AKG K245 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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | AKG K245 | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $217 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 68 / 100 · Good | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2020 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 50 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | - |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-25kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 109 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| ANC type | none | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 295 g | 370 g |
| Foldable | Yes | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
What reviewers said
AKG K245
This open-back, over-ear studio headphone pairs a foldable, lightweight frame with a detachable cable for easy transport and replacement. Its 50mm dynamic drivers and high sensitivity make it easy to drive from many devices, delivering a relaxed, bass-leaning sound that suits home studio work, though the treble could be more refined. It's a practical, affordable option for those prioritizing comfort and portability over absolute neutrality.
- Pro:Lightweight and foldable for easy transport
- Pro:High sensitivity and low impedance for use with portable gear
- Pro:Detachable cable adds convenience and durability
- Con:Sound signature is not fully neutral, with notable bass emphasis
- Con:Treble response may lack detail and sparkle
- Con:No built-in controls or app support for adjustments
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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