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AudioQuest Nighthawk Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£620Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

AudioQuest Nighthawk Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

AudioQuest Nighthawk
5.6/10

Overall score

Score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

80%

4.9

Technical score

20%

8.2

User score

â–¼Worse than 84% of headphones
6.1

Value for money

Value for money
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

7.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 95%
4.9

Technical score

Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components

52%

5.3

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.0

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

5.5

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 94%
8.2

User score

User score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

6.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 75%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones AudioQuest Nighthawk

Technical score
Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components:

52%

5.3

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

6.0

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

5.5

Calls & Controls

4.9
User score
User score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

6.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.2
Popularity
Popularity
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 51% of models
Popularity:
AudioQuest Nighthawk has a popularity score of 6 points, which is higher than that of 51% of products in this category.
6.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components:

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

7.2

Price

6.1
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 50 mm, larger driver size than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 8.2% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
?
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Audioquest
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
346 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 346 g, heavier than 90.9% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
semi-open
Clamp force
2
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 2, lower clamp force than 95.9% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Show more

AudioQuest Nighthawk vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    50 mm vs 40 mm
  • 0.26 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.04 % vs 0.3 %
  • 2.3 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2 vs 4.3
  • 1.24 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.4 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.44 m vs 1.2 m
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (54 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    54 mm vs 44 mm
  • 15x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1,500 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    1,500 mW vs 100 mW
  • 18 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (128 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    128 dB vs 110 dB
  • 2.3 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2 vs 4.3
  • 1.24 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.4 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.44 m vs 1.2 m
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (54 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    54 mm vs 44 mm
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    50 mm vs 40 mm
  • 0.26 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.04 % vs 0.3 %
  • 15x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1,500 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    1,500 mW vs 100 mW
  • 18 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (128 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    128 dB vs 110 dB
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 58.7% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (346 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    346 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 6.89x more expensive
    AudioQuest Nighthawk is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£620 vs £90).
    £620 vs £90
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 19.6% worse value for money
    AudioQuest Nighthawk has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.08 vs 7.3).
    6.08 vs 7.27
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 6.89x more expensive
    AudioQuest Nighthawk is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£620 vs £90).
    £620 vs £90
  • 19.6% worse value for money
    AudioQuest Nighthawk has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.08 vs 7.3).
    6.08 vs 7.27
  • 58.7% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (346 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    346 g vs 218 g
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

6.0
the Honest Audiophile
≈ estimated
17/07/2019
Hands-on review · sound, cable and case tests
Verdict
AudioQuest Nighthawk is only for bass lovers who want a dark, warm sound, not for critical listening.
3.0
metal571
≈ estimated
15/01/2019
Sound review · listening tests and EQ comparison
Verdict
AudioQuest Nighthawk has muddy, grainy sound and is far too expensive for what it delivers, though build and comfort are decent.
8.0
dalethorn2
≈ estimated
05/01/2019
Hands-on review · EQ curve measurement · comparison with original
Verdict
AudioQuest Nighthawk sounds dull and light on bass without EQ, but it is a strong bargain at the sale price.
9.5
Pan The Organizer
≈ estimated
07/04/2018
Hands-on review · build, comfort and sound with accessories
Verdict
AudioQuest Nighthawk is considered by the creator to be the best sounding pair in its price range.
7.0
Headphone PH
≈ estimated
26/02/2017
Hands-on review · sound tests and comparisons with other headphones
Verdict
AudioQuest Nighthawk suits enthusiasts and curious listeners, but it is not a step up for budding audiophiles.
9.5
dalethorn2
≈ estimated
06/11/2015
Long-term review · six weeks of listening and tests
Verdict
AudioQuest Nighthawk is probably the best headphone the reviewer owns, with sound better than many expect.
9.0
dalethorn2
≈ estimated
06/11/2015
Hands-on review · comfort, build and sound comparisons
Verdict
AudioQuest Nighthawk is a very nice headphone that is highly recommended, though it takes time to get used to.
9.0
phototristan
≈ estimated
31/07/2015
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and amp tests
Verdict
AudioQuest Nighthawk is impressive, a strong pick at this price for a smooth, dark sound signature.
8.0
Joshua Valour
≈ estimated
26/12/2017
First impressions · about five hours of listening
Verdict
AudioQuest Nighthawk sounds pleasant and distinctive, but the cable and suspension raise build concerns.
Not graded
Overview video
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

