Fairbuds XL

If you want **wireless noise-cancelling headphones** that can survive real daily use, the Fairbuds XL make a strong case for themselves. They’re aimed at people who care about comfort, travel, commuting, and keeping a pair of headphones for years rather than replacing them when the battery fades. ## What makes it worth it The big reason to buy them is the modular, repairable design. Fairphone says the Fairbuds XL use nine replaceable parts, including the battery, cushions, headband and drivers, and the battery is user-replaceable rather than sealed in. That’s unusual in over-ear headphones and gives them a real longevity edge. They also cover the basics well: 40mm dynamic drivers, Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C charging, active noise cancellation, transparency mode, dual-point connectivity and aptX HD support. Battery life is rated at up to 30 hours, or 26 hours with ANC on, which is decent rather than class-leading. ## Where it falls short The ANC and sound are more competent than exceptional. TechRadar found the noise cancelling and feature set to be average, and the headset is also heavier and pricier than some strong rivals. If you want the absolute best sound or the strongest ANC for the money, Sony and Bose still have the edge. Buy these if you want durable ANC headphones with a repair-first design and decent all-round performance. Skip them if you mainly care about getting the best noise cancelling or the most refined sound at this price.

£160