Traditional hearing aids or hearing glasses?

Here’s what sets Legato apart.

  • Nothing in or behind your ears
  • No exam or fitting appointments needed
  • Independently tested among the top 10 hearing devices, including prescription aids
  • Starts at $999, with free expert support for life
Legato hearing glasses compared with a pair of traditional behind-the-ear hearing aids

Side by side

See how they compare

Last updated October 2026
Feature Legato Traditional hearing aids
Glasses and hearing
One device
Prescription or non-prescription lenses built into the frame.
Two devices
Behind-the-ear styles share space with your glasses arms.
Starting price
From $999
Includes free expert support for life.
$2,000 to $8,000
Per pair, often priced as a package with exams and fittings.
Invisible to others
Hidden in plain sight
The hearing tech is built into the frames. People just see great glasses.
Often visible
Behind-the-ear styles and wires can show, especially next to glasses.
Clear and natural speech
Every direction
Picks out voices all around you, so conversation feels natural (SpeechSense™ AI).
Varies by model
Directional performance depends on the device and its settings.
Expert support
Free, for life
US-based experts and audiologists for the life of your frames, led by Dr. Thea Wickey, AuD.
Through your clinic
Adjustments usually mean booking another visit.
Independent lab score
4.6 / 5
HearAdvisor SoundScore. Among the top 10 devices tested, including prescription hearing aids.
Varies by model
Results depend on the device and how well it’s fitted.
Getting started
Online, no appointment
Set up your sound in the Legato app in minutes.
Clinic visits
Usually a hearing exam, a fitting and follow-up appointments.
Style and comfort
Made to be worn
Premium frames you’ll want to show off, with nothing in your ears and no plugged-up feeling, all day.
Made to be hidden
Designed as medical devices. Some styles can feel plugged up or sore after hours of wear.
Bluetooth, music streaming, and phone connectivity
iPhone + Android
Stream music and podcasts and take hands-free calls over Bluetooth.
Varies by model
Bluetooth streaming and phone support vary. Check compatibility before you buy.

Legato specifications as published as of October 2026; battery life varies with use. Legato HearAdvisor SoundScore from independent lab testing, May 2026. Traditional hearing aid comparisons reflect typical prescription hearing aids bought through a hearing care provider; features, pricing and support vary by brand, model and provider. Starting prices are for frames before lenses. Customer reviews from legatohearing.com.

Customer reviews

Customers are saying

Customer rating5.0out of 5 Based on 10 reviews Verified
Doug, a Legato customer, wearing his Legato glasses at a concert hall
“I like that I can put them on in the morning and then forget about them. Nothing in my ears. When I’m out to dinner, nobody knows I’m wearing anything. It’s like having a secret superpower!”
Doug B. · Legato Harmony
“I don’t have to constantly ask people to repeat what they say.”
Sherrill D. · Legato Harmony
“I got these because I was getting frustrated missing parts of convos and these just look like glasses.”
Mindy B. · Legato Symphony
“I hear MUCH better in the restaurant and family community gatherings.”
CJ P. · Legato Harmony

Choose your frames

Three styles. The same proven hearing technology.

Every pair includes Legato’s independently tested hearing technology and free expert support for life, with Pentax prescription or non-prescription lenses available.

45-day risk-free trial
Love them or your money back.
Up to 3-year warranty
Coverage on every pair of frames.
Prescription ready
Prescription or non-prescription lenses.
Mehul Trivedi and Steve Romine
Mehul Trivedi, Founder / CEO, and Steve Romine, Founder / President

Who makes Legato

From the team behind Bose Frames

Legato’s founders built Bose Frames, launched the first over-the-counter hearing aid, and worked with the FDA to create the over-the-counter hearing aid category.

As covered by

  • TechCrunch
  • Fast Company
  • Business Insider
  • Yahoo Tech
  • Hearing Tracker
  • The Hearing Review

Named one of Fast Company’s “6 next big things in consumer tech for 2026.”

FAQ

Questions, answered

Are hearing glasses as good as hearing aids?

Legato is an over-the-counter hearing aid built into a pair of glasses. In HearAdvisor’s independent lab testing it scored 4.6 out of 5, among the top 10 hearing devices tested, including prescription hearing aids. The biggest difference is how you wear it: nothing sits in or behind your ears, and your prescription lenses are built in.

Who is Legato right for?

Adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. If your hearing loss is severe, or you notice sudden hearing loss, ear pain or dizziness, see a hearing care professional.

How is buying Legato different from getting hearing aids at a clinic?

There’s no exam or fitting appointment. Choose your frames online, add your prescription at checkout, and your glasses arrive in 5–10 days on average. You set up your sound in the Legato app, and our experts and audiologists are there whenever you want help.

Do Legato glasses have cameras or record anything?

No. There are no cameras and nothing is recorded, so there’s nothing to store. Speech is processed on the glasses in real time.

Do Legato glasses work with Android phones?

Yes. Legato supports hands-free calls and audio streaming on both iPhone and Android.

Do I need a hearing test or an appointment?

No. Legato is an over-the-counter hearing aid for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. You fine-tune your sound in the Legato app in minutes, and our experts and audiologists are there whenever you want help.

Can I get Legato with my prescription?

Yes. Every Legato frame takes prescription lenses, fully integrated into the frame.

What if they’re not right for me?

Every pair comes with a 45-day risk-free trial. If they’re not right, send them back for a full refund.

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