Any links to online stores should be assumed to be affiliates. The company or PR agency provides all or most review samples. They have no control over my content, and I provide my honest opinion.
The Lypertek PurePlay Z5 launched a few days ago as the successor to the superb Lypertek PurePlay Z3 2.0. These are the first ANC earbuds from Lypertek, and they are a surprisingly good first attempt.
October 2022 Update – New Lower Price
While Nothing has just hiked the price of the Ear (1) by an astonishing 50%, Lypertek has managed to drop the price of the PurePlay Z5 by 17%, going down from £119 to £99.
Furthermore, the PurePlay Z7 is £89/$89/€89 (down from £199).
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LYPERTEK PurePlay Z5 - Hybrid ANC Active Noise Cancelling... | £67.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Specification
- Driver: 10mm Dynamic
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling technology
- Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, aptX, aptX Adaptive and AAC
- PureControl ANC App for Android and iOS feat. LDX™ audio, Auto-Ambient, 7-band EQ and more
- High performance 10mm drivers for premium sound with engaging sound image and powerful bass control
- Carefully tuned for extended listening sessions without ear fatigue
- Three microphones on each earbud with cVc 8.0 echo cancellation and noise suppression for enhanced call quality
- Wide assortment of PurePower™, PureSpace™ and PureComfort™ silicone and foam tips for perfect fit and best possible sound experience
- Up to 7 hours total playtime on a single charge + 28 hours via charging case
- High-speed wireless charging and Fast Charge (15min. charging = 2h play time)
- IPX5 water-resistant design provides protection from rain and sweat
Design and Fit
Lypertek has switched up the design for the PurePlay Z5. Previously the earbud fit entirely in the concha part of your ear, whereas now they have a stem. I assume the design is beneficial for the ANC mic, but it also helps bring the centre of gravity in closer to your face. I have no preference about these two design options, but in this case, I would say the PurePlay Z5 fit better in my ears.
Just like the previous PurePlay earbuds, you get a wide selection of earpieces which includes a pair of foam tips. Lypertek even explains how the fit affects the sound and how each earpiece will provide a different sound profile.
I have used these for outdoor running and weightlifting had no experience with these, feeling like they will fall out. The IPX5 rating should make them a good choice for exercise earbuds.
The one thing I don’t like about these is the case. It looks and feels cheap compared to the fabric coated predecessor. I also occasionally found that the earbuds didn’t mount into the case properly, which left the Bluetooth connection open. It seems like the stem doesn’t always align with the charging points properly, so you have to press down on the stem to make sure they move into place.
App
As I had previously reviewed the Lypertek PurePlay Z3 I already had a PureControl app installed. I then literally wasted 30 mins trying to get the earbuds to connect. It turns out there are two separate apps. This isn’t really an issue most people are likely to experience but having separate apps for different earbuds just seems a bit sloppy.
Once I installed the correct app, the earbuds connected immediately, and I was informed they needed a firmware update.
With the firmware updated, the earbuds guide you through some settings. One option I was glad to have was the normal and safe mode. I regularly single touch earbuds when out running, and having my music randomly pause is incredibly annoying, so disabling single touch is always preferential.
The app itself is functional and does all the things you need. Apart from the ANC control, you also have the option for LDX, or if LDX is off, you have a decent equaliser with a good set of presets.
Sound Quality
These sound fantastic and, in my opinion, better than the Z3. The LDX mode, which stands for Lypertek Definition Expander, is the recommended profile to choose. This provides a well-balanced sound with good levels of bass while retaining clarity throughout the mids and highs. With this mode enabled, I haven’t experienced the high-end fatigue I frequently get from earbuds.
With LDX off, you can then tweak the EQ settings. The two main options worth highlighting are the bass boost and neutral.
My own brother has criticised my reviews because he is adamant that earbuds should only be neutral and any other sound profile makes them crap. If you are that sort of audiophile, then the neutral option is likely to appeal to you, and it does sound good, allowing the mids to have more detail. Though, I’d still argue LDX is better.
On the flip side, if you are a normal person that favours modern music with bass emphasis, then the bass boost may suit your tastes. It doesn’t accentuate the bass enough for the biggest of bass heads, but it boosts the bass to pleasant levels without muddying up the other frequencies too much.
You also have aptX Adaptive, so these will adjust the bitrate depending on the connection and environment for the best possible experience, including low latency audio.
Noise Cancellation
Using my standard test of a airplane cabin noise YouTube video, these earbuds perform well for the price.
They were able to block out most of the low-end hum, but leaving a bit of midrange while retaining quite a lot of the high pitched buzzing.
In comparison, I tried the Bose 700 over-ear headphones, and they blocked out all the higher ends leaving some low end.
I then moved on to something a bit closer matched, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro. I’d say these perform a bit better than the Lypertek. They block out almost all the low and midrange, leaving a high-end buzz.
One neat feature with the ANC is the ability to switch abient mode on automatically when music stops. It is such an obviously sensible thing to do. I am surprised this is a default feature with ANC earbuds.
Overall, I’d say this is a pretty good attempt at ANC, and from memory, I’d say these perform to a similar level that the Nothing Ear 1 managed, and I was impressed with them.
Price and Alternative Options
The Lypertek PurePlay Z5 have an RRP of £99. You can also buy them from hifiheadphones.co.uk
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro I previously mentioned is a bit better for ANC, and I love the way they sound, but they are more bass-forward than the Lypertek and not quite as balanced. They also cost £20-£30 more.
The Nothing Ear 1 are excellent earbuds which are £10-£20 cheaper but, in my opinion, don’t sound anywhere near as good as the Lypertek PurePlay Z5.
Overall
The Lypertek PurePlay Z5 are a superb pair of affordable ANC earbuds, which is impressive for a first attempt.
While the ANC may not compare with the best option on the market, I think they perform close to the best options at this price point.
Minor grievances are the confusion with two different PureControl apps and the fiddly case.
As usual for Lypertek, it is the sound quality that makes them stand out, the LDX profile is superb, and the EQ options provide excellent customisation to suit any sound preference.
Overall I would say these are some of the best earbuds you can buy for around £90-120, and this price point is starting to become the sweet spot for earbuds and is increasingly competitive.
Lypertek PurePlay Z5 Review Rating
Summary
The Lypertek PurePlay Z5 are a superb pair of affordable ANC earbuds and are some of the best earbuds you can buy for around £90-120
Overall
90%-
Overall - 90%90%
Pros
- Outstand sound quality
- ANC performance comparable with the best other options at this price
Cons
- An annoying case that doesn’t always mount earbuds correctly.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
