Skip to content
HearWiki

TRUTHEAR GATE vs Urbanista San Francisco 2: 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 3 of 5 measures.

  • TRUTHEAR GATE
  • Urbanista San Francisco 2
HearWiki score
82
62
Sound
7.5
6.0
Calls
-
6.0
Value
8.5
7.0
Price (USD)
$22
$18

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 8 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 Urbanista San Francisco 2 adds USB-C. For 8 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • GATE20248 yr newer
  • San Francisco 22016
What differsGATESan Francisco 2

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

GATESan Francisco 2
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$22
$18
HearWiki score
82
62
Released
2024
2016
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
10 mm dynamic
14.2 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10 mm
14.2 mm
Drivers per side
1
-
Frequency response
10 Hz - 45 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
28 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
122 dB/mW
100 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
122
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Controls
buttons
buttons
Weight
2.7 g
15.3 g
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
2-pin 0.78 mm
USB-C
Microphones
1
1

What reviewers said

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

Urbanista San Francisco 2

The Urbanista San Francisco 2 is a budget-friendly wired earphone with a 14.2 mm dynamic driver, offering a sound signature that leans toward clarity and treble with a forward vocal presence. It is lightweight, comfortable, and includes a single-button inline mic for calls, making it a solid pick for those who want an affordable, no-frills listening experience without noise cancellation.

  • Pro:Large 14.2 mm driver for its price
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
  • Pro:Clear, loud output with good treble detail
  • Con:Limited sound isolation, lets in ambient noise
  • Con:Bass is not very deep or impactful
  • Con:Wired design may not suit all users

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.