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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.

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
75
82
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
75
82
Released
2023
2024
Availability
Still sold new
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

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, a detachable 2-pin cable, and a satisfyingly warm yet detailed sound signature. Its 10mm dynamic driver is easy to drive and offers strong performance per dollar, making it a solid entry point for newcomers, though its compact shell can feel slightly weighty and isolation is only average. The tuning leans toward fun with punchy bass, but the treble can occasionally edge into brightness on certain recordings, and the soundstage remains on the narrower side.

  • Pro:Comfortable and improved fit over the original
  • Pro:Removable 0.78mm 2-pin cable adds longevity
  • Pro:Engaging bass-forward tuning with good detail
  • Con:Treble can become bright or harsh on some tracks
  • Con:Soundstage is relatively narrow
  • Con:Slightly heavy build for an IEM

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.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonMoondrop CHU IITRUTHEAR GATE