Fairphone refreshes its good-looking, repairable headphones

Fairphone has introduced its latest over-the-ear headphones, the Fairbuds XL, priced at $229, now available in an eye-catching forest green along with the classic black. These headphones aim to compete with notable models like the Nothing Headphones (1), Sony’s WH-1000XM5, and the Sonos Ace. While some alternatives may deliver superior sound quality and noise cancellation, the Fairbuds XL stands out for its emphasis on longevity and repairability. Originally launched in 2023, the Fairbuds XL come equipped with noise cancellation and are designed for easy repairs. Users can replace various components, including the battery, cushions, speaker covers, headband, and drivers. Repairing the headphones is straightforward, requiring only a guitar pick or a credit card and a basic screwdriver, with tutorial videos available on Fairphone's YouTube channel. This latest version retains the core principles of its predecessor but features subtle design enhancements and an upgraded driver for improved performance. The driver size remains at 40mm, but it now employs improved magnets that enhance bass response. Despite the upgrade, the overall sound profile remains neutral, allowing both mids and vocals to shine. For example, tracks from the “K-Pop Demon Hunter” album showcase bass-heavy segments that do not overpower the vocals or synth elements. Design-wise, the new model sports a green speaker-to-speaker cable and joystick, replacing the previous orange accents. Fairphone has also introduced new ear cushions made from mesh material, promoting comfort and better voice isolation. Users have reported extended wear without discomfort or sweating, making them suitable for long listening sessions. The Fairbuds XL come equipped with a tactile button and joystick for intuitive media control and switching between noise cancellation modes. The joystick allows users to play, pause, adjust volume, and navigate tracks effortlessly. The button serves dual purposes, including pairing mode activation and cycling through noise cancellation settings. This focus on user-friendly design is mirrored by other brands like Nothing, which are also integrating functional buttons into their headphone designs. With effective active noise cancellation, the Fairbuds XL provide a satisfactory experience, particularly beneficial for users in noisy environments. While they may not match the noise cancellation levels of AirPods, they still deliver commendable performance. Chandler Hatton, Fairphone’s CTO, emphasized the company’s deliberate approach to product release and backward compatibility, aiming to counteract the trend of planned obsolescence in the industry. Fairphone is committed to using fair-mined and recycled materials in its products, and the packaging is designed to minimize waste, featuring only a protective pouch and a quick start guide. The headphones boast a battery life of up to 30 hours, though this decreases with active noise cancellation enabled. One drawback noted is the absence of a traditional headphone jack, which could limit compatibility with certain devices; however, Fairphone offers a USB-C to 3.5mm dongle for $15. Following recent executive changes, Fairphone aims to prove its capability in producing and distributing gadgets on a larger scale, with the U.S. market expansion as a significant step. The Fairbuds XL will be among the first products fully available in the U.S., complete with replacement parts support and a three-year warranty. While currently available on Fairphone’s website, the headphones will also launch on Amazon later this month, alongside the company’s new $99 wireless earbuds.