Sennheiser CX 80 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.

Sennheiser CX 80
TRUTHEAR GATE

HearWiki score

Sound

7.2

7.5

Calls

5.5

Value

9.2

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 Sennheiser CX 80 is 2 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Sennheiser CX 80 adds USB-C.

CX 8020262 yr newer
GATE2024

What differsCX 80GATE

USB-C: Yes; No

Specifications

CX 80GATE

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $40; $22
HearWiki score: 71; 82
Released: 2026; 2024
Availability: Sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 9.7 mm dynamic; 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 9.7 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 17 Hz - 20 kHz; 10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance: 28 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms): -; 122
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Controls: -; buttons
Weight: 14.3 g; 2.7 g
Detachable cable: -; Yes
USB-C: Yes; No
Connector: 3.5 mm; 2-pin 0.78 mm
Microphones: 1; 1

Specification comparison of Sennheiser CX 80 vs TRUTHEAR GATE
Spec	Sennheiser CX 80	TRUTHEAR GATE
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$40	$22
HearWiki score	71 / 100 Good	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2026	2024
Audio
Driver	9.7 mm dynamic	10 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	9.7 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	17 Hz - 20 kHz	10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance	28 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	-	122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)	-	122
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Controls	-	buttons
Design
Weight	14.3 g	2.7 g
Detachable cable	-	Yes
USB-C	Yes	No
Connector	3.5 mm	2-pin 0.78 mm
Calls
Microphones	1	1

What reviewers said

Sennheiser CX 80

The Sennheiser CX 80 is a budget-friendly wired in-ear headphone that prioritizes clear, balanced audio over extra features. Its 9.7mm dynamic drivers deliver surprisingly robust bass, mids, and treble for the price, while the lightweight build and secure fit make it a practical choice for everyday listening. This is a straightforward, no-frills option for those who want solid wired sound without breaking the bank.

Pro:Clean and balanced sound for the price
Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
Pro:Wired USB-C connection for broad compatibility

Con:No volume controls on the inline remote
Con:Average microphone performance
Con:Lacks extra features like Bluetooth or ANC

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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