Over-Ear
Nectar Hive
85Outstanding
$197
Full review dataNectar Hive vs Skullcandy Hesh ANC: 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
Skullcandy Hesh ANC
72Good
$135
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
Skullcandy Hesh ANC
Sound6.5
Noise cancelling7.0
Battery8.5
Calls6.0
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Nectar Hive | Skullcandy Hesh ANC |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $197 | $135 |
| HearWiki score | 85 / 100 · Outstanding | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2022 | 2019 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Electrostatic | 40mm |
| Driver size | - | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | - | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-7kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Sound signature | Bright neutral | - |
| Impedance | - | 36 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 99.63 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.0 |
| Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 30 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 22 h |
| Battery incl. case | - | 22 h |
| Quick charge | - | 10 min = 3 h |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | Yes |
| ANC type | - | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | - | Yes |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | - | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 370 g | 228 g |
| USB-C | - | Yes |
| Model code | - | Hesh 540 ANC |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 4 |
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
Skullcandy Hesh ANC
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC offers solid active noise cancellation and a long-lasting battery at a budget-friendly price, making it a practical choice for everyday listening. Its sound leans toward bass-heavy with acceptable overall quality, though it lacks app support and premium features. Comfort is a plus, but it doesn't excel in any single area beyond value.
- Pro:Effective noise cancellation for the price
- Pro:Long battery life, especially with ANC off
- Pro:Comfortable over-ear fit
- Con:No app support for EQ or customization
- Con:Sound quality is decent but not top-tier
- Con:No Bluetooth multipoint connectivity
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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