Behind-the-ear (BTE)
Pros: durable and suitable for various hearing levels.
Cons: more visible, but modern designs offer sleeker options.
Leading the pack: best hearing aids 2025
Step into the world of enhanced hearing as we explore the best hearing aids of 2025, taking into account factors like price, features, and the pros and cons. In a year marked by rapid advancements in hearing aid technology, we navigate through the options to find the perfect balance of innovation and effectiveness.
Updated: 7th July 2025
Types of hearing aids
When looking for the perfect hearing aid, it's essential to explore features that can significantly impact your auditory experience. The right choice depends on your preferences, specific hearing requirements, and lifestyle. Factors such as visibility, comfort, and the degree of hearing loss play a pivotal role in your decision-making process.
Consider the following key features to make an informed decision:
Noise reduction technology
Immerse yourself in crystal-clear sound by leveraging advanced noise reduction technology. Whether you're navigating a busy restaurant or a lively street, this feature means that you hear the most important sounds without distraction.
Bluetooth connectivity
Embrace the ease of wireless connectivity. Bluetooth hearing aids seamlessly sync with your smartphone, TV, and other compatible devices. Enjoy the convenience of streaming calls, music, and other audio directly to enhance your connected experience.
Rechargeable convenience
Say goodbye to the hassle of constantly changing batteries. Rechargeable hearing aids offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution. A single charge can provide hours of use, and you'll never have to worry about running out of power unexpectedly.
Comparing hearing aids: which is the best one for you?
Brand | Score | Technology level available | Availability | Hearing aid style | Battery type | App enabled adjustment | Bluetooth streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5* | Platinum+, Platinum, gold, silver & bronze | In store | Receiver in canal | Rechargeable | Yes | Yes | |
5* | Platinum, gold, silver & bronze | In store | Receiver in canal | Rechargeable | Yes | Yes | |
4* | Platinum & gold | In store | Completely in canal | Battery powered | No | No | |
3.5* | Gold, silver, bronze & essentials | In store | Receiver in canal, in the ear | Battery powered or rechargeable | Yes | Yes | |
4.5* | Platinum, gold, & essentials | In store | Receiver in canal, in the ear, in the canal, completely in canal | Battery powered or rechargeable | Yes | Yes* |
Best hearing aids: our top 3 picks in 2025
Best hearing aid for AI-powered speech clarity: Phonak Audéo Infinio Sphere
Noise adaptation: revolutionises background noise management with dual-chip technology. The Infinio ERA chip and a dedicated AI-powered DNN chip work together to process sound in real-time, separating speech from noise with 4.5 million neural connections. This results in a 10dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio, making speech clearer in any environment.
Speech enhancement: ensures effortless conversation, even at a distance or from another room. Users experience 34% less listening effort when speech comes from afar and 45% less effort when voices come from different rooms - perfect for natural, uninterrupted communication.
Smart connectivity: with universal Bluetooth compatibility, the Infinio Sphere offers seamless connection to smartphones, tablets, TVs and more. The personalised listening experience allows you to tailor settings for clarity in various situations.
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Why we chose it
We picked the Phonak Audéo Infinio Sphere because it’s a game-changer when it comes sto AI-driven hearing technology. Its dual-chip design provides industry-leading speech separation and noise reduction, making it a top choice for those who need clarity in all environments. Plus, its waterproof and sweatproof build ensures durability for active lifestyles.
Features
Dual-chip processing: combines Infinio ERA and AI-powered DNN for superior speech separation.
4.5 million neural connections: instantly isolates speech from noise in all directions.
10dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio: significantly enhances clarity.
Reduced listening effort: 34% less effort for distant speech, 45% less for speech from another room.
Universal connectivity: pairs with multiple devices for a seamless experience.
Waterproof and sweatproof: built for durability and active use.
Pros & cons
Pros:
Best-in-class noise reduction: AI-driven sound processing ensures clear speech in any setting.
Reduced listening fatigue: less effort needed to follow conversations, even from a distance.
Fully waterproof: reliable in all weather conditions and active lifestyles.
Cons:
Premium price: advanced technology comes at a higher cost.
Requires adaptation period: AI-driven features may take time to adjust to personal preferences.
Best hearing aid for seniors: Starkey Genesis AI
Senior-friendly sound support: blends brain-mimicking sound processing with easy-to-use features that make daily hearing clearer and more comfortable - no fiddly buttons or confusing settings required.
Speech enhancement: built with advanced AI, adapting automatically to your surroundings, reducing background noise and enhancing speech clarity, whether you're chatting in a café or catching up with family over the phone.
Smart, simple connectivity: with Bluetooth streaming, you can wirelessly connect to smartphones, TVs and tablets. The My Starkey app makes adjusting volume and settings straightforward. Plus, rechargeable batteries give you up to 51 hours of use, so you’re not constantly charging or changing batteries.
