QCY has launched the Crossky C50i, a pair of open-style true wireless earbuds with a clip-on design, priced at just 169 yuan (roughly $25). Despite the budget tag, the QCY Crossky C50i pack serious audio credentials, including LDAC support, Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification, spatial audio, and up to 40 hours of playback when used with the charging case.
Clip-on earbuds are gaining momentum as an alternative to traditional in-ear models. Some listeners prefer keeping their ears open for environmental awareness and less canal occlusion, while others simply want a lighter, less intrusive fit. Brands like Huawei, Bose, and Sennheiser have already jumped on this trend with their own takes. QCY sets itself apart by going straight for aggressive pricing.
QCY Crossky C50i clip-on earbuds specifications
The Crossky C50i feature a flexible C-shaped clip frame made from 0.5mm titanium wire with shape memory, tested to withstand 10,000 bends. The earbuds are coated in a soft-touch material and include internal hooks to keep them stable during activities like running and cycling.
- Open clip-on design
- 0.5mm titanium memory wire frame
- IPX4 water resistance
- Supports LDAC codec up to 990 kbps
- Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified
- Four microphones for calls
- Up to 8 hours playback without case
- Up to 40 hours total with 500mAh charging case
Sound drivers use QCY’s custom SQ Ohm units with composite diaphragms made from wool fibers and paper. To boost bass-often lacking in open-style earbuds-a dedicated DSP chip and software algorithms are applied. QCY also implements a 30-degree angled sound channel and reverse sound wave technology to direct sound toward the ear and minimize bleed-out.
Feature-wise, the Crossky C50i is unusually ambitious for the price segment. It offers 360-degree spatial audio, multipoint connectivity for two devices at once, a low-latency gaming mode, call noise and wind reduction, and even real-time translation for about 30 languages plus meeting transcription via its companion app-capabilities rarely seen outside midrange or premium models.
Battery life and pricing of QCY Crossky C50i earbuds
QCY claims up to 8 hours of continuous playback per charge, extending to 40 hours with the charging case. Enabling LDAC lowers those figures to about 4 hours standalone and 20 hours total. The earbuds charge via USB-C, with a quick 10-minute charge providing roughly 1.5 hours of playback.
The Crossky C50i are already available on JD.com for 169 yuan (~$25) in four color options:
- Sea Salt Blue
- Bright Moon White
- Peach Pink
- Mist Gray
Their charging case features an iridescent finish that shifts color depending on lighting. For comparison, Huawei’s FreeClip earbuds launched at a significantly higher price, while Bose’s Ultra Open Earbuds target the premium segment with a $299 price tag.
The biggest question is whether the Crossky C50i can nail the tricky balance clip-on designs face: a secure, comfortable fit combined with minimal sound leakage. If their ergonomics hold up, these earbuds could quickly stand out as a budget favorite in the expanding open-ear segment, which competitors like Huawei and Sennheiser are also pursuing aggressively.