Fairbuds XL: Headphones designed for easy repairability

Also, there’s an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance which should mean the headphones survive light splashes. Control is handled via a small Marshall headphones-style joystick on the right earcup, which sits next to a USB-C port but has no dedicated 3.5mm port. 

In theory, wireless headphones are an ideal consumer tech product to receive a repairability overhaul. They don’t run an ever-evolving operating system like Android that needs to be continuously updated to deal with security vulnerabilities. 

And the relatively minor year-on-year improvements made to headphones mean that models which might be several years old can still be competitive with their modern equivalents. Yet, trying to get an older pair of headphones repaired can be frustrating.

Fairphone is taking a much more proactive approach to repairability with the Fairbuds XL. While other headphone manufacturers often prioritize cutting-edge technology and neglect repair options, Fairphone takes a different approach.

The Fairbuds XL embodies the company's ethos by featuring a modular construction that allows users to detach and replace specific parts easily. This means that when common issues arise, such as battery degradation, frayed cables, or unresponsive controls, users can simply replace the affected component rather than discard the entire product.

The reason behind the innovation

Fairphone understands that headphones, being mechanical products, require a different level of engineering for repairability compared to smartphones. Despite the challenges, the company has risen to the occasion by making spare parts readily available through its website. Users can conveniently order replacement batteries, ear cushions, and headband components for normal wear and tear.

This emphasis on repairability not only saves users from the frustration of being told their headphones are irreparable, as experienced with many other brands, but it also promotes sustainability by extending the lifespan of products. Rather than ending up in a landfill due to a faulty part, the Fairbuds XL can be easily repaired, reducing electronic waste and the environmental impact of disposable consumer electronics.

Fairphone also provides a two-year warranty covering manufacturer defects and offers replacement parts for normal wear and tear through their website. Fairphone is challenging the industry's disposable culture by prioritizing repairability and promoting sustainability in consumer electronics.