Short answer
Under $20, the Gate (single 10 mm dynamic, a cable reviewers praise, bright tuning). Around $55, the Zero:Red (two dynamic drivers, a balanced Crinacle tuning, a 10 ohm bass adapter). Under $100, the Hexa (1 dynamic + 3 balanced armatures, neutral with a treble focus).
The three Truthear models to know
-
01Under $20
Truthear Gate
Best for: the smallest budget
- Driver
- 1 dynamic, 10 mm
- Cable
- Detachable 2-pin
- Impedance
- 28 ohm
- $18.99 list in 2024 (Pragmatic Audio), which also praises the cable
- SoundGuys calls the sound excellent for the price, with some lack of treble detail
- Bright lower treble; foam tips can soften it
-
02Balanced
Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red
Best for: a balanced, research-target style tuning
- Drivers
- 2 dynamic (10 + 7.8 mm)
- Cable
- 0.78 mm 2-pin
- Impedance
- 17.5 ohm
- $54.99 list per Headphoneer; 117.5 dB/Vrms
- Ships with a 10 ohm impedance adapter and seven pairs of tips
- Audioreviews.org finds the treble can turn shouty on busy tracks
-
03Hybrid
Truthear Hexa
Best for: imaging and detail under $100
- Drivers
- 1 dynamic + 3 BA
- Cable
- Detachable 2-pin
- Tips
- Silicone and foam
- Headphonesty praises imaging, isolation and comfort
- SoundGuys describes neutral sound with a treble focus
- The stock cable is the common complaint
Curves on this site are illustrative shapes drawn to explain an idea. They are not measurements of any product. For real measurements, see squig.link and Crinacle.
Which Truthear for you
| If you want | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The cheapest decent set | Gate | Under $20 with a well liked cable |
| Balanced sound for everything | Zero:Red | Dual dynamic, Crinacle tuning |
| Detail and imaging, gaming | Hexa | Hybrid with praised imaging |
See all Truthear IEMs on Amazon
Compare with Moondrop, the 7Hz Zero:2, or see every pick in best IEMs under $50.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between the Truthear Zero and Zero:Red?
The Zero:Red is a retune of the original Zero with Crinacle. Reviewers describe the Red as the more neutral of the two. Both use dual dynamic drivers.
Is the Truthear Hexa good for gaming?
Reviewers praise its imaging and isolation, which suit games. It has no mic, so pair it with a 2-pin mic cable or a desk mic.
What does the 10 ohm adapter on the Zero:Red do?
It adds resistance between the source and the IEM, which changes how the drivers respond and lifts bass slightly. It is optional.
Do Truthear IEMs use 2-pin?
The models here use detachable 2-pin cables; the Zero:Red ships with a 0.78 mm 2-pin cable.
Sources
- Pragmatic Audio, Truthear Gate review
- SoundGuys, Truthear Gate review
- Headphoneer, Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red review
- Audioreviews.org, Truthear x Crinacle Zero:Red review
- Headphonesty, Truthear Hexa review
- SoundGuys, Truthear Hexa review
- squig.link documentation (community IEM measurement database)
- Crinacle’s IEM ranking list (Head-Fi thread)
Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Models, versions and listings change; check the product details before you buy, and keep the volume sensible.