Fairphone FairBuds 2 review: decent-value eco-friendly earbuds

Date:
Fri, 30 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Description:
The Fairphone FairBuds 2's green credentials make up for the relatively slender feature set and serviceable sound quality.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Fairphon e Fairbuds 2: Two-minute review I dont like Fairphones products because
theyre more environmentally-friendly and repairable than anything else on the market (though theyre all definitely perks). I like them because they always offer something a little different to make them recommendable as some of the best wireless headphones by their own merits.

Last years Fairbuds XL 2025 over-ears, for example, had the best controls Ive used on a pair of headphones before or since (and remain the best-looking
cans Ive reviewed too). And now the Fairphone Fairbuds 2 are here, with a little design decision I didnt know I wanted so much. Fairphone is best known for its mobiles, like the recent Fairphone 6 Plus ; its whole modus operandi is making green tech (eco-friendly, not colored, although theyre usually also colored green). The brand dabbles in audio too, though, alternating between releasing new earbuds or headphones every other year, and after the original Fairbuds launched in 2024, a new pair are here. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

Like the last pair, these are relatively affordable earbuds 'expensive budget' or 'cheap mid-range' might suffice as definitions which are great
for eco-friendly buyers. They let you enjoy your listening safe in the knowledge that your buying choice was made from renewable energy, using plentiful recycled parts, and wont impose planet-unfriendly, water usurping
AI features on your device.

And then theres the unexpected bonus. Earlier this year, a fairly shocking study revealed that basically all headphones are coated in PFAS, or forever chemicals, which had people wondering whether they're rubbing toxins on their ears and head. As someone who uses these products for a living, I was a
little alarmed to read this, and Ive been pretty conscious of my listening since then, usually opting for speakers over headphones when I can help it.

It wont surprise you to learn that the Fairbuds 2 have none of these forever chemicals, and I could listen for as long as I wanted without worrying about the effects of doing so. Its hard to put a price on peace of mind, but for music listening, the Fairbuds 2 provide just that.

But Ive beaten about the bush long enough: beyond health and eco concerns, just how good are these things? Well, the reason Ive beaten about the bush so much is that yeah, theyre just fine, isn't engaging copy. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Design-wise, these are pretty simple buds, with a hardy and light carry case, and pretty feature-light design. Theres little to distinguish them from other buds however, beyond their lack of discernible features. Being pretty plain isnt the end of the world, and they fit fine.

Theyre not the best-sounding earbuds Ive tested by any stretch of the imagination, but theyre fine for the price if you can look past some rough edges.

I found the ANC pretty good, though it takes its toll on a battery life which roughly matches their price-competitive AirPods rivals (that is to say, its not very long). An app brings some extra features, including some of the most effective audio EQ presets Ive heard from earbuds if you like customizing your music but arent familiar with equalizers, its a great option.

If it wasnt for the Fairphone touch, these would just be middling wireless earbuds thatd disappear behind the competition. But the eco-friendly appeal, their repairability plus the absence of toxic chemicals, all make them far easier to recommend. Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Price and release date (Image credit: Future) Released in October in Europe, November US Sells for $119 / 99 (about AU$200) Cheaper than AirPods 5, which is all that matters Fairphone unveiled the Fairbuds 2 on October 14, 2026, roughly two years
after the release of the original pair and a year after the reimagined Fairbuds XL 2025 over-ears. They went on sale immediately in Europe, but US buyers had to wait until November 2.

You can buy the Fairbuds 2 for $119 / 99 (about AU$200) Fairphone doesnt sell its tech in Australia. The brand is increasing its presence in the US; while the original buds did sell there, it only began selling phones earlier this year with the Fairphone 6 Plus .

That phone makes the Fairbuds 2 slightly pricier than their predecessors in the US, but cheaper in the UK; the original Fairbuds went for $99 / 129. Despite this reshuffle, theyre still more affordable than the cheapest
version of AirPods 5 (which will set you back $129 / 129 / AU$219), and the Fairphone option actually has ear tips. Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Specs Swipe to scroll horizontally

Drivers

11mm

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Battery life

6 hours (ANC on), 8 hours (ANC off)

Weight

5.8g (buds) 64g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Frequency response

20-20kHz

Waterproofing

IP54 Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Features (Image credit: Future) 6-hour battery life isn't amazing ANC is surprisingly solid App has EQ including useful presets According to Fairphone, the earbuds last for 6 hours of listening with ANC on, or 8 hours off; thats not a very competitive spec, all things considered. In my own testing, Id say I got a little extra time on those figures, but not enough that I can call the battery life good. Apple 's base model AirPods 5 only last for 4 hours with ANC; the step-up model with wireless charging support last 5 with ANC (or 7 without it) so it's a little better than that, but not by much.

