I spent a week testing the original Widex Allure RIC in May 2025. The sound was smooth from the first fitting, and I particularly liked how the Universal programme handled speech without cutting me off from my surroundings. I also found limits in the launch software and accessory support.
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Widex Allure and Allure AI RIC
Widex now lists the original Allure RIC and Allure AI RIC as separate models. The AI RIC has Clarity Boost, an on-demand programme for speech in noise. You activate it using the hearing-aid button or Allure app. The AI RIC was not part of my May 2025 test.
The range also includes behind-the-ear and custom in-the-ear models. Our Widex hearing aids guide covers the range, and our Allure AI RIC first look explains Clarity Boost.
Adam Bostock’s May 2025 review of the original Widex Allure RIC.
The original Widex Allure at launch
Allure was Widex’s first new platform since Moment, which had launched five years earlier.
The version I tested in May 2025 had fewer fitting options and accessories than earlier Widex hearing aids.
During that week I used Allure in rooms with little background noise, noisy cafes, on outdoor walks, while listening to music and in controlled tests at our clinic.
Widex Allure sound quality
The tone was smooth, rounded, and easy on the ear. From the moment they were fitted, I found no harshness, no artificial sharpness, and no real adjustment period either.
Putting the Widex Allure listening modes to the test
I used Widex demo units, the type used for clinic demonstrations, and programmed them to the highest technology level available.
Three listening programmes were available for me during testing: Universal, PureSound™, and Music. Universal quickly became the one I used the most. It handled speech well, even in background noise, and the way it managed microphone focus was particularly good, shifting from a wide open, omnidirectional setting into a narrower beam as needed, but without feeling forced or mechanical.
The sound never collapsed into that tunnel effect you sometimes get with aggressive directional microphones. Instead, Universal allowed for better speech clarity, while keeping the sense of space and surroundings intact. That balance, helping without over-processing, is one of the reasons Widex continue to stand out.
PureSound™, which is Widex’s low latency mode, offered an even cleaner sound. It’s the least processed of the three and, while it’s slightly more sensitive to wind and handling noise, it delivered an immediately transparent experience.
I can see this appealing, particularly to users who dislike the digital sound of some modern hearing aids: those who say they always hear the hearing aid working. PureSound™ feels much less like that. It worked best indoors or in calmer outdoor conditions.
Music continues to be a real strength, whether through a Sonos system at home or streamed audio in the car. Using Music mode, the instruments and the vocals held their shape, and music sounded balanced, detailed, and genuinely engaging.
Widex have always had that reputation for treating music well and Allure continues that tradition. If live music or recorded music is a big part of your life, Widex still deserves serious consideration.
Allure streaming & battery life
Streaming performance overall was pretty good. I streamed mainly from an iPhone. Podcasts were crisp, video stayed properly in sync, and there was no real impact on battery life.
Like most receiver-in-canal (RIC) style hearing aids, streamed music lacked deep bass, but speech and mid-range tones came through cleanly and naturally.
Battery life was consistent throughout testing. A full day’s use was easily achievable and the desktop charger is simple and effective with no fiddling or complex routines. Just pop them in the case and they charge.
The hearing aids I tested used beeps for programme changes and battery alerts. SmartSpeak voice prompts were not available in that version.
Widex now lists SmartSpeak in Compass Cloud 2.0. It offers a choice of spoken prompts or beeps for programme and battery notifications. Volume changes are confirmed with beeps.
Fitting & set-up
I found connecting and programming the hearing aids in Compass Cloud quick and straightforward during my May 2025 test.
At launch, I had three programmes available and fewer fine-tuning options than in the previous Widex software. Sensogram and Zen tinnitus tones were absent from the version I tested.
Widex now lists Sensogram in Compass Cloud 2.0. An audiologist can use it to measure hearing thresholds through the hearing aids. The software also has a Comfort programme and lets audiologists duplicate and rename programmes or adjust how the aids respond to different sound environments.
If Widex Allure is a possible match, Alto’s hearing aid treatment plans explain the fitting, review and support around the technology.
Accessory support
Widex’s current UK compatibility list includes TV Play 2 and the RC2-DEX remote control for Allure. It does not list the original TV Play or Sound Assist. TV Play 2 is also listed for Widex Moment.
This is a significant limitation if you rely on Sound Assist’s remote microphone and are considering moving from Moment to Allure. Our hearing aid accessories guide explains remote microphones and TV streamers.
Allure supports LE Audio streaming from compatible Android phones. Auracast is separate, and Widex’s UK support page currently says its hearing aids do not support it. Our phone compatibility guide explains the checks for app control, streaming and hands-free calls.
Comfort and price at launch
Physically, the Allure casing is slightly larger than the Moment sRIC it replaces. It’s noticeable, if you look for it, and perhaps slightly disappointing, given how much Widex have previously emphasised the slim, smart RIC design.
The Allure I tested did not use the SmartRIC casing. Once fitted, the aids were comfortable, secure and easy to forget about. I wore them throughout full days without needing to adjust them, including whilst walking and exercising lightly.
At launch, wholesale costs had risen, and I expected Allure to be priced at the higher end of the market. Pricing varies by clinic.
My May 2025 verdict
Allure sounded excellent in my May 2025 test. The Universal programme worked well in everyday situations, music was a particular strength, and battery life and comfort were good.
I rated the original Allure RIC a solid four out of five. The launch fitting software was more limited than earlier Widex software, and some familiar features and accessories were missing.
Widex has since added several of the fitting tools I missed. Sound Assist remains a limitation if you rely on its remote microphone.
For more honest and independent hearing aid reviews, please visit our Alto Hearing YouTube channel.
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