Over-Ear
Nectar Hive
85Outstanding
$197
Full review dataNectar Hive vs Philips Shp9500: 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
Philips Shp9500
78Great
$100
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Philips Shp9500
Sound8.0
Value8.5
Specifications
| Spec | Nectar Hive | Philips Shp9500 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $197 | $100 |
| HearWiki score | 85 / 100 · Outstanding | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 2014 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Electrostatic | dynamic |
| Driver size | - | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | - | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-7kHz | 12Hz-35kHz |
| Sound signature | Bright neutral | - |
| Impedance | - | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 101 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | none |
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| ANC type | - | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | - | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 370 g | 320 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Foldable | - | No |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
What reviewers said
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
Philips Shp9500
The Philips SHP9500 is a budget-friendly open-back headphone that offers a neutral, well-balanced sound signature, making it a solid pick for audiophiles on a tight budget. Its high sensitivity and 32-ohm impedance mean it can be driven easily by most devices without a separate amplifier. While it lacks wireless features and noise isolation, its detachable cable and lightweight design add practical value for home listening.
- Pro:Accurate, neutral sound profile with minimal coloration
- Pro:Easy to drive from phones, laptops, or basic audio gear
- Pro:Comfortable, breathable open-back design for long sessions
- Con:No wireless or Bluetooth support—wired only
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no noise isolation
- Con:Lacks built-in controls, app support, or EQ adjustments
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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