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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.

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
66
82
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

What reviewers said

KBEar KB02

The KBEar KB02 is a budget-friendly wired IEM that blends a 10mm beryllium-coated dynamic driver with a 10mm bone-conduction unit for a hybrid sound. Designed for portable use, it delivers a hefty, bass-forward response that's easy to drive from most sources, thanks to its 40-ohm impedance and 108dB sensitivity. The detachable 0.78mm two-pin cable adds flexibility for upgrades or replacements.

  • Pro:Powerful, impactful bass response
  • Pro:Hybrid design adds unique texture and depth
  • Pro:Easy to drive with phones or dongles
  • Con:No noise cancellation, so isolation is passive only
  • Con:Bone-conduction driver may not suit all listeners
  • Con:Bass emphasis can overshadow mids for some genres

TRUTHEAR GATE

The Truthear GATE is a wired ultra-budget IEM that punches well above its price class, offering a mature, balanced sound signature with solid sub-bass presence and clear detail. While its build is simple and ergonomics could be improved, its overall tuning and value make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious listeners who want a dependable daily driver. Minor tonal quirks like a slightly forward upper midrange and a touch of treble roughness are the only real trade-offs at this price point.

  • Pro:Outstanding value for the price
  • Pro:Mature and well-balanced tuning
  • Pro:Good sub-bass extension and clarity
  • Con:Slightly shouty upper mids and lean lower-mids
  • Con:Treble can sound a bit rough or lacking in refinement
  • Con:Ergonomics and stock fit could be better

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 comparisonKBEar KB02TRUTHEAR GATE