80
Tom Bedford
TechRadar
“There’s a distinct lack of extra features and a few other non‑competitive areas like battery life and ANC, but what might put most buyers off is the relatively high price tag.”
Critical Assessment
What Critics Praise
- Modular construction
- IP54 water resistance
- USB‑C wired mode
- Two‑year warranty
- Great full-range noise isolation
- 28 hours battery life with ANC
Points of Contention
- Mediocre sound quality
- Disappointing passive soundstage
- Inconsistent audio delivery with glasses
- Large ear cups interfere with seal
Professional Reviews
4 reviews from 4 critics75
Tim Gideon
PCMag
“The Fairphone Fairbuds XL headphones deliver quality audio and decent noise cancellation from a handsome, modular design that's built to last.”
70
Jon Porter
The Verge
The Fairbuds XL offer a commendable modular design and sustainability features, but their mediocre audio performance and lack of a 3.5 mm jack detract from their value at €249. While repairability and build quality are strong points, the sound quality and connectivity limitations prevent them from competing effectively with premium alternatives.
69
David Abraham, Christopher Steward, Yannick Khong
RTINGS
The Fairphone Fairbuds XL are positioned as a budget-friendly wireless earbud option with noise-cancelling features and gaming compatibility. The review lacks an in-depth assessment, offering no concrete evaluation of performance, sound quality, or value.
