Jabra Enhance Pro 20 vs. ReSound NEXIA: A Hearing Aid Showdown from a User’s Perspective

I’ve spent years navigating the world of hearing aids, and let me tell you, choosing the right one feels like picking the perfect pair of glasses—personal, critical, and sometimes overwhelming. My goal here is to break down two heavy hitters, the Jabra Enhance Pro 20 and ReSound NEXIA, to help you decide which might suit your needs.

Through my experience, I’ll compare their features, weigh their pros and cons, and share an analytical perspective to guide you toward clearer hearing and better value.

Comparison Table: Jabra Enhance Pro 20 vs. ReSound NEXIA

My Journey with Hearing Aids

I started wearing hearing aids about a decade ago when I noticed conversations in noisy restaurants were slipping away from me. The hum of background noise drowned out voices, and I found myself nodding along, pretending to hear. After consulting an audiologist, I learned I had moderate hearing loss, and my journey into the world of hearing aids began.

Over the years, I’ve tried several brands, from budget-friendly to premium, and I’ve learned what matters: sound clarity, comfort, connectivity, and support. That’s why I’m excited to share my take on the Jabra Enhance Pro 20 and ReSound NEXIA, two devices that promise cutting-edge tech at different price points.

Understanding the Jabra Enhance Pro 20

The Jabra Enhance Pro 20, sold exclusively at Costco, caught my attention for its blend of affordability and advanced features. Jabra, a brand under GN Hearing, has a reputation for consumer audio, from headphones to office headsets, but their hearing aids are no slouch. The Pro 20 is a receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid, though it also comes in behind-the-ear (BTE) and custom-molded styles, catering to mild to profound hearing loss.

What sets it apart is its use of ReSound NEXIA 9 technology, the premium tier of GN’s platform.

This means you’re getting top-notch sound processing, but at a fraction of the cost of ReSound’s branded version.

The Pro 20 boasts a third microphone inside the ear canal, which leverages the ear’s natural shape to enhance sound directionality.

I found this particularly helpful in noisy settings, like a bustling coffee shop, where voices stood out more clearly against the clatter of cups and chatter.

Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity is another standout. I paired the Pro 20 with my iPhone in seconds, streaming podcasts and taking calls without a hitch. The Auracast feature, a next-gen Bluetooth protocol, promises future-ready streaming in public spaces like airports, though it’s not widely available yet. The rechargeable battery lasts about 24 hours, which got me through a full day of use, but I noticed it drained faster with heavy streaming.

The Jabra Enhance Pro app is user-friendly, letting me tweak settings like volume and noise reduction on the fly. However, it’s not as intuitive as some competitors’ apps, and I fumbled a bit at first. Costco’s in-person support was a lifesaver, though—free fittings, cleanings, and a three-year warranty made me feel secure in my purchase.

Pros of Jabra Enhance Pro 20

• Affordable Price: At $1,599–$2,000 per pair, it’s a steal for NEXIA 9-level tech.
• Advanced Sound Processing: The third microphone improves sound directionality, making conversations clearer in noise.
• Bluetooth and Auracast: Seamless streaming and future-ready connectivity for public spaces.
• Costco Support: Free fittings, cleanings, and a three-year warranty make it user-friendly.
• Comfortable Design: Discreet RIC style with an IP68 rating for durability.

Cons of Jabra Enhance Pro 20

• Battery Life: 24 hours is solid but lags behind NEXIA’s 30 hours without streaming.
• App Usability: The Jabra app could be more intuitive for quick adjustments.
• Limited Tinnitus Support: No built-in Tinnitus Sound Generator; relies on external solutions like iPhone settings.
• Costco Exclusive: Requires a membership and in-person visits, which may not suit everyone.
• Not Ideal for Severe Loss: May lack amplification for profound hearing loss.

Exploring the ReSound NEXIA

ReSound NEXIA, also from GN Hearing, is the premium cousin of the Jabra Pro 20. Launched in September 2023, it’s available through audiology clinics and select retailers, offering three technology levels: 9 (premium), 7 (mid-tier), and 5 (basic). The NEXIA 9 is the direct equivalent to the Jabra Pro 20’s tech, so I focused on that for a fair comparison, but I’ll touch on the lower tiers where relevant.

