Moondrop SSP 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 4 of 4 measures.

Moondrop SSP
TRUTHEAR GATE

HearWiki score

Sound

6.4

7.5

Value

5.1

8.5

Price (USD)

$40

$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 4 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 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

SSP2020
GATE20244 yr newer

Specifications

SSPGATE

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $40; $22
HearWiki score: 57; 82
Released: 2020; 2024
Availability: Discontinued; Still sold new
Driver: -; 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: -; dynamic
Driver size: -; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; 10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance: 16 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: 94 dB/mW; 122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms): 112; 122
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Controls: none; buttons
Weight: -; 2.7 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: -; No
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 2-pin 0.78 mm
Microphones: -; 1

Specification comparison of Moondrop SSP vs TRUTHEAR GATE
Spec	Moondrop SSP	TRUTHEAR GATE
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$40	$22
HearWiki score	57 / 100 Average	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2020	2024
Audio
Driver	-	10 mm dynamic
Driver type	-	dynamic
Driver size	-	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance	16 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	94 dB/mW	122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)	112	122
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Controls	none	buttons
Design
Weight	-	2.7 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	-	No
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	2-pin 0.78 mm
Calls
Microphones	-	1

What reviewers said

Moondrop SSP

The Moondrop SSP is a budget single-dynamic-driver IEM that offers a balanced, cohesive tuning with a warm timbre and solid build quality for its price. It provides a comfortable fit and engaging bass, though it requires a powerful source to perform at its best and lacks some technical refinement at frequency extremes.

Pro:Comfortable and well-built design
Pro:Balanced, cohesive tuning with warm timbre
Pro:Engaging bass performance

Con:Needs a strong source to sound its best
Con:Lacks clarity and extension at frequency extremes
Con:Soundstage is not especially deep

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 SSP TRUTHEAR GATE