Widex vs. Oticon Hearing Aids: Key Differences, Features, and Costs Explained
Choosing between the right hearing aid is more than amplification. It’s about how you hear, how you live, and what feels natural to you. Two brands commonly carried at most private clinics in Ontario are Widex and Oticon, as they provide stand out options for sound quality and innovation.
Both manufacturers offer advanced solutions for mild to profound hearing loss but also take different approaches to how sound is processed and delivered.
In this guide, we’ll compare Widex vs. Oticon hearing aids to help you understand more about the manufacturers, technology, models available, costs, and which brand may best suit your lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- Widex and Oticon are both premium hearing aid manufacturers known for innovation and sound quality.
- Widex focuses on natural sound and fast processing with zero processing delay.
- Oticon’s BrainHearing™ philosophy supports how the brain naturally processes sound.
- Widex is especially popular for tinnitus relief and making sounds feel more realistic.
- Oticon excels in spatial awareness and listening support in complex environments.
- In Ontario, both brands are widely available and qualify for funding through provincial support programs.
- At Hearing Solutions, price ranges for these brands typically ranges from $3900-$6450 per pair.
- In-clinic fittings, trial options, and ongoing support play a major role in long-term success.
An Overview of Each Brand
Before comparing specific models, it’s helpful to understand how each manufacturer approaches hearing care.
Widex Hearing Aids
Founded in Denmark in 1956, Widex has earned a strong reputation for producing hearing aids with natural, lifelike sound quality. Widex places emphasis on reducing sound distortion and processing delay, which can make using hearing aids feel smoother and sound more natural.
They are also widely recognized for their tinnitus management features and offer customizable sound therapies across most of its hearing aid lineup. Today, Widex is part of WS Audiology and continues to focus on sound realism, comfort, and personalization.
Oticon Hearing Aids
Another manufacturer founded in Denmark in 1904, Oticon is one of the oldest hearing aid manufacturers in the world. Their technology is centered around BrainHearing™, which is designed to support how the brain naturally processes sound rather than just amplifying it.
Oticon hearing aids aim to provide access to a full sound environment, helping the brain naturally decide what to focus on. This approach is meant to reduce listening effort and support long-term cognitive engagement, especially in listening environments that are more complex.
Widex vs. Oticon: Which Brand is Right for You
While both Widex and Oticon offer premium hearing aid technology, the way they approach sound can feel different in everyday listening situations.
You may be better suited to Widex if you:
- Prefer natural, lifelike sound quality with minimal processing.
- Enjoy listening to music and want clear audio.
- Are sensitive to sound distortion or artificial noise.
- Experience tinnitus and want built in sound therapy options.
- Value smooth, comfortable listening throughout the day.
Oticon might be best for you if:
- Spend time in busy or challenging listening environments.
- Want support understanding speech in group conversations.
- Prefer hearing aids that help maintain spatial awareness.
- Feel mentally fatigued by listening and want an option that aims to reduce listening effort.
- Like technology that adapts to your movement and surroundings.
Both brands deliver excellent results when properly fitted. The best choice will come down to your listening preferences, hearing needs, daily lifestyle, and how each hearing aid feels during real-world use.
Hearing Aid Models Compared
Both Widex and Oticon offer a range of hearing aids designed to suit different hearing needs, preferences, and lifestyles.
Widex Hearing Aid Models
Widex Allure
The Allure is a next generation hearing aid built on the Allure platform. It combines a modern design with natural sound, reducing the delay between sound entering your ears and being processed. This means you hear voices and environmental sounds in real time.
Click here to read our full review on the Widex Allure hearing aid.
Widex SmartRIC
The SmartRIC is a receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aid that sits discreetly in the ear and features a unique microphone placed at an angle. This improves directionality and reduces wind noise in different settings. Combined with long battery life and natural sound processing, it’s designed for all-day comfort and clarity.
To read a full review of the Widex SmartRIC hearing aid, click here.
Widex Moment
The Widex Moment comes in a variety of styles that are suited to fit different hearing needs. From behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-the-canal (RIC), in-the-ear (ITE), and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) designs, the Moment is designed to deliver a natural listening experience and uses Widex’s ZeroDelay™ and PureSound™ technology to work together to eliminate sound processing delays that can make hearing aids sound artificial.
Click here to read our review on the Widex Moment.
Oticon Hearing Aid Models
Oticon Intent
The Intent is Oticon’s most advanced model and uses user-intent sensors that track head movement, body motion, and conversation activity. This allows the hearing aids to automatically adjust support as listening situations change. This model is available in a rechargeable behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) options and features Bluetooth connectivity and hands-free calling on compatible devices.
Oticon Real
The Real is available as a rechargeable receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aid with Bluetooth streaming for phone calls and audio. It is designed to reduce disruptive sounds like wind and handling noise while also maintaining speech clarity. This makes the Real a great choice for people who move from quiet to noisy settings and want a device that can adapt.
Oticon Own SI
The Own SI offers custom completely-in-the-canal (CIC), and invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) styles for a discreet fit. These models may use either rechargeable or disposable batteries depending on the style and include Bluetooth connectivity on select versions. The Oticon Own uses BrainHearing™ technology to deliver natural sound while supporting special awareness.
These models highlight how each brand combines form factor, connectivity, and sound processing to meet different listening needs.
