Apple Beats Studio3 vs Nectar Hive: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Apple Beats Studio3 vs Nectar Hive, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Specifications
| Spec | Apple Beats Studio3 | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $350 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | Not scored | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2017 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | - | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth | - |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 22 h | - |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 40 h | - |
| Quick charge | 10 min = 3 h | - |
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| ANC type | adaptive | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | Yes | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Voice assistant | Siri | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 260 g | 370 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
What reviewers said
Apple Beats Studio3
These full-size, wireless over-ear headphones offer active noise cancellation and a foldable build for easy portability. They provide a lengthy battery life and include a remote on the cable for added control, though they lack some modern conveniences like USB-C and multi-device pairing.
- Pro:Effective active noise cancellation
- Pro:Long battery life of 22 hours
- Pro:Foldable design for travel
- Con:No USB-C or wireless charging
- Con:No transparency mode or wear detection
- Con:Limited to SBC and AAC codecs
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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