Over-Ear
FiiO Ft13
58Average
$329
Full review dataFiiO Ft13 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 Ft13
Sound5.5
Value5.0
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | FiiO Ft13 | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $329 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 58 / 100 · Average | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2025 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 60 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | - |
| Frequency response | 7Hz-40kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW | - |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 113 | - |
| Features | ||
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 356 g | 370 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
FiiO Ft13
The FiiO FT13 is a premium-feeling, easy-to-drive open-back headphone with a distinctive design and broad frequency response, but its tuning is divisive. While build quality and comfort are solid, the sound signature varies with pad choice and is often described as uneven, with a bright treble and recessed midrange, leading some to prefer the cheaper FT1 model.
- Pro:Premium build quality
- Pro:Comfortable fit
- Pro:Easy to drive
- Con:Uneven tuning
- Con:Bright treble with recessed mids
- Con:Pad options fail to deliver neutral 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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