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Moondrop QUARKS 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.

TRUTHEAR GATE leads on 4 of 4 measures.

  • Moondrop QUARKS
  • TRUTHEAR GATE
HearWiki score
58
82
Sound
5.8
7.5
Value
6.5
8.5
Price (USD)
$25
$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 3 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. For 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • QUARKS2021
  • GATE20243 yr newer

Specifications

QUARKSGATE
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$25
$22
HearWiki score
58
82
Released
2021
2024
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
6 mm dynamic
10 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
6 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
4 Hz - 43 kHz
10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance
16 Ω
28 Ω
Sensitivity
116 dB/mW
122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
116
122
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Controls
-
buttons
Weight
-
2.7 g
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
No
No
Connector
-
2-pin 0.78 mm
Microphones
-
1

What reviewers said

Moondrop QUARKS

The Moondrop QUARKS are an ultra-budget wired IEM featuring a compact 6mm dynamic driver and a neutral-leaning sound signature. They deliver punchy bass and clean midrange for the price, though their tiny shell and basic build reflect the low cost. Technical performance is limited, with a small soundstage and average detail retrieval, making them a solid value pick for neutral tuning on a tight budget.

  • Pro:Neutral-leaning tuning with clean midrange
  • Pro:Strong bass punch for the size and price
  • Pro:Very affordable and comfortable small shell
  • Con:Small soundstage and average detail retrieval
  • Con:Fixed non-removable cable
  • Con:Modest sub-bass rumble

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 QUARKSTRUTHEAR GATE