soundstagesolo.com
01/09/2015
Review · Flatter, less boosted tuning
Verdict
The AudioQuest Nighthawk is very comfortable and suited to home listening, but its long cable and initially muffled sound make it cumbersome on the move.
D
darko.audio
30/08/2015
Summary of the review
AudioQuest NightHawk headphones review (TONEAudio)
whathifi.com
10/09/2015
Review · Smooth, polite sound
Verdict
The AudioQuest Nighthawk is comfortable to wear and smooth with natural voices, but it is too polite for rock and lacks bite and fine detail.
H
headfonia.com
17/12/2015
Summary of the review
Review: Audioquest Nighthawk - Unique
the-ear.net
04/02/2016
Listening review · Warm V-shaped tuning
Verdict
The AudioQuest Nighthawk is a warm, laid-back headphone that improves a lot with a better amp, but its dark, V-shaped tuning will divide listeners.
headmania.org
05/10/2016
Listening review · Clean, holographic sound
Verdict
The AudioQuest Nighthawk is a clean, comfortable semi-open headphone with a holographic soundstage and very low distortion, but its upper mids and lower treble sit back.
thesoundapprentice.com
06/11/2017
Long-term review · Warm late-night sound
Verdict
The AudioQuest Nighthawk is a warm, relaxed headphone with powerful bass and tame treble, suited to late-night listening, though it lacks punch and open-back airiness.
T
tonepublications.com
28/08/2015
Summary of the review
The AudioQuest NightHawk Headphones
headfonics.com
30/12/2015
Build review · Comfortable, musical fit
Verdict
The AudioQuest Nighthawk is a fun, musical headphone with a firm but comfortable fit.
D
diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com
03/03/2016
Summary of the review
AudioQuest NightHawk | DIY-Audio-Heaven
hifitest.de
10/07/2015
Review · Reference-class headphone
Verdict
The AudioQuest Nighthawk sounds natural and never tiring over long sessions, but falls short of planar models on ultra-fine detail and deepest bass.
modernhifi.de
30/11/2015
Hands-on test · Neutral sound
Verdict
The AudioQuest Nighthawk is a very comfortable, neutral headphone that suits long listening sessions and works with any amplifier, but it needs time to open up.
H
hifistatement.net
16/10/2015
Summary of the review
AudioQuest NightHawk Review
(Translated)Show original
fidelity-online.de
02/06/2016
Hands-on test · Speaker-like staging
Verdict
The AudioQuest Nighthawk is a comfortable, engaging headphone with strong, clean bass and a speaker-like stage, but it has no balanced cable in the box.
connect.de
30/11/2016
Lab test · Warm, round sound
Verdict
The AudioQuest Nighthawk is a warm, lightweight debut that suits voices, orchestral music and long sessions, though its treble shimmer and fine detail are only decent.
hifi.nl
17/04/2016
Listening test · Home headphone
Verdict
The AudioQuest Nighthawk is a comfortable, smooth-sounding headphone for long sessions, but its dark, laid-back tone lacks excitement and fine detail.
alpha-audio.net
27/12/2016
Review · Carbon edition
Verdict
The AudioQuest Nighthawk is a well-built, very comfortable headphone with a relaxed, slightly tame treble suited to long listening sessions.
hifi.nl
08/01/2017
Review · Relaxed-sound headphone
Verdict
The AudioQuest Nighthawk suits long listening sessions with its very comfortable fit and laid-back sound, though it is not especially crystal clear.
H
hifi.be
03/12/2017
Summary of the review
Review: AURALiC ALTAIR (with practical test of AudioQuest NightHawk)
(Translated)Show original
alpha-audio.net
01/08/2015
Lab test · Relaxed sound
Verdict
The AudioQuest Nighthawk is a comfortable, well-finished headphone with low distortion, but its mild sound and held-back highs will not suit everyone.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about AudioQuest Nighthawk

  • Exceptional long-term comfort due to a self-adjusting suspension headband and ergonomic earcups
  • Deep, impactful bass response that is often described as 'meaty' or 'majestic'
  • Smooth and fatigue-free listening experience, suitable for long sessions
  • High-quality build and unique aesthetic using sustainable 'liquid wood' materials
  • Very easy to drive, performing well even when connected directly to smartphones or low-power devices
  • Spacious and holographic soundstage for a semi-open design
  • Low distortion levels providing a clean, 'pitch black' background

What customers don't like about AudioQuest Nighthawk

  • Polarising sound signature that many describe as 'dark', 'veiled', or 'wonky'
  • Recessed mid-range that can make vocals feel distant or 'lost in the mix'
  • Bass can sometimes be perceived as bloomy, slow, or lacking in tight control
  • Lack of 'bite' or sparkle in the treble, which may feel too polite for aggressive genres
  • The stock cables are often reported as being overly rigid or prone to twisting
  • Requires a long 'burn-in' period (recommended 150 hours) before reaching its intended sound profile
  • Liquid wood earcups can be prone to minor physical damage or chipping if mishandled

Verdict

The AudioQuest NightHawk is a uniquely designed semi-open over-ear headphone featuring 50mm dynamic drivers with biocellulose diaphragms and a 1.2T split-gap motor assembly. Constructed from eco-friendly 'Liquid Wood,' it employs a patent-pending suspension system and protein leather or ultrasuede earpads to ensure exceptional comfort. Its technical specs include a 25-ohm impedance and 100dB/mW sensitivity, making it remarkably easy to drive even from mobile devices. The primary characteristics include a warm, dark sound signature with deep, low-distortion bass, natural vocal reproduction, and a spacious, holographic soundstage. Main pros are its industry-leading comfort, innovative low-distortion driver technology, and rich, non-fatiguing tonality. However, common cons include a significant recession in the upper midrange and treble that can lack 'bite' for aggressive genres, a somewhat slow bass decay, and cable connectors that may require periodic cleaning to maintain signal integrity.

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