Fairphone has unveiled its latest product, the Fairbuds 2, a new generation of earbuds that continue the brand’s commitment to sustainability and repairability. Priced at £99 / €119 and set to launch in the US at $119 on November 2nd, these earbuds promise enhanced audio performance and nearly double the battery life compared to their predecessor.
Designed from scratch, the Fairbuds 2 feature a stemmed design available in both black and green, all while boasting a significantly smaller case—37% less than the original. Remarkably, the battery life reaches up to 40 hours without Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and offers eight hours of use on a single charge of the earbuds. With ANC activated, the battery duration is reduced to six hours. Charging is facilitated via USB-C, although it does not support Qi wireless charging.
The sound quality is expected to be superior thanks to new bio-cellulose dynamic drivers, while still maintaining an 11mm size. Additionally, advancements in ANC technology and support for the LDAC codec enhance the listening experience. The earbuds also feature multipoint connectivity for pairing with two devices simultaneously and a five-band EQ through their accompanying app for audio customization.
After two weeks of testing the Fairbuds 2, I found them to be a solid choice for their price, even if they lack the premium feel of more expensive models. The earbuds present a visually appealing design, intuitive touch controls, and good sound quality, although at times they can sound somewhat muted when compared to others on the market. The ANC feature has proven effective in reducing background noise.
One of the standout features of the Fairbuds 2 is their repairability, a hallmark of the Fairphone brand that distinguishes it from competitors. Users will appreciate the ability to replace components with ease—each earbud’s battery can be swapped out in under a minute without any tools, while only a single T5 screw secures the charging case’s battery. Fairphone offers seven user-replaceable parts, including eartips and sleeves, and provides spare parts through its website. They also feature an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance and come with a three-year warranty.
In addition to repairability, Fairphone emphasizes transparency in its supply chain, stating that 49% of the materials used in the Fairbuds 2 are sourced ethically and recycled. This includes the use of recycled plastics and responsibly mined rare earth minerals, including cobalt, gold, and silver. Fairphone upholds fair labor practices, ensuring decent working conditions in the production of its products.
Photography by Dominic Preston / The Verge
Editor’s Take
The launch of the Fairbuds 2 is a significant step towards making sustainable technology more accessible. By focusing on repairability and ethical sourcing, Fairphone is setting a precedent in the audio industry. For consumers, this means greater longevity of devices and a reduction in electronic waste. Moreover, as more companies are likely to follow suit, we can anticipate a shift towards more responsible manufacturing practices industry-wide.
Source: www.theverge.com
