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Fairphone’s Fairbuds 2 address the main reason most true-wireless earbuds become disposable: their batteries are sealed inside tiny, glued housings. Launched in October 2026 at €119 in Europe, Fairbuds 2 let owners replace batteries in both earbuds and the charging case, along with other modules. Fairphone says up to seven parts are user-replaceable, and battery swaps are designed to be tool-free and glue-free.
What Fairbuds 2 change
Earbud batteries eventually lose capacity after repeated charging. With many mainstream models, the practical remedy is replacing the entire pair because the cells are not intended for user removal. Fairphone’s design separates the worn components from the rest of the product. Its launch description says: “Up to seven parts can be replaced, including the earbud batteries, case battery, and case body, so one worn part does not mean replacing the whole product.”
The replaceable modules are the important distinction—not a claim that the earbuds will run indefinitely. Batteries still age, but a user can renew them without discarding working speakers, microphones, electronics or the opposite earbud.
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Fairbuds 2 versus AirPods 4
Fairphone’s official comparison marks AirPods 4 as having no user-replaceable parts and no user-replaceable batteries. The same table lists 5 hours of playback per charge and 30 hours including the charging case. Fairbuds 2 are specified for longer playback and a repairable construction.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Specification | Fairbuds 2 | AirPods 4 |
|---|---|---|
| User-replaceable parts | Up to 7, including earbud batteries, case battery and case body | No, according to Fairphone’s comparison |
| User-replaceable batteries | Yes; both earbuds and the case | No, according to Fairphone’s comparison |
| Playback per charge | Up to 8 hours with ANC off; up to 6 hours with ANC on | 5 hours |
| Total playback with case | Up to 40 hours | 30 hours |
| Noise cancellation | Hybrid ANC, up to 45 dB stated reduction | Not stated in the supplied Fairphone comparison |
| Codec | LDAC supported | Not stated in the supplied Fairphone comparison |
| Multipoint | Bluetooth 6.0 dual multipoint | Not stated in the supplied Fairphone comparison |
| Ingress protection | IP54 dust and splash resistance | Not stated in the supplied Fairphone comparison |
| Warranty | Up to three years advertised by Fairphone | Not stated in the supplied Fairphone comparison |
Runtime and feature figures in this table are published specifications from Fairphone, not independent test measurements. Actual endurance varies with volume, codec, connection quality, calls and noise-cancellation settings.
Battery life and charging
Per-earbud and case endurance
Fairphone rates Fairbuds 2 for up to 8 hours with active noise cancellation disabled and up to 6 hours with ANC enabled. The charging case raises the stated total to up to 40 hours. A 10-minute charge is claimed to provide about 1.5 hours of listening.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What the figures mean in practice
“Up to” is a best-case manufacturer rating, not a guaranteed result for every listener. ANC, LDAC, high volume and voice calls can reduce runtime. The repair advantage becomes most valuable after the cells have materially degraded, when replacing a battery can restore useful capacity without buying a new set.
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Noise cancellation and sound options
Fairbuds 2 use hybrid active noise cancellation with a maximum stated reduction of 45 dB. They support LDAC and provide four EQ presets, giving compatible phones more control over wireless audio than a basic fixed-profile design.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Connections and durability
Bluetooth 6.0 dual multipoint is designed to keep the earbuds connected to two devices, such as a phone and a laptop. IP54 protection covers dust ingress and splashes; it does not make the earbuds waterproof or suitable for submersion.
Replacement parts and long-term cost
Fairphone lists replacement components separately, so the €119 purchase price is not the only cost to consider. The published prices are:
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
| Part or kit | Listed price | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Earbud-battery kit | €9.95 | Replaces an earbud battery; Fairbuds 2 have one battery in each earbud |
| Case-battery replacement | €12.95 | Replaces the charging-case battery |
| Replacement case core | €29.95 | Replaces the case body/core assembly |
These are Fairphone’s listed 2026 prices and can change by region, stock status or tax treatment. Parts availability is essential to the longevity promise: a modular design helps only when replacement modules remain available at reasonable prices.
Can you replace one lost or damaged earbud?
Fairphone confirms replaceable components and lists an earbud-battery kit, but the supplied product information does not establish a price or ordering process for a complete single replacement earbud. If one side is lost, check Fairphone’s current parts catalogue and support channels before buying, because a battery kit is not a substitute for a missing earbud.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Who should buy Fairbuds 2?
- Choose Fairbuds 2 if keeping products for several years, replacing worn batteries and reducing electronic waste matter more than using a particular phone ecosystem.
- Consider sealed alternatives if your priority is a specific ecosystem feature or if you need independently measured battery, ANC or microphone performance; Fairphone’s published figures are specifications rather than laboratory results.
- Budget for parts if you expect long ownership. The €119 upfront price is paired with separately sold modules, and future availability may vary by country.
Bottom line
Fairbuds 2 do not make battery ageing disappear; they make it serviceable. Compared with AirPods 4, whose batteries and parts Fairphone lists as non-replaceable, Fairbuds 2 offer a clearer path to extending the life of the product: replace the worn cell instead of discarding the entire set. Their €119 price, up-to-40-hour case rating, ANC, LDAC and three-year advertised warranty make the package more than a repairability statement, but buyers should treat all performance numbers as manufacturer claims and verify regional parts availability before purchase.
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.
