“QCY Crossky C30S Review: Can a $31 Upgrade Finally Fix Comfort and Sound?”

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Can a $31 upgrade finally fix the comfort-versus-sound trade-off that plagues open-earbuds? Clip-on earbuds have become a recent trend, with many seeking models that allow them to enjoy music while staying aware of their surroundings. The QCY Crossky C30S appears to be QCY’s attempt to address specific flaws of the original QCY Crossky C30, such as comfort and sound quality. But does it successfully improve upon these areas?

Today, we will closely examine the QCY Crossky C30S by evaluating three key criteria: comfort, audio performance, and price. These elements will guide our analysis as we assess whether the C30S offer a meaningful upgrade over the original QCY Crossky C30 and whether they present a more budget-friendly and practical option for open-earbud users.

What’s in the box?

The QCY box features a premium design, mirroring that of the QCY Crossky C30, which demonstrates QCY’s commitment to its packaging.

In the box, you get:

  • The QCY Crossky C30S and case
  • A how-to-wear card
  • The owner’s manual
  • A USB-C to Type-C charging cable.

Design

The design of the QCY Crossky C30S presents itself as very premium, utilizing multiple material finishes similar to those found on the C30 and the Pearlclip Pro. However, it weighs only 15 grams, making it significantly lighter than the C30, which weighs approximately 20 grams. This weight reduction enhances its suitability for long-term use, gym activities, and short runs or jogs. This contrast in weight is a key difference from the C30.

Mini-specs: The QCY Crossky C30S weigh approximately 15 grams, feature an aluminum frame, and are made from plastic and silicon materials. They are also rated IPX4 for water resistance, making them a reliable choice for varied conditions..

This one is made out of plastic and silicon, although the outer part features an aluminum frame, which gives it a really good glossy shine, similar to the Crossky C30. The ring, or rather the clip, is made of nitinol, a flexible type of metal, and while testing, I found this one to be very durable. I did not experience any loss over time, and it’s quite gentle on the ears, not causing discomfort.

The design is well-structured, durable, and does not create pressure on your ears. The reduced weight makes it lighter and more comfortable than the Crossky C30.

This design pairs effortlessly with both casual wear and gym attire, while maintaining a subtle yet stylish presence. The case remains durable and lightweight, making it more portable than the bulkier Crossky C30.

In summary, the Crossky C30S stands out as one of the top open-ear designs I’ve tested recently, clearly improving on its predecessor.

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Quick Spec sheet 

  • This one supports Fast charging, which provides approximately 5 hours of playback with just 15 minutes of charging.
  • IPX4 water and dust resistance protects against splash, sweat, and rain, making these earbuds suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
  • Count on an impressive over 10m operating range—thoroughly tested for remarkable performance—so you stay connected even as you move freely.
  • HFP, A2DP, and AVRCP sound profiles deliver quality music playback and extended listening time.
  • A 400mAh battery provides approximately 40 hours of standby time and 5 hours and 30 minutes of music playback.

Fit and comfort

The comfort on this one is a big leap from its predecessor, the Crossky C30. The Crossky C30S is nothing short of superb, although you might experience a bit of fatigue from long-term use.

While testing, I couldn’t help but notice how light this one was on the ears, making it a perfect fit for gym-goers or users who prefer a lightweight design. The plastic on this one is very skin-friendly — I did not experience irritation around the ears — and also very steady when walking, running, and doing heavy tasks.

While it consistently reminds you of its presence in your ears, this is manageable. I prefer it for long listening sessions as there is no discomfort or pressure due to its lightness.

Overall, the QCY Crossky’s fit and comfort are excellent. This model is well-suited for extended and active use.

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Sound quality 

The sound quality of the QCY Crossky C30S is considered average for a clip-on device. While clip-on earbuds are typically designed with comfort as a primary focus rather than sound quality, the QCY Crossky C30S offers a distinct sound profile. Actually, it falls a bit short in terms of volume and impact. 

According to the specifications, the C30S has a maximum decibel output of approximately 90 dB, which may contribute to the perception of reduced loudness for some users. Additionally, the bass frequency response ranges from 20 Hz to 200 Hz, providing moderate bass impact.

The sound on the Crossky C30S was in no way an upgrade compared to the Crossky C30. The sound profile on this one is actually nice, with moderate bass and treble. It also tends to produce crystal-clear vocals, which is moderate on the clip-on side. However, it is not loud, and that’s where it falls off for me.

Most clip-ons, like the Haylou Airfree, tend not to be loud; however, if they are too loud, they may leak sound. However, some earbuds, such as the Baseus MC1 and the budget-friendly Baseus Bass BC1, are loud enough and still stand out as nice clip-ons.

In conclusion, the QCY Crossky C30S delivers average sound quality compared to the QCY Crossky C30, with a balanced profile and clarity similar to that of the Haylou Airfree.

Battery

Battery life is a clear area where the Crossky C30S outperforms its predecessor, the Crossky C30. Unlike the Haylou Airfree, which struggles with poor battery life, the C30S distinguishes itself among open-ear/clip-on earbuds by delivering strong battery performance that improves upon the C30. With a single charge providing up to 6 hours of listening time, this means you could comfortably handle three round-trip commutes, fit in two workout sessions, or get through an entire workday of Zoom calls without needing to recharge.

The battery on the C30S subtly improves upon that of the QCY Crossky C30. In my testing, it delivered results above average, offering longer media playback without needing frequent recharges. While comparing to models like the SoundPEATS Pearlclip Pro, the C30S stands out as top-tier in terms of battery life among its peers, slightly surpassing the original C30’s endurance.

