Over-Ear
AKG K182
78Great
$120
Full review dataAKG K182 vs Nectar Hive: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Nectar Hive comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Nectar Hive - Outstanding overall at around $197.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
AKG K182
Sound8.0
Value8.0
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | AKG K182 | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $120 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2018 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 50mm | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 50 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-28kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 112 dB/mW | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Controls | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 255 g | 370 g |
| Foldable | Yes | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
What reviewers said
AKG K182
The AKG K182 is a closed-back, wired monitoring headphone that balances affordability with solid performance. Its 50mm drivers deliver a clear, well-rounded sound, while the lightweight, foldable build and detachable cable add practical value for studio use, drumming, or DJing. It offers high volume capability without active noise cancellation, making it a dependable choice for critical listening at a budget-friendly price.
- Pro:Balanced, detailed sound for monitoring
- Pro:Lightweight, robust, and foldable design
- Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:No inline controls on the cable
- Con:Non-replaceable earpads may limit longevity
Nectar Hive
The Nectar Hive is a wired electrostatic over-ear headphone priced around $600, weighing just 370 grams. It delivers a bright neutral sound signature with a frequency response spanning 20Hz to 7kHz, offering a detailed and airy presentation that leans toward analytical clarity. This model earns high marks for its tonal balance and technical performance, making it a strong contender in its price bracket for listeners who prefer a crisp, revealing sound.
- Pro:Excellent tonal accuracy and neutrality
- Pro:Impressive technical detail retrieval
- Pro:Featherweight design for comfort
- Con:Bright tilt may be fatiguing for some
- Con:Limited bass impact due to electrostatic nature
- Con:Requires dedicated amplifier for proper use
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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