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Fairphone Launches Fairbuds XL Gen 2 With New Drivers and Stronger ANC

Backwards-compatible drivers let existing owners upgrade sound without replacing their headphones.

Overview

  • The Gen 2 model is on sale in Europe for €249/£219, with a U.S. launch expected later in December via Amazon for $229.
  • New 40mm dynamic drivers and refined tuning target clearer audio, and active noise cancellation is now rated up to 35 dB with better wind-noise reduction.
  • Battery life is rated at up to 30 hours with ANC off and about 20 hours with it on, and the battery remains user-replaceable.
  • Fairphone will sell the new drivers as modules for Gen 1 in Europe (€61.95 left, €39.95 right), with U.S. spare-part sales planned for 2026.
  • Updates include breathable mesh headband and cushions, IP54 protection, recycled rare-earth magnets and fair-mined metals via credits, and assembly using 100% renewable energy.