You can put the best part of Fairphones new headphones into the older model

Over two years after Fairphone introduced its first pair of modular and repairable wireless headphones, the company has announced an upgraded version. The new Fairbuds XL look similar to the originals but feature an updated design with more comfortable fabrics and improved sound thanks to new drivers. What’s most interesting about these is that thanks to Fairphone’s commitment to modular hardware, some of the improvements are backward-compatible. That way, owners of the first-gen Fairbuds XL can upgrade them with better sound without replacing them entirely.

The new Fairbuds XL are launching with an updated and sleeker design that now uses breathable mesh fabrics on the headband and ear cushions, which Fairphone says “enhances comfort during long listening sessions.” Features like IP54 dust and water resistance, a USB-C charging port, a dedicated ANC button, and a small joystick for controlling playback and volume have been carried forward, while the two color options, now called forest green and horizon black, have been deepened to give the Fairbuds XL a more premium appearance.

Fairphone says the new headphones also have better sound thanks to “new 40 millimeter dynamic drivers” and “refined audio tuning,” but the Bluetooth connectivity remains limited to AAC, SBC, and aptX HD. The battery is still replaceable alongside eight other modular components that can be swapped to prolong the life of the headphones, but battery life still tops out at 30 hours, which is reduced if you’re using ANC.

It took over two years for the original Fairbuds XL to be available in the US, but this time the wait won’t be nearly as long. The new Fairbuds XL are available globally starting today through Fairphone’s online store at the same price as the originals and are expected to launch in the US through Amazon later this month for $229.

Fairphone is selling the new driver units on their own for €61.95 (left) and €39.95 (right) for those wanting to upgrade the original Fairbuds XL, but those components are also available as part of a discounted bundle that includes ear cushions and speaker covers. However, given the originals only just launched in the US last month, Fairphone won’t be selling the new spare parts there until later in 2026.