7Hz Salnotes Zero vs TRUTHEAR GATE: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the TRUTHEAR GATE comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: TRUTHEAR GATE - Outstanding overall at around $22.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.

7Hz Salnotes Zero
TRUTHEAR GATE

HearWiki score

Sound

7.4

7.5

Value

8.8

8.5

Price (USD)

$20

$22

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The TRUTHEAR GATE is 2 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

Salnotes Zero2022
GATE20242 yr newer

Specifications

Salnotes ZeroGATE

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $20; $22
HearWiki score: 75; 82
Released: 2022; 2024
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 1DD; 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver configuration: 1DD; -
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: -; 10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance: 32 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms): -; 122
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Controls: -; buttons
Weight: 5.8 g; 2.7 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: -; No
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 2-pin 0.78 mm
Microphones: -; 1

Specification comparison of 7Hz Salnotes Zero vs TRUTHEAR GATE
Spec	7Hz Salnotes Zero	TRUTHEAR GATE
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$20	$22
HearWiki score	75 / 100 Great	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2022	2024
Audio
Driver	1DD	10 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver configuration	1DD	-
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	-	10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance	32 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	-	122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)	-	122
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Controls	-	buttons
Design
Weight	5.8 g	2.7 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	-	No
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	2-pin 0.78 mm
Calls
Microphones	-	1

What reviewers said

7Hz Salnotes Zero

The 7Hz Salnotes Zero is a wired, ultra-budget IEM that delivers a clean, balanced sound signature well beyond its price point. With a lightweight build and easy-to-drive 10mm dynamic driver, it’s a strong entry-level choice for listeners seeking neutral-leaning audio. Its main limitations are the lack of wireless features and any formal water-resistance rating, but for the cost, the tuning and value are exceptional.

Pro:Excellent neutral tuning for the price
Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable
Pro:Easy to drive from any source

Con:No wireless or ANC capabilities
Con:No official water-resistance rating
Con:Build feels basic compared to pricier models

TRUTHEAR GATE

The Truthear GATE is a wired, ultra-budget in-ear monitor that delivers surprisingly mature tuning and solid detail for its low price. It offers a balanced sound with good sub-bass extension, though it has a few tonal quirks and ergonomic compromises. Overall, it's a strong value pick for budget-conscious listeners seeking a natural, no-frills listening experience.

Pro:Excellent tuning and clarity for the price
Pro:Good sub-bass extension and overall balance
Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for most ears

Con:Slightly lean and thin lower-midrange
Con:Treble can be rough or lacking refinement
Con:Ergonomics could be better for some users

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.

New comparison 7Hz Salnotes Zero TRUTHEAR GATE