Over-Ear
FiiO Ft5
78Great
$382
Full review dataFiiO Ft5 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 Ft5
Sound8.2
Value7.5
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | FiiO Ft5 | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $382 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2024 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 90 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | - |
| Frequency response | 7Hz-40kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 36 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW | - |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 110 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 456 g | 370 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
FiiO Ft5
The FiiO FT5 is an open-back planar over-ear headphone that delivers a spacious, detailed, and engaging sound profile, with a robust build and a large 90mm driver. While it excels in resolution and musicality, its significant weight and large frame may pose fit challenges for smaller heads, and its tuning leans toward a colored, non-neutral presentation. It offers solid value for planar enthusiasts who prioritize soundstage and texture over portability or strict accuracy.
- Pro:Spacious and detailed soundstage
- Pro:Excellent build quality
- Pro:Strong bass texture and resolution
- Con:Heavy and bulky for extended wear
- Con:May fit poorly on smaller heads
- Con:Tuning is not strictly neutral
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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