KBEar KB02 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.

KBEar KB02
TRUTHEAR GATE

HearWiki score

Sound

6.4

7.5

Value

8.2

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

KBEar KB02 (2025) against TRUTHEAR GATE (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.

KB0220251 yr newer
GATE2024

Specifications

KB02GATE

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $40; $22
HearWiki score: 66; 82
Released: 2025; 2024
Availability: Sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 1DD + 1BC hybrid; 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: hybrid; dynamic
Driver configuration: 1DD + 1BC; -
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 2; 1
Frequency response: -; 10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance: 40 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: 108 dB/mW; 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 KBEar KB02 vs TRUTHEAR GATE
Spec	KBEar KB02	TRUTHEAR GATE
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$40	$22
HearWiki score	66 / 100 Good	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2025	2024
Audio
Driver	1DD + 1BC hybrid	10 mm dynamic
Driver type	hybrid	dynamic
Driver configuration	1DD + 1BC	-
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	2	1
Frequency response	-	10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance	40 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	108 dB/mW	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

KBEar KB02

This budget-friendly hybrid IEM pairs a 10 mm beryllium-coated dynamic driver with a 10 mm bone-conduction unit to deliver punchy, impactful bass while staying easy to drive for portable use. The wired, detachable 2-pin cable adds convenience, and the 40-ohm impedance works well with most sources. It's a solid choice for listeners seeking a lively, low-end-focused sound without spending much.

Pro:Strong, impactful bass response
Pro:Hybrid driver design adds texture and depth
Pro:Easy to drive with phones or dongles

Con:No noise cancellation (wired only)
Con:Bass-forward tuning may not suit neutral purists
Con:Bone-conduction driver can feel unusual at first

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 KBEar KB02 TRUTHEAR GATE