The NEXIA comes in multiple styles, including the microRIE, which is 16% smaller than its predecessor, making it the smallest rechargeable RIC on the market.

I barely noticed it behind my ear, and its IP68 rating meant I didn’t worry about sweat or rain during outdoor walks.

The battery life impressed me, lasting up to 30 hours without streaming, though it dropped to 24 hours with heavy Bluetooth use, similar to the Jabra.

The NEXIA’s Bluetooth LE and Auracast capabilities mirror the Jabra’s, but its “Front Focus” feature, exclusive to the Level 9 model, is a game-changer in noisy environments.

It boosts speech clarity by about 40% in background noise, according to ReSound, and I felt the difference at a crowded family dinner. The ReSound Smart Fit 2.0 app is sleek and intuitive, offering more granular control than Jabra’s app, including a Tinnitus Sound Generator for those with ringing in the ears—a feature I wish the Jabra had natively.

However, the NEXIA’s price tag gave me pause. At $3,000–$6,000 per pair, it’s significantly pricier than the Jabra, and support varies by provider. Some clinics offer robust follow-ups, while others left me feeling rushed. The TV-Streamer+ accessory, which enhances TV audio, is a nice touch but adds to the cost.

Pros and Cons: ReSound NEXIA

Pros

• Superior Battery Life: Up to 30 hours without streaming, ideal for heavy users.
• Front Focus Feature: Level 9’s noise reduction is unmatched for speech clarity in crowds.
• Tinnitus Support: Built-in Tinnitus Sound Generator helps manage ringing in the ears.
• Compact Design: The microRIE is the smallest rechargeable RIC, blending seamlessly behind the ear.
• Flexible Styles: Offers CROS/BiCROS for single-sided deafness, plus multiple RIC and BTE options.

Cons

• High Cost: $3,000–$6,000 per pair is a significant investment.
• Variable Support: Quality of care depends on the provider, unlike Costco’s standardized service.
• Front Focus Limited to Level 9: Lower tiers (7 and 5) use Ultra Focus, which is less effective.
• Accessory Costs: TV-Streamer+ and other add-ons increase the overall price.
• Availability: Not sold at Costco, limiting access for some users.

Sound Quality: A Head-to-Head Battle

Sound quality is the heart of any hearing aid, and both devices deliver, but with nuances. The Jabra Enhance Pro 20’s third microphone gives it an edge in leveraging the ear’s natural acoustics, which I noticed in quieter settings like one-on-one conversations. Voices sounded crisp, almost like I wasn’t wearing a device at all. However, in noisier environments, it occasionally struggled to isolate speech from background chatter, requiring app adjustments.

The ReSound NEXIA 9, with its Front Focus feature, outshone the Jabra in noisy settings. At a lively bar, I could follow my friend’s story without straining, thanks to the 40% boost in speech-to-noise ratio. But in quiet rooms, the difference was negligible—both devices offered natural, clear sound. If you frequent loud places, the NEXIA 9’s edge is worth considering, but for everyday use, the Jabra holds its own.

Read More: Jabra Enhance Pro 20 vs. Jabra Enhance Pro 10

Connectivity and Streaming: Future-Ready Features

Both devices are Bluetooth powerhouses, supporting LE Audio and Auracast, which promises to revolutionize public streaming. I tested streaming on both, and the experience was nearly identical—music sounded rich, and calls were clear. The Jabra paired slightly faster with my Android phone, but the ReSound’s app made it easier to switch between devices, like from my phone to my laptop.

Auracast is a big selling point, but it’s not fully rolled out yet. When it is, you’ll be able to stream audio directly to your hearing aids in places like theaters or airports. For now, both devices handle standard Bluetooth tasks flawlessly, so connectivity isn’t a dealbreaker either way.

Comfort and Design: All-Day Wearability

Comfort matters when you’re wearing a device all day. The Jabra Enhance Pro 20’s RIC design is lightweight and discreet, sitting comfortably behind my ear. The IP68 rating meant I didn’t worry about sweat during workouts, but I found the ear tips slightly fiddly to adjust at first. Once fitted properly at Costco, though, they stayed put.

