Over-Ear
ASTRO Gaming A50 Gen 4
72Good
$300
Full review dataASTRO Gaming A50 Gen 4 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.
Over-Ear
Nectar Hive
85Outstanding
$197
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
ASTRO Gaming A50 Gen 4
Sound8.0
Battery7.0
Calls7.0
Value6.0
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | ASTRO Gaming A50 Gen 4 | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $300 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2019 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 118 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | none | - |
| Codecs | Dolby Atmos | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Wireless range | 15 m | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 15 h | - |
| Full charge time | 300 min | - |
| Quick charge | none | - |
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| ANC type | none | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | both | - |
| Voice assistant | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 380 g | 370 g |
| Case weight | 305 g | - |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | No | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | - |
| Call noise reduction | voice isolating | - |
| Microphone | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
ASTRO Gaming A50 Gen 4
The ASTRO Gaming A50 Gen 4 is a premium wireless gaming headset designed for console and PC players who prioritize low-latency performance and clear voice chat. It delivers solid audio quality and a comfortable fit for extended play, with a convenient base station for charging and connection. However, it lacks Bluetooth, noise cancellation, and a wired USB-C option, while its high price and occasional connection quirks may give some buyers pause.
- Pro:Very low wireless latency through the base station
- Pro:Comfortable for long gaming sessions
- Pro:Clear microphone quality for team chat
- Con:No Bluetooth or noise cancellation
- Con:Expensive compared to similar alternatives
- Con:Occasional wireless connection hiccups
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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