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For earbuds, Fairphone Fairbuds are the clearest documented alternative to AirPods when battery replacement matters. Fairphone publishes procedures for changing both the individual earbud batteries and the charging-case battery, while iFixit describes the earbud coin cells as easy to replace. For watches, the evidence is less conclusive: a TechRadar report says iFixit gave Google Pixel Watch 4 a 9/10 repairability score and called its battery replaceable, but there is not yet enough primary documentation to establish owner replacement, parts sales, or repair availability in every country. Apple Watch has an official out-of-warranty battery-service route, which is different from a user-swappable battery.
This guide separates documented owner repair from provider-only service, explains the Fairbuds procedure and trade-offs, and shows what to verify before choosing a repairable smartwatch.
At a glance: which options are actually repairable?
| Product | What the evidence establishes | Battery and parts access | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairphone Fairbuds | Manufacturer-published replacement procedures; iFixit calls the earbud cells easy to replace and the case modular. | Replaceable batteries in both earbuds and the charging case; Fairphone lists spare parts and guides. | Replacement involves a rotating earbud tray or opening the case with a screw. The case is not water-resistant. |
| AirPods Pro (iFixit comparison entry) | Not designed to be serviced; opening causes damage and the batteries are sealed in. | No official replacement parts or repair instructions identified by iFixit. | This assessment refers to the AirPods Pro entry shown on iFixit’s comparison page, not every AirPods generation. |
| Google Pixel Watch 4 | TechRadar reports an iFixit 9/10 repairability rating and a replaceable battery. | Owner replacement, official parts, and authorized repair coverage were not verified in the available primary documentation. | Treat the claim as provisional until Google or iFixit documentation confirms the exact process and regional support. |
| Apple Watch | Apple offers out-of-warranty battery service. | Service is performed through Apple or an authorized provider; this is not evidence of a user-swappable battery. | Prices and terms vary. Apple’s battery specification is up to 80% original capacity after 1,000 complete charge cycles. |
Current purchase prices, inventory, and repair access are country- and generation-dependent. The cited documentation does not establish a single worldwide price for any of these products.
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What “replaceable battery” should mean before you buy
Retail listings use “replaceable” for several different arrangements. For a fair comparison, classify a product in one of these ways:
#1 Best Overall
- Titanium-coated dynamic drivers: Enjoy a rich, perfectly balanced sound profile with titanium-coated 11mm dynamic drivers. Powerful highs, warm mids, and deep lows complement each other for pure sound that is natural and true-to-life. Zero distortion, zero crackling. Experience sound the way it was created.
- Active Noise Canceling: Going for a run, but want to keep an ear out for traffic? Switch on ambient mode. Looking for deep focus time with absolutely zero distractions. Switch to active mode. The Fairbuds unlocks a fully immersive sonic experience on demand. And, when out in the real world, its advanced wind reduction makes sure the listening experience is never compromised.
- 26 hours of battery runtime: The Fairbuds are geared for an uninterrupted listening experience, be it at work or on the go. Get up to six hours of listening on a single charge. And when it's time, pop them in the charging case for a quick boost. The Fairbuds charges up fast, with 1.5 of listening in just ten minutes. The charging case can fully charge the Fairbuds up to three times more, before it needs to be juiced up. Now that's fair.
- Crystal-clear calling: The Fairbuds come with Environmental Noise Canceling (ENC). That means all calls and voice recordings on the Fairbuds always sound as clear as day, no matter the surroundings. It gets the job done with the help of six onboard mics that can intelligently pick up vocal patterns while cutting out background noise.
- Seamless dual point connectivity: Multipoint connectivity is a no-brainer with the Fairbuds. It can connect to two devices at the same time, while switching between them is a just a button tap away. That means staying connected to a laptop and a smartphone at the same time is easy, and moving from one to the other is seamless.
- Owner-replaceable: You can obtain the part and follow a published procedure yourself with ordinary care. This is the category Fairphone documents for Fairbuds.
