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Starkey Review

Starkey's newest hearing aid, Omega AI+, launched October 1, 2026 with up to 51 hours per charge and health tracking. Expect about $3,198 to $3,998 a pair through a clinic.

By BestGuide Editorial Team is the BestGuide newsroom. Pages without a named reporter were compiled by staff from the sources listed on the page.Published February 26, 2026Updated October 16, 2026This page was compiled from primary sources: company disclosures and terms, the BBB and regulators. Our ratings method is described on the methodology page.
Starkey BestGuide rating
4.2/5 BestGuide rating: 4.2 out of 5. Set by our editors from reputation, services, transparency, customer satisfaction and scale. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.

Best for: People with moderate to severe or complex hearing loss who want in-person fitting, a custom in-ear style, long battery life or fall detection.

Compare hearing aids companies
On this page14 sections
  1. Ratings and complaints
  2. Starkey vs. competitors
  3. Pricing
  4. Step by step
  5. Starkey legitimacy and licensing
  6. Starkey hearing aids cost
  7. Starkey models and features
  8. Starkey complaints and how to avoid problems
  9. Starkey warranty, trial and returns
  10. Prescription vs over-the-counter hearing aids
  11. Who should skip Starkey
  12. What customers say
  13. Alternatives
  14. FAQ
Our verdict

Starkey's new Omega AI+ line stands out for battery life (up to 51 hours on one style), custom in-ear styles down to invisible-in-canal, and fall detection and health tracking in the My Starkey app. It is a legitimate, privately held American hearing aid maker based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, BBB accredited with an A+ rating and only 6 BBB complaints in three years. The tradeoffs are price and access: Starkey sells only through hearing care professionals, prices are set by each clinic (about $3,198 to $3,998 a pair through one national network in October 2026), and the companion app rates just 3.2 stars. It's a strong pick for complex or severe hearing loss and people who want a custom fit; for mild to moderate loss, an FDA-regulated over-the-counter aid can cost far less.

Your options

  • Jabra Enhance This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Alternative Adults with mild to moderate hearing loss who are comfortable with a smartphone app and want audiologist help without clinic visits.
    Visit site
  • Audicus This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Alternative Adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss who want hearing aids programmed to a hearing test and remote audiologist support without clinic prices.
    Visit site
Company
Starkey Laboratories, Inc., privately held, Eden Prairie, Minnesota; owner and chairman Bill Austin, CEO Brandon Sawalich1
Newest line
Omega AI+, launched October 1, 2026, with a G4 processor; Edge AI is still sold2
Price
Not published by Starkey; $3,198 to $3,998 a pair for Omega AI+ across three technology levels through Zip Hearing, as listed on HearingTracker in October 20263
Battery
Up to 51 hours per charge on the RIC RT (45 with streaming), about 42 hours on mRIC and custom styles3
Features
Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast, waterproof up to 1 meter on rechargeable styles, activity, sleep and respiratory rate tracking, fall detection2
Warranty
Limited warranty on new aids covers internal failures, repairable external damage and remakes for poor fit in the first 90 days; length set by your clinic; optional Worry-Free Warranty plans add loss and damage4
Where to buy
Hearing care professionals only; Starkey says it does not endorse online sellers5

Starkey ratings and complaint records

  • BBB A+ Starkey, Eden Prairie, MN; accredited since February 24, 2021; 6 complaints in the last 3 years; 14 customer reviews View source
  • Trustpilot 4.0 out of 5 1,037 reviews, 53% five star and 14% one star; Starkey replies to negative reviews View source
  • App Store (US) 3.2 out of 5 My Starkey control app, 208 ratings View source

Pros

  • Up to 51 hours per charge on the Omega AI+ RIC RT
  • Wide range of custom styles, down to invisible-in-canal
  • Fall detection, activity, sleep and respiratory tracking
  • Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast support
  • BBB accredited with an A+ and very few complaints

Cons

  • No published prices; expect over $3,000 a pair for the newest line
  • Must buy through a clinic, so service quality depends on the provider
  • My Starkey app rated 3.2 out of 5
  • Omega AI+ not yet lab tested by HearAdvisor
  • Trial and warranty length vary by clinic

Best for: People with moderate to severe or complex hearing loss who want in-person fitting, a custom in-ear style, long battery life or fall detection.

