We’ve all seen the market flooded with earbud options, but every now and then, a product like the Sanag Z60S comes along and genuinely piques my interest, not just for its quirky, almost “alien” open-ear clip design, but for the bold claims it makes about comfort and battery life. Having tested more earbuds than I can count, I’m always a bit skeptical when “premium experience” and “budget price” are used in the same sentence, but Sanag seems determined to challenge that notion.
These Z60S units are designed for those who dislike the plugged-up feeling, want to stay aware of their surroundings, and require a battery that can last the distance – we’re talking a touted 50 hours with the case. The real kicker? You can consistently find these on platforms like AliExpress for around $24.9. Yes, you read that right. For less than a decent takeout meal, Sanag is promising a lot. So, the natural question isn’t just if they’re good for the price, but how good they actually are, and where, if anywhere, the corners have been cut.
Design & Build Quality
Pulling the Sanag Z60S out of the box, the charging case itself gives off a decent first impression. It’s got this pleasantly textured matte finish on the outside, which I appreciate because it does a good job of keeping fingerprints at bay – a small thing, but it adds to a cleaner look over time. It feels pretty solid in the hand, not overly heavy but not flimsy cheap either, striking a nice balance for something you’ll toss in a pocket or bag.
You’ve got your standard USB-C port for charging, which is always good to see, and a little LED indicator on the front. Inside, the earbuds snap into place with a satisfying magnetic click; they’re not going to fall out accidentally.
Now, the earbuds themselves – this is where the design really takes a turn from your typical bud. They’ve got this distinct “clip-on” or U-shaped, open-ear style that hooks around the back of your ear, with the speaker element resting just outside your ear canal.
The part that actually touches your ear feels like a soft-touch silicone or TPU, which is key for comfort. They’re incredibly lightweight; you genuinely barely feel them once they’re on. The main body is plastic – I’ve seen different colorways, some with a bit more gloss. They claim a five-point fit, and I can see how the ergonomics are meant to secure them, especially if you’re moving around. You’ll spot the charging contacts, a tiny LED for status, and the microphone port.
For durability against the elements, they’re rocking an IPX4 rating, so sweat during a workout or a bit of light rain shouldn’t be a problem. The little arm that connects the main body to the speaker part is quite flexible, allowing for a bit of adjustment to get the fit just right. For something in this price bracket, the build feels competent enough for daily use.
Comfort & Wearability
Putting the Sanag Z60S on, the first thing that hits you is just how incredibly light these things are. We’re talking around 4 to 5 grams per bud, and that makes a huge difference in day-to-day wear. You genuinely do almost forget they’re even there, which is a massive plus for anyone who wears earbuds for extended periods. That “feather-light” description isn’t just marketing fluff; it’s pretty accurate.
Stability-wise, they hold their ground remarkably well. I’ve taken them on jogs, done some jumping jacks (for science, of course), and they’ve stayed put without needing constant readjustment. That secure five-point fit they talk about seems to do its job, making them a solid choice for workouts or just generally active use. The only real trade-off with this open design, from a wearability perspective, is that you’re not getting any noise isolation. So, on a noisy train or a busy street, you’ll definitely be hearing your surroundings along with your music.
Connectivity & Sanag App
Pairing up the Sanag Z60S is a breeze. They’re running Bluetooth 5.4, and Sanag also touts its own “Flashlink 7.0” tech, which seems to be their secret sauce for a quick and stable connection. From my experience, they connect almost instantly once you take them out of the case after that initial pairing. Streaming videos or music has been pretty much lag-free, so binge-watching your favorite shows won’t be an issue.
Diving into the Sanag app, it offers a few genuinely useful features for the Z60S. You can check the precise battery levels of each earbud and the case, which is always handy. The EQ presets I mentioned earlier are adjusted here, giving you some control over the sound profile. One of the standout features, especially for budget buds, is the “Find My Earbuds” function. It can make the earbuds emit a sound if they’re out of the case and within Bluetooth range – a potential lifesaver if you’re prone to misplacing them.
The app also hints at more advanced “digital enhancement modes” and even some AI tools like a chat assistant, image generation, or a translator.
Sound Quality
Okay, so getting down to how the Sanag Z60S actually sound, especially for something hovering around that $25 mark, they genuinely punch above their weight class. The 12mm composite diaphragm drivers they’re using manage to deliver a surprisingly well-balanced audio experience. You’re not going to get that thumping, skull-rattling bass that some in-ear buds provide – the open-ear design naturally means some of that low-end energy dissipates – but what you do get is a decent, present bass that doesn’t overpower everything else. It’s there, it adds warmth, but it’s not muddy or bloated.