The case provides up to 40 hours of battery life, which is a little better (Apple's step-up model only offers 22), but that spec is for ANC-off listening. An ANC-on figure isnt provided, but Id estimate its about 32
hours.

The ANC is more impressive Ill confess, I wasnt expecting Fairphone to have created top-of-the-class noise cancellation. While this doesnt match the
likes of Soundcore or Bose, the Fairbuds 2 were surprisingly effective at stripping out noisy backgrounds or the kinds of sporadic sounds that other buds struggle with. (Image credit: Future) The Fairbuds app is pretty basic, but its not strictly necessary; Id used the buds for two whole weeks before I decided to download it to my phone.

The app lets you toggle between ANC modes (on, off, or transparency), see the charge levels, play with an EQ and presets, and set up multipoint connectivity, although I couldnt find the option to do so myself. Theres also a Find My Earbuds tool which lets you summon both the left or right bud, and this is a feature you dont always see in earbuds.

The equalizer is a simple five-band one, but I was surprised how effective
the five presets are: Balanced, Bass Boost, Treble Boost and Voice all had significant impacts on the sound profile, in a way that I see being really useful for those who like their audio a certain way and dont want to play
with the custom EQ mode. I found Voice useful for spoken-word content, as it did a great job at maintaining the readers voice while dampening other
sounds. Features score: 4 / 5 (Image credit: Future) Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Design Small, hardy carry case Simplistic buds which fit well Eco-friendly, chemical-free design In one way, the Fairphone Fairbuds 2 are some of the most basic-looking buds there can be, but modest looks hide the real selling point of these options. But well get to that later.

Firstly, the case: its a small cylinder, weighing 64g (when the buds are inside) and opening in a clam-shell form. You get the basics: a pairing button, a USB-C port, plus a handy three-LED strip to show you how charged your buds are. Handy! The case is made of plastic thats so solid that I initially thought it was metal, and it feels more robust than most at protecting your buds.

Next, the buds: unlike the first-gen models, these are stem-toting options, and they look far too simplistic to be confused with AirPods: theres the in-ear bud, a straight and flat stem, and nothing much else (well, other than some lovely responsive touch controls). They weigh 5.8g each.

When I first started testing them, the Fairbuds 2 felt a little loose in the ear; I thought I had another Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro situation going on.
But quite quickly they took to my ear, and after the second day they fit perfectly. So if you've just bought a pair, and are having problems, just
give them time. (Image credit: Future) Now for the whole point of the Fairbuds: Fairphones eco credentials. The brand is at the forefront of eco-friendly tech, using eco-friendly materials and processes when possible, and in the buds that means the speaker magnets and solder is all recycled material, while the cobalt, copper, gold and silver are all fairly mined or sourced. The eco-friendly-ness doesnt just keep your conscience clean,
though, because it manifests in a few great ways.

Firstly, these things are completely repairable, so if they break you can buy and replace one part instead of needing new buds. There are seven parts in all, all of which can be replaced using a simple screwdriver. Also in the Fairbuds 2, the earbuds dont use PFAS, or forever chemicals you can listen for as long as you want without any fear of the chemicals and their as-yet-unknown effects on the human body.

You can buy the FairBuds 2 in green or black, but if youre going for green tech, I dont see why you shouldnt also be buying green-colored tech. The buds themselves have an IP54 protection against dust and splashes, but the case doesnt have an official rating. Design score: 4.5 / 5 (Image credit: Future) Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Sound quality 11mm driver per bud Prominent bass downs out treble Supports LDAC playback on supported phones The Fairphone Fairbuds 2 come with 11mm dynamic drivers, working as jacks of all trades to cover the audio spectrum.

As fairly affordable earbuds go, the Fairbuds 2 are just fine youre not getting any obvious issues like tinny audio, overblown bass or a lackluster sound profile, and so I cant give them a bad sound score. But there are a few audible issues which its worth flagging.

Id call these buds bass-first, because low-end has more heft than high-end, and it does mean that sometimes vocals can lack the sparkle they deserve. In something like Red Hot Chili Peppers Factory of Faith or Dispatchs May We All , the singers sound like theyve lost an argument with their bassists and rhythm guitarists, and in Macklemores Hinds Hall the drums and bass keep distracting you from the lyrics.

