Fairphone, the Dutch electronics company renowned for its modular and sustainable smartphones, has just unveiled the second generation of its over-ear headphones. The Fairbuds XL Gen 2 builds upon the unique, user-repairable foundation of its predecessor, introducing meaningful upgrades to audio performance, active noise cancellation, and battery life. This launch reinforces Fairphone's commitment to creating durable, repairable consumer electronics in a market often defined by planned obsolescence.
A Commitment to Modularity and Longevity
At the core of the Fairbuds XL Gen 2 is Fairphone's unwavering commitment to modularity. Every key component, from the headband and ear cups to the internal electronics, is designed to be user-replaceable. This philosophy extends practically to the battery, which is easily accessible by removing a cover on the left ear cup and pops out without any adhesive. This design empowers users to easily swap a degraded battery, potentially extending the headphones' usable life for many years—a stark contrast to most consumer audio products.
Enhanced Audio with Backwards-Compatible Upgrades
The new model features updated 40mm dynamic drivers paired with refined sound tuning, promising richer audio with more powerful bass and clearer mids. In a move that perfectly encapsulates its modular ethos, Fairphone is making these new drivers available for purchase separately. Owners of the first-generation Fairbuds XL can buy the left (€61.95) and right (€39.95) driver assemblies to upgrade their existing headphones' sound quality, a rare opportunity to enhance an older product rather than replace it entirely.
Pricing for Replacement/Upgrade Parts
- Left Driver Assembly: €61.95
- Right Driver Assembly: €39.95 (Note: These parts are also compatible with the first-generation Fairbuds XL for an audio upgrade.)
Improved Performance and Endurance
Performance sees a notable bump across several fronts. Battery life is rated at up to 30 hours with ANC off and 20 hours with it on, representing a five-hour improvement over the first generation. The active noise cancellation system has also been upgraded, now offering up to 35dB of noise reduction with improved algorithms for mitigating wind noise during calls. Connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 5.3 with support for dual-device pairing, and the headphones support AAC, SBC, and aptX HD codecs for high-quality wireless audio.
Key Specifications & Upgrades (Gen 2 vs. Gen 1)
| Feature | Fairbuds XL Gen 2 | Fairbuds XL (Gen 1) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 40mm dynamic (upgraded) | 40mm dynamic | New drivers are backwards-compatible and sold separately. |
| Battery Life (ANC Off) | 30 hours | 25 hours | +5 hour improvement. |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | 20 hours | Not explicitly stated, but implied lower. | |
| Noise Cancellation | Up to 35dB reduction | Previous generation ANC. | Improved wind noise reduction for calls. |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with dual device | 5.2 | |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC, aptX HD | AAC, SBC, aptX | Addition of aptX HD. |
| Ingress Protection | IP54 | IP54 | Unchanged. |
| Modularity | Fully user-repairable | Fully user-repairable | Core philosophy retained. |
| Price (Europe) | €249 / £219 | Original launch price was lower. | |
| Price (US) | $229 (expected) | Was not widely available in US. | Launching later in December 2025. |
| Colors | Forest Green, Horizon Black | Different color options. |
Sustainable Design and Availability
Staying true to its environmental principles, Fairphone states the Fairbuds XL Gen 2 use 100% recycled rare earth metals in their speaker magnets and are assembled using 100% renewable energy. The headphones also carry an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. They are available in two new colorways: Forest Green and Horizon Black. The headphones are now available in Europe for €249/£219 and are expected to launch in the United States later this month for $229, positioning them as a premium, ethically-conscious choice in the competitive audio market.