Over-Ear
Nectar Hive
85Outstanding
$197
Full review dataNectar Hive vs UGREEN HiTune Max3: 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
UGREEN HiTune Max3
72Good
$132
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
UGREEN HiTune Max3
Sound7.0
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery8.5
Calls6.5
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | Nectar Hive | UGREEN HiTune Max3 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $197 | $132 |
| HearWiki score | 85 / 100 · Outstanding | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2022 | 2023 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Electrostatic | 40mm composite |
| Driver size | - | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | - | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-7kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Sound signature | Bright neutral | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | Bluetooth |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.0 |
| Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Wireless range | - | 10 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 60 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 40 h |
| Full charge time | - | 90 min |
| Quick charge | - | 10 min = 5 h |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | Yes |
| ANC type | - | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | - | Yes |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | Yes |
| Controls | - | both |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 370 g | 294 g |
| USB-C | - | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 5 |
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
UGREEN HiTune Max3
The UGREEN HiTune Max3 delivers a budget-friendly over-ear package with hybrid noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.0, and a long-lasting battery that can reach up to 60 hours without ANC. It also includes useful extras like transparency mode and 3D spatial audio, making it a solid choice for everyday listening at a competitive price. The 40mm drivers and AAC/SBC codec support provide decent wireless performance, though the lack of app support and custom EQ may limit fine-tuning.
- Pro:Effective hybrid ANC for the price
- Pro:Excellent battery life, with quick charge adding 5 hours in 10 minutes
- Pro:Lightweight 294g build with comfortable fit
- Con:No app support or custom EQ
- Con:Limited to SBC and AAC codecs, no aptX or LDAC
- Con:Bluetooth range is modest at 10 meters
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.