Kiwi Ears Dolce 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.

Kiwi Ears Dolce
TRUTHEAR GATE

HearWiki score

Sound

6.4

7.5

Value

7.8

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

TRUTHEAR GATE (2024) against Kiwi Ears Dolce (2023). 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.

Dolce2023
GATE20241 yr newer

Specifications

DolceGATE

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $40; $22
HearWiki score: 62; 82
Released: 2023; 2024
Availability: Discontinued; 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: 16 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms): -; 122
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Controls: -; buttons
Weight: -; 2.7 g
Detachable cable: -; Yes
USB-C: -; No
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 2-pin 0.78 mm
Microphones: -; 1

Specification comparison of Kiwi Ears Dolce vs TRUTHEAR GATE
Spec	Kiwi Ears Dolce	TRUTHEAR GATE
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$40	$22
HearWiki score	62 / 100 Average	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2023	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	16 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	-	122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)	-	122
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Controls	-	buttons
Design
Weight	-	2.7 g
Detachable cable	-	Yes
USB-C	-	No
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	2-pin 0.78 mm
Calls
Microphones	-	1

What reviewers said

Kiwi Ears Dolce

The Kiwi Ears Dolce is a budget-friendly wired IEM with a lively, energetic tuning that stands out for its strong bass and clear vocals, though its upper-mid and treble emphasis may prove fatiguing for some listeners. Its compact, comfortable fit and stylish design add to its appeal, making it a polarizing but technically capable option at its price point.

Pro:Strong bass impact and good treble detail
Pro:Comfortable, secure fit with a stylish design
Pro:Clear female vocals with good instrument separation

Con:Upper mids and treble can become fatiguing on some tracks
Con:Midrange can sound hollow or recessed
Con:Occasional sibilance noted

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 Kiwi Ears Dolce TRUTHEAR GATE