Costco vs Hear.com

Costco, founded in 1983 and headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, is a global membership-based retailer known for offering a wide range of high-quality goods and services, including hearing aids. Through their in-store Hearing Aid Centers, Costco provides access to devices from trusted brands like Philips, Jabra Enhance, and Rexton. These centers offer comprehensive services such as hearing evaluations, personalized fittings, and unlimited follow-up care, all included in the price of the device. Customers benefit from competitive pricing, a 180-day return policy, and the ability to choose from multiple brand options in one location. Unlike many traditional providers, Costco’s specialists work on salary rather than commission, ensuring more personalized and pressure-free guidance. While the company does not always employ audiologists and services can vary by location, their nationwide presence and strong customer satisfaction ratings make them a popular option. Costco does not hold a dedicated Better Business Bureau profile for their hearing aid services, but their reputation across consumer forums and review sites suggests a consistent focus on value and accessibility. For those interested in balancing quality and affordability, Costco Hearing Aids may be worth a closer look.

Founded in 2012 in Berlin by Dr. Marco Vietor and Paul Crusius under the name Audibene, hear.com expanded to North America in 2015 and now operates from its dual headquarters in Miami and Berlin. As a part of WS Audiology, the company reaches customers in over ten countries and works with more than 2,000 licensed hearing care providers. Their product lineup includes discreet ITE and BTE hearing aids equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, smart sound technology, and moisture-resistant designs rated IP67 or IP68. All models support iOS and Android through a dedicated app, allowing users to adjust settings, switch hearing programs, stream audio, and check battery life directly from their phones. Customer experience is built around convenience and confidence. hear.com offers a 45-day risk-free trial supported by personal coaching through their Hearing Success Program. Users can choose between in-person fittings with local specialists or remote sessions via tele-audiology. Plans are subscription-based, with Mid-Level, Advanced, and Premium models averaging $139, $169, and $199 per month, respectively. These packages include fittings, adjustments, the app, and ongoing support.