The ReSound NEXIA’s microRIE is even smaller, and I forgot I was wearing it most days. Its low center of gravity kept it stable, and the thin receiver tube was barely visible. Both devices are durable, but the NEXIA’s sleeker profile gave it a slight edge for me, especially when I wore glasses.

Cost and Value: Where Your Money Goes

Price is where these devices diverge sharply. The Jabra Enhance Pro 20, at $1,599–$2,000, is a budget-friendly way to access NEXIA 9 tech. Costco’s support sweetens the deal—free fittings, cleanings, and a generous warranty made me feel like I was getting premium care without the premium price. However, the Costco membership ($60–$120 annually) and in-person visits are hurdles for some.

The ReSound NEXIA, at $3,000–$6,000, is a tougher pill to swallow. You’re paying for the brand, the Front Focus feature, and potentially better audiology support, but the cost can feel excessive when the Jabra offers similar tech. If insurance covers part of the NEXIA’s price, it’s more competitive, but out-of-pocket, the Jabra is hard to beat.

Support and Accessibility: Who’s Got Your Back?

Support can make or break your hearing aid experience. With the Jabra Enhance Pro 20, Costco’s hearing centers are a major asset. I walked in for a fitting, and the staff ran real-ear measurements to ensure the device matched my audiogram. Follow-ups were free, and the three-year warranty covered loss or damage, which gave me peace of mind. But if you don’t live near a Costco or prefer telehealth, you’re out of luck.

ReSound NEXIA’s support depends on your provider. My local audiologist was fantastic, offering personalized adjustments and explaining the Tinnitus Sound Generator in detail. But I’ve heard horror stories of rushed appointments at other clinics. The ReSound Smart Fit app supports telehealth adjustments, which is a plus, but you’ll need a compatible provider. If you value flexibility, ReSound might edge out, but Costco’s consistency is hard to beat.

Who Should Choose Jabra Enhance Pro 20?

The Jabra Enhance Pro 20 is ideal if you’re budget-conscious but want premium tech. It’s perfect for mild to severe hearing loss, especially if you live near a Costco and value in-person support. If you don’t need advanced tinnitus management or frequent noisy environments, the Pro 20 delivers exceptional value. I’d recommend it to first-time hearing aid users or those upgrading from older devices on a budget.

Who Should Choose ReSound NEXIA?

The ReSound NEXIA suits those willing to invest in top-tier performance, particularly if you struggle in noisy settings or have tinnitus. The Level 9 model’s Front Focus and Tinnitus Sound Generator justify the cost for some, and its compact design appeals to style-conscious users. If you have insurance or prefer working with a local audiologist, the NEXIA is a strong contender. It’s best for experienced users who know exactly what they need.

My Verdict: Which One Wins?

After weeks of testing both devices, I’m torn but lean toward the Jabra Enhance Pro 20 for most people. Its price-to-performance ratio is unbeatable, delivering NEXIA 9 tech for half the cost of ReSound’s branded version. Costco’s support seals the deal, making it a low-risk choice. However, if you need the NEXIA’s Front Focus for noisy environments or tinnitus relief, and cost isn’t a barrier, it’s worth the splurge.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either, but your budget, lifestyle, and hearing needs will tip the scales. Try them if possible—Costco offers a 100-day trial for the Jabra, and many audiologists provide 30–60-day trials for the NEXIA. Your ears deserve the best, so take your time to find what fits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Also Read: Polar vs. Fitbit vs. Garmin

Conclusion: Your Path to Better Hearing

Choosing between the Jabra Enhance Pro 20 and Pro 10 isn’t just about tech—it’s about what fits your life. I’ve shared my journey testing these aids, from noisy cafés to quiet evenings, to help you weigh their strengths. The Pro 20’s future-ready Auracast and crisp sound excite me, but the Pro 10’s affordability and reliability are hard to beat. Whichever you choose, you’re investing in clearer conversations and richer experiences. Visit Costco, test them out, and let your ears guide you to the perfect pair.