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Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro 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.

Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling0.0
Battery0.0
Calls0.0
Value8.0
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro vs Nectar Hive
SpecBeyerdynamic DT 880 ProNectar Hive
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$250$197
HearWiki score82 / 100 · Great85 / 100 · Outstanding
Released20082022
Audio
DriverdynamicElectrostatic
Driver size45 mm-
Drivers per side2-
Frequency response5Hz-35kHz20Hz-7kHz
Sound signature-Bright neutral
Impedance250 Ω-
Sensitivity96 dB/mW-
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)114-
Wireless
Bluetoothnone-
Multipoint pairingNo-
Battery
Wireless chargingNo-
Features
Active noise cancellingNo-
ANC typenone-
Transparency modeNo-
Companion appNo-
Custom EQNo-
Wear detectionNo-
Controlsnone-
Design
Weight295 g370 g
Water resistancenone-
USB-CNo-

What reviewers said

Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro

The Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro is a semi-open, studio-focused headphone known for its balanced, detailed sound and durable construction. It offers a comfortable fit and strong technical performance, though its bright treble and lack of isolation make it best suited for quiet, critical listening environments. An amplifier is recommended to get the most out of its 250-ohm impedance.

  • Pro:Durable, repairable build quality
  • Pro:Comfortable for long sessions
  • Pro:Detailed, well-balanced sound
  • Con:Bright treble can be fatiguing
  • Con:Requires an amplifier for best performance
  • Con:Minimal noise isolation; leaks sound

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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