AB Remote vs HearCare
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
AB Remote
Control volume and program settings for specific hearing devices. Access helpful information directly through your smartphone.
- Volume control
- Program changes
- Access help information
- Direct connectivity
- Sound processor control
Read full descriptionHide full description
The AB Remote is a smartphone app that is designed to provide user control over volume and program changes as well as provide access to help information. The AB Remote app provides direct connectivity and control of Advanced Bionics Naída CI M and Sky CI M sound processors and Phonak Naída Link M and Sky Link M hearing instruments.
HearCare
Read full descriptionHide full description
With MED-EL’s HearCare app, you have the freedom to check your MED-EL cochlear implant and audio processor on your own without the need for a clinic appointment. You can easily share the results with your clinician so they can make any necessary adjustments. Plus, you can download and apply audio processor fitting configurations from your clinician whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you. The HearCare app can be used with supported MED-EL audio processors (SONNET 2 (EAS) and RONDO 3) in combination with supported MED-EL cochlear implants (SYNCHRONY series, CONCERTO series, SONATA series, and the PULSAR implant).
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: HearCare at every 4 months against AB Remote's every 29 months. AB Remote's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
AB Remote ships an update every 29 months, HearCare every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | AB Remote | HearCare |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.0 (74 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 12.8% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 74 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 29 months | Every 4 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 44 MB | 157 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Advanced Bionics, LLC | MED-EL |
Bugs and requests
AB Remote
Reported bugs
36 issues- Unpairs from device
- Doesn't remember settings
- Bluetooth disconnects intermittently
- Needs rebooting speech processor
- Disconnects when one battery dies
Show 31 moreShow fewer
- Loses connection frequently
- Needs app reinstallation to reconnect
- Loses connection weekly
- Resets volume on calls/streaming
- Times out and disconnects
- Aggressively connects to TV streamer
- No way to mute TV streamer
- Crackling noises with iPhone 15 Pro
- Doesn't connect to left cochlear implant
- Voice alerts stopped playing over Marvel M90 after iOS 17
- Loses volume setting every time phone is used
- Split volume changes to match loudest setting
- Setting changes when opening other apps
- Normal hearing aid shuts down and won't connect
- App times out and disconnects
- Connects to AirPlay every time phone sleeps
- Impossible to keep connected
- Doesn't connect to Bluetooth devices
- Can't get app to connect to processors
- No pairing
- App times out and disconnects
- Volume reverts to default
- Split volume function useless
- Volume resets on calls
- App disconnects from iPhone intermittently
- Battery percentage display is primitive
- Cannot adjust bass and treble
- Cannot do tone equalization
- Cannot control ambient sound override
- Cannot pair more than one device
- Bluetooth connection is hard
Requested features
17 requests- Apple Watch app
- Tone equalization/treble boost
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Sensitivity slider
- Push alerts for disconnects
Show 12 moreShow fewer
- Lock devices to same program
- More intuitive UI for program assignment and volume
- Save volume preferences
- Fix phone call volume issues
- Bass and treble controls
- Ambient sound override control
- Compatibility with i-phone hearing aid devices
- Update app 3 times a year
- Show remaining battery percentage for bilateral implants
- Fix split volume not maintaining
- Fix crackling noises on iPhone 15 Pro
- Fix Voiceover accessibility for volume sliders
HearCare
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
AB Remote
No in-app purchases
HearCare
No in-app purchases
