Fairbuds XL Review: The Repairable Noise-Cancelling Headphones Worth Buying

By Editorial Team | April 2026

The Fairbuds XL win on one thing the big names still ignore: they’re built to be repaired, not replaced. If you want over-ear noise-cancelling headphones you can keep for years, that matters more than another marginal ANC tweak.

Our picks at a glance

Based on hands-on research, expert review consensus (RTINGS, Wirecutter, relevant subreddits), and current pricing.

Best overall: Fairbuds XL

Fairbuds XL — £160.00

This is the smart buy if you want headphones that survive real life. Fairphone gives you nine replaceable parts, including the battery, cushions, headband and drivers, so worn-out hardware does not automatically mean landfill.

The rest is solid rather than flashy: 40mm drivers, Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C charging, hybrid ANC, transparency mode, dual-point connectivity and aptX HD. Battery life is rated at up to 30 hours, or 26 hours with ANC on, which is enough for a working week of commuting and calls.

Why we picked it:

• Nine replaceable parts, including a user-replaceable battery, give it a real longevity edge.
• Up to 30 hours of battery life, or 26 with ANC on, is practical for daily use.
• IP54 resistance makes it less delicate than the average over-ear pair.

The trade-off: the ANC and sound are competent, not class-leading, and the headset is heavier and pricier than some rivals.

Buy the Fairbuds XL if you’d rather repair headphones than replace them.

Best upgrade: Sony WH-1000XM6

Sony WH-1000XM6 — £399.00

If your main complaint is office chatter, train noise or engine rumble, this is the sharper choice. RTINGS and TechRadar both place the XM6 at or near the top for noise cancelling, and you pay for that extra quiet, plus more refined sound and a more polished feature set.

Worth it if: you fly often, commute daily, and will notice the difference every single week.

Best budget pick: Anker Soundcore Space One

Anker Soundcore Space One — £79.99

This is the cheaper route into decent ANC without pretending you’re buying luxury audio. It won’t match the Fairbuds XL for repairability or the Sony for outright performance, but it gets the basics right at a much lower price.

Worth it if: you want a practical noise-cancelling headset for travel, office work or hybrid working and price comes first.

How we chose

We prioritised repairability, battery life, ANC performance, comfort for all-day wear and value for money. We also checked current expert consensus from RTINGS, TechRadar and Rolling Stone to make sure the upgrade and budget picks are real, current alternatives rather than stale favourites.

Frequently asked questions

Are the Fairbuds XL actually good for noise cancelling? Yes, but not best-in-class. They cut commute and office noise well enough for daily use, but Sony and Bose still do a better job if ANC is your only priority.

Is £160 a fair price for these headphones? Yes, if you value repairability and longevity. If you only care about sound quality per pound, cheaper rivals can look better on paper.

Can you replace the battery yourself? Yes — that’s one of the main reasons to buy them, and it’s what separates them from most sealed over-ear headphones.