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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.

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
59
82
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
59
82
Released
2021
2024
Availability
Discontinued
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

What reviewers said

KBEAR KS1

The KBEAR KS1 is an ultra-affordable wired earphone built around a 10mm dynamic driver with a dual-magnetic setup for efficient sound delivery. It focuses on casual, everyday listening rather than technical extremes, offering a lightweight and detachable cable design at a very low price point.

  • Pro:Very affordable price
  • Pro:Lightweight at just 4g
  • Pro:Detachable 2-pin cable for easy replacement
  • Con:No noise cancellation
  • Con:Budget build and materials
  • Con:Limited accessory package

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 KS1TRUTHEAR GATE