- Service-replaceable: The manufacturer or an authorized shop can exchange the battery, but the owner is not given a supported self-repair path. Apple Watch battery service fits here.
- Repairable in a teardown: A specialist may be able to reach the cell, but there may be no official parts, instructions, warranty protection, or practical way to restore sealing. A teardown-based claim about a smartwatch should not be treated as a consumer guarantee.
- Sealed or destructive access: Opening the enclosure damages it or the battery is permanently sealed. iFixit places the AirPods Pro entry in this group.
Also check whether the charging case is repairable. Earbuds can have two separate batteries: one in each bud and one in the case. Replacing only the buds does not solve a case that can no longer hold a charge.
Fairphone Fairbuds: the strongest documented AirPods alternative
Why Fairbuds stand out
Fairphone’s repair documentation covers both individual earbud batteries and the charging-case battery. Its repair page estimates roughly 5–10 minutes for an earbud-battery replacement and about two minutes for the case-battery replacement. Those are the manufacturer’s estimates, not an independent timing test. Fairphone directs owners to spare parts and says that careful work performed according to its instructions should not void the warranty. See the official Fairphone repair page.
iFixit’s wireless-earbud repairability comparison independently describes the Fairbuds’ earbud coin cells as easy to replace and the charging case as modular. That combination—published parts and instructions plus an independent repairability assessment—is stronger evidence than a product page that merely uses the word “repairable.”
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The Fairphone walkthrough does not describe a disposable pod that simply pops out. The battery sits in a small rotating tray, so the tray has to be positioned and handled carefully. Use this sequence as a planning checklist, then follow the current instructions for your exact Fairbuds generation:
- Open Fairphone’s Fairbuds repair walkthrough and confirm that the guide and battery part match your model.
- Prepare a clean, well-lit workspace and power down or disconnect the earbud before opening it. Keep the replacement cell and the removed cell separate.
- Access the earbud’s rotating battery tray as shown in the guide. Do not force the tray or pry against the battery.
- Remove the old cell, install the replacement in the tray with the same orientation, and close the earbud without pinching the battery or seal.
- Charge and test the earbud. If it is not detected, check the seating and contacts before attempting another opening.
Fairphone also explains how to order and pair a single replacement earbud. That matters when one bud is lost or damaged: you do not necessarily need to replace the complete set.
Replacing the charging-case battery and core
The case uses a different procedure. Fairphone’s walkthrough says to remove a screw and open the case shell to reach the battery. The charging core is separately replaceable as well. This makes the case more serviceable than a sealed case, but it is not tool-free and it is not a reason to treat the enclosure as waterproof.
- Verify whether the fault is the case battery or the separately replaceable charging core.
- Use the Fairphone guide for the correct screw and shell-opening sequence; keep the screw where it cannot enter the electronics.
- Replace the matched part, close the shell evenly, and reinstall the screw without overtightening.
- Charge the case, confirm that both earbuds are recognized, and test charging from the case before returning it to daily use.
Battery, playback, and water-resistance specifications
Fairphone lists a 45 mAh earbud battery and a rating of 500 charge/discharge cycles to 80% remaining capacity. Both figures are manufacturer-published; they are not independent comparative measurements. Fairphone describes its own controlled-playback test as continuous playback at 50% volume using a 1 kHz sine wave. Real listening time varies with volume, codec, call use, temperature, and battery age.
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- Titanium-coated dynamic drivers: Enjoy a rich, perfectly balanced sound profile with titanium-coated 11mm dynamic drivers. Powerful highs, warm mids, and deep lows complement each other for pure sound that is natural and true-to-life. Zero distortion, zero crackling. Experience sound the way it was created.
- Active Noise Canceling: Going for a run, but want to keep an ear out for traffic? Switch on ambient mode. Looking for deep focus time with absolutely zero distractions. Switch to active mode. The Fairbuds unlocks a fully immersive sonic experience on demand. And, when out in the real world, its advanced wind reduction makes sure the listening experience is never compromised.
