I’ve spent some time testing both the QCY C30 and QCY C50, two Bluetooth clip-style earphones from the same brand. On paper, they might seem quite similar — same basic design, both work with the QCY app, and both are made for people who want a comfortable fit without sealing the ear canal.
But once I started using them side by side, I noticed differences in comfort, build, sound quality, and battery life that could easily influence which one is right for you. So here’s my honest breakdown based on real use.
Pricing
Both are affordable, and you get under 50 bucks. The QCY C30 costs around $30 to $35 USD, QCY C50 costs around $35 to $40 USD, so there’s not much gap in pricing between the two.
Also see: QCY C30 vs C30S: Which Clip-On Earbuds Should You Pick?
QCY Crossky C50 vs QCY C30: Specs Comparison
| Category | QCY Crossky C50 | QCY Crossky C30 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Open-ear / clip-on (C-shape) | Open-ear / clip-on (C-shape) |
| Driver | 10.8 mm dual-magnet dynamic driver | 10.8 mm dual-magnet dynamic driver |
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 6.0 | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Codec | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Microphone/call | Dual-mic, ENC (better pickup reported) | Dual-mic, ENC |
| Single-charge playtime (earbuds) | ~7.5 hours | ~5.5 hours |
| Total playtime (with case) | Up to 35 hours (case recharges included) | Up to 25 hours (case recharges included) |
| Earbud battery capacity | 35 mAh (each) | 32 mAh (each) |
| Charging case capacity | 380 mAh | 400 mAh |
| Charging time | USB Type-C (charging time ~2 hrs reported) | USB Type-C (charging time ~2 hrs reported) |
| Water resistance / IP rating | IPX5 | IPX4 |
| Weight (per earbud) | 5g | 5g |
| App/features | QCY app: EQ, spatial sound, game mode, touch customisation, real-time translation reported | QCY app: EQ, spatial sound, game mode, touch customisation |
Build Quality and Comfort
Both the C30 and C50 use the same clip-on concept — they rest on your ear rather than going inside it, which makes them surprisingly comfortable for long listening sessions.
They also stay firmly in place even when moving around, so you don’t have to worry about them falling off.
That said, the C50 feels a little more premium. The case has a sturdier, smoother finish and offers better protection for the earbuds inside. The earbuds themselves also feel slightly more refined in the hand.
As for comfort, I personally found the C50 more pleasant to wear for extended periods. The C30 is still comfortable, but if I had to pick one for a long trip or a day at work, I’d choose the C50.
Connectivity and Ease of Use
Here’s where the tech difference comes in. The C30 runs on Bluetooth 5.4, while the C50 uses the newer Bluetooth 6.0.
In my day-to-day use, both connected quickly and held the signal well, but the C50 did seem slightly more responsive when switching between devices. That’s likely thanks to its dual-device connection feature, which lets you keep it paired to two devices at the same time — something the C30 doesn’t offer.
If you mostly use your earbuds with just one device, the C30 will be fine. But if you’re someone who’s constantly switching between a phone and a laptop, the C50 is definitely more convenient.
App Features
Both the C30 and C50 work with the QCY app, giving you access to EQ presets, spatial sound, custom touch controls, and game mode for reduced latency.
The menus and options are essentially the same, so you won’t be missing out on features with either model.
The only real app-related difference is that the C50’s dual-device connection can be managed directly through the app, making it easier to control which devices it’s paired to at any given time.
Microphone Quality
I tested the microphones on both in calls and voice messages. The C50 had slightly clearer pickup, especially in noisy environments, while the C30 was still good but let in a bit more background noise.
For casual calls, both are perfectly usable, but if you make a lot of calls in public spaces, the C50 has the edge.
Sound Quality
This is where I noticed the biggest gap. The C30 sounds good — it’s loud, has crisp treble, and bass that’s strong enough for most listeners. It’s enjoyable for music, podcasts, and even videos.
The C50, however, just sounds better in almost every way. The bass is deeper and punchier without getting muddy, mids are richer, and the treble stays clean even at higher volumes. It feels more powerful and more controlled, and even when I cranked it up, the sound didn’t distort. If audio quality is your top priority, the C50 is the clear winner here.
Battery Life
Battery life is another area where the difference becomes clear. The C30 gives you around 5.5 hours on a single charge, with up to 25 hours total using the case. The C50 stretches that to around 7.5 hours per charge and 35 hours total with the case.
In real-world use, that meant I could go a couple of days with the C50 before thinking about charging, while the C30 usually needed a top-up sooner. If you hate charging their earbuds often, the C50’s extra runtime is a nice advantage.
Which Should You Buy?
After using both, I can honestly say I’d pick the QCY C50 if I had to choose just one. The C30 is a solid and comfortable earphone with good sound and a lower price, but the C50 just does more for a small extra cost — better build quality, longer battery life, newer Bluetooth, dual-device pairing, clearer microphone, and noticeably better sound.
If you’re on a tight budget, the C30 won’t disappoint. But if you can stretch just a little further, the C50 feels like the smarter buy that will last you longer and give you a better overall experience.
Best Deals:
QCY C50: View on AliExpress
QCY C30: View on AliExpress
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
