Tangzu Shimin Li 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.

Tangzu Shimin Li
TRUTHEAR GATE

HearWiki score

Sound

5.8

7.5

Value

8.5

Price (USD)

$35

$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 2 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.

Shimin Li2022
GATE20242 yr newer

Specifications

Shimin LiGATE

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $35; $22
HearWiki score: 53; 82
Released: 2022; 2024
Availability: Discontinued; Still sold new
Driver: 1DD; 10 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver configuration: 1DD; -
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: -; 10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance: 18 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 Tangzu Shimin Li vs TRUTHEAR GATE
Spec	Tangzu Shimin Li	TRUTHEAR GATE
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$35	$22
HearWiki score	53 / 100 Average	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2022	2024
Audio
Driver	1DD	10 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver configuration	1DD	-
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	-	10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance	18 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

Tangzu Shimin Li

The Tangzu Shimin Li is a budget-friendly wired in-ear monitor featuring a single 10mm dual-cavity dynamic driver. It's designed as a straightforward, no-frills entry point in the dynasty series for those who prefer a simple single-driver setup.

Pro:Affordable price point
Pro:Simple single-driver design
Pro:Compact 10mm dynamic driver

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Wired only, no wireless option
Con:Limited to one driver configuration

TRUTHEAR GATE

The Truthear GATE is a wired ultra-budget IEM that punches well above its price class, offering a mature, balanced sound signature with solid sub-bass presence and clear detail. While its build is simple and ergonomics could be improved, its overall tuning and value make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious listeners who want a dependable daily driver. Minor tonal quirks like a slightly forward upper midrange and a touch of treble roughness are the only real trade-offs at this price point.

Pro:Outstanding value for the price
Pro:Mature and well-balanced tuning
Pro:Good sub-bass extension and clarity

Con:Slightly shouty upper mids and lean lower-mids
Con:Treble can sound a bit rough or lacking in refinement
Con:Ergonomics and stock fit could be better

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 Tangzu Shimin Li TRUTHEAR GATE