- 26 hours of battery runtime: The Fairbuds are geared for an uninterrupted listening experience, be it at work or on the go. Get up to six hours of listening on a single charge. And when it's time, pop them in the charging case for a quick boost. The Fairbuds charges up fast, with 1.5 of listening in just ten minutes. The charging case can fully charge the Fairbuds up to three times more, before it needs to be juiced up. Now that's fair.
- Crystal-clear calling: The Fairbuds come with Environmental Noise Canceling (ENC). That means all calls and voice recordings on the Fairbuds always sound as clear as day, no matter the surroundings. It gets the job done with the help of six onboard mics that can intelligently pick up vocal patterns while cutting out background noise.
- Seamless dual point connectivity: Multipoint connectivity is a no-brainer with the Fairbuds. It can connect to two devices at the same time, while switching between them is a just a button tap away. That means staying connected to a laptop and a smartphone at the same time is easy, and moving from one to the other is seamless.
The earbuds have an IP54 rating. The charging case does not have that rating, and Fairphone says the earbuds are not designed for swimming. Keep the case dry and do not assume that replacing a battery restores any original seal if the enclosure has been opened incorrectly.
Fairbuds’ practical limitations
- The rotating tray and case screw require careful handling; “replaceable” does not mean effortless.
- Opening the case can compromise protection if the shell is not closed correctly.
- Spare-part stock, shipping, warranty handling, and repair support depend on your country.
- Confirm the generation before ordering a battery, case core, or single replacement earbud.
- Replacing a battery addresses power loss, but it does not automatically fix a failed charging contact, damaged microphone, worn speaker mesh, or pairing fault.
- Keep the old component until the new one has been tested; it can help identify whether the diagnosis was wrong.
What the AirPods Pro comparison tells you
iFixit’s comparison entry for AirPods Pro says the earbuds are not designed to be serviced: accessing the components causes damage, the batteries are sealed in, and no official replacement parts or repair instructions are available. That is a fundamentally different ownership model from Fairbuds, where the manufacturer publishes a battery procedure and sells relevant parts.
Do not generalize that one comparison entry to every current AirPods model without checking the exact generation. The useful takeaway is the repairability distinction: an out-of-warranty replacement program or a third-party teardown is not the same as an owner-serviceable design.
Cost and ownership questions to check
No single current purchase or repair price applies worldwide. Fairbuds owners should compare the cost of an official earbud battery, case battery, charging core, or single replacement bud with the price of a complete new set, including shipping and local taxes. A low part price can be offset by overseas delivery or a part that is temporarily out of stock. Conversely, replacing one cell or one lost bud can avoid discarding otherwise working hardware.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For Apple Watch, request the out-of-warranty battery-service quote for the exact model and country. Ask whether the quoted service is a battery exchange or another replacement arrangement, whether shipping is included, and what warranty applies to the service. Do not compare an Apple service quote directly with the price of a bare battery: labor, diagnostics, seals, logistics, and post-service handling can be part of the provider’s charge.
For Pixel Watch 4, do not budget for a DIY battery until Google or an authorized provider lists the exact part, labor price, and service route for your region. A repairability score alone does not establish that a consumer can buy the cell or that a local shop can restore the watch reliably.
Smartwatch alternatives: the Pixel Watch 4 claim needs verification
What has been reported
TechRadar reports that iFixit gave Google Pixel Watch 4 a 9/10 repairability score and described its battery as replaceable. The report is encouraging for buyers who want a more serviceable watch, but the available evidence does not establish whether the owner can perform the replacement, which parts Google sells, or where authorized repairs are available.
Rank #3
- 40mm dynamic drivers: The Fairbuds XL offer premium sound that is built to last. Explore a wide sonic range with every detail highlighted: clear highs, warm mids, and deep bass, with a natural sound profile and a balanced stereo image. It also supports aptX-HD over wireless Bluetooth for 24-bit sound that is studio-quality. Experience sound the way it was created.