Skip it if: You have mild to moderate loss and a tight budget, or you want to buy online with a fixed trial and warranty.

Starkey vs. competitors

Starkey compared with competitors
CompanyNewest flagshipPrice per pair (Zip Hearing, Oct 2026)Battery per chargeHow you buyNext step
Starkey Omega AI+ (Oct 1, 2026)$3,198 to $3,998Up to 51 hoursClinic only
Oticon Reveal (Aug 2026)$2,898 to $4,598Up to 24 hoursClinic only Read review
Phonak Audeo EON (Aug 2026)$3,198 to $4,598Up to 38 hoursClinic only Visit site
Jabra Enhance Enhance Select M series (Aug 2026)$1,195 to $1,995Online, over the counter Visit site

Hearing aids companies we reviewed

  1. Starkey This review BestGuide rating: 4.2 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with moderate to severe or complex hearing loss who want in-person fitting, a custom in-ear style, long battery life or fall detection.
  2. Jabra Enhance This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Adults with mild to moderate hearing loss who are comfortable with a smartphone app and want audiologist help without clinic visits.
    Visit site Read review
  3. Audicus This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss who want hearing aids programmed to a hearing test and remote audiologist support without clinic prices.
    Visit site Read review
  4. Ceretone Hearing Aids This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.6 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Adults with mild to moderate hearing loss who want the lowest-cost Ceretone option for TV and one-on-one conversation.
    Visit site Read review
  5. HearingLife BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Adults who want a full in-person hearing evaluation, professional fitting and ongoing adjustments, and who value having a local clinic for repairs.
    Visit site Read review
  6. AudioNova This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.2 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Adults with moderate or more complex hearing loss who want an in-person exam, a professional fitting and ongoing adjustments.
    Visit site Read review
  7. Oticon BestGuide rating: 4.4 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Adults with moderate to severe hearing loss who want a professionally fit prescription aid and ongoing clinic care.
    Read review
  8. Phonak BestGuide rating: 4.2 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Adults with mild to profound hearing loss who want professional fitting and follow-up care and use an Android phone or several Bluetooth devices.
    Visit site Read review
See all hearing aids companies, ranked

Starkey pricing at a glance

Starkey Omega AI+ prices through Zip Hearing, as listed on HearingTracker October 20263

Option Price per pair Notes
Omega AI+, entry level $3,198 Lowest of three technology levels
Omega AI+, top level $3,998 Highest technology level
Local clinic price Varies Starkey does not publish prices; clinics set their own and often bundle visits
Worry-Free Warranty plans Ask your clinic Optional loss, damage and repair coverage for aids bought in the last 5 years

Zip Hearing prices include fitting by a local provider in its network. Independent clinics often charge more, and some include extra follow-up visits or longer warranties. Get a written, itemized quote.

Starkey, step by step

  1. Find a provider

    Use Starkey's locator or a clinic you trust; Starkey sells only through hearing care professionals, including its Audibel network.

  2. Hearing test

    An audiologist or hearing instrument specialist tests your hearing and recommends a style and technology level.

  3. Fitting

    The provider programs the aids to your results. Ask whether they verify the fit with real-ear measurement.

  4. Trial period

    Clinics set the trial length and any return or fitting fee, so get those terms in writing before you pay.

  5. Follow-up and service

    Return for adjustments, cleanings and warranty repairs through the clinic, and use the My Starkey app for volume, programs and tracking.

Starkey legitimacy and licensing

Yes. Starkey Laboratories, Inc. is a privately held hearing aid manufacturer headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, led by owner and chairman Bill Austin and CEO Brandon Sawalich. The BBB describes it as a global company with more than 5,000 employees, has accredited it since February 2021, rates it A+ and lists only 6 complaints in the last three years.

Starkey’s aids are prescription hearing aids sold through licensed hearing care professionals, and the company also owns the Audibel clinic network. On Trustpilot it scores 4.0 out of 5 from about 1,000 reviews, with complaints mostly about connectivity and fit rather than billing.

