Fairphone Fairbuds 2 Review: Eco-Friendly Wireless Earbuds Tested

Fairphone has expanded its audio lineup with the introduction of the Fairphone Fairbuds 2. Positioned as a repairable and environmentally conscious alternative in the wireless earbud market, the new model aims to balance everyday usability with sustainable manufacturing principles.

Design and Sustainability

The Fairbuds 2 continue Fairphone’s emphasis on green technology. The device is manufactured using recycled materials for components such as speaker magnets and solder, alongside responsibly sourced cobalt, copper, gold, and silver. A notable aspect of the design is the absence of PFAS chemicals, which have been a subject of recent health and safety discussions regarding consumer electronics.

The earbuds feature a stem-based design and weigh 5.8g each. They are housed in a compact, durable cylindrical charging case weighing 64g with the buds inside, featuring a USB-C port, pairing button, and a three-LED battery indicator. The earbuds carry an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, though the case lacks an official rating.

Audio Performance and Features

Equipped with 11mm dynamic drivers, the Fairbuds 2 support Bluetooth 6.0 and LDAC playback on compatible Android devices. Reviewers note that the sound profile leans toward a bass-heavy presentation, which can sometimes overshadow the mids and highs. However, the accompanying mobile application provides a five-band equalizer with effective presets such as Balanced, Bass Boost, Treble Boost, and Voice.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) performs adequately for the price point, effectively dampening ambient background sounds. The companion app also includes a "Find My Earbuds" utility and options for touch control customization.

Battery Life and Pricing

Battery life is rated at approximately 6 hours of continuous playback with ANC enabled (around 8 hours with ANC disabled). The charging case extends total listening time, though specific ANC-enabled case metrics were not detailed.

Priced at $119 / £99 (approximately AU$200), the Fairbuds 2 launched in Europe in October, followed by a US release in November.

How to Verify

Consumers interested in purchasing or verifying technical specifications can consult Fairphone’s official announcements and product documentation directly on their website.