KBEAR KS1 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 3 of 4 measures.

KBEAR KS1
TRUTHEAR GATE

HearWiki score

Sound

6.1

7.5

Value

6.2

8.5

Price (USD)

$19

$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 3 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. For 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

KS12021
GATE20243 yr newer

Specifications

KS1GATE

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $19; $22
HearWiki score: 64; 82
Released: 2021; 2024
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 10 mm dynamic; 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: -; 1
Frequency response: -; 10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance: -; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms): -; 122
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Controls: -; buttons
Weight: 4 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 KBEAR KS1 vs TRUTHEAR GATE
Spec	KBEAR KS1	TRUTHEAR GATE
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$19	$22
HearWiki score	64 / 100 Good	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2021	2024
Audio
Driver	10 mm dynamic	10 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	-	1
Frequency response	-	10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance	-	28 Ω
Sensitivity	-	122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)	-	122
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Controls	-	buttons
Design
Weight	4 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

KBEAR KS1

The KBEAR KS1 is a budget-friendly wired IEM featuring a 10mm dynamic driver with a dual-magnetic-circuit design, intended for casual, everyday listening. Its lightweight build and detachable cable offer convenience, while the lack of active noise cancellation keeps things simple and affordable.

Pro:Very affordable price point
Pro:Lightweight and comfortable
Pro:Detachable 2-pin cable

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Basic design may lack premium feel
Con:Limited to wired connection

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 KS1 TRUTHEAR GATE