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JLab Flex Open Earbuds vs QCY Crossky C50: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the QCY Crossky C50 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: QCY Crossky C50 - Outstanding overall at around $40.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

QCY Crossky C50 leads on 5 of 6 measures.

  • JLab Flex Open Earbuds
  • QCY Crossky C50
HearWiki score
76
81
Sound
7.1
8.3
Battery
6.5
7.4
Calls
6.2
7.8
Value
9.1
9.2
Price (USD)
$40
$40

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Half a step newer

QCY Crossky C50 (2025) against JLab Flex Open Earbuds (2024). The QCY Crossky C50 edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 6.0 against 5.4. The JLab Flex Open Earbuds answers on convenience features: it adds Water resistance IP55 against IPX5.

  • Flex Open Earbuds2024
  • Crossky C5020251 yr newer
What differsFlex Open EarbudsCrossky C50

Platform

Bluetooth
5.4
6.0

Everyday features

Water resistance
IP55
IPX5

Level on: Top codec, Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

Flex Open EarbudsCrossky C50
Type
Open-Ear
Open-Ear
Price (USD)
$40
$40
HearWiki score
76
81
Released
2024
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
12 mm dynamic
10.8 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
12 mm
10.8 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sound signature
-
neutral
Impedance
12 Ω
-
Bluetooth
5.4
6.0
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Latency
200 ms
-
Wireless range
9 m
10 m
Battery life
7 h
7.5 h
Battery incl. case
21 h
35 h
Full charge time
120 min
90 min
Quick charge
10 min → 1 h
10 min → 2 h
Wireless charging
-
Yes
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Yes
-
Weight
12 g
5.2 g
Case weight
36.8 g
-
Water resistance
IP55
IPX5
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
4
4
Microphone type
MEMS
-
Mic sensitivity
-38 dBV
-
Call noise reduction
Yes
Yes
Call NR technology
2-mic ENC
AI ENC

What reviewers said

JLab Flex Open Earbuds

The JLab Flex Open Earbuds are an affordable open-ear option that clips onto your ear, featuring 12mm dynamic drivers and Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint support. They offer around 7 hours of playback per charge, extending to 21 hours with the charging case, and boast an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance. With touch controls, a customizable EQ, and a lightweight 12-gram design, these earbuds prioritize comfort and practicality over noise cancellation.

  • Pro:Lightweight and secure open-ear fit
  • Pro:Long battery life with charging case
  • Pro:IP55 dust and water resistance
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:SBC and AAC codecs only
  • Con:Sound may leak at high volumes

QCY Crossky C50

The QCY Crossky C50 are open-ear clip-on earbuds that deliver solid everyday performance for a modest price. They combine a bass-leaning, practical sound with long battery life, multipoint connectivity, and a comfortable, secure fit that keeps you aware of your surroundings. While not aimed at audiophiles, they're a well-rounded, feature-packed option for budget-conscious listeners.

  • Pro:Comfortable, secure open-ear clip design
  • Pro:Long battery life with charging case
  • Pro:Multipoint pairing and Bluetooth 6.0
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Sound is more practical than premium
  • Con:Touch controls may be sensitive

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonJLab Flex Open EarbudsQCY Crossky C50