Be careful buying Starkey aids from online marketplaces. Starkey says it does not endorse internet sellers, and aids bought that way may not come with fitting support or a valid warranty.

Starkey hearing aids cost

Starkey does not publish prices. Each clinic sets its own price, usually as a bundle that includes the hearing test, fitting, follow-up visits and a warranty. As one reference point, Zip Hearing listed the new Omega AI+ at $3,198 to $3,998 a pair across three technology levels in October 2026, including fitting by a provider in its network. Many independent clinics charge more.

Starkey’s cost page points buyers to financing, health savings accounts, Medicaid (which must cover hearing aids for children and covers adults in many states), VA benefits for veterans, state vocational rehabilitation and service clubs. Original Medicare does not usually pay for hearing aids, though some Medicare Advantage plans do.

Ask for a written quote that lists the technology level, the trial length, any return or fitting fee, the warranty term and how many follow-up visits are included.

Alternative: Jabra EnhanceVisit siteCompare all

Starkey models and features

Omega AI+ is Starkey’s newest line, launched October 1, 2026. It comes in three receiver-in-canal styles (mRIC R, RIC (receiver in canal). A small behind-the-ear aid with the speaker placed in the ear canal on a thin wire, the style used by Audicus Omni and Ray. Compare hearing aids companies RT and RIC 312) and a full set of custom aids, including rechargeable ITC and ITE, CIC and invisible-in-canal models. Starkey rates the RIC RT at up to 51 hours per charge (45 with streaming) and about 42 hours on other styles, and the rechargeable models are waterproof to 1 meter.

Through the My Starkey app you can change programs and volume, turn on Edge Mode for difficult listening, stream calls and TV, find Auracast public broadcasts, and track exercise, social activity, sleep and respiratory rate. Fall detection and alerts and a reminder when you leave your aids behind are also available. Feature availability can vary, so confirm with your clinic.

Starkey’s previous lines, including Edge AI, are still sold, which can lower the price if you don’t need the newest processor.

What customers say about Starkey

Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.

Common praise

  • Helpful, knowledgeable clinic staff and Starkey service team
  • Clear improvement in hearing for many users
  • Comfortable, discreet custom fits
  • Long battery life on rechargeable models

Common complaints

  • Bluetooth and app pairing problems, sometimes needing frequent restarts
  • Background noise amplified or speech not clear in some settings
  • Battery or part failures, sometimes after the warranty ends
  • Repeated clinic visits to get the settings right
  • High price compared with over-the-counter aids

Starkey complaints and how to avoid problems

Starkey has few formal complaints: 6 with the BBB in three years. On Trustpilot, recurring problems are Bluetooth and app pairing, background noise or unclear speech in some places, battery or part failures, and needing several clinic visits to get settings right. The My Starkey app averages 3.2 stars on the App Store.

  • Pick the clinic as carefully as the brand; most fit problems are fixed by programming.
  • Test the aids in your own noisy places during the trial, and go back for adjustments before it ends.
  • Check that your phone supports the streaming you want before you buy.
  • Write down the warranty end date and consider a Worry-Free plan if you are prone to losing aids.

Starkey warranty, trial and returns

New Starkey aids carry a limited warranty that covers repairs for internal component failure, repairable external damage, and remakes for improper fit within the first 90 days. Starkey says the specific warranty term comes from the professional who sold you the aids. Optional Worry-Free Warranty plans, available for aids bought within the last 5 years, add protection against failure, damage and loss.

Starkey does not set a nationwide trial or return policy; the clinic does. Some states require a trial or return period for hearing aids, so ask your clinic for its written policy, including any nonrefundable fitting fee.

Prescription vs over-the-counter hearing aids

Since 2022 the FDA has allowed over-the-counter hearing aids for adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, sold without an exam or fitting. They usually cost far less than Starkey’s prescription aids.

Prescription aids like Starkey’s are the better route for moderate to severe loss, hearing loss in only one ear, sudden hearing loss, ear pain or drainage, or tinnitus in one ear. In those cases, see a doctor or audiologist first, since some causes need medical treatment.

