EPZ Q1 PRO 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.

TRUTHEAR GATE leads on 4 of 4 measures.

EPZ Q1 PRO
TRUTHEAR GATE

HearWiki score

Sound

7.0

7.5

Value

7.7

8.5

Price (USD)

$40

$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

Both shipped in 2024. These are 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.

Q1 PRO2024
GATE2024

Specifications

Q1 PROGATE

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $40; $22
HearWiki score: 71; 82
Released: 2024; 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
Controls: -; buttons
Weight: -; 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 EPZ Q1 PRO vs TRUTHEAR GATE
Spec	EPZ Q1 PRO	TRUTHEAR GATE
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$40	$22
HearWiki score	71 / 100 Good	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	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
Controls	-	buttons
Design
Weight	-	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

EPZ Q1 PRO

The EPZ Q1 Pro is a budget-friendly wired IEM that delivers a well-balanced, Harman-inspired sound signature with clean mids, linear treble, and decent sub-bass for its price. It stands out for its solid build quality, comfortable fit, and attractive design, making it a practical choice for everyday listening. While its technical performance is respectable for the cost, some listeners may find the upper bass lacking punch and the midrange slightly dry, though overall it offers good value.

Pro:Clean, well-tuned Harman-style tuning
Pro:Solid build quality and attractive design
Pro:Comfortable fit for extended sessions

Con:Upper bass could use more impact
Con:Midrange may sound slightly dry to some
Con:Technical ability is average, not outstanding

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.

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New comparison EPZ Q1 PRO TRUTHEAR GATE