Over-Ear
FiiO Ft1
78Great
$187
Full review dataFiiO Ft1 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.
FiiO Ft1
Sound8.0
Value8.5
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | FiiO Ft1 | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $187 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2024 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 60 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-40kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW | - |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 113 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| ANC type | none | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 340 g | 370 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
FiiO Ft1
The FiiO FT1 is a budget-friendly closed-back over-ear headphone that delivers a punchy, bass-forward sound without breaking the bank. Its large 60mm dynamic drivers are easy to drive, and the wooden ear cups add a touch of class, making it a solid choice for listeners who prioritize low-end impact and overall value. However, its bulky build and lack of stability mean it's best suited for stationary listening rather than active use.
- Pro:Rich, impactful bass response
- Pro:Wooden ear cups with premium look
- Pro:Easy to drive with most devices
- Con:Large and bulky, not portable-friendly
- Con:Unstable fit for active or sports use
- Con:No built-in controls for volume or track skipping
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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