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KZ Taurus 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 4 of 4 measures.

  • KZ Taurus
  • TRUTHEAR GATE
HearWiki score
71
82
Sound
6.8
7.5
Value
8.4
8.5
Price (USD)
$30
$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.

  • Taurus2024
  • GATE2024

Specifications

TaurusGATE
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$30
$22
HearWiki score
71
82
Released
2024
2024
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
2× 8 mm dynamic
10 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
8 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
2
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 40 kHz
10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance
36 Ω
28 Ω
Sensitivity
105 dB/mW
122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
-
122
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Controls
buttons
buttons
Weight
4.3 g
2.7 g
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
-
No
Connector
2-pin 0.78 mm
2-pin 0.78 mm
Microphones
2
1
Microphone type
condenser
-
Mic sensitivity
-26 dBV
-

What reviewers said

KZ Taurus

The KZ Taurus is a lightweight, wired budget IEM with dual 8mm dynamic drivers, designed for clear and articulate sound that suits gaming and vocal-focused content. Its bright spatial presentation aids positional audio, but the tuning can be divisive for music, with bass either bleeding into other frequencies or lacking warmth depending on the listener. Despite this, it offers strong value, comfort, and a detachable cable for the price.

  • Pro:Excellent value for the price
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
  • Pro:Clear, articulate sound for vocals and gaming
  • Con:Bass tuning may bleed or lack warmth for music
  • Con:Vocals can be pushed back in some tracks
  • Con:No noise cancellation or wireless features

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 TaurusTRUTHEAR GATE