Skip to content
HearWiki

KZ AS12 vs TRUTHEAR GATE: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the KZ AS12 vs TRUTHEAR GATE, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

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.

  • KZ AS12
  • TRUTHEAR GATE
HearWiki score
-
82
Sound
-
7.5
Value
-
8.5
Price (USD)
$42
$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

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.

  • AS12Year unknown
  • GATE2024

Specifications

AS12GATE
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$42
$22
HearWiki score
Not scored
82
Released
-
2024
Availability
Availability unknown
Still sold new
Driver
12× balanced armature
10 mm dynamic
Driver type
balanced-armature
dynamic
Driver size
-
10 mm
Drivers per side
12
1
Frequency response
6 Hz - 47 kHz
10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance
16 Ω
28 Ω
Sensitivity
-
122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
-
122
Active noise cancelling
-
No
Controls
-
buttons
Weight
34 g
2.7 g
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
-
No
Connector
2-pin 0.78 mm
2-pin 0.78 mm
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

KZ AS12

The KZ AS12 is a wired in-ear monitor that packs an impressive 12 balanced armature drivers per side, housed in a sturdy zinc alloy shell. It's tuned for detailed high-frequency reproduction and instrumental music, offering a detachable 2-pin cable for easy upgrades. With a wide frequency response and low impedance, it's designed to deliver crisp, analytical sound.

  • Pro:Exceptional detail retrieval for the price
  • Pro:12 balanced armature drivers for layered sound
  • Pro:Detachable 2-pin cable allows customization
  • Con:No noise cancellation (wired only)
  • Con:May require a good source to drive well
  • Con:Not ideal for bass-heavy genres

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.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonKZ AS12TRUTHEAR GATE