QCY actually boasts a 6-hour listening time on this one, and in real-world testing, this is quite accurate. The earbuds are powered by 32mAh on the earbuds themselves and 460mAh in the case. Combined, QCY boasts 40 hours of total listening time, which matches the Crossky C30 despite its lesser battery capacity. I also noticed that this one features fast charging, so a 10-minute charge can provide up to 4 hours of playback.

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Bluetooth and range

Bluetooth connectivity is seamless and impressive here, utilizing what QCY describes as Bluetooth 5.0. However, it is essential to note that the current standard is Bluetooth 5.4. This discrepancy may be due to a branding decision or a misunderstanding of terminology. Despite this, the connectivity is an update from the QCY Crossky C30 and remains highly efficient.

For starters, during testing, I noticed how seamless the connection was for the QCY Crossky C30S. I like how easy this one was to connect compared to the SoundPEATS Pearlclip Pro, which was quite hard to connect at first. I did not experience any break in sound when using this one, and it also supports low-latency mode for a smoother Bluetooth experience.

However, like the Crossky C30, this one also supports Bluetooth multi-point connectivity, which enables the user to connect to more than two devices simultaneously, such as a laptop and mobile phone. I tested this with both of my mobile phones, and it was perfect.

The range on this one is also quite decent. If you are like me, who always leave their devices in another room and walk around the house, you have not experienced breaks in sound. The range on this one is actually perfect. Although QCY boasts a 10M range, that is quite accurate. If you are like me, then it’s a great add-on.

Call and media playback quality

When it comes to the call and media playback quality, the QCY Crossky C30S is an absolute beast. Now, QCY boasts an AI mic and wind-blowing structure, and this one delivers.

While testing, I could not help but notice how easy and clear the calls were. I did not encounter any situations where individuals on the other end of the calls complained about not hearing me clearly, nor did I experience any instances where I could not hear what they were saying. I appreciate how crystal clear the audio was and how the speakers could deliver crystal-clear vocals even in noisy environments. However, they might not perform very well in extremely noisy environments, such as a football game.

The C30S features a dual ENC mic system, just like the C30. To clarify, ENC stands for Environmental Noise Cancellation, which helps filter background noise and deliver clear vocals, but the improvement in the C30s aims for slightly better call quality than the earlier model.

The media playback, on the other hand, is very nice as I did not experience any lags or breakdowns. I could actually watch movies and play games for a long period of time. The low latency on this one improves media playback to a whole new level, not significantly different from its predecessor, the Crossky C30. So if you prioritize longer watch hours or playback time, then the QCY Crossky C30S is a very solid option.

Touch controls and App

Now, when it comes to the touch controls of any clip-on earbuds, I’m definitely not a fan. I think I would rather opt for a button control, such as the Baseus MC1 or the Baseus Bass BC1, either way.

Imagine you’re out for a run, feeling the rhythm push you forward, and you suddenly want to adjust the volume. The current touch interface makes this task more cumbersome than it should be; reaching up and doubling your efforts just to register a response can disrupt the flow of your workout. This is why the placement and sensitivity of the touch controls can be frustrating, as it demand more attention than a simple button press would.

The touch control on the QCY Crossky C30S was somewhat disappointing, much like its predecessor, the Crossky C30. Setting the touch controls to maximum sensitivity in the app did not noticeably improve responsiveness. Additionally, the placement of the controls on the back of the earbuds mirrors the C30. It remains a less user-friendly choice, so there is little improvement here compared to the earlier model.

Default touch controls:

  • Touch: No function on both left and right
  • Double touch: Pause and play on both left and right
  • Triple touch: Voice assist on left and Next track on right
  • Like the Crossky C30

Although, as I mentioned in the review of the QCY Crossky C30, the app for the QCY Crossky C30 is a very functional one, and I’m in love with its features. These include:

  • Touch sensitivity
  • Beep volume
  • Timing power-off
  • Disconnect and power off
  • Gaming mode
  • Spatial sound effects
  • Sleeping mode
  • Firmware update
  • Find headset

The ‘Find my headphone’ feature is particularly valuable, adding practical convenience to daily use.

Price

This one costs around $31, which is slightly higher than the QCY Crossky C30, which retails for around $26. You can pick this one up on either AliExpress or Amazon.

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pros

  • Very light and comfortable for long-term wear
  • Durable build (aluminum frame, nitinol clip)
  • Good battery life (approximately  6 hrs per charge, 40 hrs total with case)
  • Fast charging (10 min = 4 hrs of playback)
  • Bluetooth 6.0 and low-latency mode
  • Multi-point connectivity
  • Decent Bluetooth range (10 m)
  • Good call quality with dual ENC mics
  • Useful app features (adjust touch sensitivity, enable gaming mode for lower audio delay, receive firmware updates, locate missing headset, etc.)

Cons

  • Sound output and loudness could be stronger.
  • Touch controls lack responsiveness and are inconveniently positioned.
  • May cause slight fatigue during very long sessions
  • May struggle in extremely noisy environments
  • Slight price premium over predecessor

Should you buy the QCY Crossky C30S?

If you are in the market for clip-on earbuds that prioritize weight and comfort, then the QCY Crossky C30S are one of the best options available. In contrast to its predecessor, these earbuds are significantly lighter than the Crossky C30 and offer a more refined sound profile, albeit not as loud as the QCY Crossky C30. Thus, at around $31, it’s a good buy for casual users, gym enthusiasts, or anyone seeking lightweight clip-ons.

However, if you are a bass lover or often find yourself commuting in loud environments, you should look elsewhere. The QCY Crossky C30S may not meet the needs of those who require pronounced bass or high volume in busy environments. These earbuds are best suited for those who value comfort and balanced sound over bass intensity and loudness.

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