Hearing Aids
Top Companies in 2025
Miracle-Ear vs Starkey
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- Broad range of device styles
- Personalized in-person fitting process
- Free lifetime service and cleanings
- Tinnitus management options
- Custom-molded and invisible style options
- Rechargeable models with long-lasting battery
- Direct audio streaming and hands-free calling
- Intuitive Thrive and My Starkey app controls
- No online access to pricing or model specifications
- Reports of inconsistent service quality across locations
- Relatively high prices
- Limited clarity on financing and insurance coverage
- No upfront pricing available
- Limited features in lower-tier models
- Inconsistent Bluetooth performance
- No universal return or trial policy
Miracle-Ear has been a trusted name in hearing care since 1948, operating under the global Amplifon umbrella with headquarters in Minneapolis. They run over 1,500 hearing centers across the U.S., offering in-person services that include hearing tests, device fittings, and lifetime aftercare, delivered by licensed Hearing Care Professionals. They provide a wide range of hearing aids in popular styles like RIC, BTE, ITE, IIC, and CIC, many of which include standout features such as AI-powered sound personalization, Bluetooth streaming, long battery life, and water resistance. Their premium models even support extended Bluetooth range and automatic environmental adjustments, offering users a more seamless listening experience. Instead of selling devices online, they rely on face-to-face consultations, allowing their team to customize solutions based on a user’s unique hearing profile. While some buyers appreciate this hands-on approach, others have voiced frustration with their lack of online transparency around pricing and specs. If you're exploring hearing aid options and want a deeper look into what differentiates Miracle-Ear from their technology to their support model, this review breaks down everything you need to know.
Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Starkey is one of the most established hearing aid manufacturers in the United States. They design and distribute a wide range of medical-grade hearing aids through licensed professionals, offering solutions for users with mild to profound hearing loss. Starkey sets itself apart with a strong focus on innovation, integrating features like AI-based sound adjustments, fall detection, health tracking, and direct Bluetooth streaming into many of their devices. Their product lines, including Genesis AI and Evolv AI, are available in a variety of discreet and rechargeable styles, supported by the multifunctional Thrive Hearing Control app. Customer feedback reflects a mix of positive impressions and criticisms. Many users praise the technology’s adaptability, ease of use, and personalized service from audiologists. However, others report recurring issues with connectivity, repair logistics, and battery replacements. Despite some mixed reviews, Starkey maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and continues to play a major role in hearing care innovation. With their combination of advanced features and professional fitting services, Starkey presents a compelling option for those seeking more than just basic hearing support.
- FDA Approved : Yes
- Free Hearing Aid Test : Online and in-person hearing test available
- Free Trial Period : 30 days
- Loss and Damage Protection : Available, but may vary depending on device
- Price : Estimated $1,000 to $8,000+ per pair
- Warranty Duration : Three-year warranty
- Customer Experience : Fair
- FDA Approved : Yes
- Free Hearing Aid Test : Yes
- Free Trial Period : 45 days
- Loss and Damage Protection : Available
- Price : Between $3,000 and $7,000 per pair
- Warranty Duration : 1 to 3 years (varies by provider and model)
- Customer Experience : Good
- 600-ft extended Bluetooth range
- HydroGuard coating for added durability
- AI-powered real-time sound tuning
- Custom-fit designs for each wearer
- AI-powered Edge Mode+ with deep neural processing
- Built-in wellness tracking and fall detection
- Seamless integration with Starlink accessories
- App Control Compatibility
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Custom Fitting
- Directional Microphones
- Environment Settings
- Feedback Cancellation
- Noise Reduction
- Preset Programs
- Rechargeable Battery
- Streaming Capabilities
- Telecoil Compatibility
- Voice Prompts
- Volume Control
- App Control Compatibility
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Custom Fitting
- Directional Microphones
- Environment Settings
- Feedback Cancellation
- Noise Reduction
- Preset Programs
- Rechargeable Battery
- Streaming Capabilities
- Telecoil Compatibility
- Voice Prompts
- Volume Control
- Mild Hearing Loss
- Moderate Hearing Loss
- Moderately Severe Hearing Loss
- Profound Hearing Loss
- Severe Hearing Loss
- Mild Hearing Loss
- Moderate Hearing Loss
- Moderately Severe Hearing Loss
- Profound Hearing Loss
- Severe Hearing Loss
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application
- Phone
- Ticketing System
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application
- Phone
- Ticketing System
- Cash—Undisclosed
- Check—Undisclosed
- Financing Options Available
- HSA/FSA Eligible
- Major Credit Cards
- Cash
- Check
- Financing Options Available
- HSA/FSA Eligible
- Major Credit Cards
Miracle-Ear vs. Starkey
Miracle-Ear and Starkey are two of the most recognized names in the hearing aid industry. Both brands focus on tailored hearing solutions, offer in-person fittings, and back their devices with strong feature sets. This comparison looks at what they have in common and where they differ, so you can make a more informed decision.
