Moondrop QUARK2 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 3 of 5 measures.

Moondrop QUARK2
TRUTHEAR GATE

HearWiki score

Sound

6.8

7.5

Calls

4.5

Value

8.0

8.5

Price (USD)

$20

$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. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Moondrop QUARK2 adds USB-C.

QUARK22024
GATE2024

What differsQUARK2GATE

USB-C: Yes; No

Specifications

QUARK2GATE

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $20; $22
HearWiki score: 73; 82
Released: 2024; 2024
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 7.8 mm dynamic; 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 7.8 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; 10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance: 16 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms): -; 122
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Controls: buttons; buttons
Weight: -; 2.7 g
Detachable cable: -; Yes
USB-C: Yes; No
Connector: USB-C; 2-pin 0.78 mm
Microphones: 1; 1

Specification comparison of Moondrop QUARK2 vs TRUTHEAR GATE
Spec	Moondrop QUARK2	TRUTHEAR GATE
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$20	$22
HearWiki score	73 / 100 Great	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	2024
Audio
Driver	7.8 mm dynamic	10 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	7.8 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance	16 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	-	122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)	-	122
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Controls	buttons	buttons
Design
Weight	-	2.7 g
Detachable cable	-	Yes
USB-C	Yes	No
Connector	USB-C	2-pin 0.78 mm
Calls
Microphones	1	1

What reviewers said

Moondrop QUARK2

The Moondrop QUARK2 is a budget-friendly wired USB-C earphone built around a compact 7.8mm dynamic driver, offering a straightforward plug-and-play experience with an inline microphone and buttons for control. It delivers a well-balanced sound profile for its price, making it a practical choice for casual listening on devices with USB-C ports. Its lightweight design and integrated DSP help maximize performance without needing extra gear.

Pro:Compact and lightweight design
Pro:Good sound quality for the low price
Pro:Simple plug-and-play USB-C connectivity

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Limited to wired USB-C use
Con:Basic build and 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 comparison Moondrop QUARK2 TRUTHEAR GATE