Skullcandy Jib® USB C 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.

Skullcandy Jib® USB C
TRUTHEAR GATE

HearWiki score

Sound

6.5

7.5

Calls

6.0

Value

7.0

8.5

Price (USD)

$15

$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 Skullcandy Jib® USB C 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 Skullcandy Jib® USB C adds USB-C.

Jib® USB C20262 yr newer
GATE2024

What differsJib® USB CGATE

USB-C: Yes; No

Specifications

Jib® USB CGATE

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $15; $22
HearWiki score: 66; 82
Released: 2026; 2024
Availability: Sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 9.2 mm dynamic; 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 9.2 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; 10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance: 16 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: 95 dB/mW; 122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms): -; 122
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Controls: both; buttons
Weight: 12.5 g; 2.7 g
Foldable: Yes; -
Detachable cable: No; Yes
USB-C: Yes; No
Connector: USB-C; 2-pin 0.78 mm
Microphones: 1; 1

Specification comparison of Skullcandy Jib® USB C vs TRUTHEAR GATE
Spec	Skullcandy Jib® USB C	TRUTHEAR GATE
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$15	$22
HearWiki score	66 / 100 Good	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2026	2024
Audio
Driver	9.2 mm dynamic	10 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	9.2 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance	16 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	95 dB/mW	122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)	-	122
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Controls	both	buttons
Design
Weight	12.5 g	2.7 g
Foldable	Yes	-
Detachable cable	No	Yes
USB-C	Yes	No
Connector	USB-C	2-pin 0.78 mm
Calls
Microphones	1	1

What reviewers said

Skullcandy Jib® USB C

The Skullcandy Jib USB-C is a straightforward, budget-friendly wired earbud designed for hassle-free plug-and-play use with USB-C devices. It features a compact, foldable build with inline controls for calls and media, along with a noise-isolating fit to help focus on your audio. Ideal for everyday listening, it prioritizes simplicity and reliable connectivity over advanced features.

Pro:Simple plug-and-play USB-C connectivity
Pro:Lightweight and foldable design for portability
Pro:Noise-isolating fit helps block ambient sound

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Non-detachable cable limits replacement options
Con:Limited button functionality compared to premium models

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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