A lot of the readers who ask us about Eargo come right out and say it: “I want hearing aids, but I don’t want anyone to know I’m wearing them.” We get it. There’s still a stigma around hearing loss that shouldn’t exist, but it does, and Eargo is one of the few brands that truly addresses it. Their hearing aids sit completely inside your ear canal — even Rachel, who wears them for testing, forgets they’re in sometimes.
Eargo sells three models right now, ranging from $799 to $2,699 per pair. We’ve broken down the differences below so you can figure out which one fits your needs and your budget. One thing worth knowing upfront: only the cheapest model (the Link) has Bluetooth, which is a bit unusual.
We also want to be transparent about Eargo’s history. The company dealt with a DOJ investigation in 2021 over insurance billing practices and has since pivoted entirely to direct-to-consumer sales. The legal issues don’t affect the quality of their current products, but we think you should know about it.
If you’re on the fence about Eargo versus another brand, email us at [email protected] — we can help you compare.
Background note: Eargo faced a significant setback in 2021 when the U.S. Department of Justice investigated the company for allegedly submitting false insurance claims to federal employee health plans. Eargo settled the matter and has since pivoted fully to a direct-to-consumer OTC model. They no longer bill insurance directly. The company continues to operate and sell hearing aids, and their current products are well-reviewed. We mention this for transparency — it does not affect the quality of their current devices.
Eargo at a Glance
- Purchase method: Direct-to-consumer, no prescription required
- Hearing loss range: Mild to moderate
- Trial period: 45 days (full refund)
- Customer support: Remote audiologist support included, available by phone, chat, or video
- Design style: Completely-in-canal (CIC)
Eargo Model Comparison
| Model | Price | Battery Life | Bluetooth | Water Resistance | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eargo Link | $799/pair | ~9 hours | Yes | IP54 | 1 year |
| Eargo SE | $1,699/pair | ~16 hours | No | IP54 | 1 year |
| Eargo 8 | $2,699/pair | ~16 hours | No | IP68 | 2 years |
Eargo Link — $799/pair
The Eargo Link is Eargo’s most affordable model and the only one in the current lineup with Bluetooth audio streaming. This makes it an attractive option for buyers who want to stream phone calls, music, or podcasts directly to their hearing aids.
The trade-off is battery life. With Bluetooth streaming active, the Eargo Link lasts approximately 9 hours per charge — shorter than the other models. For users who stream audio only part of the day, this may be perfectly adequate, but those who want all-day wear may find the battery limiting.
The Eargo Link includes IP54 water resistance, which handles sweat and light splashes. It comes with a portable charging case and a one-year warranty.
Best for: Buyers who want Bluetooth streaming at the lowest Eargo price point, and who are comfortable with a shorter battery day.
Eargo SE — $1,699/pair
The Eargo SE significantly extends battery life to approximately 16 hours per charge — enough for a full day of wear for most users. Like the Link, it carries an IP54 water resistance rating and includes four customizable listening programs accessed through the Eargo app.
The Eargo SE does not include Bluetooth streaming, which keeps the design simpler and battery life longer. It sits in the middle of the Eargo lineup as a balanced choice for buyers who want reliable all-day performance and solid features without reaching the premium price of the Eargo 8.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize all-day battery life and don’t need Bluetooth audio streaming.
Eargo 8 — $2,699/pair
The Eargo 8 is Eargo’s most advanced model, featuring IP68 waterproofing — meaning it can withstand submersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. This is a meaningful step up from the IP54 rating on the other models and provides genuine peace of mind for active users.
The standout feature is Smart Sound Adjust. This technology uses Eargo’s algorithms to automatically analyze your environment throughout the day and adjust listening programs without requiring any manual input. For seniors who find it inconvenient to switch programs manually, Smart Sound Adjust provides a more effortless experience.
The Eargo 8 also includes a two-year warranty — double the coverage of the Link and SE — and Eargo’s standard 45-day trial and lifetime remote support.
Best for: Buyers who want maximum features, true waterproofing, automatic sound adjustment, and the most comprehensive warranty.
Eargo Financing Options
Eargo offers financing through third-party partners, allowing buyers to spread the cost over several months. FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) funds can be used to purchase Eargo hearing aids. Check with your specific plan administrator to confirm eligibility.
Eargo Customer Support
All Eargo purchases include access to Eargo’s team of remote hearing professionals. Support is available by phone, video call, or chat and is included at no extra cost for the lifetime of your devices. This remote support model means you can have your hearing aids adjusted without visiting a clinic.