Fairphone: Introducing Fairbuds – Sustainable Wireless Earbuds
Fairphone has consistently defied the norms set by major phone manufacturers by creating innovative, sustainable solutions. Over the years, the company has demonstrated its ability to design modern-looking phones that are easy to open up, facilitate battery swaps, and provide long-term software support ranging from eight to 10 years.
While the concept of eco-friendly, repairable wireless earbuds seemed improbable due to their small size, Fairphone has once again pushed the boundaries with the introduction of Fairbuds. Currently available in the EU for 149 euros (approximately $160 USD), these earbuds share the same ethos as Fairphone’s smartphones.
Key Features of Fairbuds:
- Seven replaceable parts for both the buds and charging case, all offered by Fairphone
- Two-year warranty, extendable to three years through registration
- Replaceable batteries in both the case and buds
- IP54 sweat and water resistance
- Option to purchase individual left or right buds and the charging case
- Constructed with “fair and recycled materials,” in environmentally conscious facilities
Besides their sustainable design, Fairbuds feature 11 mm titanium drivers for high-quality sound, along with active noise-canceling and ambient sound modes. They utilize Bluetooth 5.3 with “dual point connectivity” for seamless switching between devices and offer a dedicated Fairbuds app for personalized EQ settings. Each bud has a 455 mAh battery providing up to six hours of listening time, while the 500 mAh case adds an additional 20 hours of playback.
Repairability and Sustainability
This isn’t Fairphone’s first entry into sustainable audio products. The company previously released the now-discontinued True Wireless Stereo Earbuds and currently offers Fairbuds XL, which are over-ear headphones. Major-brand earbuds, in contrast, often lack repairability and end up as electronic waste after their batteries expire.
In comparison, Fairbuds set a new standard for repairable and eco-friendly earbuds, challenging the status quo set by products like AirPods and Beats. While the market may still be dominated by use-and-toss earbuds, Fairbuds offer a compelling alternative that prioritizes sustainability and longevity.
By introducing Fairbuds, Fairphone continues to lead the way in sustainable consumer electronics, providing a model for a more responsible approach to technology consumption.
Image/Photo credit: source url