Fairphone Fairbuds XL
Last updated: 11 October 2026
The Fairphone Fairbuds XL are over-ear noise-cancelling headphones that you can take apart with one screwdriver, so the battery and up to nine other parts can be replaced at home. Fairphone sells them for £219 with a three-year warranty. On 11 October 2026 Amazon UK had the Horizon Black pair at £190.63, sold by Amazon.
Buy the Fairbuds XL on Amazon UK, £190.63
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What the Fairphone Fairbuds XL are
Fairphone is a Dutch company that makes phones and headphones designed to be repaired rather than replaced. The Fairbuds XL first came out in 2023, and the current version has new 40mm drivers, retuned sound and an auto power-off setting to save battery.
The point of them is the screws. Where most headphones are glued shut, the Fairbuds XL come apart in minutes, and Fairphone sells the battery, ear cushions and other spare parts on its own site.
What they do
- Noise cancelling: active noise cancelling, plus an ambient mode when you need to hear what is around you.
- Battery: up to 30 hours of listening, and the battery is replaceable.
- Connections: Bluetooth with aptX HD, or a USB-C cable for wired listening.
- Controls: a small joystick and a button rather than touch panels, so they work with gloves on.
- Weather: rated IP54 for rain showers and sweat at the gym.
Key facts
- Price: £219 from Fairphone; £190.63 for Horizon Black on Amazon UK on 11 October 2026
- Colours: Horizon Black and Forest Green
- Drivers: 40mm dynamic
- Battery: up to 30 hours, replaceable
- Repairs: up to nine spare parts, one screwdriver
- Materials: more than 80% recycled plastics and 100% recycled rare earth elements in the magnets, according to Fairphone
- Warranty: two years as standard plus a free one-year extension from Fairphone, and 14 days to return
Who the Fairbuds XL suit
- People whose last headphones died with the battery: here you replace the battery, not the headphones.
- Commuters and office workers: the noise cancelling handles trains and open-plan offices.
- Anyone who dislikes touch controls: the joystick does not pause your music when you adjust the fit.
For our full verdict after living with them, read our Fairbuds XL review.
The limits
The noise cancelling is good for everyday use but does not match the quietest headphones from Sony and Bose. Wind noise is the weak spot outdoors.
At £219 full price, they cost more than many headphones with similar features. You are paying for the repairable design.
Amazon UK had only two of the Horizon Black pair left when I checked, and the Forest Green pair was more expensive there.
Where to buy the Fairbuds XL in the UK
Amazon UK sells the current model new. Fairphone sells it direct for £219, and the full specification, spare parts and repair guides are on Fairphone's own product page.
Back Market sometimes has refurbished pairs of the original model, but its listing was out of stock on 11 October 2026. If one comes back, our Back Market referral page explains how to get £10 off a first order.
FAQs
How much are the Fairphone Fairbuds XL in the UK?
£219 from Fairphone. When I checked on 11 October 2026, Amazon UK had the Horizon Black pair at £190.63.
Can you replace the Fairbuds XL battery?
Yes. The battery is one of up to nine parts you can replace with a single screwdriver, and Fairphone sells it separately.
Do the Fairbuds XL work with iPhone and Android?
Yes. They connect over Bluetooth to both, and work wired over USB-C.
Are the Fairbuds XL waterproof?
No. They are rated IP54, which covers light rain and sweat but not submersion.
What warranty do the Fairbuds XL have?
Fairphone gives the standard two years plus a free one-year extension, so three years in total.
More from CoolCuration
- Sonos Ace: Sonos's over-ear headphones with spatial audio.
- Best noise-cancelling headphones UK: the pairs we compared at different prices.
- Back Market review: how buying refurbished tech works in the UK.
- Gifts for techies: presents for people who like their gadgets.
Prices and stock change. The affiliate links on this page earn a commission at no extra cost to you, and brands do not choose what we feature.
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