QCY Crossky C30S Review: Affordable Earbuds That Rival Premium Competitors
/
Today I’m talking about a new pair of earbuds I’ve been testing and genuinely enjoying: the QCY Crossky C30S. I reviewed the original Crossky C30 last year and found them decent for their price — great design, acceptable sound, and a bargain at around £30. But the new C30S? A completely different story. QCY didn’t just tweak the audio — they’ve reinvented it.
At £40, these feel like a steal. The difference in sound quality compared to the previous model is simply night and day.
Packaging & First Impressions
The C30S come in a compact, no-fuss box — clean and modern. Design-wise, they still look as sharp as the original model. These are open-ear earbuds with an over-ear hook design, which makes them ideal for running, walking the dog, or just wearing at home without isolating you from your surroundings.
They’re super light, which I love, and once they’re in place, they stay put. But I won’t lie — like with the first model, there’s a bit of a learning curve when it comes to positioning them properly. You need a few tries to get the right fit, especially if you're used to traditional in-ear or open-fit buds. Once you find the sweet spot though, they feel natural and comfortable.
What It Does / Key Features
Hi-Res Audio & LDAC Support – Audio feels richer, more immersive, and detailed.
Dual-magnet 10.8mm drivers – Clear mids and treble with a punchy bass.
Bluetooth with dual connection – You can connect to two devices at once (handy when switching between phone and laptop).
40-hour total battery life – About 6 hours from the buds and 34 extra from the case.
Touch controls – Responsive and easy to get used to (a big plus!).
QCY App support – Easy to pair, tweak EQ settings, and check battery life.
IPX5-rated – Splash-proof and sweat-resistant for workouts or light rain.
How I Use them
I’ve been using them for everything — walking Marlow, editing posts, even answering calls during work sessions. They’re ideal for situations where I still want to hear my surroundings, like on my walks through Thornbury or working with one ear open at home.
Connecting them via the QCY app was quick and painless — and I love that I can switch EQ settings or check battery levels in seconds. Plus, the multi-device pairing means I don’t have to disconnect from my MacBook to take a call on my iPhone.
Personal Experience & Results
Let me get straight to the point — the sound is excellent. Way better than the original Crossky. It’s louder, clearer, and has a much fuller presence. The Hi-Res and LDAC support isn’t just marketing talk — you can hear the difference. These sound better than most earbuds I’ve tested in the £100–£120 range.
Call quality has also been improved massively. People on the other end of the line hear me clearly, even when I’m out walking. And finally, a word on the touch controls — they’re reliable. I’ve had issues with touch-sensitive earbuds in the past, but here, they work consistently well.
Only downside? That same quirky shape. It’s comfortable, but again — not for everyone, and you’ll need a few tries to position them right. Also, the charging case doesn’t support wireless charging — which would’ve been a nice bonus.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✅ Outstanding sound for the price
✅ Hi-Res & LDAC support
✅ Solid call quality
✅ Light and stylish
✅ Great battery life
✅ Responsive touch controls
Cons
❌ Still takes some adjusting to get the perfect fit
❌ Charging case isn’t wireless
❌ Open-ear look might not suit everyone
Conclusion
QCY has nailed it with the Crossky C30S. They’ve taken everything that made the original version decent and turned it into something truly impressive — especially at this price point. If you want open-ear earbuds that offer great sound, excellent call quality, multi-device pairing, and Hi-Res support for just £40… look no further.
They’re not trying to be Sony or Bose — but honestly? For everyday use, especially if you’re active or work from home like me, these tick nearly all the boxes.
Available at QCY.com and Amazon.com
Jerome
Jerome is a 51-year-old lifestyle blogger and the founder of Dapper & Groomed. He shares honest, personal reviews on skincare, fashion, fragrance, and tech, drawing from his own daily routines and hands-on experience. Based in the UK, he helps men look, sound, and feel their best at any age.
QCY Crossky C30S earbuds deliver Hi-Res sound, LDAC support, and premium features at an affordable price. A hands-on review by Jerome from Dapper & Groomed.