Technology and Innovation
Widex and Oticon approach hearing technology a bit differently, with each manufacturer focusing on a distinct way to improve clarity, comfort, and long-term listening success.
Widex Technology
Widex is best known for its ZeroDelay sound processing, which delivers sound with essentially no lag between when it enters the ear and when it’s amplified. This reduces any artificial echo you may hear as well as distortion, helping sound feel more natural and easier to listen to.
Widex also offers comprehensive tinnitus management systems, with customizable sound therapy programs built directly into most of its hearing aids. These features can be tailored to individual needs and adjusted over time as listening preferences change.
Oticon Technology
Oticon’s technology is guided by its BrainHearing™ philosophy, which focuses on supporting how the brain naturally interprets sound rather than just simply amplifying speech. Instead of just blocking background noise, this technology aims to provide access to the full environment so your brain can choose what is most important to focus on.
Newer models, including the Oticon Intent build on this and use motion and environmental sensors to automatically adjust sound support throughout the day. This helps reduce listening effort and makes it easier to stay engaged in conversations as environments change.
Cost Comparison
In Ontario, hearing aid pricing reflects not only the device itself but also professional services such as fittings, adjustments, and ongoing care.
Widex Hearing Aid Prices
At Hearing Solutions, Widex hearing aids typically range from $3900-$6450 per pair after ADP funding has been deducted*, and depending on the technology tier selected.
Oticon Hearing Aid Prices
At Hearing Solutions, we are happy to offer Oticon hearing aids at different technology levels. Depending on the level chosen, prices typically range from $3900-6700 per pair after ADP funding has been deducted. *
*Prices listed are per of hearing aids (two devices) after the ADP discount is applied. Pricing is subject to change. Please speak to your clinician for the most up-to-date information. Last Updated: December 3rd, 2025.
Ontario Funding and Coverage Options
Outside of the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), there are several programs and resources available in Ontario that can make hearing aids like Widex and Oticon more affordable to patients.
- Private Insurance: Many extended healthcare plans include coverage for hearing aids. At your appointment, your clinician can review your benefits, confirm coverage amounts, and ensure your quote reflects what you’re eligible for.
- Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC): Eligible veterans may receive full or partial funding for hearing aids and related services.
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB): Available for individuals with hearing loss related to workplace noise exposure or injury.
- Ontario Disability and Support Program (ODSP): May provide coverage for eligible Ontario residents who are receiving disability benefits.
- Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB): Offers funding for eligible First Nations or Inuit patients.
- Payment Plans: Hearing solutions offers flexible monthly payment options to help make hearing aids more accessible.
At your appointment, your clinician will guide you through eligibility, explain your options, and assist with applying for any available funding or coverage programs so you don’t have to navigate the process alone.
Reviews
Widex and Oticon both receive strong feedback from patients for different reasons.
Widex users often highlight:
- Natural, smooth sound quality.
- Excellent music performance.
- Effective tinnitus relief features.
- Comfortable listening with reduced sound fatigue.
Oticon users frequently mention:
- Improved clarity in busy or social environments.
- Reduced listening effort throughout the day.
- Better awareness of surrounding sounds.
- Confidence in group conversations.
Satisfaction is highest when hearing aids are properly fitted and adjusted based on real-world feedback.
Next Steps
Choosing between Widex and Oticon comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. The most reliable way to decide is to experience both brands in real life, and not just in a clinic setting.
Booking a hearing test allows you to compare sound quality, comfort, and features side by side, with professional guidance to help you choose the solution that fits your hearing needs.
References:
Hearing Solutions (14, July 2025). Widex Allure Review: Premium Performance Meets Natural Sound. https://www.hearingsolutions.ca/widex-allure-review-premium-performance-meets-natural-sound/
Hearing Solutions (11, September 2025). Widex SmartRIC Review. https://www.hearingsolutions.ca/widex-smartric-review/
Widex (n.d.) Widex Allure RIC R D. https://www.widex.com/en-ca/hearing-aids/allure/ric-r-d/
Widex (n.d.) Widex PureSound™ Powered by ZeroDelay Technology. https://www.widexpro.com/en-ca/widex-technology/zerodelay/
Widex (n.d.) Tinnitus Solutions. https://www.widexpro.com/en-ca/business-support/tinnitus-solutions/
Oticon (n.d.). Oticon Intent. https://www.oticon.ca/products/hearing-aids/family/intent
Oticon (n.d.) Oticon Intent. https://www.oticon.ca/products/hearing-aids/family/real
Oticon (n.d.) Oticon Own SI. https://www.oticon.ca/products/hearing-aids/family/own-si
Oticon (n.d.) Oticon’s BrainHearing™ approach. https://www.oticon.ca/professionals/brainhearing
Hearing Tracker (22, April 2025) Widex Hearing Aids: Models, Features, Prices, and Reviews. https://www.hearingtracker.com/hearing-aids/widex
Hearing Tracker (16, July 2025) Oticon Hearin Aids: Models, Features, Prices, and Reviews. https://www.hearingtracker.com/hearing-aids/oticon
Forbes (23, 23, February 2024) Widex Hearing Aids Review: What Experts Say (2025). https://www.forbes.com/health/hearing-aids/widex-hearing-aids-review/
Senior Living (24, November 2025) Oticon Hearing Aid Reviews From an Audiologist in 2025. https://www.seniorliving.org/hearing-aids/oticon/reviews/