Mids come through quite clearly. Vocals, whether in music or podcasts, are articulate and easy to understand, which is a big win for everyday listening. Instruments generally sound distinct. The highs are present and offer a reasonable amount of detail, though if you’re an audiophile used to very expensive gear, you might find them a tad restrained or less sparkly compared to, say, something like the Huawei FreeClip. But for most casual listeners, they’re perfectly fine.
One of the pleasant surprises is how they handle higher volumes. They manage to maintain their composure pretty well, without getting overly distorted or harsh, which can often be an issue with budget earbuds. Clarity generally holds up.
The companion app, with its EQ presets like rock, pop, and gaming modes, does offer a bit of flexibility to tailor the sound to your preference. While you’re not getting granular EQ control, these presets do make a noticeable difference and can help you find a sound signature that works best for what you’re listening to. For a pair of open-ear buds at this price, the overall sound quality is impressively good, offering a clear and enjoyable listening experience for most genres and spoken word content.
Microphone & Call Quality
When it comes to taking calls with the Sanag Z60S, they actually hold up surprisingly well, especially considering their open-ear design and budget price point. Sanag has packed in AI call noise cancellation and wind-resistant built-in mics, and these features aren’t just marketing buzzwords; they do seem to make a noticeable difference.
In relatively quiet environments, like at home or in a not-too-chaotic office, my voice came through clearly to the person on the other end. They reported that I sounded crisp and easy to understand, without much of that distant or muffled quality you sometimes get with earbud microphones.
Taking them out into more challenging scenarios, like on my balcony with city traffic below, or even with a bit of wind, the AI noise cancellation did a respectable job of filtering out a good chunk of that background racket. The mics seem to focus on your voice and try to isolate it. I tested this on a balcony with car noise and some wind, and the results were pretty positive. Another test by the roadside also yielded clear voice transmission.
Now, they’re not miracle workers. In really strong winds, or if you’re right next to a very loud, constant noise source like a construction site, some of that ambient sound might still sneak through, or your voice might get a little suppressed as the AI works overtime. So, while they handle everyday background noise quite capably, extreme conditions can still pose a challenge, which is fairly standard for most TWS earbuds, especially in this category. For general calls, though, they perform admirably, ensuring your voice is the main focus of the conversation.
Battery Life & Charging
The battery life on the Sanag Z60S is, frankly, one of its standout features and a huge selling point. Sanag claims around 7 hours of playback on a single charge from the earbuds themselves, and from my testing, that’s pretty much on the money, depending on your volume levels, of course. That’s a solid day of intermittent use or a good long listening session without needing to reach for the case.
But the real star here is the charging case. It packs a 400mAh battery, and when you combine that with the earbud capacity, you’re looking at a total playtime of around 50 hours. Fifty! That’s almost a full week of pretty heavy use for many people before you even need to think about plugging the case itself into a wall. This kind of longevity is rare, especially in the budget earbud market, and it’s a massive convenience.
When you do eventually need to juice them up, the case charges via a modern USB-C port, which is great – no messing around with outdated micro-USB cables. There’s also a fast-charging feature, which is always a welcome addition. Popping the earbuds back into the case for just 10 minutes can get you around an hour of playback time. That’s perfect for those moments when you realize you’re low on battery just before heading out.
A full charge for the earbuds in the case takes about 1.5 hours. For the price, the battery performance you’re getting here is genuinely impressive and a major win for the Z60S.
Verdict & Final Thoughts
So, after spending a good amount of time with the Sanag Z60S, the big question is: are they worth your hard-earned cash, especially at that tempting $24.9 price point? My take is a resounding yes, with a few clear caveats.
These earbuds absolutely nail it in a few key areas. The comfort is outstanding; that lightweight, open-ear design means you can wear them for hours without any of the usual ear fatigue, and they stay remarkably secure even during active moments. Battery life is another massive win – getting close to 50 hours of total playtime is fantastic for any earbuds, let alone budget ones. The sound quality, while not audiophile-grade, is surprisingly good for the price – well-balanced, clear, and enjoyable for everyday listening. Connectivity is solid, and call quality is more than respectable for most situations.
Now, they’re not going to replace high-end models that boast features like active noise cancellation or wireless charging – but that’s not what they’re trying to do. The open-ear design, while great for comfort and awareness, inherently means you’re going to hear your surroundings, so they’re not ideal for noisy commutes if you want to block everything out. The touch controls, while functional, can be a little finicky at times and might take some getting used to. And while the companion app offers some neat features like EQ and “find my earbuds,” the more advanced AI stuff feels a bit underdeveloped.
For anyone prioritizing long battery life, a super comfortable and secure fit, decent sound quality, and all of this without breaking the bank, the Sanag Z60S are an excellent choice. They deliver impressive value and are an easy recommendation for everyday listening, workouts, calls, or just for folks who hate the feeling of traditional in-ear buds. They successfully deliver a premium-feeling experience in the areas that matter most for their target audience, especially considering that budget price tag.
