Over-Ear
Jabra Elite 85h
72Good
$300
Full review dataJabra Elite 85h 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.
Jabra Elite 85h
Sound7.5
Noise cancelling7.0
Battery8.5
Calls7.0
Value6.5
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Jabra Elite 85h | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $300 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2019 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 10-20000 Hz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | - |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 | - |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 41 h | - |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 36 h | - |
| Full charge time | 150 min | - |
| Quick charge | 15 min = up to 5 h | - |
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| ANC type | hybrid | - |
| Transparency mode | Yes | - |
| Companion app | Yes | - |
| Custom EQ | Yes | - |
| Wear detection | Yes | - |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Voice assistant | Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 296 g | 370 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| USB-C | Yes | - |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 8 | - |
What reviewers said
Jabra Elite 85h
The Jabra Elite 85h is a wireless over-ear headphone with hybrid active noise cancellation and a long-lasting 36-hour battery even with ANC engaged. It supports Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint, features a 40mm dynamic driver, and includes wear detection plus a transparency mode for situational awareness. Its robust build and water resistance make it a solid choice for commuters or travelers seeking reliable performance.
- Pro:Excellent battery life with ANC on
- Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth for seamless device switching
- Pro:Wear detection pauses audio automatically
- Con:Only AAC codec support, no aptX or LDAC
- Con:Buttons-based controls may feel dated
- Con:Heavier than some competitors at 296g
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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