Widex is a brand we fit regularly at Alto. Sound quality, music and comfort are often part of the discussion, alongside phone use and the situations where you are missing speech.
Allure is the current Widex platform, with receiver-in-canal, behind-the-ear and custom in-the-ear models. SmartRIC and Moment remain in the range, with different designs and accessory support.
In this article
The earpiece and settings affect the result. At Alto, we assess speech in noise, check the physical fit and verify the amplification in the ear before making follow-up adjustments.
Adam discusses Widex in our Best Hearing Aids in 2026 video:
What are Widex hearing aids known for?
Widex uses low-delay processing in its PureSound programme. With an open earpiece, some sound reaches the eardrum directly while amplified sound arrives through the hearing aid. Reducing the delay between them can make the combined sound feel less artificial.
Allure’s PureSound programme is aimed particularly at new wearers and people with mild hearing loss.
Current Widex hearing aid ranges
Widex Allure
The Widex Allure family includes four distinct models: Allure AI RIC, the original Allure RIC, Allure BTE and Allure ITE.
The original Allure RIC is rechargeable and sits behind the ear, with a fine wire leading to a receiver in the ear canal. It can use an instant ear tip or a custom earpiece.
Allure AI RIC is a separate model with Clarity Boost, an on-demand programme for speech in noise. You activate it using the hearing-aid button or Allure app. Our Allure AI RIC first look explains the feature. Installing the app on an original Allure RIC does not add Clarity Boost.
Allure BTE uses a behind-the-ear design. Widex lists it for mild to profound hearing loss. The earmould, available power and hearing results determine the fitting.
Allure ITE is a rechargeable custom in-the-ear hearing aid with Bluetooth connectivity. Its size depends on your ear and the components needed, so some of the aid may remain visible.
The original Allure RIC, AI RIC and BTE include a telecoil for compatible hearing loops. That is a separate function from Bluetooth phone streaming.
Adam’s original Widex Allure review describes his May 2025 listening test. It covers the original RIC, rather than the later AI RIC.
Widex SmartRIC
SmartRIC is a rechargeable receiver-in-canal model with an L-shaped housing.
It sits higher on the ear. Widex says this changes the microphone angle to support conversation in noise, while the microphone covers reduce wind and touch noise.
Widex quotes up to 37 hours from a four-hour charge. The portable charger holds five further charges. Battery life varies with use, including streaming.
The portable charger is useful for travel and long days away from a plug socket.
Widex Moment
Moment is an earlier platform that remains in Widex’s range. It includes receiver-in-canal, behind-the-ear and custom in-the-ear models.
Widex Moment is also compatible with Widex Sound Assist, which is a remote microphone tool we have found very beneficial for people who find speech in noise very difficult or have poor speech-in-noise test scores. Where indicated, we will still use Widex Moment for some people who need this accessory.
Accessory support depends on the exact Moment model. Widex’s UK list names Sound Assist, SoundConnect and the original TV Play for Moment. These are not listed for Allure. Both platforms are listed with TV Play 2.
Moment’s PureSound processing reduces the delay between direct and amplified sound.
Widex Allure, SmartRIC and Moment compared
| Model | Main distinction |
|---|---|
| Allure AI RIC | Rechargeable receiver-in-canal fitting with on-demand Clarity Boost. |
| Original Allure RIC | Allure processing in a rechargeable receiver-in-canal model, without Clarity Boost. |
| Allure BTE | Behind-the-ear option listed for mild to profound hearing loss. |
| Allure ITE | Rechargeable custom in-the-ear fitting with Bluetooth. |
| SmartRIC | L-shaped receiver-in-canal design, higher microphone position and portable charging. |
| Moment | Earlier platform with a wider listed accessory range, including Sound Assist on compatible models. |
Who are Widex hearing aids suitable for?
Sound preference can matter, particularly if music is important or you have found amplified sound sharp. We consider that alongside how much amplification you need and the conversations you struggle to follow.
The range includes options for different degrees of hearing loss. An open fitting may suit some mild to moderate hearing losses. Others need a more closed custom earpiece or a behind-the-ear aid with an earmould.
