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KZ Castor Pro 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.

  • KZ Castor Pro
  • TRUTHEAR GATE
HearWiki score
73
82
Sound
7.0
7.5
Value
8.7
8.5
Price (USD)
$28
$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

Both shipped in 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.

  • Castor Pro2024
  • GATE2024

Specifications

Castor ProGATE
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$28
$22
HearWiki score
73
82
Released
2024
2024
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
2× 10 mm dynamic
10 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
2
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 40 kHz
10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance
16 Ω
28 Ω
Sensitivity
-
122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
-
122
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
No
-
Custom EQ
No
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
buttons
buttons
Voice assistant
No
-
Weight
-
2.7 g
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
No
No
Connector
3.5 mm
2-pin 0.78 mm
Microphones
-
1

What reviewers said

KZ Castor Pro

The KZ Castor Pro is a budget-friendly dual-dynamic IEM that offers lively, adjustable sound via its quad-switch tuning system. With a strong focus on bass flexibility and overall value, it provides a comfortable fit and good technical performance for the price, though it may not drastically outperform the original Castor for everyone. It is particularly suited for bass-heavy genres and gaming, making it a versatile pick in the affordable segment.

  • Pro:Quad-switch tuning for flexible sound adjustment
  • Pro:Strong bass response and low-end control
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for long listening sessions
  • Con:May not be a major upgrade over the standard Castor
  • Con:Lacks advanced features like ANC or app support
  • Con:Sound signature might be too bass-forward for some listeners

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 comparisonKZ Castor ProTRUTHEAR GATE