Over-Ear
Nectar Hive
85Outstanding
$197
Full review dataNectar Hive vs Sennheiser HD 450SE: 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
Sennheiser HD 450SE
68Good
$99
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
Sennheiser HD 450SE
Sound7.0
Noise cancelling7.0
Battery8.0
Calls6.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Nectar Hive | Sennheiser HD 450SE |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $197 | $99 |
| HearWiki score | 85 / 100 · Outstanding | 68 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2022 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Electrostatic | dynamic |
| Driver size | - | 32 mm |
| Drivers per side | - | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-7kHz | 18Hz-22kHz |
| Sound signature | Bright neutral | - |
| Sensitivity | - | 108 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.0 |
| Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Low Latency |
| Multipoint pairing | - | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 30 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 30 h |
| Full charge time | - | 120 min |
| Quick charge | - | 10 min = 1 h |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | Yes |
| ANC type | - | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | - | Yes |
| Companion app | - | Yes |
| Custom EQ | - | Yes |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | - | buttons |
| Voice assistant | - | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 370 g | 238 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| USB-C | - | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 2 |
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
Sennheiser HD 450SE
The Sennheiser HD 450SE is a wireless over-ear headphone that delivers solid audio performance, effective noise cancellation, and a long-lasting 30-hour battery with quick-charge support. While its build feels sturdy and Bluetooth connectivity is reliable, comfort and control ergonomics can be hit-or-miss, and the feature set is fairly minimal for the price. It's a decent value for those prioritizing sound and battery over extra conveniences.
- Pro:Strong, balanced sound quality
- Pro:Effective hybrid ANC for the price
- Pro:Excellent 30-hour battery life with quick charge
- Con:Headband and ear cushions can feel tight or uncomfortable
- Con:Controls are basic and sometimes finicky
- Con:No wear detection or passthrough mode
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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