Repairable headphones are the future, but they’re not perfect yet

Repairable headphones aren’t new. Audio stalwarts like Sennheiser have offered replaceable parts for ages. DIYers have been tinkering just as long. However, Fairphone is doing something unique with the Fairbuds XL headphones. (Yes, headphones, not earbuds). These wireless cans wed the right-to-repair movement with sustainability. They don’t look too shabby, either.

I’ve used the Fairbuds XL active noise canceling (ANC) headphones for a week. In that time, I’ve grown excited about the future of modular headsets. At present, though, there are some trade-offs to repairable, sustainable headphones.