Over-Ear
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
68Good
$359
Full review dataBose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) 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.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
Sound7.0
Noise cancelling8.0
Battery8.0
Calls7.0
Value6.5
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $359 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 68 / 100 · Good | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2026 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | - |
| Bluetooth version | 5.4 | - |
| Codecs | AAC, LDAC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 24 h | - |
| Full charge time | 180 min | - |
| Quick charge | 15 min = 2.5 h | - |
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 236 g | 370 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| USB-C | Yes | - |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 6 | - |
| Call noise reduction | echo reduction | - |
What reviewers said
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are a refined over-ear wireless option that prioritizes all-day comfort and top-tier noise cancellation, with a noticeable bump in sound clarity over their predecessor. They pack a solid 24-hour battery, fast charging, Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint, and a lightweight 236g frame, though the premium price and limited EQ tweaks keep them from being a universal slam dunk. Overall, they're a strong pick for frequent travelers or office workers who value silence and ease of wear over cutting-edge extras.
- Pro:Exceptional comfort for long listening sessions
- Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
- Pro:Clear, improved sound quality with LDAC support
- Con:High price tag for a modest upgrade
- Con:Limited EQ controls in the companion app
- Con:Immersive Audio feature is underwhelming
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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