Fairphone refreshes its good-looking, repairable headphones | TechCrunch

"The new devices are an update to the Fairbuds XL with noise cancellation, first launched in 2023 and designed with repairability in mind. On these headphones, owners can replace the battery, cushions, speaker covers, headband, and drivers on both the new and older models. To make repairs, you can easily open up the headphones with a guitar pick or a credit card and a basic screwdriver. The company has tutorials on its YouTube channel to guide you through the process."

"The new iteration carries that same ethos but includes some subtle design changes as well as a driver upgrade to improve performance. Specifically, the company said that the driver size is still 40mm, but it's been upgraded with better magnets for improved bass. Despite installing new drivers with enhanced bass, the overall sound signature is largely neutral. Both mids and vocals came through while listening to songs. For instance, some of the tracks on the "K-Pop Demon Hunter" album have some bass-heavy sections, but that didn't cloud the vocals or synth."

"Colors like black and white for gadgets are classic, but when a company brings out a different color without it looking gaudy, they tend to stand out. That is what I felt when unboxing Fairphone's new $229 Fairbuds XL over-the-ear headphones in the forest green shade."

Fairbuds XL are $229 over-ear headphones available in forest green and black. The headphones compete with models like Nothing Headphones (1), Sony WH-1000XM5, and Sonos Ace, trading some sound and ANC advantages for longevity and repairability. Owners can replace battery, cushions, speaker covers, headband, and drivers on both new and older models using simple tools; tutorials are available on YouTube. The updated model keeps 40mm drivers upgraded with stronger magnets for improved bass while maintaining a largely neutral sound signature that preserves mids and vocals. Design tweaks include green cable and joystick and new mesh ear cushions for comfort and isolation.

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