If small controls or earpieces are difficult to handle, we check insertion, charging and cleaning before choosing the style. Our guide to hearing aids with arthritis or poor eyesight covers those practical checks.
Can Widex hearing aids help in background noise?
Widex hearing aids can help with speech in noise, though they cannot remove background noise completely.
Where the talker sits, the distance between you and the number of competing voices all affect the sound reaching the hearing-aid microphones.
Allure uses Speech Enhancer Pro to manage speech and noise. The AI RIC adds Clarity Boost for extra speech support, activated when needed.
A compatible remote microphone can help when distance or competing speech is the main difficulty. A TV streamer sends television audio directly to the aids. Our hearing aid accessories guide explains both.
At Alto, speech-in-noise testing includes QuickSIN. Its SNR-loss score tells us how much extra separation between speech and noise you need compared with a reference for people with normal hearing. We use the result alongside your hearing levels and the situations you find difficult.
How much do Widex hearing aids cost?
Widex hearing aid prices vary depending on the model, technology level, fitting style and care package included.
For general private hearing care in the UK, £1,500 to £6,000 per pair is a broad budgeting guide, with options outside that range.
Our UK hearing aid price guide explains the costs and what to compare.
Two quotes can name Widex and still cover different devices or care.
A quote should identify:
- The model and technology level, with the price for one aid or a pair.
- The fitting and Real Ear Measurements included.
- Follow-up care, adjustments, servicing, repairs and warranty terms.
- Any separate charges for accessories or ongoing care.
At Alto, our hearing-aid treatment plans explain the assessment, fitting, verification and support around the devices.
Why fitting quality matters with Widex hearing aids
A hearing aid does not know the exact shape and volume of your ear canal when it arrives from the manufacturer. The software gives the audiologist a starting point, but the actual sound reaching your eardrum can be different from the predicted sound.
That is why we use Real Ear Measurements at Alto.
Real Ear Measurements involve placing a very thin tube in the ear canal, using a small microphone to measure sound near the eardrum, and adjusting the hearing aids until the measured sound matches the prescription target.
Two people can have the same hearing results on paper but very different ear canal acoustics. Ear canals vary in length, shape and volume, and those differences change how sound reaches the eardrum.
If the fitting is too cautious, speech may not be clear enough. If it is too aggressive in the wrong areas, the sound may become sharp or tiring.
Widex’s Compass Cloud 2.0 software includes Sensogram as an optional tool for measuring hearing thresholds through Allure hearing aids. It also lets audiologists adjust programmes and sound environments. These tools do not replace Real Ear Measurements, which check the sound reaching the eardrum.
Our guide to hearing loss and hearing aids explains what amplification can and cannot do.
Widex hearing aids and phone compatibility
App control, audio streaming and hands-free calls are separate functions. A phone can support one without supporting them all.
Widex lists iOS 17 or later for Allure and watchOS 9 or later for its Apple Watch controls. On Android, it lists Android 11 or later for ASHA streaming and Android 14 or later for LE Audio streaming, on compatible phones. The operating-system version alone does not establish compatibility.
We check the exact phone, hearing-aid model and software, including whether your voice is picked up by the hearing aids or the phone during a call. Our hearing aid phone compatibility guide explains the checks for calls, music, video meetings and app use.
The Allure app controls volume and programmes. You can also adjust bass, middle and treble. Its AI Sound Assistant helps you make and save personal settings. AI Quick Assistant suggests changes using other users’ preference data.
On Allure AI RIC, the app can also activate Clarity Boost. Other app functions include battery information, accessibility settings, help and Find My Hearing Aids.
Tell us about any setting you need to keep changing. We can review the fitting and saved programmes with you.
LE Audio streaming and Auracast are separate. Widex’s UK support page currently says its hearing aids do not support Auracast.
Widex compared with other hearing aid brands
A remote microphone for meetings, the power needed for your hearing loss or a particular phone function can affect the choice of brand. So can the way the earpiece fits and how you prefer amplified sound.
