KZ X HBB PR2 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 PR2
TRUTHEAR GATE

HearWiki score

Sound

6.5

7.5

Value

7.7

8.5

Price (USD)

$27

$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

TRUTHEAR GATE (2024) against KZ X HBB PR2 (2023). 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.

X HBB PR22023
GATE20241 yr newer

Specifications

X HBB PR2GATE

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $27; $22
HearWiki score: 67; 82
Released: 2023; 2024
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 1 planar magnetic; 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: planar; dynamic
Driver configuration: 1 planar magnetic; -
Driver size: 13.2 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: -; 10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance: 15 Ω; 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
Microphones: -; 1

Specification comparison of KZ X HBB PR2 vs TRUTHEAR GATE
Spec	KZ X HBB PR2	TRUTHEAR GATE
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$27	$22
HearWiki score	67 / 100 Good	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2023	2024
Audio
Driver	1 planar magnetic	10 mm dynamic
Driver type	planar	dynamic
Driver configuration	1 planar magnetic	-
Driver size	13.2 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	-	10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance	15 Ω	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
Calls
Microphones	-	1

What reviewers said

KZ X HBB PR2

The KZ X HBB PR2 is an affordable wired in-ear monitor featuring a single 13.2mm planar-magnetic driver, designed for hi-fi music listening. With its detachable cable and low 15-ohm impedance, it offers a straightforward, no-frills wired experience for budget-conscious audiophiles.

Pro:Single planar driver for detailed sound
Pro:Very affordable entry into planar IEMs
Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement or upgrades

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Requires a decent source due to low impedance
Con:Limited to wired use only

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 X HBB PR2 TRUTHEAR GATE