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Sennheiser CX 100 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.

  • Sennheiser CX 100
  • TRUTHEAR GATE
HearWiki score
46
82
Sound
5.8
7.5
Value
5.8
8.5
Price (USD)
$32
$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 10 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 10 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • CX 1002014
  • GATE202410 yr newer

Specifications

CX 100GATE
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$32
$22
HearWiki score
46
82
Released
2014
2024
Availability
Discontinued
Still sold new
Driver
dynamic
10 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
-
10 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
17 Hz - 21 kHz
10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance
28 Ω
28 Ω
Sensitivity
119 dB/mW
122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
119
122
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
No
-
Custom EQ
No
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
none
buttons
Weight
10 g
2.7 g
Detachable cable
No
Yes
USB-C
No
No
Connector
-
2-pin 0.78 mm
Model code
508591 Black, 508592 White
-
Microphones
-
1

What reviewers said

Sennheiser CX 100

The Sennheiser CX 100 is a wired, lightweight in-ear model from 2014 that delivers a punchy, balanced sound with good clarity for its budget price. It performs well with pop, hip-hop, and rock, though its lack of controls and occasional muddiness in the lower mids may limit its appeal for some listeners. Its high sensitivity and broad frequency range make it a straightforward, no-frills option for casual use.

  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
  • Pro:Punchy, balanced sound with good dynamics
  • Pro:Strong isolation for a wired IEM
  • Con:No inline remote or controls
  • Con:Lower mids can get muddy on bass-heavy tracks
  • Con:Treble can sound bright and thin at times

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

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New comparisonSennheiser CX 100TRUTHEAR GATE