KZ x HBB DQ6S 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 x HBB DQ6S
TRUTHEAR GATE

HearWiki score

Sound

5.3

7.5

Value

5.0

8.5

Price (USD)

$32

$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

The TRUTHEAR GATE is 2 years newer, but it is 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.

x HBB DQ6S2022
GATE20242 yr newer

Specifications

x HBB DQ6SGATE

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $32; $22
HearWiki score: 48; 82
Released: 2022; 2024
Availability: Discontinued; Still sold new
Driver: 1×10mm DD + 2×6mm DD; 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver configuration: 1×10mm DD + 2×6mm DD; -
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 19; 1
Frequency response: -; 10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance: -; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms): -; 122
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Controls: -; buttons
Weight: -; 2.7 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: -; No
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 2-pin 0.78 mm
Microphones: -; 1

Specification comparison of KZ x HBB DQ6S vs TRUTHEAR GATE
Spec	KZ x HBB DQ6S	TRUTHEAR GATE
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$32	$22
HearWiki score	48 / 100 Weak	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2022	2024
Audio
Driver	1×10mm DD + 2×6mm DD	10 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver configuration	1×10mm DD + 2×6mm DD	-
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	19	1
Frequency response	-	10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance	-	28 Ω
Sensitivity	-	122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)	-	122
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Controls	-	buttons
Design
Weight	-	2.7 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	-	No
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	2-pin 0.78 mm
Calls
Microphones	-	1

What reviewers said

KZ x HBB DQ6S

This wired IEM pairs a 10mm dual-magnet dynamic driver with two 6mm single-magnet drivers for a hybrid triple-driver setup. It's a collaborative tuning effort aimed at delivering a rich, multi-driver listening experience without breaking the bank. The detachable 0.78mm two-pin cable adds convenience and upgrade potential.

Pro:Layered, detailed sound from a triple-driver setup
Pro:Detachable 0.78mm cable for easy replacement or upgrades
Pro:Affordable entry into multi-driver IEMs

Con:No noise cancellation, so outside sounds bleed in
Con:Wired only, lacking wireless convenience
Con:Fit may vary depending on ear shape

TRUTHEAR GATE

The Truthear GATE is a wired ultra-budget IEM that punches well above its price class, offering a mature, balanced sound signature with solid sub-bass presence and clear detail. While its build is simple and ergonomics could be improved, its overall tuning and value make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious listeners who want a dependable daily driver. Minor tonal quirks like a slightly forward upper midrange and a touch of treble roughness are the only real trade-offs at this price point.

Pro:Outstanding value for the price
Pro:Mature and well-balanced tuning
Pro:Good sub-bass extension and clarity

Con:Slightly shouty upper mids and lean lower-mids
Con:Treble can sound a bit rough or lacking in refinement
Con:Ergonomics and stock fit could be better

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 comparison KZ x HBB DQ6S TRUTHEAR GATE