The overwhelming majority of extra options on the five hundred—together with Jabra’s SoundScape speech readability expertise, top-tier assist from skilled audiologists, and even the selection of 5 colours— haven’t modified in any detectable approach. A single button on both assist nonetheless controls quantity (up with the best button, down with the left) and selection of 4 operational modes. Not like many listening to aids, the button is giant sufficient and positioned effectively so you’ll be able to simply discover it with out fumbling round behind your ear.
The Jabra Improve Choose 500 makes use of the identical app as different Jabra listening to aids, and setup and administration are similar this time round. The app works effectively, is straightforward to navigate, and makes it easy to contact Jabra assist if you wish to tweak your listening profile, order longer receiver wires, or just ask questions on how issues work. A gazillion eartips are (nonetheless) included to make correct becoming a snap.
Spectacular Audio Efficiency
As soon as once more, I’ve no complaints in regards to the 500’s audio efficiency, and I couldn’t detect any distinction between the 300 and the five hundred. Hiss is minimal and all however absent at decrease volumes, and the varied listening modes are considerate however not fully wanted. The all-around mode works superb in just about all conditions. As I remarked in regards to the 300 sequence on the time, these listening to aids present simply the correct quantity of enhance to audio the place I would like it, by no means blowing out my ears or amplifying the flawed varieties of seems like footsteps, keyboard faucets, or squeaky chairs.
The one actual draw back is that the standard of media streaming stays terrible, making music sound prefer it’s being piped via a tin can on a string throughout the room. I’d think about using the aids on this trend just for occasional phone calls or in an emergency. Once more: No change from the 300 on this entrance, although the five hundred now helps tap-based telephone controls on Android as an alternative of simply iOS.
If there’s a catch right here, it’s the worth: The Jabra Improve Choose 500 listening to aids value the identical because the 300 did after we initially reviewed them: $1,995 with a three-year guarantee and assist, or $1,795 with a one-year guarantee and no entry to Jabra’s audiologists. The previous is the one possibility price contemplating; Jabra’s audiologist tweaks make all of the distinction.
The true query is whether or not it’s best to contemplate the Improve Choose 300 as an alternative. Now priced at $1,695 (or $1,495 with a one-year guarantee), the older mannequin is eighteen p.c cheaper and, in any case, solely 3 p.c heavier. it one other approach: Is FOMO price $300?
The answer is left as an train for the reader.