Moondrop CHU II 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.

Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.

Moondrop CHU II
TRUTHEAR GATE

HearWiki score

Sound

7.4

7.5

Value

8.7

8.5

Price (USD)

$19

$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 Moondrop CHU II (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.

CHU II2023
GATE20241 yr newer

Specifications

CHU IIGATE

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $19; $22
HearWiki score: 71; 82
Released: 2023; 2024
Availability: Discontinued; Still sold new
Driver: 1DD; 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver configuration: 1DD; -
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: -; 10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance: 18 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms): -; 122
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Controls: -; buttons
Weight: -; 2.7 g
Detachable cable: -; Yes
USB-C: -; No
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 2-pin 0.78 mm
Microphones: -; 1

Specification comparison of Moondrop CHU II vs TRUTHEAR GATE
Spec	Moondrop CHU II	TRUTHEAR GATE
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$19	$22
HearWiki score	71 / 100 Good	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2023	2024
Audio
Driver	1DD	10 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver configuration	1DD	-
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	-	10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance	18 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	-	122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)	-	122
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Controls	-	buttons
Design
Weight	-	2.7 g
Detachable cable	-	Yes
USB-C	-	No
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	2-pin 0.78 mm
Calls
Microphones	-	1

What reviewers said

Moondrop CHU II

The Moondrop CHU II is a budget-friendly wired IEM that builds on its predecessor with a more comfortable fit, replaceable cable, and a lively, bass-forward sound. It's easy to drive and offers strong performance for the price, making it a solid entry point for newcomers, though its compact staging and occasionally bright treble may not suit everyone.

Pro:Improved fit and comfort over the original
Pro:Removable 0.78mm two-pin cable adds versatility
Pro:Engaging, bass-rich tuning with good clarity for the price

Con:Soundstage feels narrow and confined
Con:Treble can turn sharp or harsh on certain tracks
Con:Only average noise isolation

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.

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New comparison Moondrop CHU II TRUTHEAR GATE