Over-Ear
JBL Live 780NC
72Good
$190
Full review dataJBL Live 780NC 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 780NC
Sound7.5
Noise cancelling7.0
Battery9.0
Calls6.5
Value7.5
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | JBL Live 780NC | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $190 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2026 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 10-40000 Hz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 6 | - |
| Bluetooth version | 6.0 | - |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LE Audio | - |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 80 h | - |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 50 h | - |
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| ANC type | adaptive | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 260 g | 370 g |
| Water resistance | None | - |
| USB-C | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
JBL Live 780NC
The JBL Live 780NC is a wireless over-ear headphone with active noise cancellation, delivering an impressively long battery life of up to 80 hours and a wide frequency range up to 40 kHz. It supports modern Bluetooth 6 with multipoint pairing and high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC and LDHC, all in a lightweight 260-gram frame. This model is a solid choice for travelers and daily commuters who prioritize battery stamina and wireless versatility over water resistance.
- Pro:Exceptional battery life of 80 hours
- Pro:Supports high-quality LDAC and LDHC codecs
- Pro:Lightweight design at 260 grams for comfort
- Con:No water resistance rating
- Con:Lacks a wired connection option
- Con:Sensitivity of 98 dB may require moderate volume for some listeners
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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