Fairphone Updates Repairable Headphones - Latest News

Fairphone’s New Fairbuds XL Headphones: A Focus on Repairability

Classic color schemes like black and white are common for tech gadgets, but a unique color that avoids appearing ostentatious can truly make a product stand out. This was my initial impression upon unboxing Fairphone’s new $229 Fairbuds XL over-ear headphones in the forest green colorway.

Competition and Core Values

Available also in black, these headphones position themselves within a competitive market alongside models such as the Nothing Headphones (1), Sony’s WH-1000XM5 (a previous generation), and the Sonos Ace. While certain competitors may offer superior sound quality or noise cancellation, the Fairbuds XL present a compelling option for those prioritizing product longevity and ease of repair.

An Evolution of Repair-Focused Design

These new headphones represent an update to the Fairbuds XL, initially released in 2023, and continue the company’s commitment to repairability. The design philosophy centers around user maintenance and extending the product’s lifespan.

Designed for User Repair

Owners of these headphones can independently replace components including the battery, ear cushions, speaker covers, headband, and drivers – a feature available on both the new and older models. Disassembly is simplified, requiring only a guitar pick, a credit card, or a basic screwdriver. Fairphone provides comprehensive repair tutorials on its official YouTube channel.

Enhanced Performance Through Driver Upgrades

The latest iteration maintains this repair-focused ethos while incorporating subtle design refinements and a driver upgrade to enhance performance. Although the driver size remains at 40mm, improvements to the magnet system have been implemented to deliver richer bass response.

Sound Signature and Audio Quality

Despite the enhanced bass capabilities of the new drivers, the overall sound signature remains remarkably neutral. Mids and vocals are clearly reproduced, providing a balanced listening experience. For example, bass-heavy sections within tracks from the “K-Pop Demon Hunter” album did not overwhelm the clarity of the vocals or synthesized elements.

Refinements in Design and Comfort

Design changes include a shift to green coloring for the speaker-to-speaker cable and the joystick control. New ear cushions, featuring a mesh material, have been introduced to improve comfort. Fairphone states that the smoother cushion material enhances voice isolation while simultaneously increasing comfort during extended use.

I was able to wear the headphones for prolonged periods without experiencing any discomfort or excessive sweating.

Intuitive Controls and Tactile Feedback

Fairphone has integrated a tactile button and a joystick for controlling media playback and managing noise cancellation modes. The joystick allows users to play/pause, adjust volume, and navigate between tracks. The button serves as a pairing switch and cycles through the available noise cancellation settings.

The inclusion of a dedicated button for control is a trend gaining traction among hardware manufacturers, including Nothing, and represents a positive development for user experience.

Effective Noise Cancellation

The Fairbuds XL deliver robust active noise cancellation (ANC). While working from home, I often encounter ambient noise, and I typically rely on noise-canceling earbuds or headphones. Although the ANC performance doesn’t quite match that of AirPods, the experience is nonetheless effective.

A Conscious Approach to Product Cycles

Fairphone CTO Chandler Hatton explained that the deliberate release cycle and backward compatibility are intentional choices.

“We are able to release products more rapidly. This is a deliberate decision to proceed at a slightly slower pace. We aim to demonstrate to the industry that it isn’t necessary to render products obsolete by introducing new models, as this contributes to the cycle of what is often termed planned obsolescence,” she stated during a conversation with TechCrunch.

Sustainable Materials and Packaging

The company emphasizes its use of fair-mined and recycled materials in the construction of these headphones. To minimize packaging waste, the box contains only a simple protective pouch, the headphones themselves, and a quick-start guide.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Fairphone estimates the device’s battery life at up to 30 hours, though this is reduced when active noise cancellation is enabled.

The absence of a headphone jack, with reliance on USB-C connectivity, is a minor drawback. While additional accessories aren’t desired, supporting a standard audio jack could broaden compatibility with various audio devices. (A USB-C to 3.5mm dongle is available from Fairphone for approximately $15.)

Expansion and Warranty

Fairphone has undergone some leadership changes in recent years. The current management team is focused on demonstrating the company’s ability to produce and distribute gadgets at scale, and the U.S. market expansion is a key component of this strategy. The headphones are among the first products to receive a full U.S. launch, complete with support for replacement parts and a three-year warranty.

Availability

The Fairbuds XL are currently available for purchase on Fairphone’s website and will be launching on Amazon later this month for U.S. customers, alongside the company’s $99 wireless earbuds.