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Why we chose it
Starkey Genesis AI stands out for its senior-friendly design, with larger, ergonomic styles for easier handling and long battery life for all-day use. These aren’t your old-school beige hearing aids; they’re smart, sleek and customisable for comfort and clarity. Whether you're tech-savvy or prefer to keep things simple, it works around your needs.
Features
AI sound processing: adapts to your environment to reduce noise and enhance speech.
Up to 51-hour battery life: long-lasting rechargeability for worry-free listening.
Bluetooth connectivity: stream calls, music and TV directly to your hearing aids.
Custom sound settings: adjust to your personal hearing profile with ease.
Water-resistant design: durable enough for daily life.
Easy handling: slightly larger size makes them ideal for users with dexterity challenges.
Pros & cons
Pros:
Great for varying degrees of hearing loss: means you won’t need to change devices as your hearing needs evolve.
Enhanced speech clarity, even in noisy environments: helps isolate speech from background sounds.
Long battery life and rechargeability: offering up to 51 hours on a single charge, supports multiple days of use without needing to recharge.
Bluetooth-enabled for easy streaming: stream calls, TV audio, music and even audiobooks straight to your hearing aids.
Customisable fit and sound settings: fine-tune settings based on personal preferences or different listening situations.
Discreet yet easy to handle: ergonomically designed to be sleek and subtle behind the ear.
Multiple models and payment plans available: comes in various styles, including rechargeable and non-rechargeable options.
Cons:
Not completely invisible, though still slimline and subtle: if you’re looking for total concealment, a smaller or custom-moulded in-ear option might be more ideal.
Best hearing aid for budget conscious: Audionova V
Budget-friendly: ideal for individuals looking for a reliable hearing solution on a budget.
Bluetooth integration: budget-friendly hearing aids with seamless Bluetooth connectivity.
Flexible power choices: available in both battery-powered and rechargeable models.
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Why we chose it
The Audionova V hearing aid series stands out for its commitment to providing cost-effective yet technologically advanced solutions. Audionova B strikes the perfect balance between affordability and technological excellence. It offers essential features without burdening users with higher costs.
Features
Wireless bluetooth connectivity: seamlessly connects to iOS and Android devices, TVs, and other digital devices.
Battery and rechargeable models: provides options for both traditional battery-powered and modern rechargeable models.
Hearing remote app: enhances personalisation by allowing real-time adjustments and customised program selection.
Pros & cons
Pros:
Affordability: combines cost-effectiveness with high value, providing competitive pricing for budget-conscious individuals whilst offering essential features without compromising quality.
Connectivity: provides seamless connectivity with wireless integration to digital devices, offering versatility by connecting to a variety of devices for a rich audio experience.
Power options: provides flexible power choices with options for both battery-powered and rechargeable models, offering long-term savings as rechargeable models reduce ongoing battery expenses.
Cons:
Limited performance: while offering cost savings, be mindful of potential performance trade-offs compared to higher-end models.
Limited colour choices: limited colour choices, presenting aesthetic constraints with restricted colour options for individual preferences and an expression limitation compared to other models.
No tap control: lacks 'tap control’ which results in the absence of a hands-free adjustment option and a potential learning curve for users, which might make it less intuitive.
Choosing the best hearing aid for you
Choosing a hearing aid is a significant decision impacting your daily life. Consider these factors for an informed choice:
Hearing loss severity
• Identify your hearing loss level using an audiogram.
• Assess affected frequencies for tailored solutions.
Lifestyle considerations
• Choose aids with features matching your activity level.
• Opt for Bluetooth connectivity for electronic device users.
Comfort and design
• Align style with comfort, considering behind-the-ear, In-the-Ear, or receiver-in-canal styles.
• Look for customisation options for a personal touch.
Budget considerations
• Set a realistic budget balancing desired features.
• Check hearing aid insurance coverage and explore financing options.
Trial period and warranty
• Utilise trial periods to test aids in real-life situations.
• Consider longer warranties for added protection.
Maintenance and follow-up care
• Choose aids aligning with your maintenance capability.
• Opt for providers offering reliable hearing aid aftercare.
Maintenance and care
Better hearing starts today
Begin your path to improved hearing with Boots Hearingcare, where we prioritise your auditory well-being. You may opt for the AudioNova RIC V series, offering comfort with sleek Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aids, available in both battery-powered and rechargeable models. Or for severe hearing loss, the Starkey Genesis AI offers intelligent features designed for people with significant hearing challenges.
Explore our diverse range of comfortable and high-value hearing aids designed for unique needs. Choose comfort, performance, and value because better hearing starts now.
Visit our hearing aid prices page to find your perfect fit.
Frequently asked questions