# AudioKey 3 vs Hearing Buddy

The clearest difference is rating: Hearing Buddy at 4.2 against AudioKey 3's 2.9. Hearing Buddy also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 4 months) and review sentiment (33% vs 15%). AudioKey 3's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Hearing Buddy sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. AudioKey 3 asks for nothing beyond the download.

Hearing Buddy holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 2.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hearing Buddy has 168 ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 15% of AudioKey 3's written reviews are positive against 33% of Hearing Buddy's.

AudioKey 3 ships an update every 4 months, Hearing Buddy every 4 days. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | AudioKey 3 | Hearing Buddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.9 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokey-3/id6544801975/reviews) | **[4.2 (168 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hearing-buddy-speech-to-text/id6747363502/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 16 | **168** |
| Positive reviews | 15.0% of reviews | **33.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#115** |
| Size | 247 MB | 143 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/455935145) | [Krager Labs LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/641756538) |

## What reviewers say

### AudioKey 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokey-3/id6544801975)

This app serves as a remote control for compatible MED-EL audio processors, allowing users to customize settings and access support materials. Caregivers can also utilize its features to assist others, and it includes a function to locate misplaced devices.

**Highlights:** Remote control for audio processors, Customize personal settings, Caregiver support mode, Find My Processor functionality, Check usage statistics, Access support materials, Configure streaming devices

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Hearing Buddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hearing-buddy-speech-to-text/id6747363502)

**Currently charting:** #115 Top Grossing · Medical (US App Store)

This app provides unlimited, real-time speech-to-text captions for conversations, even offline. It allows sharing captions with others and offers optional enhanced accuracy and translation features for a more accessible communication experience.

**Highlights:** Unlimited live captions, Offline captioning, Share captions with nearby users, Live translation, Name and question alerts, Conversation summaries, Customizable personality

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro | $9.99 | per month |
| Pro | $9.99 | per month |
| Pro | $14.99 | per month |
| Pro | $59.99 | per year |
| Pro | $59.99 | per year |
| Buddy+ Annual | $79.99 | per year |
| Pro | $79.99 | per year |
| Pro | $89.99 | per year |
| Buddy+ Annual | $99.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AudioKey 3 free?

AudioKey 3 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Hearing Buddy free?

Hearing Buddy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, AudioKey 3 or Hearing Buddy?

Hearing Buddy is rated higher. AudioKey 3 averages 2.9 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Hearing Buddy averages 4.2 from 168 ratings.

### Do AudioKey 3 or Hearing Buddy have ads?

Hearing Buddy shows ads; AudioKey 3 does not.

### Which is updated more often, AudioKey 3 or Hearing Buddy?

AudioKey 3 ships an update every 4 months, and Hearing Buddy every 4 days. Most recently, AudioKey 3 was updated on November 5, 2026 and Hearing Buddy on November 5, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*