The overwhelming majority of extra options on the five hundred—together with Jabra’s SoundScape speech readability expertise, top-tier help from skilled audiologists, and even the selection of 5 colours— haven’t modified in any detectable method. A single button on both help nonetheless controls quantity (up with the suitable button, down with the left) and selection of 4 operational modes. In contrast to many listening to aids, the button is giant sufficient and positioned nicely so you possibly can 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 equivalent this time round. The app works nicely, is straightforward to navigate, and makes it easy to contact Jabra help 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 concerning 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 fantastic in just about all conditions. As I remarked concerning the 300 collection 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 mistaken kinds of seems like footsteps, keyboard faucets, or squeaky chairs.
{Photograph}: Chris Null
The one actual draw back is that the standard of media streaming stays terrible, making music sound prefer it’s being piped by way of a tin can on a string throughout the room. I’d think about using the aids on this vogue 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 cellphone controls on Android as a substitute of simply iOS.
If there’s a catch right here, it’s the value: 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 help, or $1,795 with a one-year guarantee and no entry to Jabra’s audiologists. The previous is the one choice price contemplating; Jabra’s audiologist tweaks make all of the distinction.
The actual query is whether or not it is best to contemplate the Improve Choose 300 as a substitute. 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. Taking a look at it one other method: Is FOMO price $300?
The answer is left as an train for the reader.
