Bose SoundLink On-Ear Wireless vs Nectar Hive: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Bose SoundLink On-Ear Wireless 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 | Bose SoundLink On-Ear Wireless | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $129 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | Not scored | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2015 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth | - |
| Codecs | SBC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Wireless range | 9 m | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 15 h | - |
| Full charge time | 180 min | - |
| Quick charge | 15 min = 2 h | - |
| Features | ||
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Voice assistant | voice control | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 152.6 g | 370 g |
| Water resistance | not water resistant | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Model code | SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II | - |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | - |
What reviewers said
Bose SoundLink On-Ear Wireless
The Bose SoundLink On-Ear Wireless headphones offer dependable, balanced audio performance across all volume levels, paired with a lightweight and comfortable design. They provide solid wireless functionality with straightforward controls and clear call quality, making them a reliable choice for everyday listening without extra features like noise cancellation.
- Pro:Consistent sound quality at various volumes
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
- Pro:Clear voice pickup for calls
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Lacks multipoint pairing and USB-C charging
- Con:Limited codec support (SBC only)
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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