If you want better Microphone noise reduction
Choose Soundcore Anker Liberty 5 Pro Max. It scores 4.7 vs 2.2 for Microphone noise reduction, with a 4.0 overall score.
Fairphone Fairbuds 2 Earbuds Review
Bottom Line
Replaceable batteries and accessible parts make the Fairbuds 2 compelling for keeping earbuds in service for years. Everyday sound and ANC are generally useful, but uneven tuning and unreliable noisy-environment calling limit their appeal.
People who want to keep and repair their earbuds for years, especially those trying to reduce disposable electronics. Everyday listeners who find the tuning agreeable get useful ANC alongside that ownership advantage.
Verdict
The Fairbuds 2 make their strongest case through repairability: worn batteries, a damaged case, or a lost earbud need not force a complete replacement. That approach earns broad praise and can make long-term ownership more economical and less wasteful. Everyday listening is generally enjoyable, and ANC usually offers useful background-noise reduction. Sound quality is less convincing for demanding listeners, with complaints about muddy or recessed mids, bass masking, uneven treble, and a constrained soundstage. Battery impressions vary between enthusiasm for the case-inclusive total and disappointment with single-charge ANC endurance. The app is basic, and outdoor calls can expose weak noise rejection or erratic voice processing. They suit buyers willing to prioritize repair and reuse over the most polished audio and calling experience.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
48 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.010 (21%)
-
Positive 3.5-4.419 (40%)
-
Neutral 2.5-3.414 (29%)
-
Negative 1.5-2.45 (10%)
Pros highlights
-
Accessible batteries and individually replaceable parts make repairability the standout attraction. Small alignment details, a Torx case screw, and future spare-part availability remain practical considerations.
-
The overall recommendation rests on repairability and environmental priorities. Those strengths can justify competent everyday performance, but sound, app polish, fit, and calling compromises remain.
-
The repair proposition is the main value advantage, especially when an inexpensive battery refresh replaces a whole new purchase. Immediate sound quality is less exceptional, and long-term savings depend on parts remaining affordable and available.
-
Both the earbud and case batteries can be replaced, helping avoid a whole new purchase when cells fade. The earbud battery drawer is particularly accessible, though careful alignment matters during reassembly.
-
Noise cancellation usually earns praise for reducing everyday background sound, though it falls short of the strongest premium options. Subway chatter, street noise, and some high-pitched sounds can still get through.
-
Endurance divides opinion: the case-inclusive total impresses some, while single-charge ANC runtime disappoints others. One standardized test reached 5 hours and 29 minutes, below the six-hour claim.
Cons highlights
-
Sound is generally enjoyable or serviceable at the price rather than exceptional. Muddiness, uneven balance, and limited refinement prevent a convincing recommendation on sound alone.
-
Bass brings weight and occasional punch, but definition and control are recurring weaknesses. Some tracks sound rumbly or lose other parts of the mix, while others expose limited depth.
-
Midrange impressions vary from clear vocals and pleasingly present instruments to muddy or unusually recessed mids. The balance depends heavily on the listener and material.
-
The tuning is serviceable for casual listening but attracts criticism for tinny, unnatural, or uneven balance. A prominent bass-and-treble presentation is not equally convincing to every listener.
-
Microphone performance is inconsistent across accounts. Quiet or favorable calls can be fine, but noisy surroundings expose weak rejection and occasional suppression of the caller’s voice.
-
Simple stems, a green finish, and retro styling have their fans. The chunky shape can also feel clunky beside slimmer earbuds.
Use Cases
Best for
-
Replaceable batteries and individual components make keeping the earbuds for years their clearest purpose. The payoff depends on affordable spares remaining available and owners being willing to make repairs.
-
A relatively accessible purchase price and inexpensive battery refresh make the ownership costs appealing. The strongest budget case comes from keeping the earbuds rather than frequently upgrading.
-
Everyday listening is a good fit for people who find the tuning enjoyable and value repairability. The sound is generally considered adequate or better for routine use without being a fidelity benchmark.
Not ideal for
-
Critical music listeningSound-first listeners are consistently cautioned against expecting premium fidelity. Uneven tuning, limited refinement, and a modest spatial presentation make stronger audio alternatives worth considering.
-
SwimmingThese earbuds are not safe to submerge, making them unsuitable for swimming.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Earbuds, this product is above average in Carry case quality, Software/setup simplicity, LDAC, near average in Battery, Find My, below average in Instrument separation, Weight comfort, Microphone noise reduction.
