
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.
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
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?
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
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
Everyday features
Specifications
- 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.
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