Fairphone Fairbuds are wireless headphones that prioritize repairability and eco-friendliness over sleek design. Featuring Bluetooth 5.3, active noise cancellation, and solid ergonomics, they cater to mid-range users seeking sustainability. While they offer decent comfort and good build quality, sound performance is average, particularly weak in clarity and treble. Their durability and replaceable components stand out, making them ideal for users who value long-term usability despite some technological and audio shortcomings.
The Fairphone Fairbuds may have a simple design, but they encompass all the essential modern features one would expect from wireless headphones. Rather than competing directly with leading brands like Sony’s WH-1000XM5 or Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, Fairphone takes a distinctly technological direction. These headphones come equipped with a Bluetooth 5.3 chip, active noise cancellation, and user-friendly ergonomics, justifying their place in the mid-range market effectively.
However, what truly sets these headphones apart is Fairphone’s commitment to repairability. Unlike many brands that make vague claims about eco-friendliness, Fairphone takes significant strides in this area. With a design that prioritizes ethical production methods and recyclable materials, every component of the Fairbuds is easily replaceable and available for purchase. But does this make them one of the best headphones available? Let’s explore that.
Build Quality and Accessories: Simple Yet Well-Made (4/5)
At first glance, the Fairbuds present a more rustic appearance, making them less stylish and compact compared to other options. This headphone model features an hourglass silhouette, characterized by a broad flat back and a relatively hefty spherical acoustic area.
While the aesthetic may not scream luxury, it avoids noticeable flaws. The sturdy plastic construction, matte finish conceals scratches well, and the assembly quality is commendable. Additionally, they boast an IP54 rating, making them resistant to dust and water splashes. Weighing just 5g per earbud, they are lightweight as well.
The charging case, though, is a bit bulkier, not easily fitting into every pocket. Nevertheless, Fairphone has maintained a high standard regarding design. The hinge operates smoothly, and the case’s solid build quality enhances its positive impression.
Regarding accessories, the brand stays true to its ecological promises by limiting extras. The packaging is entirely cardboard, and only three pairs of silicone ear tips are included—no charger or USB-C cable.
Durability and Repairability: Almost Fully Repairable Headphones (5/5)
When discussing durability, Fairphone does not shy away from its commitment. The Fairbuds are designed to be entirely repairable.
From the batteries in both the earbuds and charging case to the casing and silicone components, everything can be easily replaced—tutorials are readily available online. However, there’s a minor drawback: aside from the battery and silicone parts, you cannot replace specific internal components like electronics or speakers individually; the whole unit must be ordered instead. This makes replacing components like a speaker more complex than just swapping out a battery.
Comfort: Good Fit, But Not Universal (4/5)
Although the significant size of the earbuds may not accommodate everyone (especially those with smaller ears), the Fairbuds generally provide a comfortable experience. The ear tips are gentle and the silicone rim ensures a snug fit.
Improved ergonomics with a more compact design could enhance comfort further, particularly for sporty activities.
Usability and Features: Comprehensive Experience, Simple App (4/5)
Behind their understated appearance, the Fairphone Fairbuds feature a complete and effective control system, leveraging the large flat area easily. The touch-sensitive controls allow playback/pause functions, track navigation, and access to voice assistants, alongside volume adjustment through swipes. The addition of sensors to detect removal enhances user experience by pausing music automatically.
While the listening experience is fulfilling, there are minor delays noted between commands and execution.
The associated app, aptly named Fairbuds, unfortunately, falls short. Although its modern, colorful design is appealing, the app only offers limited settings. The standout feature is an advanced customizable equalizer with eight frequency bands.
Connectivity: Limited Codec Support (3/5)
Utilizing Bluetooth 5.3, the Fairbuds provide solid connectivity with support for multipoint pairing. Connection stability is commendable, with a satisfactory range and minimal dropouts.
That said, for audio enthusiasts, these headphones lack some advanced features. There’s no quick pairing, and they only utilize basic codecs (SBC and AAC). A noteworthy omission is the lack of support for LE Audio, which enhances audio quality while reducing energy consumption.
Audio Quality: Average Sound Performance (2.5/5)
On paper, the headphones feature a commendable dynamic 11mm driver with a titanium-coated membrane. However, the inherent challenges of this type of membrane impact the treble response.
The sound signature tends toward a bass-forward profile, which provides a warm, rounded audio character. However