At Alto, we often fit ReSound, Widex, Signia, Unitron and Starkey. We choose the hearing aid, earpiece, accessories and follow-up support for the person being fitted.
Our hearing aid brands comparison explains the wider differences. The ReSound guide covers another brand we regularly fit.
Are premium Widex hearing aids worth it?
Restaurants, meetings and group conversations put more demands on hearing aids. We use your speech-in-noise results and listening needs to judge which technology level would help.
If most conversations happen with little background noise, a lower technology level may provide the support you need. Our guide to whether premium hearing aids are worth it explains the differences.
What happens at an Alto Widex fitting?
We review your hearing results and the conversations you want help with, including speech in noise, phone use and music. We then choose the model, receiver strength and dome, custom tip or earmould. Physical fit affects comfort, sound quality and feedback control.
We programme the hearing aids using your hearing results, then use Real Ear Measurements to check the sound reaching your eardrum and adjust it against the prescription targets.
At follow-up, we review speech clarity, comfort, your own voice and the situations that remain difficult. The earpiece or settings may need changing.
Getting used to hearing aids can take weeks or months. Contact us if the aids hurt, sound uncomfortably loud or are difficult to manage.
Considering Widex hearing aids?
A Complete Hearing Assessment gives us the hearing results and speech-in-noise information to recommend a hearing aid, earpiece and any accessories. We explain the fitting and follow-up support alongside that recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Widex hearing aids good?
Widex offers hearing aids for different hearing losses and fitting needs, with an emphasis on sound quality. At Alto, we consider the earpiece, settings, accessories and follow-up alongside the device.
What is the newest Widex hearing aid?
Allure is the current Widex platform. Its range includes Allure AI RIC with Clarity Boost, the original Allure RIC, Allure BTE and Allure ITE. SmartRIC and Moment also remain in the range.
What is Widex Allure?
Allure is a Widex platform available in receiver-in-canal, behind-the-ear and custom in-the-ear models. The style determines the fitting, charging and connectivity details. Clarity Boost belongs to the Allure AI RIC model.
What is Widex Allure AI RIC with Clarity Boost?
It is a rechargeable receiver-in-canal model with an on-demand speech-in-noise programme. You can activate Clarity Boost using the hearing-aid button or Allure app. The original Allure RIC is a separate model.
What is Widex SmartRIC?
Widex SmartRIC is a Widex receiver-in-canal hearing aid with an L-shaped design that sits higher on the ear. It is designed to help with conversation in noise, reduce wind and touch noise, and provide long battery life.
Are Widex hearing aids rechargeable?
Many are, including Allure and SmartRIC. Battery figures depend on the model. Widex quotes up to 38 hours for the original Allure RIC, up to 37 hours for SmartRIC, and up to 19 hours with five hours of streaming for Allure ITE. Actual battery life varies with use.
Do Widex hearing aids work with iPhone and Android?
Compatible Widex models can connect to supported phones, but app control, streaming and hands-free calls need separate checks. The exact phone, hearing aid and software matter, as well as the operating system.
How much do Widex hearing aids cost?
The price depends on the model, technology level, fitting and care included. For general private UK budgeting, £1,500 to £6,000 per pair is a broad guide, with prices outside that range. A Widex quote should name the devices and care you would receive.
Are Widex hearing aids better than other brands?
Physical fit, phone functions, accessory support and available power can differ between models. At Alto, we match those features to your hearing results and the situations where you need help.
Are Widex hearing aids good for background noise?
Allure uses Speech Enhancer Pro to manage speech and noise. Allure AI RIC adds on-demand Clarity Boost. A compatible remote microphone can help with distance or competing voices. Hearing aids cannot remove background noise completely.
Why does the fitting matter so much?
The shape and volume of your ear canal affect how sound reaches your eardrum. Real Ear Measurements allow the audiologist to measure what the hearing aid is doing in your ear and adjust it accurately, rather than relying only on software predictions.
What happens if Widex is recommended at Alto?
We explain the recommended hearing aid, earpiece, any accessories and the fitting and follow-up support. The recommendation follows your hearing results, speech-in-noise performance and listening needs.