Comparison summary
38 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher8 (21%)
-
Same as average within 0.3 pts11 (29%)
-
Below average 0.4+ pts lower19 (50%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instrument separation | 2.0 | 4.2 | -2.2 |
| Weight comfort | 2.5 | 4.4 | -1.9 |
| Microphone noise reduction | 2.2 | 3.8 | -1.7 |
| Soundstage width | 2.5 | 4.1 | -1.6 |
| Treble clarity | 2.3 | 3.8 | -1.5 |
| App | 2.8 | 4.1 | -1.2 |
| Transparency mode quality | 2.7 | 3.9 | -1.2 |
| Frequency response accuracy | 2.8 | 3.8 | -1.1 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better Weight comfort
Choose Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds. It scores 5.0 vs 2.5 for Weight comfort, with a 4.0 overall score.
If you want better Battery
Choose JBL Vibe Beam. It scores 4.5 vs 3.7 for Battery, with a 3.7 overall score.
If you want better Instrument separation
Choose Sony WF-C510 Earbuds. It scores 4.5 vs 2.0 for Instrument separation, with a 3.9 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
- Alternative: ownership cost, endurance, and ecosystem The Fairbuds favor battery serviceability and ANC endurance, while AirPods 5 better suit Apple ecosystem and higher water-resistance priorities.
- More expensive: purchase price The article positions the $119.99 Fairbuds below the $129 AirPods 5.
- Alternative: repairability, tuning, and ecosystem The Fairbuds prioritize repairability and long-term ownership, while AirPods 5 offer more polished sound and Apple integration.
- Cheaper: price The Fairbuds 2 cost more than the $99 Nothing Ear 3a.
- Similar: noise cancellation With the right tips, the Fairbuds 2 match the Nothing Ear 3a for ANC.
- Better: sound quality The reviewer prefers the Nothing Ear 3a for sound.
- More expensive: price versus premium extras The price gap makes the reviewer question paying more for the Apple model’s stronger cancellation and extra features.
- Alternative: price and noise cancellation The Fairbuds provide immersive cancellation without the AirPods Pro 3 purchase price.
FAQ
Can the batteries really be replaced?
Both earbud batteries and the charging-case battery are replaceable. The earbud drawer is accessible beneath a silicone covering; accessing the case battery requires a Torx screwdriver.
How good is the sound?
Most accounts find it enjoyable or serviceable for everyday listening. Bass definition, midrange clarity, treble balance, and soundstage refinement are the recurring compromises.
Is the noise cancellation effective?
It generally reduces everyday background noise well, but it is not consistently rated alongside the strongest premium ANC. Subway chatter and some high-pitched sounds can remain audible.
How long do they last with ANC on?
The stated figure is six hours per charge. One standardized test measured 5 hours and 29 minutes, while other listening accounts came closer to or slightly exceeded the claim.
Are they good for phone calls outdoors?
Outdoor calls are a weak point. Several accounts identify background-noise or wind intrusion, and one finds that processing boosts passersby while suppressing the wearer.
Do they work with iPhones and Android phones?
Both platforms are supported, with positive reports of ordinary iPhone pairing. Compatible Android phones can additionally use LDAC, while buyers wanting Apple-style automatic ecosystem switching may prefer another option.
Can they be used for workouts or swimming?
Light workouts are supported by the IP54 dust-and-splash protection. They are not safe to submerge and should not be used for swimming.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
the-gadgeteer.com
Fairphone's $119.99 Fairbuds 2 let you swap the batteries in both earbuds and the case yourself, with hybrid ANC, LDAC, Bluetooth 6.0, and 40...
- Review score
- 4.2
techradar.com
Fairphone FairBuds 2 review: green credentials and a lack of PFAS make up for the relatively slender feature set and serviceable sound quality.
- Review score
- 3.8
soundguys.com
The original Fairbuds left a lot to be desired, but how does the sequel fare? Find out in our Fairphone Fairbuds 2 review.
- Review score
- 3.2
reviewstrails.com
The Fairphone Fairbuds 2 take a different approach to the wireless earbud market. Instead of treating earbuds as disposable electronics...
- Review score
- 3.4
Top Earbuds to Consider
Best for detailed, natural wired sound, three connector options, and standout value around $99. Skip it if you need wireless features, stronger bass, softer treble, or a compact fit for...
Pros: Value for money, Multi-platform compatibility
Clear calls and a remarkably comfortable, secure fit make these compact earbuds an appealing value. Wind handling and touch-control convenience are less consistent, while ANC performance varies more than the...
Pros: Integrated microphone, Microphone quality for calls
Cons: Spatial audio
Choose these for excellent, balanced sound, a comfortable redesign, deep EQ tools and uniquely replaceable batteries. Skip them if you need class-leading ANC, consistently great calls or the smoothest treble...
Pros: User-replaceable batteries, Overall satisfaction
Cons: Auracast support, Sensors
Choose the AirPods 5 for strong open-ear ANC, clearer sound, easy Apple-device switching, and excellent value. Skip them if you need all-day battery, a very secure workout fit, or full...
Pros: Overall satisfaction, Sound quality
Cons: Battery, Eartips fit