Who should skip Starkey

If your loss is mild to moderate and your budget is tight, an OTC aid such as Jabra Enhance at $1,195 to $1,995 a pair is worth trying first. If you want the best independent lab results today, Oticon Reveal and Phonak Audeo EON have published HearAdvisor scores while Omega AI+ is still pending. And if you prefer buying online with a fixed trial and warranty, Starkey’s clinic-only model won’t suit you.

Alternative: Jabra EnhanceVisit siteCompare all

Alternatives to Starkey

  • Oticon BestGuide rating: 4.4 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.

    A lower entry price and a lab-tested flagship with a better rated app, if a receiver-in-canal style works for you.

    Read review
  • Phonak BestGuide rating: 4.2 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Read review

    Another premium clinic brand with a strong lab result and long battery life on its newest Audeo EON.

    Visit site
  • Jabra Enhance BestGuide rating: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Read review

    Costs about half as much with a 100-day trial and remote audiology care, for adults with mild to moderate loss.

    Visit site
  • VA or Medicare Advantage hearing benefits

    Eligible veterans can get hearing aids through the VA, and some Medicare Advantage plans include a hearing aid benefit; check before paying full price.

See all hearing aids companies, ranked

Next steps

Alternative Jabra Enhance This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Visit site
Alternative Audicus This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Visit site
Alternative Ceretone Hearing Aids This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Visit site

Starkey reviews

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Frequently asked questions

How much are Starkey hearing aids?

Starkey doesn't publish prices. Omega AI+ was listed at $3,198 to $3,998 a pair through Zip Hearing in October 2026, including fitting; local clinics set their own prices.

What is the newest Starkey hearing aid?

Omega AI+, launched October 1, 2026. It replaced Omega AI as Starkey's flagship and comes in three receiver-in-canal styles and several custom styles.

How long does the Starkey battery last?

Starkey rates Omega AI+ RIC RT at up to 51 hours per charge, or 45 hours with streaming, and about 42 hours for the mRIC and custom styles.

Is Starkey a good hearing aid brand?

Starkey is one of the major prescription hearing aid makers, with an A+ BBB rating and a 4.0 Trustpilot score. Users praise custom fits and battery life and complain most about app connectivity.

Can I buy Starkey hearing aids online?

Not from Starkey. It sells through hearing care professionals and says it doesn't endorse internet sellers. Some networks such as Zip Hearing sell online with fitting by a local provider.

Does Medicare cover Starkey hearing aids?

Original Medicare doesn't usually cover hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid benefits, and eligible veterans can get aids through the VA.

What warranty comes with Starkey hearing aids?

New aids have a limited warranty covering internal failures, repairable damage and fit remakes in the first 90 days. The length is set by your clinic, and Worry-Free plans add loss coverage.

Do Starkey hearing aids have fall detection?

Yes. Through the My Starkey app, Starkey aids offer fall detection and alerts plus activity, sleep and respiratory rate tracking, depending on model and location.

Is Starkey an American company?

Yes. Starkey is privately held and headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Do Starkey hearing aids work with iPhone and Android?

Omega AI+ supports Bluetooth LE Audio streaming from compatible iPhone and Android devices and Auracast broadcasts. Check your phone model with your provider before buying.

Sources (11)

Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards

  1. Starkey: About us and executives (accessed October 12, 2026)
  2. Starkey: Omega AI+ hearing aids (accessed October 12, 2026)
  3. HearingTracker: Starkey Omega AI+ (prices, specs; lab testing pending) (accessed October 12, 2026)
  4. Starkey: Hearing aid warranty (accessed October 12, 2026)
  5. Starkey: Costs and financing (accessed October 12, 2026)
  6. BBB: Starkey business profile (accessed October 12, 2026)
  7. Trustpilot: Starkey reviews (accessed October 12, 2026)
  8. Apple App Store: My Starkey (accessed October 12, 2026)
  9. HearingTracker: Oticon Reveal (prices, specs, HearAdvisor lab results) (accessed October 12, 2026)
  10. FDA: OTC hearing aids, what you should know (accessed October 12, 2026)
  11. Medicare.gov: Hearing aids coverage (accessed October 12, 2026)
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