FAIRPHONE Fairbuds XL: Modular over-ear headphones presented

Known primarily for its modular smartphones, Netherlands-based manufacturer FAIRPHONE is launching into the headphone segment. The company has unveiled the FAIRPHONE Fairbuds XL, its first modular over-ear headphones.

The FAIRPHONE Fairbuds XL in detail

The FAIRPHONE Fairbuds XL are modular over-ear headphones made from fair trade and recycled materials and come in two color options. They follow the True Wireless headphones from 2021.

The Fairbuds XL are built to last and are easy to repair with a modular design and separately available replacement parts. Parts that wear out over time can be easily replaced and renewed with a few simple steps.

Plus, they’re made from Fairtrade gold, vegan leather, and other recycled materials. These include 100% recycled plastic, as well as 100% recycled aluminum in structural elements like the headband base and recycled tin. The travel bag used to transport the headphones is also made of 100 percent recycled polyester and nylon.

“Fairphone pays an additional $0.55 per headphone to close the wage gap for workers* in production and works with the supplier to improve working conditions that are aligned with the needs of working people,”promises the social business from the Netherlands.

Also sonically much to offer – ANC and aptX HD on board

But the FAIRPHONE Fairbuds XL are not only sustainable, they also want to convince from a technical point of view. This is ensured, for example, by dynamic 40 mm drivers that want to shine with powerful basses, were mids and detailed highs.

For the calibration of the sound image, the company has teamed up with the renowned manufacturer Sonarworks, who work with Grammy award-winning sound engineers. In addition, the headphones support Bluetooth Multipoint and can thus be connected to two audio sources simultaneously.

The wireless headphones use the Bluetooth 5.1 standard and support AAC and SBC as well as Qualcomm’s high-resolution aptX HD codec. Active noise cancellation (ANC) including a transparency mode is also offered.

The headphones’ 800 mAh battery is also replaceable and is supposed to offer a runtime of up to 30 hours. Charging is done via USB Type-C. Thanks to IP54 certification, rain and dust cannot harm the Fairbuds XL.

The headphones can be folded and promise a high wearing comfort. The Fairbuds XL weigh 330 grams.

In the Fairbuds app, the sound can be adjusted to one’s own preferences using an equalizer. The app also offers quick access to help topics such as the quick start guide, tutorials, support articles and customer service. Firmware updates can also be initiated via the app. Additionally, if repairs are needed, there is the option to order replacement parts through the app and learn about the headphone’s components.

• More: Best ANC headphones 2023 in test: guide and purchase recommendation

The FAIRPHONE Fairbuds XL Specifications in Detail

• Battery: 800 mAh
• Battery life: 30h
• ANC: Yes, including ambient noise mode
• Spare parts: Battery, speaker-to-speaker cable, ear cup covers,
• Headband, ear cushions, headband base, speaker, headband cover
• Bluetooth range: 10m
• Bluetooth & Codecs: Bluetooth 5.1 – AAC, SBC, APTX HD
• IP rating: IP54
• Weight: 330g
• Portability: foldable
• Multipoint calls: available
• Intelligent assistant: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri
• Connection: USB-C (for charging, digital and analog music)
• Driver diameter: 40mm

Price and Availability

The FAIRPHONE Fairbuds XL modular and sustainable over-ear headphones will be available directly from the manufacturer and select partners on May 11, 2023. The recommended retail price is 249 euros.