Moondrop Quarks DSP 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 Quarks DSP
TRUTHEAR GATE

HearWiki score

Sound

6.5

7.5

Calls

7.2

Value

8.5

Price (USD)

$15

$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.

Quarks DSP2022
GATE20242 yr newer

Specifications

Quarks DSPGATE

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $15; $22
HearWiki score: 64; 82
Released: 2022; 2024
Availability: Discontinued; Still sold new
Driver: 6 mm dynamic; 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 6 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: -; 1
Frequency response: -; 10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance: 16 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
Microphones: -; 1

Specification comparison of Moondrop Quarks DSP vs TRUTHEAR GATE
Spec	Moondrop Quarks DSP	TRUTHEAR GATE
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$15	$22
HearWiki score	64 / 100 Good	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2022	2024
Audio
Driver	6 mm dynamic	10 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	6 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	-	1
Frequency response	-	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
Design
Weight	-	2.7 g
Detachable cable	-	Yes
USB-C	-	No
Connector	-	2-pin 0.78 mm
Calls
Microphones	-	1

What reviewers said

Moondrop Quarks DSP

The Moondrop Quarks DSP is a tiny, wired in-ear that delivers surprisingly full and clear audio for its modest price, with a bass response that feels richer than the standard version. It's a practical, plug-and-play choice for casual listeners seeking a balanced and affordable upgrade to their phone or tablet's sound and mic quality, though its long-term durability remains a question mark.

Pro:Very affordable and great value
Pro:Clear, detailed sound with fuller bass
Pro:Comfortable and lightweight fit

Con:Long-term durability is unproven
Con:No noise cancellation for busy environments
Con:Tiny size may not suit all ear shapes

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 Quarks DSP TRUTHEAR GATE