Audien Atom Pro 2 Review: Does the Hype Match the Reality?

Audien advertised their $264 Atom Pro 2 as a disruptor—promising background noise reduction, all-day rechargeability, and a design that brings prescription-style hearing to the masses. Positive online reviews abound, and you can’t scroll social media without seeing their ads. But do these claims hold up under hands-on and scientific scrutiny? I finally put the Atom Pro 2 to the test—both in my daily life and in the HearAdvisor lab.

I found that although Atom Pro 2 does have value as a budget hearing aid, it did not score well on several key measures in both my real-life testing and in the HearAdvisor lab. HearAdvisor audio lab testing of Audien Atom Pro 2 resulted in a SoundScore of 2.5 (out of 5 points)—or a "C” SoundGrade—which, at this writing, ranks it in the bottom 10% of devices in the OTC category and in the bottom 10% of all devices tested. When weighing all its attributes (comfort, battery life, design, pro support, value, etc.), HearingTracker gives it an overall score of 2.8, which ranks it in the bottom 20% of all products tested.

Let’s break down what you’re really getting, how it stacks up to serious alternatives like Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, and whether it backs up all that online buzz.

Basics of Audien Atom Pro 2

The Audien Atom Pro 2 is an affordable, rechargeable over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid with a hybrid in-the-ear (ITE)/earbud design that uses a silicone-like sleeve to fit inside your ear canal. Like other OTC hearing aids, Atom Pro 2 is intended for adults with no worse than mild to moderate hearing loss.

The Pro 2 is an updated version of the company's previous Atom Pro and is currently offered on the Audien website and Amazon for $289 per pair. However, we've noted in the past that these prices can sometimes differ by as much as $100, so it pays to shop around.

Technology in the Audien Atom Pro 2

The Atom Pro 2 is a preset device, meaning it relies on pre-programmed settings instead of an in-app test or audiogram that can more finely tune the device to your unique hearing loss. It is designed as a small in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid that sits just outside your ear canal via a silicone-like sleeve. Although it is not custom-fit for the unique contours of your ears like prescription ITEs from a hearing clinic, each hearing aid is made to fit the average user's right and left ear canal, respectively.

Audien utilizes its new A2™ chip, which is advertised to provide crisp, dynamic sound that adapts to your environment in real-time, with advanced noise cancellation.

The device is discreet, lightweight, comfortable, and simple to use. It has a basic one-button control on the faceplate for volume control (press quickly for 5 volume levels). It also features four listening modes (conversation, restaurant, TV, and outdoors) that you can change via the same faceplate button with a longer 3-second press of your finger.

As this is a basic OTC hearing aid, there is no app for hearing testing or further adjusting the aid, and no Bluetooth audio streaming.

Testing Audien Atom Pro 2 in Real-life and in the HearAdvisor Lab

To understand the performance of Audien Atom Pro 2, we used standardized testing using a special acoustic manikin (called KEMAR), as well as trying it out in real-life situations.

My Experiences in Real-World Testing: Limited Benefit

The devices fit easily enough, with multiple tips to try. However, there’s no customization—just plug and play. I found myself unintentionally pressing the control button while inserting them, which caused accidental program or volume changes, leading to mismatched settings between the ears. The button placement and feel are improved versus prior Audien Atom model, but still not ideal if you have sensitive ear canals.

Everyday use: My first stop: a noisy local restaurant. Even on the dedicated “noise” program, I found myself straining to follow a friend’s conversation across the table. The noise reduction effect was subtle at best. A trip to a hardware store (a “worst-case” noise scenario for most users) confirmed it: Atom Pro 2 struggles to filter out persistent background clatter (like beeping forklifts and carts on concrete), despite claims of advanced noise cancellation.

Sound Quality: In general, the sound is mechanical, with an emphasis on the mid-range and a “nasal” quality—lacking the crisp, clear high frequencies most important for understanding speech. There’s no sign of dual microphones or real directional technology that would be typical in advanced hearing aids.

Switching Modes and Controls: Adjustments are manual, using the button on each device. Because each adjustment is made separately, mismatch between left and right settings is possible. This can be disorienting and frustrating for users.

HearAdvisor Lab Testing: Unwhelming Performance

In independent testing at the HearAdvisor lab, Audien Atom Pro 2 received an SoundScore of 2.5 and a SoundGrade rating of "C," placing it in the bottom 10% of OTC hearing aids tested.

The devices underperformed in speech clarity—both in quiet and noisy environments. Audien Atom Pro 2 does not offer wireless capabilities and therefore cannot stream music or make phone calls. Although we found very good results for feedback (whistling), there are complaints from users online and in the consumer reviews at the bottom of this page: one Walmart customer described feedback as “deafening regardless of volume,” while several Amazon purchasers reported similar experiences.

In summary, our lab findings showed Atom Pro 2 performed well below average on speech in quiet, below average on speech in noise, above average on feedback handling, above average on occlusion results, and well below average on music streaming quality.

