Fairphone Fairbuds XL

Last updated: March 2026

What are the Fairbuds XL?

The Fairbuds XL are Fairphone's over-ear, noise-cancelling wireless headphones. The current model — updated in December 2025 — is a refresh of the original 2023 version, with upgraded 40mm dynamic drivers, a breathable mesh headband and ear cushions, and a new 30-minute auto-off feature. Everything else you'd expect is there: active noise cancellation, up to 30 hours battery life, aptX HD Bluetooth, and dual-point connectivity so you can stay connected to two devices at once.

The thing that separates the Fairbuds XL from almost everything else on the market, though, is repairability. The battery is swappable. The ear cushions, drivers, and speaker covers are all replaceable. Fairphone sells spare parts directly, so if something breaks or wears out, you fix it rather than bin it. That's genuinely rare in the headphone space, and it's the core reason this product exists.

Fairbuds XL UK specs at a glance

• Price: £219 new (direct from Fairphone)
• Drivers: 40mm dynamic (upgraded N52 magnets, 2025 model)
• Battery life: Up to 30 hours
• Bluetooth: 5.1, aptX HD, AAC, SBC
• Connectivity: Bluetooth + USB-C wired
• ANC: Hybrid active noise cancellation
• IP rating: IP54
• Foldable: Yes
• Controls: Physical joystick + dedicated ANC button
• Colours: Forest Green, Horizon Black
• Warranty: 3 years
• Repairability: 8 swappable components including battery and drivers

What makes the Fairbuds XL different?

Most headphone manufacturers design their products to be replaced every few years. Battery degrades, ear cushions wear out, and you're back in the market. Fairphone's approach flips that. The Fairbuds XL is built on a modular system where the components most likely to fail — the battery, the cushions, the drivers — can all be bought and swapped out at home.

The 2025 refresh makes this even more compelling: existing owners of the original Fairbuds XL can buy just the new speaker drivers (available as an upgrade kit in Europe) rather than replacing the whole unit. That's backward compatibility in the truest sense.

On the materials side, the headphones are made from approximately 50% fair and recycled materials by total weight, including over 90% recycled aluminium, more than 80% recycled plastics, and 100% recycled rare earth materials in the speaker magnets. Assembly is powered by solar energy and the product is rated e-waste neutral.

What's the ANC like?

The Fairbuds XL uses hybrid ANC, and it's competent rather than class-leading. It works well in offices, on public transport, and in coffee shops. Where it falls short is in wind — the microphones pick up air noise more than premium competitors do, which is a genuine limitation if you're using them outdoors regularly. A number of user reviews on Fairphone's own site flag this specifically.

For most use cases — commuting, working from home, focused listening — it does the job. If you're a frequent flier expecting Sony WH-1000XM6-level silence, the Fairbuds XL won't match that. But that's also not really what they're competing on.

The controls

One genuinely clever design decision: physical controls rather than touch panels. The Fairbuds XL uses a small joystick for playback and volume, plus a separate button for ANC. It works in the rain, works with gloves, and won't accidentally pause your music when you adjust the fit. Several reviewers specifically call this out as preferable to the unreliable touch surfaces found on competitors.

How to buy the Fairbuds XL in the UK

New, the Fairbuds XL cost £219 from Fairphone's website, which ships to the UK with a 14-day return window and a 3-year warranty.

If you want to save money, the original 2023 model is available refurbished on Back Market. You can pick one up in good-as-new condition for significantly less, and Back Market grades and tests every device before listing. Use our referral link and you'll also get £10 off your first order.

See the Fairbuds XL on Back Market

For the full breakdown of how Back Market works and how to claim your £10 off, head to our Back Market referral guide.

Who are the Fairbuds XL for?

They're a strong fit if you want quality headphones and sustainability actually matters to you — not as a vague badge, but in a practical "I can fix this in five years" sense. They're also well-suited to people who've had cheap headphones fail due to battery degradation and want something they can maintain.

They're less obviously the right choice if you need best-in-class ANC, if you prefer purely touch-based controls, or if a £219 price point puts them out of reach. In that last case, the refurbished route via Back Market is a sensible alternative.

Want the full picture before you buy? Read our Fairbuds XL review — coming on 23rd March 2026.

FAQs

How much are the Fairbuds XL in the UK?

The current 2025 model costs £219 new, direct from Fairphone. The original 2023 model is available refurbished via Back Market for less, with our referral link giving you £10 off your first order.

Are the Fairbuds XL worth buying in the UK?

If repairability and sustainability are priorities, yes — they're one of the very few headphones on the market where you can swap the battery, drivers, and ear cushions yourself. The sound and ANC are solid if not class-leading, and the 3-year warranty adds extra confidence.

How does the Fairbuds XL ANC compare to Sony or Bose?

The ANC is good for everyday use but doesn't match the noise floor of Sony's WH-1000XM series or the Bose QuietComfort range. Wind is a particular weakness. If ANC performance is your primary purchase driver, those alternatives are stronger on that specific metric.

Can I repair the Fairbuds XL myself?

Yes. Fairphone sells spare parts including replacement batteries, ear cushions, drivers, and speaker covers. The design is intended for home repair without specialist tools. Owners of the original 2023 model can also buy an upgrade kit with the new 2025 drivers.

Is the Fairbuds XL available in the UK?

Yes. You can buy direct from Fairphone's website with UK delivery, or pick up the original model refurbished on Back Market.

What colours does the Fairbuds XL come in?

The current 2025 model comes in Forest Green and Horizon Black.

Does the Fairbuds XL work with Android and iPhone?

Yes. The Fairbuds XL connects via Bluetooth to any device and also supports USB-C wired connection. The companion app is available for both Android and iOS.

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