The best headphone for the world
Aluminum and plastic from recycling, easy to repair thanks to the modular design: the Bluetooth headphones Fairbuds XL pull out all the stops when it comes to sustainability – and outperform most of the competition in the relationship. But what about sound quality and features? We tried the over-ear model from cell phone manufacturer Fairphone.
Fairbuds XL in the test: our conclusion
The Fairbuds XL model convinced me – but not in the tried and tested way. Ironically, I couldn’t get used to the tonal tuning. I like numerous alternatives from other brands better.
Rather, it is the concept of “headphones” that was first fundamentally examined and then consistently implemented in a sustainable manner. A gadget that reminds me of my bike to a certain extent: I’m the boss here too, and with the right tools and the right spare parts I can repair a lot myself – instead of being largely at the mercy of the manufacturer, as with my iPhone most cell phones.
Other aspects such as battery life, operation and wearing comfort are good. The noise canceling is amazingly effective. You really can’t complain – so what’s left in the end?
Well, the Fairbuds XL model is not the “best headphones in the world” overall, that has to be said. On the other hand, the chances of winning the title of “best headphones” are significantly greater for the world”. While others shine with a chic design and venture into audiophile spheres in terms of sound, Fairphone’s headphones reflect on repairability. An important term that we consumers will probably hear a lot more about in the future. The Fairbuds XL have already rushed ahead, into a hopefully better world.
Fairbuds XL: Into the future with old virtues
Between mobile phone giants like Samsung, Apple and Xiaomi there is a small pioneer: the Dutch company Fairphone. You can take the brand name literally, because the company philosophy is centered on “sustainability and fair working practices in the electronics industry”. How seriously this is meant can be seen from the almost 10 years of company history. Fairphone’s fourth smartphone is now on the market – and it can hold its own against the competition in its own unique way. With the Fairbuds XL Now follows a step into another product category: In the case of headphones, Bose, JBL and Sony, among others, set the tone.
A quick question instead: What does the battery in Bluetooth headphones actually look like? If you can’t get a clear picture in your head now, it might be because you never see these batteries. They are usually permanently installed, not accessible to us users – normal, right? No, because the Fairbuds XL show that there is another way. Like it used to be, when almost all portable devices had a removable battery. A flat and stable object (plastic card) is enough to get to the battery, so the cover can be removed. That’s how it has to be!
All other options (replacing the ear pads, drivers, brackets) are on YouTube in a how-to playlist individually explained. Some steps require a standard Phillips screwdriver (known as Phillips 00, PH 00, or PH #00). It is generally recommended to keep a small tool set at home. By the way, you don’t have to have any fears or concerns with the FairBuds XL: the “self-repairs” provided by the manufacturer can also be implemented without any problems for laypeople.
All beginnings are difficult
As already mentioned: These headphones have become quite good in and of themselves – but they are not enough to outperform premium models such as Apple AirPods Max, Sony WH-1000XM5 or B&W Px7 S2. For me, this is mainly due to the sound quality. The Fairbuds XL have a tune that combines general “coolness” and a bit too sharp highs. Many songs sound a bit distant, like in a slightly echoing room. The preset equalizer profiles in the app didn’t do much to improve the experience. All in all not a completely bad sound – but very specially tuned. The competitors mentioned above sound more natural and direct, and invite you to enjoy music.
The wearing comfort is average: A somewhat high contact pressure, but quite cuddly ear pads. The Noise canceling (ANC) works mainly at low frequencies, but can easily be disturbed by wind movements when running. The operation is intuitive and reliable, because instead of touch surfaces, Fairphone uses proven hardware buttons on the Fairbuds XL. The related mobile app seems still expandable, because apart from ready-made sound settings, there is currently not much to be found here. It can be assumed that corresponding updates will gradually increase the usefulness of the app.
All beginnings are difficult. Nevertheless, Fairphone has made a remarkable debut with the Fairbuds XL, which should lure customers away from some well-known brands – especially when sustainability is the decisive argument. Many big names still have a lot to improve here in order to even get to Fairphone’s debut headphones.
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