Fairphone, a Dutch social enterprise known for promoting the sustainability of electronic products and emphasizing the "right to repair," recently announced the launch of its...Modular over-ear headphonesUpdated version – Fairbuds XL (2025). Two years after the release of the previous generation, this update not only significantly enhances the hardware sound quality, but also further implements the concept of environmental protection in the selection of raw materials, attempting to strike a balance between "good sound" and "conscientiousness".
A major leap forward in sound quality: 40mm driver + paper diaphragm
While the appearance may seem largely unchanged, the new Fairbuds XL features significant adjustments to its acoustic architecture. The official specifications emphasize a new "high-end" 40mm dynamic driver paired with a more powerful N52 magnet, delivering stronger driving force and a deeper bass response.
Furthermore, through improved audio tuning and a new paper-based membrane, the new generation of products has also seen improvements in mid-to-high frequency resolution and accuracy. Compared to its predecessor, the new headphones boast a cleaner and more layered sound, especially noticeable when listening to orchestral music. The active noise cancellation (ANC) function remains at a similar level to its predecessor, sufficient to handle everyday noises such as keyboard clicks.
If a user already owns the two-year-old Fairbuds XL, there's absolutely no need to buy new headphones. Thanks to their highly modular design, they can simply purchase the new driver module separately and replace it themselves to enjoy the upgraded sound quality.
Say goodbye to synthetic leather and embrace "bird's-eye fabric".
In terms of design, the new Fairbuds XL adopts a simpler solid-color plastic shell, eliminating the iconic splatter pattern design of the previous generation. Even the copper accents on the control stick have been changed to the same color scheme, giving it a more understated overall style (or more like a typical consumer electronics product).
In terms of comfort, there has been a noticeable upgrade. The original PU synthetic leather on the earcups, which was less environmentally friendly and prone to causing stuffiness, has been replaced with a breathable cotton fabric called "Bird's Eye Fabric." This material is commonly found in sportswear and casual wear, and the ventilation holes on the fabric effectively reduce the stuffiness during long-term wear. The headband has also been replaced with a fabric material similar to that used in high-end sports headphones.
Longtime certification further enhances sustainability.
Fairbuds XL (2025) has received the new "Longtime" mark certification in Europe, which signifies that its products are designed for long lifespan, easy to repair, and backed by a comprehensive repair system.
Regarding environmentally friendly materials, Fairphone states that the new phone uses 100% fair-mined (through credit lines) cobalt, copper, and silver, and the rare earth elements in the magnets are 100% recycled. The body uses over 90% recycled aluminum and 80% recycled plastic, and Fairphone promises to recycle an equal amount of e-waste for every pair of headphones sold.
Listing Information
The new Fairbuds XL are available in Europe starting today, and are expected to go on sale in the US later in December through Amazon. The suggested retail price is $229 (approximately NT$7450). They come with a 3-year warranty and include convenient features such as automatic power-off after 30 minutes of inactivity. For users who don't want to chase trends and hope their headphones will last for ten years, this may be the most "long-lasting" option currently available.
