OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Fairphone Fairbuds Xl Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£170Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:30 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

Fairphone Fairbuds Xl Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Fairphone Fairbuds Xl
7.9/10

Overall score

Score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components

80%

8.0

Technical score

20%

7.5

User score

★Better than 90% of headphones
8.4

Value for money

Value for money
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 89% of models
Score components

70%

7.9

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

▲Better than 89%
8.0

Technical score

Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components

52%

8.7

Sound

20%

8.2

Features

10%

6.3

Design

8%

6.0

Connectivity

6%

6.5

Battery

4%

8.8

Calls & Controls

★Better than 91%
7.5

User score

User score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

User ratings

30%

6.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▼Worse than 73%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Fairphone Fairbuds Xl

Technical score
Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components:

52%

8.7

Sound

20%

8.2

Features

10%

6.3

Design

8%

6.0

Connectivity

6%

6.5

Battery

4%

8.8

Calls & Controls

8.0
User score
User score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

User ratings

30%

6.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.5
Popularity
Popularity
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 52% of models
Popularity:
Fairphone Fairbuds Xl has a popularity score of 6.1 points, which is higher than that of 52.2% of products in this category.
6.1
Value for money
Value for money
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 89% of models
Score components:

70%

7.9

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

8.4
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
6
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 6 microphones, more microphones than 96% of headphones and equal to 2.4% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
5.1
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 5.1, newer Bluetooth version than 84% of headphones and equal to 1.6% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
Market range: <10 m – >15 m
This pair of headphones offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.7% of headphones and equal to 80.6% of headphones.
Audio latency
200 ms
Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 200 ms, higher audio latency than 71.4% of headphones and equal to 13.9% of headphones.
Multipoint support
yes
This pair of headphones supports multipoint. 69.4% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
yes
This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode. 75.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
yes
This pair of headphones supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
yes
This pair of headphones works with a companion app. 78.4% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
?
Voice assistant support
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
30 hours
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 30 hours, higher battery life than 46.3% of headphones and equal to 10.4% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
26 hours
Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life with ANC of 26 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 60.4% of headphones and equal to 0.8% of headphones.
Charging time
2.5 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 2.5 hours to charge, higher charging time than 53% of headphones and equal to 13% of headphones.
Quick charge
?
Battery capacity
800 mAh
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 800 mAh, higher battery capacity than 75% of headphones and equal to 7.6% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Fairphone
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
330 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 330 g, heavier than 87.5% of headphones and equal to 1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Fairphone Fairbuds Xl vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • Companion app support
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • 16.1% better value for money
    Fairphone Fairbuds Xl has better value for money than the average pair of headphones (8.44 vs 7.3).
    8.44 vs 7.27
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • Water resistance
    This pair of headphones is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • Better IP rating
    This pair of headphones has a better IP rating than the average pair of headphones (IP54 vs none). The average headphones have an IP rating of none.
    IP54 vs none
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • USB-C charging
    This pair of headphones uses USB-C charging, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.5% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • 37.9% higher battery capacity
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (800 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    800 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • Play while charging
    This pair of headphones can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Removable battery
    This pair of headphones has a removable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.8% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Rechargeable battery
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • AptX HD support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX HD, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.6% of headphones support aptX HD.
  • AAC codec support
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • AptX support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • Multipoint connections
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint connections, while the average pair of headphones does not. 30.2% of headphones support multipoint connections.
    supports multipoint for up to 2 devices.
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 5 more microphones
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (6 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    6 vs 1
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • Companion app support
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • 7 newer release date
    This pair of headphones was released more recently than the average pair of headphones (2023 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    May 2023
    2023 vs 2016
  • 51.4% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (330 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    330 g vs 218 g
  • 0.5 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    2.5 hours vs 2 hours
  • 50 ms higher audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (200 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    200 ms vs 150 ms
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 3 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 6.1% lower user score
    User score
    7.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Fairphone Fairbuds Xl
    the average pair of headphones
    Fairphone Fairbuds Xl has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.54 vs 8).
    7.54 vs 8
  • 4 hours shorter ANC battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (26 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    26 hours vs 30 hours
  • 11 dB lower max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (99 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    99 dB vs 110 dB
  • 6.1% lower user score
    User score
    7.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Fairphone Fairbuds Xl
    the average pair of headphones
    Fairphone Fairbuds Xl has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.54 vs 8).
    7.54 vs 8
  • 88.9% more expensive
    Fairphone Fairbuds Xl is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£170 vs £90).
    £170 vs £90
  • 51.4% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (330 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    330 g vs 218 g
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 3 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 11 dB lower max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (99 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    99 dB vs 110 dB
  • 0.5 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (2.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    2.5 hours vs 2 hours
  • 4 hours shorter ANC battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (26 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    26 hours vs 30 hours
  • 50 ms higher audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (200 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    200 ms vs 150 ms

