Over-Ear
Focal Listen Pro
68Good
$299
Full review dataFocal Listen Pro 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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Listen Pro
Sound6.5
Value7.0
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Listen Pro | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $299 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 68 / 100 · Good | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2016 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-22kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 122 dB/mW | - |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 122 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 273 g | 370 g |
| Foldable | Yes | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
Focal Listen Pro
The Focal Listen Pro is a closed-back, studio-oriented headphone with 40mm Mylar/titanium drivers, a lightweight foldable build, and a sensitive 32-ohm design. It offers solid comfort and practical features, though its stock tuning leans toward a colored, bass-emphasized sound that benefits from EQ for critical work. Overall, it's a versatile, well-built option for general and casual listening rather than a purely neutral reference tool.
- Pro:Sturdy, comfortable build for long sessions
- Pro:Highly sensitive and easy to drive from any device
- Pro:Foldable design with detachable cable and good accessories
- Con:Stock tuning has noticeable midrange coloration and bass distortion
- Con:Not ideal for critical mixing or mastering without calibration
- Con:Sound signature may not suit purists seeking neutrality
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.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.