KZ Ling Long 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.

KZ Ling Long
TRUTHEAR GATE

HearWiki score

Sound

6.4

7.5

Value

6.8

8.5

Price (USD)

$24

$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.

Ling Long2024
GATE2024

Specifications

Ling LongGATE

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $24; $22
HearWiki score: 69; 82
Released: 2024; 2024
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 6 mm dynamic; 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 6 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz; 10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance: 25 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: 103 dB/mW; 122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms): -; 122
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Controls: none; buttons
Weight: -; 2.7 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: No; No
Connector: 3.5 mm; 2-pin 0.78 mm
Microphones: -; 1

Specification comparison of KZ Ling Long vs TRUTHEAR GATE
Spec	KZ Ling Long	TRUTHEAR GATE
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$24	$22
HearWiki score	69 / 100 Good	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	2024
Audio
Driver	6 mm dynamic	10 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	6 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	20 Hz - 40 kHz	10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance	25 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	103 dB/mW	122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)	-	122
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Controls	none	buttons
Design
Weight	-	2.7 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	No	No
Connector	3.5 mm	2-pin 0.78 mm
Calls
Microphones	-	1

What reviewers said

KZ Ling Long

The KZ Ling Long is a budget-friendly wired IEM with a single 6mm dynamic driver, delivering a warm and engaging sound signature that's easy to enjoy. Its build quality and overall package are praised for the price, though technicalities like detail retrieval and refinement are only average rather than class-leading. With a bullet-style design and detachable cable, it offers solid value for casual listeners.

Pro:Excellent build quality for the price
Pro:Warm, pleasant tuning with good bass
Pro:Compact and attractive bullet-style design

Con:Average technical performance and detail retrieval
Con:Can sound congested on busy tracks
Con:Not a reference or highly refined tuning

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 KZ Ling Long TRUTHEAR GATE