance, such as changing the wax guards, is recommended. “The earwax protector was extremely easy to replace and took only seconds,” said one tester of the Mini 2, the smallest model. If your Audicus hearing aids use disposable batteries, you can use a dry box that removes moisture and sanitizes the devices using ultraviolet (UV) light.
Audicus unboxing and setup
Our testers successfully set up the Audicus Mini 2 using both the manual and the app. They did not run into any problems connecting the devices or operating them. Audicus directs users to its online hearing test. Our testers called it “a very intuitive and pleasant user experience.” It took one tester 13 minutes to complete, which is longer than the advertised 10 minutes. “I suspect it will take most people a bit longer than 10 minutes.” The instructions were helpful for preparing for the test. “The user does need to be diligent about being in a quiet place,” said one tester. “I believe my results may have been skewed a bit because there was an air conditioner running in the background.”
The Audicus app
Downloading and connecting to the app was a smooth process. The Mini 2 can only be controlled using the app or a remote. But testers said, “It was very easy to set up and simple to program my hearing needs.”
One potential pain point is that Audicus uses an app called Rexon. “The app wasn’t Audicus, it was Rexon, so that was a bit confusing, but still easy to get set up,” said one tester. “You wouldn’t be able to connect to the app without the instructions because it is key to know that it’s not the Audicus app.”
Once the correct app was located, setup continued smoothly. The Mini 2 came with four preset programs. “You can request a fifth mode, tinnitus masking, when you order the devices and they set them up,” said a tester. “It’s easy to switch between programs and gives you a tone when you switch to let you know.”
Testers described the Rexon app as intuitive. “It’s a very simple app,” said one. “The presets are helpful to get a feeling of how to modify the settings. There are really only two things to consider: volume and balance. You can connect to their telecare feature through the app, but other than that, there are not many other features.”
Audicus accessories
All Audicus hearing aids come with a carrying case, domes, guards, and cleaning supplies. Depending on the model and whether it uses disposable batteries or rechargeable ones, it will also come with either batteries or a charging case and drying capsule.
You can purchase the following optional accessories for your Audicus hearing aids:
- A microphone: This small clip-on mic can stream sound directly to your hearing aids, making it useful for meetings.
- Remote control: You can use this to adjust the volume and controls for your hearing aids if you prefer not to use manual controls.
- TV connector: This device pairs your TV to your hearing aids, so you can stream audio directly to your ears.
- Power pack: If you want on-the-go charging, this device attaches to the bottom of any charging case to add seven full days of charge.
- UV dry box: This drying box for non-rechargeable hearing aids removes moisture and sanitizes your hearing aids.
Are Audicus hearing aids right for you?
Audicus makes one CIC and several RIC-style hearing aids for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. The brand makes OTC hearing aids but offers a lot of options to customize them. For instance, Audicus is one of the few companies that allows you to choose between disposable and rechargeable hearing aids in the same model. The brand also uses the results of a hearing test (you can take Audicus’s online test or upload your own) to pre-program your devices for the best quality sound.
When deciding whether you should purchase Audicus hearing aids, consider the following questions:
- How severe is your hearing loss? Audicus OTC hearing aids are designed to treat mild to moderate hearing loss. If you have severe to profound hearing loss, we recommend visiting an audiologist to obtain prescription hearing aids.
- Are these your first hearing aids? If you’ve never worn hearing aids before, you may need a longer time to adjust to them. Audicus offers one of the longest trial periods for its devices, 100 days, and also has an option to lease certain models. Jabra is another company that offers a 100-day trial period. You can read about them in our Jabra hearing aid review.
- What is your budget? OTC hearing aids can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Audicus fell somewhere in the middle, with options in the $1,500–$2,500 range. If you are looking for a more affordable hearing aid, check out our guide to the best affordable hearing aids.
- Do you care if people can see your hearing aids? Audicus makes a CIC model and several RIC hearing aids, and all have relatively small profiles. The brand does have a limited color palette, which may make the devices more noticeable. If you prefer the invisible CIC look, you may want to try a brand like Eargo, which you can read about in our Eargo review.
- Do you like using your smartphone? Audicus hearing aids are controlled by a smartphone app or a remote control. Many have features like Bluetooth streaming.
- Do you prefer to deal with a live person? Audicus currently sells its devices primarily online. The website does not offer a live chat option; instead, it provides email and phone call support.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Audicus hearing aids cost?
Audicus hearing aids range from $1,498–$2,498 for rechargeable models.
Are Audicus hearing aids sold without a prescription?
Yes, Audicus makes over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss, so you do not need a prescription to purchase them.
Are Audicus hearing aids worth it?
Our tests feel the Audicus Mini 2 is a good value for the price. It fit comfortably and securely, and our testers found the sound quality and features beneficial.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.