Over-Ear
Audio-Technica ATH-AR5BT
68Good
$149
Full review dataAudio-Technica ATH-AR5BT 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.
Audio-Technica ATH-AR5BT
Sound6.5
Battery8.0
Calls5.5
Value7.0
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-AR5BT | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $149 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 68 / 100 · Good | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2020 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 45mm dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 45 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-40kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 39 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 4.1 | - |
| Bluetooth version | 4.1 | - |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Wireless range | 10 m | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 h | - |
| Full charge time | 300 min | - |
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 242 g | 370 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | - |
What reviewers said
Audio-Technica ATH-AR5BT
The Audio-Technica ATH-AR5BT is a wireless over-ear headphone that prioritizes long battery life and a clear, spacious sound. It offers a balanced tuning with slightly forward upper mids for enhanced vocal clarity, though this can occasionally sound sharp or tiring at higher volumes. With a lightweight build, reliable wireless performance, and a detachable cable, it's a solid mid-range option for everyday listening, though it lacks noise cancellation and multipoint connectivity.
- Pro:Excellent battery life of up to 30 hours
- Pro:Clear and spacious soundstage with good detail
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended use
- Con:Upper mids can sound harsh or tiring at high volumes
- Con:No active noise cancellation or multipoint support
- Con:Vocal reproduction can come across as slightly cold
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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