From WIRED · Christopher Null · · 2m
Jabra's new hearing aids sound great but barely change
Jabra replaces its entire hearing aid lineup with three new models that sound outstanding but offer only modest improvements under the hood.
In brief
Jabra replaces its entire hearing aid lineup with three new models that sound outstanding but offer only modest improvements under the hood. Jabra released three new M-series hearing aids this fall with excellent sound quality and better noise control, but the upgrades are incremental and the devices remain expensive…
Jabra replaces entire lineup
This fall, Jabra retired the Enhance Select 700, 500, 300, and 50R, all only a year or two old. Three new M-series models replace them: M3, M2, and M1.
New models look nearly identical
Each M-series hearing aid weighs two point one two grams. The M3 is slightly squatter, measuring a few millimeters shorter than the M2 and M1, which share identical form factors.
Behind-the-ear design with controls
The M3 aids take a traditional behind-the-ear teardrop form with a single button on the back. Various presses and holds control power, volume, and environmental mode changes.
SoundScape system with new features
Jabra's SoundScape audio enhancement system launched last year. The M3 adds two exclusive features: a revamped autofocus tool that locks onto speech in noisy environments like restaurants, which proved moderately effective.
Adaptive listening mode for environments
The M3's other new SoundScape feature is an advanced adaptive listening mode responsive to environments like restaurants or outdoors in real time to optimize noise reduction.
Sound quality matches previous generations
The M3 works as well as previous Jabra generations. Clarity in quiet environments was nearly perfect. At thirty percent volume, hearing improvement was maximized while minimizing hiss.
Streaming remains a weak point
Bluetooth streaming quality has never been Jabra's strong suit. While the M3 supports Auracast, overall streaming audio quality offers only slight improvement. Music and movie audio remain too washed out below highest volume.
Pricing unchanged at launch
The M3 starts at one thousand nine hundred ninety five dollars, the same launch price as the Jabra seven hundred last year. History suggests a two hundred dollar price cut arrives within months.
Best over-the-counter option available
If you can afford two thousand dollars, the M3 offers the most advanced over-the-counter hearing aids available.
The bottom line
Jabra released three new M-series hearing aids this fall with excellent sound quality and better noise control, but the upgrades are incremental and the devices remain expensive.