The HearingTracker Score rates hearing aids for other factors beyond acoustics, such as build quality, battery life, design, comfort, etc. (see bottom of page for detailed scores). The overall HearingTracker Score for the Audien Atom Pro 2 was 2.8/5, which is below average and placed the device in the bottom 20% of all products we've tested to date. Notables include:

Build Quality: Below Average (3.9)

Build quality (below average: 3.9): In our hands-on testing, the Atom Pro 2 felt adequately constructed for general use but lacked durability assurances, including an IP rating for protection against moisture or dust. The best water-resistant hearing aids are IP68-rated. Amazon purchasers reported mixed reliability, with some stating that their devices stopped working within weeks or months. The included portable charging case, however, is well-designed, featuring UV sterilization, adding convenience and hygiene.

Battery: Above Average (4.2)

The Atom Pro 2 boasts an impressive 24-hour battery life, especially noteworthy given its compact size. However, the recharge time can be lengthy, taking approximately 5 hours. Amazon customers consistently praised the long battery life, confirming our observations.

Design: Below Average (3.5)

Audien Atom Pro 2 hearing aids feature a hybrid design, resembling both custom hearing aids and wireless earbuds. However, the product is available only in a medical beige color intended to blend with skin tone, a choice that may not suit all preferences. A notable positive aspect is the included charging case with UV sterilization, enhancing user convenience.

Handling: Below Average (3.8)

Our review highlighted some handling challenges with the Atom Pro 2, primarily due to its small pull tab, which makes insertion and removal difficult. However, the program buttons are fairly easy to press, being larger than we’ve found on other Audien hearing aids, and the charging case is user-friendly. Amazon reviewers confirmed ease of operation but echoed our challenges with handling and positioning the device comfortably.

Pro Support: Below Average (1.0)

As typical with most OTC options, professional hearing support from Audien is minimal, limited mainly to basic customer service via phone or email. Experiences among customers were mixed: several Amazon reviewers praised Audien’s responsiveness, while others cited long wait times and difficulties reaching representatives.

Value: Above Average (3.6)

Considering its affordability, Audien Atom Pro 2 offers some value, helping it rank for value in the top 45% among all products we’ve tested. However, other OTC devices in this price range offer more wireless features and better audio performance. If simplicity and ease of use are top priorities, the Atom Pro 2 may be appealing. A Walmart reviewer found it a significant improvement compared to previous aids, but multiple reviewers from both Amazon and Walmart mentioned problems like persistent feedback, unreliable durability, and fit issues that reduced perceived value.

Head-to-Head: Atom Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro 2

For a fair comparison, we took lab recordings using Atom Pro 2 and Apple AirPods Pro 2 in the same café environment (please see video at the top of this page). The results? While Atom Pro 2 amplifies sound, it doesn’t clearly improve speech in noise versus unaided listening. AirPods Pro 2, in contrast, offer real noise cancellation, better speech clarity, and a customizable fit and sound signature—plus app control, Bluetooth streaming, and hands-free calling—at a similar or lower price point.

Returns and Warranty Policy

Audien aids come with a 45-day money-back guarantee, but returns must be processed through the original retailer in accordance with their return policy. Importantly, Audien states that returns "must be authorized by our customer service team before sending your item back." Additionally, customers are responsible for paying the return shipping fees.

The hearing aids are covered under a limited warranty against manufacturer defects but the warranty does not cover damage, water exposure, wax buildup or poor maintenance, and unauthorized modifications.

Final Verdict

The Audien Atom Pro 2 hearing aids represent an affordable entry-level option, especially suitable for individuals with mild hearing loss who want a budget-friendly alternative to professional hearing aids. However, they exhibit several limitations—including lower audio performance, less comfort, user-reported feedback issues, and mixed product reliability. While they may be adequate for basic needs and short-term use, those looking for higher sound quality, comfort, or extensive professional support might benefit more from exploring other OTC or prescription options.

By the numbers

• Overall HearingAdvisor Score: 2.5/5
• Overall HearingTracker Score: 2.8/5
• SoundGrade: C (average for OTC devices, below average compared to prescription aids).
• Speech in Quiet & Noise: Less than 1 out of 5—indicating only marginal improvement over unaided hearing.
• Customizability: None (preset programs only)
• Bottom line: Lab testing affirms the hands-on experience: Atom Pro 2 delivers minimal speech-in-noise improvements and average sound quality, with notable limitations compared to both advanced OTC and prescription hearing aids.

Other Alternatives to Audien Atom Pro 2

If you like the small, discreet ITE-earbud form factor of the Atom Pro 2, there are several more expensive, but better-performing, options. If you can stretch your budget a little further, the Sony CRE-C10 ($700) and the Zepp Clarity Pixie ($999) are two of the best small, discreet, completely-in-canal style OTC hearing aids, along with the more expensive earbud-hybrid Lucid Tala ($1,300).

If your budget is already maxed out and you're not an iPhone user, consider the Lucid Hearing Enrich Pro. It performed significantly better in the HearAdvisor lab, receiving a SoundGrade rating of "B," and at $199, it's the best budget option from Walmart, but you can also order it online.

If you're on a budget and a slightly larger form factor suits you, consider the Elehear Beyond and Beyond Pro OTC hearing aid, which offers an all-around better package that includes free remote support from licensed U.S.-based audiologists. Along with the aforementioned Apple AirPods Pro 2, Beyond is also one of the best Amazon hearing aids under $400.

Please also see our Best Affordable Hearing Aids We Tested webpage for more recommendations.