Over-Ear
JBL Live 770NC
72Good
$120
Full review dataJBL Live 770NC 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.
JBL Live 770NC
Sound7.0
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery9.0
Calls7.0
Value8.0
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | JBL Live 770NC | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $120 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2023 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | - |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | - |
| Codecs | SBC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | - |
| Wireless range | 10 m | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 65 h | - |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 50 h | - |
| Full charge time | 120 min | - |
| Quick charge | 5 min = 4 h | - |
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| ANC type | adaptive | - |
| Transparency mode | Yes | - |
| Companion app | Yes | - |
| Custom EQ | Yes | - |
| Wear detection | Yes | - |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Voice assistant | yes | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 256 g | 370 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| USB-C | Yes | - |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 4 | - |
| Call noise reduction | beamforming mics with voice clarity enhancements | - |
What reviewers said
JBL Live 770NC
The JBL Live 770NC are over-ear wireless headphones that combine adaptive noise cancellation with a robust 65-hour battery life (or 50 hours with ANC engaged). They support high-quality LDAC and AAC codecs, feature Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity, and include a 40mm dynamic driver for solid audio performance. While slightly heavier than some rivals, they offer sweat resistance and a customizable EQ via the companion app.
- Pro:Exceptional battery life, even with ANC on
- Pro:LDAC support for high-resolution audio
- Pro:Adaptive noise cancellation and transparency mode
- Con:Heavier than some competing models
- Con:No wireless charging option
- Con:Physical buttons only, no touch controls
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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