Bass, while prominent, is perhaps not especially refined; the lack of a bespoke low-end-focused driver here is noticeable. Low-end has power prominence but less direction or distinction than youd hope. It results in a low-end that sometimes sounds just fine, other times a little rumbly. (Image credit: Future) In Tom Pettys Supernatural Radio , for example, the bass riff sounds meaty until the other instruments come in, making it sound indistinct. However with the later guitar and piano solo, the bass drowns out the higher-pitched parts.

These are the first buds Ive tested in about a month in which I can really hear a songs mids, though, so props go to Fairphone for not leaning too hard into popular sound profiles. However I did notice peaking in certain songs around the high-end.

Its easy to point out the issues in the Fairbuds 2, because some rivals at this price point are putting out frankly incredible options, but I should clarify that the buds are still pretty good, and most people will be
perfectly happy with them.

For some technical specs, the buds support LDAC if youre using a compatible Android phone, and use the Bluetooth 6.0 standard. Sound quality: 3.5 / 5 (Image credit: Future) Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Value You get what you
pay for: solid, reasonably-priced earbuds However, there are some fantastic alternatives at the price The Fairbuds 2 straddle the border between affordable and mid-range earbuds, but given that the brand's tech generally comes with a green premium, I'm happy to consider these a more affordable option.

If I were to close my eyes, and picture buds at this price, I'd basically envision the Fairphones; they audio quality, feature set and design all roughly match what you'd expect from the price. Fine value for money...

... if it wasn't for the fact that it's a really competitive market segment, with some stellar alternatives. Value: 4 / 5 (Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Fairphone Fairbuds 2? Swipe to scroll horizontally Fairphone Fairbuds 2 score card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

The ANC and app presets work well, though the battery life isn't great.

4/5

Design

The eco-friendly and chemical-free build wins all the points, though the simple carry case and buds are charming in their own way.

4.5/5

Sound quality

Audio is perfectly serviceable, though a few quirks will put off audiophiles.

3.5/5

Value

They're fine value for money, though not the best in their market segment.

4/5 Buy them if

You want eco-friendly tech Fairphone is second-to-none with its green materials, production and sourcing.

You'll repair your earbuds if they break Repairable tech is all the rage,
and if you think you'd be up to fix broken buds, these are the ones to buy.

You like svelte carry cases The Fairbuds 2 have one of the smallest carry cases I've seen in ages, and it's pretty protective too. Dont buy them if

You're a staunch audiophile If all you care about is the sound, I think you'll find the Fairbuds 2 a little disappointing.

You'd like something long-lasting The Fairbuds are long-lasting in terms of the product life span, but the actual battery life isn't that great.
Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review: Also consider Looking for alternative in-ears? Here are a few alternatives at the same price point. Swipe to scroll horizontally Header Cell - Column 0

Fairphone Fairbuds 2

Soundpeats H3

Huawei FreeBuds Neo

Drivers

11mm

12mm + dual balanced armatures

11mm

Active noise cancellation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Battery life (ANC on)

6 hours (buds) 32 hours (case)

7 hours (buds) 37 hours (case)

6 hours (buds) / 22 hours (case)

Weight

5.8g (buds) 64g (case)

6g (buds) 53g (case)

4.8g (bud) 31.4g (case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Bluetooth 5.4

Bluetooth 6.0

Waterproofing

IP54

IPX5

IP55

Soundpeats H3 For a tiny amount more, you can buy arguably the best-sounding earbuds at this price point. The H3 look funky, fit well and sound
incredibly, but don't have the eco appeal of the Fairbuds. Read our full Soundpeats H3 review

Huawei FreeBuds Neo A Fairbuds 2 contemporary with pretty similar specs, the Neo sound better and are lovely and small, but the app barely works and the ANC isn't as good. Read our full Huawei FreeBuds Neo review How I tested the Fairphone Faurbuds 2 Tested for three weeks Paired with Android phone for Bluetooth playback Used on holiday as well as use at home and around neighborhood. I used the Fairphone Fairbuds 2 for about three weeks before writing this review; I used them back-to-back with the Huawei FreeBuds Neo, generally bringing them both with me on trips.

In this testing time I went on holiday, so they got time on flights, train
and coach trips, and I also used them at the gym, at home and on walks around my local area.

For the entirety of the testing time, the buds were connected to my Samsung phone. I listened to Spotify, played from my high-res collection, played games, conducted video calls and watched videos to test them out.

I've tested most of Fairphone's gadgets since I joined TechRadar in 2019, including the Fairbuds XL 2025 last year, and also have experience reviewing plenty of other earbuds from a range of brands (including almost every other pair mentioned in the review)> First reviewed in October 2026 Read
TechRadar's reviews guarantee Fairphone Fairbuds 2: Price Comparison No price information Check Amazon We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices powered by



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