QKZ x HBB Khan 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.

QKZ x HBB Khan
TRUTHEAR GATE

HearWiki score

Sound

6.4

7.5

Value

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

TRUTHEAR GATE (2024) against QKZ x HBB Khan (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.

x HBB Khan2023
GATE20241 yr newer

Specifications

x HBB KhanGATE

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $40; $22
HearWiki score: 62; 82
Released: 2023; 2024
Availability: Discontinued; Still sold new
Driver: 2DD; 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver configuration: 2DD; -
Driver size: -; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 2; 1
Frequency response: -; 10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance: 10 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms): -; 122
Active noise cancelling: -; 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

Specification comparison of QKZ x HBB Khan vs TRUTHEAR GATE
Spec	QKZ x HBB Khan	TRUTHEAR GATE
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$40	$22
HearWiki score	62 / 100 Average	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2023	2024
Audio
Driver	2DD	10 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver configuration	2DD	-
Driver size	-	10 mm
Drivers per side	2	1
Frequency response	-	10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance	10 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	-	122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)	-	122
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Controls	-	buttons
Design
Weight	-	2.7 g
Detachable cable	-	Yes
USB-C	-	No
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	2-pin 0.78 mm
Calls
Microphones	-	1

What reviewers said

QKZ x HBB Khan

The QKZ x HBB Khan is a budget-friendly, bass-forward dual-dynamic in-ear monitor that delivers a punchy, fun sound with strong low-end energy and good build comfort. Its warm, dark tuning suits rock and hip-hop well, though the recessed mids and average technical performance may not satisfy listeners seeking balanced or vocal-focused presentations. For the price, it offers solid value as a lively, bass-centric option.

Pro:Punchy, energetic bass response
Pro:Comfortable fit and solid build quality
Pro:Wide soundstage with crisp highs

Con:Recessed midrange affects vocal clarity
Con:Treble can sound slightly closed-in or sibilant
Con:Limited vertical soundstage

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 QKZ x HBB Khan TRUTHEAR GATE