- Advanced Noise-Canceling: The Fairbuds XL are perfect for everywhere - in the gym, on the train, or for some much needed 'me-time'. Thanks to its advanced active noise-cancelling, no place is too loud to disturb the way it sounds. Want to drill down and focus? Spend some quality time with nostalgic playlists? Switch on active mode for a fully immersive experience. Don't want to zone out completely? Toggle ambient mode instead and keep one ear out for what's happening in the background.
- 30 hours of battery runtime: The Fairbuds XL are big on sound, and big on battery life. Its 800mAH battery is designed to go up to 30 hours on a single charge. Even with active noise-cancelling on the whole time, it can last up to 26 hours. The battery is designed to last long as well, rated for 500 charging cycles. And when that's up, swap in a brand new one to keep the sound going. Don't want to depend on a battery? Plug them in with a USB-C cable and go wired and totally charge-free.
- Seamless dual point connectivity: The Fairbuds XL make multipoint connectivity so easy. Connect to two devices at the same time with the Fairbuds XL, while switching between them is a just a button tap away. Pair the Fairbuds XL to a laptop and a smartphone at the same time, and move from one to the other seamlessly.
- Foldable. Weatherproof. Universal: The Fairbuds XL are not only modular, they sport a travel-friendly foldable design that makes it more compact than ever. It even comes with a handy pouch to take it on-the go. They are also IP54-rated for dust and moisture, making them ideal for an outdoor run in light rain, or a heavy-duty workout session.
What is not yet established
- There is no verified owner-facing battery-replacement procedure in the material available for this guide.
- Official battery and adhesive-seal parts availability by country is not established.
- Authorized repair coverage, pricing, turnaround, and post-repair water resistance are not established.
- The exact Pixel Watch 4 model, regional compatibility, and current retail availability must be checked before purchase.
Until those points are confirmed in primary Google or iFixit documentation, describe Pixel Watch 4 as a promising repairability candidate—not as a confirmed user-replaceable-battery watch. Read the TechRadar report for the basis of the 9/10 claim, then verify the details for your market.
Questions to ask a retailer or service center
- Is the quoted battery replacement performed by the owner, a local repair shop, or an authorized service center?
- Can you buy the exact battery, seals, and tools separately?
- Will the watch retain its water-resistance rating after service, and is that tested?
- What happens to the warranty if a third party performs the work?
- Is the service available in your country for the specific model and cellular or Wi-Fi variant?
- Will the watch be returned with its software paired and data intact, or should you back it up and erase it first?
- What diagnostic fee applies if the battery is not the underlying fault?
Apple Watch: an official service route, not a DIY battery swap
Apple states that out-of-warranty Apple Watch battery service is available, with prices and terms that may vary. This is a manufacturer-service option: the watch is sent to Apple or an authorized provider rather than opened by the owner under an Apple-published replacement procedure. Check Apple’s current battery service and recycling information for your region before arranging service.
Apple also says the Apple Watch battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity after 1,000 complete charge cycles. That is Apple’s specification, not an independently reproduced test. It can help set expectations about the design target, but it does not turn the battery into a user-replaceable component.
Before sending a watch away, back up its data, remove activation or account locks as instructed, record the serial number, and photograph its condition. Ask how long service normally takes, whether a replacement unit may be supplied, and whether water-resistance testing is included. These operational details can matter more than the battery specification when the watch is used for daily health or safety tracking.
How to choose between the available paths
Choose Fairbuds when owner repair is the priority
Fairbuds are the best-supported choice in this comparison if your main requirement is replacing batteries yourself. They cover both the buds and the case, have manufacturer instructions, and have an independent repairability description. Accept the need for careful handling and the case’s lack of water resistance.