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

3.0
theinstantcameraguy
≈ estimated
02/03/2025
Long-term use report · failures and customer service
Verdict
Fairphone Fairbuds XL is disappointing, with failing noise cancelling, a snapped headband and weak support from the company.
8.0
Andy's Tech Tone
≈ estimated
01/08/2023
Hands-on review · sound, noise cancelling, comfort and modular design
Verdict
Fairphone Fairbuds XL is smooth, comfortable and well controlled, though closed-in sound and wind noise limit it.
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

theguardian.com
11/05/2023
Review · Repairable noise-cancelling headphones
Verdict
The Fairbuds XL is a comfortable, easy-to-repair pair with good sound, but it can't match Sony or Sennheiser for noise cancelling.
G
galaxus.at
12/05/2023
Summary of the review
Fairbuds XL review: when sustainability sounds good
F
forbes.com
28/05/2023
Summary of the review
Fairphone Fairbuds XL Review: The Repairable Noise Cancelling Sustainable Headset
me.pcmag.com
08/08/2023
Hands-on test · Modular over-ear headphones
Verdict
The Fairbuds XL is a good-sounding, comfortable over-ear pair with replaceable parts, though its basic app and average noise cancelling hold it back.
trustedreviews.com
13/10/2023
Hands-on review · Repairable over-ear headphones
Verdict
The Fairbuds XL is a repairable, solid-feeling pair with decent noise cancelling and a long battery, but it lacks smart features and can sound muddy.
R
rtings.com
24/07/2024
Summary of the review
Fairphone Fairbuds XL 2023 Review
androidpolice.com
01/09/2023
Listening test · Repairable design
Verdict
The Fairphone Fairbuds XL is a repairable headset with a tactile thumbstick and good noise cancelling, though muffled midrange makes it pricey for the experience.
wearablexp.com
29/12/2025
Hands-on test · Long-session comfort
Verdict
The Fairphone Fairbuds XL is a repairable headset that stays comfortable on long workdays, though its noise cancelling falls short of Sony and Bose.
au.pcmag.com
08/08/2023
Listening test · Modular headphones
Verdict
The Fairphone Fairbuds XL is a modular, good-sounding over-ear headset with rich bass, though noise cancelling is only decent and EQ can't be adjusted.
techadvisor.com
11/05/2023
Hands-on test · Sound and repairs
Verdict
The Fairphone Fairbuds XL sounds very good and nearly every part can be replaced, though its noise cancelling is only decent and ambient mode struggles in wind.
coolcuration.com
23/03/2026
Opinion review · Sustainable build
Verdict
The Fairphone Fairbuds XL is a repairable headset whose joystick works in rain and with gloves, though wind weakens its noise cancelling.
dutchieeaudio.com
13/10/2023
Review · Repairable over-ears
Verdict
The Fairphone Fairbuds XL is a fully modular headset with punchy bass, though vocals can sound muddy and wind disrupts its noise cancelling.
spiegel.de
11/05/2023
Hands-on test · Repairable headphones
Verdict
The Fairbuds XL is a usable, nicely built alternative to Sony and Bose if you can live with a weak transparency mode and average microphones.
computerbild.de
26/05/2023
Hands-on test · Modular over-ear headphones
Verdict
The Fairbuds XL suits repair-minded buyers with its 35-hour battery, but heavy, slightly hard cushions and mediocre noise cancelling hold it back.
H
heise.de
09/12/2025
Summary of the review
Fairphone Fairbuds XL review: Repairable over-ear headphones put to the test
(Translated)Show original
connect.de
23/12/2025
Lab test · Upgraded repairable headphones
Verdict
The Fairbuds XL suits repair fans with its 26-hour battery and nice fabric look, but its dull sound and weak noise cancelling lag behind rivals.
D
digitec.ch
09/12/2025
Summary of the review
Fabric instead of faux leather: The new Fairbuds XL are much more comfortable
(Translated)Show original
nextpit.de
06/08/2023
Hands-on test · Modular over-ear headphones
Verdict
The Fairbuds XL is a sustainable, easy-to-repair pick for eco-minded buyers, but its dull sound and weak noise cancelling struggle at this price.
utopia.de
06/07/2023
Practical test · Modular design
Verdict
The Fairphone Fairbuds XL is easy for non-experts to take apart and repair at home, though no charger or cable is included.
giga.de
16/06/2023
Practical test · Repairable design
Verdict
The Fairphone Fairbuds XL is easy to repair and has strong noise cancelling, but its cool, sharp-treble tuning lags behind premium Sony and Apple rivals.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Fairphone Fairbuds Xl

  • Highly sustainable design using 100% recycled aluminum and 80% recycled plastic
  • Fully modular construction allowing users to easily replace individual parts like the battery or speakers
  • Intuitive physical joystick control for volume and playback is widely preferred over touch surfaces
  • Supports Bluetooth multipoint, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices
  • Respectable battery life of up to 30 hours (26 hours with ANC on)
  • Comfortable fit for many users, including those who wear glasses
  • IP54 rating provides reliable dust and splash resistance

What customers don't like about Fairphone Fairbuds Xl

  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is mediocre and struggles significantly with wind noise
  • Sound quality is often described as flat or 'bland' compared to competitors in the same price tier
  • Companion app is bare-bones, offering only fixed EQ presets rather than a full custom equalizer
  • Lacks a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring a USB-C adapter for wired use
  • No auto-pause sensors to stop music when the headphones are removed
  • The 2023 version's headband has been reported by some users as fragile or prone to snapping
  • Large, non-swiveling design makes them bulky and less portable in bags

Verdict

The Fairphone Fairbuds XL are sustainably designed over-ear headphones featuring a unique modular construction that allows users to easily replace nine different parts, including the 40mm dynamic drivers and the 800mAh battery. These headphones offer up to 30 hours of playback (26 with ANC enabled), Bluetooth 5.1 with multipoint connectivity, and support for high-resolution aptX HD codecs. They are IP54-rated for dust and splash resistance and are built with over 80% recycled plastics and 100% recycled aluminum. Main pros include their industry-leading repairability, ethical manufacturing practices, and intuitive physical joystick controls. However, notable cons include an active noise cancellation system that underperforms compared to premium rivals, a lack of smart features like wear-detection sensors, and a sound profile that some find less refined for the price point.

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Graphic comparison of Fairphone Fairbuds Xl and other products in the Headphones category

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