The Fairbuds XL (2025) from Fairphone marks a significant upgrade from its predecessor. Well-known for its smartphones, Fairphone now brings its thoughtful approach to sustainability and modularity into the realm of audio products. This time, they aim for enhanced sound quality to compete better in the headphone market.
Technical Specifications of Fairbuds XL (2025)
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Design Changes: Compact and Comfortable
The Fairbuds XL might be misleadingly named, as they are supra-aural headphones, not true in-ear “buds.” Available in green and black, these compact headphones are designed for portability, featuring a folding mechanism for easy transport. Weighing in at 330 grams, their feel is slightly heavier compared to competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM4, which is evident during prolonged wear. However, they maintain a comfortable grip, even over extended listening sessions.
User Interaction: Intuitive Controls
Instead of the common touch controls, Fairbuds XL incorporates a joystick for navigating calls and music functionality. This design allows you to seamlessly manage your audio experience through straightforward gestures. While tactile controls often provide quicker access, this joystick is a refreshing change and offers reliability under various conditions.
Sound Quality: A Balanced Improvement
Fairphone has refined its 40mm drivers for the Fairbuds XL to offer a more balanced sound profile, especially noticeable with warmer music genres. While it may not surpass higher-end models like the Sony WH-1000XM4, it certainly holds its ground with enveloping bass and a surprisingly powerful output, given its price point.
Listening to various genres reveals that while the Fairbuds XL output a prominent bass response, they may sometimes sound flatter compared to competitors. Despite this, users looking for an immersive audio experience will appreciate the overall quality, especially when streaming via aptX HD.
Noise Cancellation and Battery Life
The active noise cancellation feature significantly reduces ambient noise, almost rivaling leading models in the market. On the other hand, the battery life is impressive, offering up to 30 hours on a single charge without ANC, along with a quick charging capability, making these headphones a reliable choice for daily use.
Sustainability and Repairability Features
True to Fairphone’s commitment, the Fairbuds XL are built with over 80% recycled materials . Further emphasizing an eco-friendly approach, the headphones are designed for easy repairability, allowing users to replace components such as the battery or pads through accessible guides provided by the company.
Final Thoughts: Verdict on Fairbuds XL
In summary, the Fairbuds XL (2025) represent an admirable attempt by Fairphone to merge sustainability with quality audio. While they may have areas needing improvement—primarily in sound depth and weight—features like modularity, effective noise cancellation, and a competitive price make them a worthy purchase for those who value eco-conscious technology.
Rating: 8.2/10
- Pros: Exceptional repairability, dual Bluetooth connections, solid noise cancellation.
- Cons: Flat default sound profile and slightly heavier design.