Jabra Launches M-Series Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids With Modest Improvements
The new Jabra Enhance Select M3, M2, and M1 replace the previous lineup with incremental feature upgrades but unchanged pricing and persistent design limitations.
What happened
Jabra, a direct-to-consumer hearing aid manufacturer, has released three new models—the Enhance Select M3, M2, and M1—replacing its entire prior lineup (700, 500, 300, and 50R models), which were only one to two years old. The M3, priced at $1,995, features two new SoundScape audio enhancements exclusive to the top tier: an improved autofocus system and an adaptive listening mode responsive to environmental conditions. The reviewer found the M3 delivers clarity in quiet settings; at moderate volumes (30 percent), noise control was maximized while minimizing hiss, though environmental modes were noted as not particularly useful. Bluetooth streaming quality shows slight improvement over previous generations but remains suboptimal for music and movies according to the reviewer. The three new models share identical weight (2.12 grams) despite different price points; the M3 distinguishes itself only with a squatter design and exclusive red-color availability. Battery life remains 24 hours per charge, and Jabra's three-year on-staff audiologist support and self-test system continue unchanged.
Context
The rapid replacement of a one-to-two-year-old product line with models offering primarily under-the-hood changes reflects an industry trend of frequent iterations in hearing aid manufacturing. At $1,995 for the M3, $1,695 for the M2, and $1,195 for the M1, these over-the-counter devices remain expensive relative to their nonprescription category, though substantially cheaper than prescription alternatives priced near double. The reviewer notes that pricing typically drops by $200 within months and coupons are regularly available, suggesting the launch price may not hold. The persistent complaints about streaming quality and the unchanged, oversized charging case indicate that despite feature additions, practical limitations remain unaddressed.