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Fairphone Fairbuds XL: Next-gen sound meets next-level sustainability
Fairphone released a new edition of its Fairbuds XL headphones in late 2025, leading me to one obvious question: do they live up to the company’s sustainability claims? I should never have doubted.
Although I will get around to mentioning the improved 40mm dynamic drivers, sleeker styling and new fabrics to improve comfort, these improvements are predictable. All tech companies pack their next-generation products with some form of hardware upgrade – otherwise, where is the bait to dangle at buyers in order to lure them to splash out on a new product?
Well, this is Fairphone and it isn’t like most tech companies. In fact, it would be better for the planet if most tech companies were just like Fairphone. Why? Because Fairphone is much more than a product manufacturer. I’ll explain more later, but for now, understand that the new Fairbuds XL headphones are predictably innovative, conventionally improved, yet uniquely backwards compatible.
If any other tech firms are reading, then Fairphone is about to school you in the art of upgrade.
What’s new in the all-new Fairphone Fairbuds XL?
The new Fairbuds XL is a gentle iteration of the 2023 model. Undoubtedly, the biggest change is the improved 40mm dynamic drivers, tweaked to deliver more power and deeper bass with the use of N52-neodymium 100% recycled rare-earth magnets. Furthermore, engineers adjusted the sound levels to make the mid and high frequencies more accurate.
Fairphone has also redesigned the headband, replacing the PU-leathery feel with a breathable, yet robust, net fabric. As the owner of the first-generation Fairbuds XL, who has suffered from the occasional fiery head, this is a very welcome upgrade. Additionally, designers reupholstered the ear cushions in plush birds-eye mesh fabric.
The latest Fairbuds XL come in two new colours, Forest Green and Horizon Black, a stunning change <cough> from 2023’s colorways of Green and Black.
However, the new colours sound a little more exciting, which is important for the continued commercial growth of Fairphone. When CEO Raymond van Eck was appointed in 2024, part of his mission was to grow the company without compromising its sustainable foundation. Last November, Fairphone announced that after a strong Q3 performance, it would be expanding into the USA. The new Fairbuds XL is the launch product.
Other new features are a standard three-year warranty, 100% recycled rare earth materials in magnets and an assembly process which uses 100% renewable energy.
Did I also mention that they’re backwards compatible?
Why are the Fairbuds XL classed as backwards compatible?
In many ways, Fairphone is a leader in the technology sphere. No one matches how it designs products to be modular, repairable and reusable. The new Fairbuds XL headphones are no different.
If, like me, you’re the thrilled owner of the 2023 model, then starting next January, Fairphone will offer upgrade parts. Yes, really! Fancy the new plush birds-eye mesh fabric cups? Then buy a pair, because Fairphone has made them backwards compatible with the 2023 Fairbuds XLs. The same with the new headband and, for those wanting the improved audio, the 40mm drivers.
Also, this isn’t a token gesture. It’s not like certain phone manufacturers offering a new screen to an unrepairable handset, which will most likely be destroyed during the fixing process. Fairphone builds for repair and replacement, so with a basic screwdriver and its instructions, you can upgrade the 2023 Fairbuds XL headphones to the same spec as the edition released almost three years later.
That is rather cool.
Seriously sustainable tech to boost your compliance process.
For business owners who take their sustainability commitments seriously, Fairphone for business is an easy decision. Aside from being B-Corp and Ecovadis Platinum certified, its proactive stance on renewable energy and workers’ rights could benefit your own ESG.
Alongside its mission of creating commercially successful products is a commitment to improving the lives of the people who work along its supply chain. Fairphone began its living wage program in 2019 and has supported over 6,200 workers in factories and sub-factories by giving living wage bonuses. To the workers, Fairphone covers the difference between the minimum wage and a living wage, irrespective of whether that factory worker is making a Fairphone product or not. On average, this equates to a month of extra salary per year, per worker.
Fairbuds XL is also the first pair of headphones to be awarded the LONGTIME sustainability rating. LONGTIME certification independently assesses 41 criteria across a wide range of consumer and business products, evaluating their repairability, reliability and general aversion to built-in obsolescence.
So aside from supplying long-lasting, easily repairable hardware built on a value-chain guaranteed to get a living wage, Fairphone’s due diligence can have a direct impact on your environmental compliance reporting…
…and you don’t even have to buy the new one to get the new one…
The Fairbuds XL 2025 headphones are available from Fairphone’s website and selected operators and retailers in Europe. Upgrade separates are now available from Fairphone.
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Lee Grant
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