Short answer: a tie on sound quality. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#24 and #22 of 450 in-ear headphones) at nearly the same price ($17.99 vs $21.99), so choose on features and fit.
The case for the TRN MT3: The MT3 scores 83.4 for preference in the median of eight hobbyist measurements on squig.link, with a smooth 1.18 dB deviation from target. Watch for: Treble is lifted, about 2 dB high from 6 to 10 kHz and 3.6 dB high above 10 kHz, with a 5.1 dB peak near 8.4 kHz that can make sibilance and cymbals sound splashy.
What the Truthear Gate does well: A Harman score of 83 from a single dynamic driver at a very low price gives accurate bass and mids, with bass and upper mids within about 0.2 dB of target. The catch: Treble is the weak point, with a deep 10.8 dB dip near 11 kHz and air about 3 dB under target.
Buy the TRN MT3 or the Truthear Gate on features: they are rated the same for sound quality at close to the same price.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| TRN MT3 | Truthear Gate | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $17.99 | $21.99 |
| Ranked | #24 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones | #22 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 83 (median of 8 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 83 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.18 dB standard deviation | 1.39 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.09 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.23 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.2 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-0.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 28 ohms | 28 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 114 dB | 122 dB/Vrms |
| Frequency Response | - | 10Hz - 45kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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- EPZ G10 vs Truthear Gate
- 7Hz Salnotes Zero vs Truthear Gate
- CCA Trio vs Truthear Gate
- Truthear Gate vs KZ Gale
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Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
TRN MT3: $17.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: The MT3 scores 83.4 for preference in the median of eight hobbyist measurements on squig.link, with a smooth 1.18 dB deviation from target. Sub-bass sits right on target and bass runs about 1.6 dB above it, giving kick drums and electronic music a slightly warm, full low end that suits warm and mildly V shaped tastes. Its 114 dB sensitivity at 28 ohms means any phone or dongle drives it loudly.
Cons: Treble is lifted, about 2 dB high from 6 to 10 kHz and 3.6 dB high above 10 kHz, with a 5.1 dB peak near 8.4 kHz that can make sibilance and cymbals sound splashy. A 3.7 dB dip near 11.2 kHz follows, so the top end is not entirely even. It is rated equal to, not above, close rivals such as the 7Hz Salnotes Zero and CCA Trio.
Full TRN MT3 review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.18 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 83 (median of 8 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 28 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 114 dB |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.2 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.09 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Truthear Gate: $21.99 Amazon AliExpress eBay
Pros: A Harman score of 83 from a single dynamic driver at a very low price gives accurate bass and mids, with bass and upper mids within about 0.2 dB of target. The 28 ohm impedance with 122 dB per volt sensitivity makes it easy to drive from any phone. The warm tilt suits listeners who want a smooth, non-fatiguing sound. It earns the same rating as the 7Hz Salnotes Zero at a similar cost.
Cons: Treble is the weak point, with a deep 10.8 dB dip near 11 kHz and air about 3 dB under target. Cymbals, hi-hats and the sense of space on recordings sound dulled as a result. Presence from 3 to 6 kHz is also about 1.9 dB down, which takes a little bite off vocals.
Full Truthear Gate review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.39 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 45kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 83 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 28 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 122 dB/Vrms |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-0.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.23 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -4.9 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +0.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 9,538 Hz | +4.7 dB | 0.99 |
| Peak | 2,074 Hz | -1.3 dB | 0.65 |
| Peak | 196 Hz | -1.1 dB | 1.34 |
| Peak | 698 Hz | +1.2 dB | 1.31 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -2.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 72 Hz | +0.8 dB | 1.77 |
| Peak | 4,992 Hz | +0.3 dB | 2.04 |
| Peak | 126 Hz | -0.4 dB | 2.34 |
| Peak | 8,647 Hz | +1.3 dB | 5.95 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons