Fairbuds XL Gen 2 Drivers Upgrade Gen 1 Headphones for €100

Upgrade your sound with Fairbuds XL Gen 2 drivers—compatible with Gen 1 headphones, offering a sustainable €100 boost in audio quality.

A Fresh Spin on Sustainable Headphones

If you’re like me, you’ve noticed how most wireless headphones tend to become disposable gadgets. The batteries fade, cushions peel, and before you know it, you’re tossing your headset and buying a new one. It’s a cycle that’s frustrating for fans who love their gear and the planet alike. Enter Fairphone’s Fairbuds XL headphones—the original was a breath of fresh air, designed to be modular and self-repairable with screws, not glued parts.

Now, the Fairbuds XL Gen 2 headphones takes that ethos a step further. Think of it less like a brand-new model and more like a thoughtful refinement—it’s about making headphone upgrades and repairs feel as natural as swapping out your phone case.

Sleek Looks, Smarter Sound

The Fairbuds XL Gen 2 headphones keep the modular skeleton that made the original so repair-friendly but ups the ante with new 40-mm dynamic drivers. Those drivers promise a richer, more natural sound, refined tuning, and durability wrapped in updated materials. They come in two mature colorways—Forest Green and Horizon Black—that ditch the plastic toy vibe for something sleeker and more grown-up.

These headphones pack 30 hours of battery life, active noise cancellation with ambient sound mode, Bluetooth and USB-C wired options. Perfect for zoning out or staying aware of your surroundings without switching devices.

Upgrade Your Old Fairbuds with New Drivers

Here’s where Fairphone really flips the script. The new 40-mm drivers are not just for the Gen 2—they’re sold separately as modules. That means if you bought the 2023 Fairbuds XL headphones, you can pop open your headphones with a screwdriver and swap the old drivers for these new, improved ones. No need to buy a whole new set when a €100 upgrade delivers a fresher, fuller sound.

This modular approach turns the Gen 2 launch into both a fresh product drop and a parts catalog, celebrating repairability and longevity.

Comfort Meets Practicality

For me, wearing headphones for long sessions can be a test of endurance. The Gen 2 steps up comfort with a breathable net fabric headband and soft birdseye mesh ear cushions. The design embraces warm environments by ditching PU leather for mesh, which is way better for sweat and heat without sacrificing the modularity that lets you swap worn parts easily.

The headphones also carry an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. It’s a smart mix of durability and style, proving practical design can look sharp.

Built to Last and Easy to Fix

The heart of these Fairbuds XL Gen 2 headphones is their modularity. Nine parts including battery, cushions, drivers, headband, and covers can all be replaced with just a screwdriver—no glue traps here. The battery is easy to remove, the warranty extends to three years (one year longer than usual), and they carry the LONGTIME™ label—a badge of honor for products made to stand the test of time and repairs.

Smart Features Keep You Connected

On the tech front, these headphones don’t disappoint. Advanced noise cancelling with an ambient mode switch lets you balance focus and awareness. The upgraded Fairbuds app offers new presets and customizable EQ, so you can tailor your sound waves exactly how you like them.

Bluetooth supports dual-point connectivity, meaning you can seamlessly jump from your phone to your laptop without missing a beat. Plus, USB-C wired listening means you can ditch the battery drain if you want to jam for longer.

Gen 2 even adds a thoughtful auto power-off feature after 30 minutes of inactivity when ANC is off—a clever tweak that helps save battery life.

A Rare Upgrade Path in a Disposable World

What really stands out? Most new headphone releases act like the last generation never existed. Fairbuds XL Gen 2 headphones bucks that trend by making the new drivers fit the old headphones. This doubles as a parts drop for early adopters who want to keep their original headphones fresh without shelling out for a totally new pair.

At €249 for the full headset, or about €100 for just the driver swap, this upgrade path isn’t just clever—it’s a rare nod to sustainability and fan loyalty. It’s a reminder that upgradeable tech can be designed from the start, not treated like a glitch in the system.

Wrapping It Up

Fairbuds XL Gen 2 headphones isn’t just an incremental upgrade; it’s a statement about how tech can be designed with longevity and user choice in mind. Whether you're an audio geek or someone tired of the throwaway culture, this modular, upgradeable headphone system feels like a breath of fresh air.

FAQ

• What makes Fairbuds XL Gen 2 different from Gen 1?
  The Gen 2 features new 40-mm dynamic drivers with refined sound tuning, updated materials for comfort, and a modular design compatible with Gen 1 drivers.
• Can I upgrade my existing Fairbuds XL to Gen 2?
  Yes! The new drivers are sold separately and fit directly into the Gen 1 headphones, allowing for an easy sound upgrade.
• How long does the battery last on Gen 2 headphones?
  Fairbuds XL Gen 2 offers up to 30 hours of listening with active noise cancellation.
• Are the headphones water-resistant?
  They have an IP54 rating, which means they’re resistant to dust and splashes.
• What colors are available for the Gen 2 Fairbuds XL?
  You can choose between Forest Green and Horizon Black, both offering a more mature aesthetic.

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