Service range and customization options
Both Miracle-Ear and Starkey offer a wide range of hearing aid styles, including invisible-in-canal (IIC), completely-in-canal (CIC), receiver-in-canal (RIC), and behind-the-ear (BTE) models. They support users with mild to profound hearing loss and provide rechargeable and disposable battery options. Each brand offers personalized fitting through licensed professionals and includes custom-molded designs for comfort and discretion.
Where they differ is how they approach customization and technology tiers. Starkey stands out for its AI-powered features like Edge Mode+ and health monitoring, built into premium models. Their hearing aids also include options like fall detection and real-time translation. Miracle-Ear, while offering environmental adaptation and speech enhancement, does not provide the same depth of wellness features. Instead, they focus on offering tailored solutions across a wider price range and emphasize in-person care as a central part of customization.
Audio quality and app integration
Both companies offer Bluetooth streaming, direct audio input, and support for hands-free calling. Their devices include noise reduction, speech isolation, and adaptive directionality, helping users hear better in noisy or dynamic environments. Both brands offer mobile apps. Starkey provides Thrive and My Starkey, while Miracle-Ear has their own dedicated control app. These let users adjust volume, switch programs, and check battery life.
The main difference lies in tech capabilities. Starkey’s Thrive app includes features like voice-to-text transcription, wellness tracking, and remote programming via Telehear. It allows users to manage more complex settings and see health metrics like step count and social engagement. Miracle-Ear’s app is more focused on core functions and simpler control. Their SPARK line does boast an extended Bluetooth range of up to 600 feet, which is a notable perk, but lacks the deeper AI-based personalization found in Starkey’s ecosystem.
Support, warranty, and access
Both brands require in-person fittings and distribute their devices through licensed hearing care professionals. They each offer support lines, educational content, and access to cleanings, adjustments, and repairs. Starkey provides live chat and specific support lines for veterans and general users. Miracle-Ear stands out for offering free lifetime service at their locations, including cleanings and tune-ups.
That said, the quality of service varies more with Miracle-Ear due to its franchise model. While many centers offer excellent care, some locations receive complaints about upselling, miscommunication, or service consistency. Starkey’s support tends to be more centralized, although they rely on independent clinics as well. Warranty-wise, Starkey offers one to three years, depending on model and provider, while Miracle-Ear includes a standard three-year warranty on many devices, along with a 30-day trial period.
Pricing
Neither brand provides detailed pricing online. You’ll need to visit a provider to get a personalized quote. Both companies fall into the premium range of the market, with per-pair pricing for devices typically starting around $1,000 and reaching as high as $7,000 to $8,000, depending on the model and features selected.
Where they differ is in structure. Starkey’s pricing is influenced heavily by the level of technology and features, particularly AI and wellness tools. Miracle-Ear’s pricing can be more variable depending on the location and whether you’re using insurance or financing. They also offer in-house financing for plans ranging from $450 to $10,000.
Conclusion
Starkey is a strong fit for users who want cutting-edge hearing aids with AI, health tracking, and remote management. Their focus on wellness and tech-forward design makes them ideal for tech-savvy users or those with complex hearing needs. Miracle-Ear, on the other hand, offers a broader range of styles and a high-touch service model through their vast network of U.S. clinics. They prioritize ongoing in-person care and support, but lack transparency on model specifics and pricing.
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