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Choose a service-backed watch when convenience matters more than DIY
Apple Watch is the clearer choice if you want a documented manufacturer service channel rather than opening the watch yourself. Pixel Watch 4 may become a stronger repair-focused option, but its battery claim should remain provisional until parts, instructions, and regional support are confirmed.
Make the decision by region, not just by model name
Repairability only helps when the replacement part can reach you. Before ordering, check the manufacturer’s regional store, shipping eligibility, warranty terms, service locations, and the exact model number. A design that is repairable in one market can be impractical elsewhere if parts are unavailable.
Rank #4
- 40mm dynamic drivers: The Fairbuds XL offer premium sound that is built to last. Explore a wide sonic range with every detail highlighted: clear highs, warm mids, and deep bass, with a natural sound profile and a balanced stereo image. It also supports aptX-HD over wireless Bluetooth for 24-bit sound that is studio-quality. Experience sound the way it was created.
- Advanced Noise-Canceling: The Fairbuds XL are perfect for everywhere - in the gym, on the train, or for some much needed 'me-time'. Thanks to its advanced active noise-cancelling, no place is too loud to disturb the way it sounds. Want to drill down and focus? Spend some quality time with nostalgic playlists? Switch on active mode for a fully immersive experience. Don't want to zone out completely? Toggle ambient mode instead and keep one ear out for what's happening in the background.
- 30 hours of battery runtime: The Fairbuds XL are big on sound, and big on battery life. Its 800mAH battery is designed to go up to 30 hours on a single charge. Even with active noise-cancelling on the whole time, it can last up to 26 hours. The battery is designed to last long as well, rated for 500 charging cycles. And when that's up, swap in a brand new one to keep the sound going. Don't want to depend on a battery? Plug them in with a USB-C cable and go wired and totally charge-free.
- Seamless dual point connectivity: The Fairbuds XL make multipoint connectivity so easy. Connect to two devices at the same time with the Fairbuds XL, while switching between them is a just a button tap away. Pair the Fairbuds XL to a laptop and a smartphone at the same time, and move from one to the other seamlessly.
- Award-winning modular design: The Fairbuds XL are the proud recipients of the IF Design Award in 2024, recognized for its easily repairable modular design. Simple screws, zero glue. Take the Fairbuds XL apart in minutes with a single screwdriver, and replace up to nine spare parts, including things like the individual speakers, ear cups, headband, speaker-to-speaker cable, and more. Did we mention you can replace the battery?
Compare the whole repair system
Look beyond the cell itself. A useful system includes identifiable parts, clear diagrams, compatible firmware or pairing steps, replacement seals or shells where needed, and a way to obtain help if the repair fails. Fairphone documents a single replacement-earbud pairing path; that is a different level of support from a teardown that shows only how to reach a battery. For any watch, confirm whether opening the enclosure affects sensors, adhesives, charging alignment, or water-resistance claims.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Buying and maintenance checklist
- Identify the exact generation and regional variant.
- Confirm whether the battery, case, and charging core are separate replacement parts.
- Save the manufacturer’s repair guide before disassembly; online instructions can change.
- Back up watch data and unpair earbuds before a repair or service visit.
- Record the battery’s symptoms—short runtime, failure to charge, heat, or intermittent detection—to avoid replacing the wrong component.
- Ask how water resistance is handled after opening the product.
- Keep the original receipt and note whether self-repair affects local warranty terms.
- Check battery polarity, connector orientation, and model compatibility before installing anything.
- Use a nonconductive, organized workspace and keep screws away from speakers, magnets, and charging contacts.
- After repair, test charging, pairing, microphone, speaker output, touch controls, and both earbuds independently.
- Do not use a swollen, punctured, hot, or visibly damaged lithium battery; follow local recycling instructions.
FAQ
What is the best AirPods alternative with replaceable batteries?
Fairphone Fairbuds have the clearest documented path. Fairphone publishes replacement procedures for each earbud and the charging case, provides relevant spare parts, and explains single-earbud replacement and pairing. The work still requires care, and the case is not rated for water resistance.
