Over-Ear
Edifier ES850NB
72Good
$170
Full review dataEdifier ES850NB 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.
Edifier ES850NB
Sound7.5
Noise cancelling7.0
Battery9.5
Calls7.0
Value8.0
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Edifier ES850NB | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $170 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2025 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 20-40000 Hz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 91 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | - |
| Bluetooth version | 5.4 | - |
| Codecs | SBC, LDAC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | - |
| Wireless range | 10 m | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 92 h | - |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 53 h | - |
| Full charge time | 150 min | - |
| Quick charge | 15 min = 11.5 h (ANC off) / 7.5 h (ANC on) | - |
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | - |
| ANC type | hybrid | - |
| Companion app | Yes | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Controls | touch | - |
| Voice assistant | yes | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 265 g | 370 g |
| Water resistance | None | - |
| Foldable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | Yes | - |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 5 | - |
| Call noise reduction | AI noise cancellation | - |
What reviewers said
Edifier ES850NB
The Edifier ES850NB is a mid-priced over-ear wireless headphone that packs in active noise cancellation, LDAC support, and an exceptionally long battery life of up to 92 hours without ANC. It delivers lively, capable sound and a comfortable fit, though its default tuning slightly pulls back vocals and the built-in mic performance is just average. Overall, it's a strong value pick for everyday listening, travel, and calls.
- Pro:Outstanding battery life, especially with ANC off
- Pro:Effective noise cancellation for the price
- Pro:Comfortable for long listening sessions
- Con:Vocals can sound recessed in default tuning
- Con:Microphone quality is below average
- Con:No custom EQ option
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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