Can I replace an AirPods Pro battery myself?
iFixit’s AirPods Pro comparison entry says the buds are not designed to be serviced, access causes damage, and the batteries are sealed in. It also identifies no official replacement parts or repair instructions for that entry. Check the exact generation before applying the assessment to another AirPods model.
Are Fairbuds waterproof?
The earbuds are rated IP54, while the charging case is not. Fairphone says they are not designed for swimming. Keep the case away from water, and do not assume the original protection remains unchanged after opening an enclosure.
How long does a Fairbuds battery replacement take?
Fairphone estimates about 5–10 minutes for an earbud battery and about two minutes for the charging-case battery. Those are manufacturer estimates, not independent timing results, and they assume the correct part and a careful repair.
Does replacing a Fairbuds battery void the warranty?
Fairphone says careful repair performed according to its instructions should not void the warranty. Keep the guide, use the matching part, and check the warranty terms that apply in your country.
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Is the Pixel Watch 4 battery user-replaceable?
TechRadar reports that iFixit called the battery replaceable and gave the watch a 9/10 repairability score. The owner-replacement procedure, official parts, regional service, pricing, and post-repair water-resistance treatment have not been verified here, so treat the claim as provisional.
Best Value
- DESIGNED WITH SUSTAINABILITY IN MIND. Made with 65% renewable plastics and 100% recyclable packaging, these are earbuds you can feel good about
- LITHIUM BATTERY-FREE. EcoBuds’ battery-free charging dock reduces its heavy metals content by 57%. Using the integrated USB-C Cable, you can charge your EcoBuds directly with your phone
- UP TO 8 HOURS BATTERY + RAPID CHARGE. Stay connected with up to 8 hours of battery. With Rapid Charge, just 10 minutes of charging gives you 2 hours of listening
- SWEAT AND WATER RESISTANT. Rated IPX4 with sweat and water resistance, these buds are made to withstand any adventure while blocking out unwanted noise
- CALL, TRACK AND VOLUME CONTROLS. Answer or reject calls, adjust volume, skip forward or repeat tracks with convenient touch controls
Does Apple replace Apple Watch batteries?
Apple offers out-of-warranty battery service through Apple or authorized providers. Prices and terms vary, and this service option is not the same as an Apple-supported DIY battery swap.
What should I check before buying a repairable wearable?
Confirm the exact model, part compatibility, local stock, shipping, warranty effect, tools, instructions, repair price, and water-resistance policy. Also verify that the case or charging hardware can be repaired, not just the main battery.
Bottom line
Fairphone Fairbuds are the only option in this comparison with a clearly documented, owner-oriented battery-replacement path for both earbuds and the charging case. AirPods Pro are described by iFixit as sealed and destructive to open. Apple Watch offers battery service through Apple or authorized providers, not a supported DIY swap. Pixel Watch 4 is worth watching for repairability, but its replaceable-battery claim still needs primary, region-specific confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best AirPods alternative with replaceable batteries?
Fairphone Fairbuds have the clearest documented path, with manufacturer procedures and parts for both earbuds and the charging case.
Can I replace an AirPods Pro battery myself?
iFixit’s comparison entry says AirPods Pro are not designed to be serviced and that opening them causes damage. Check the exact generation before generalizing.
Are Fairbuds waterproof?
The earbuds are IP54-rated; the charging case is not. Fairphone says they are not designed for swimming.
Is the Pixel Watch 4 battery user-replaceable?
TechRadar reports an iFixit 9/10 repairability score and a replaceable battery, but owner procedures, parts, and regional service remain unverified.
Does Apple replace Apple Watch batteries?
Apple offers out-of-warranty battery service through Apple or authorized providers. That is service replacement, not a supported DIY swap.
The Bottom Line
Fairphone Fairbuds offer the strongest documented owner-repair option for earbuds. Apple Watch relies on provider battery service, while Pixel Watch 4’s repairability claim still requires primary and regional verification.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
