Fairphone, the Dutch company known for its ethical and repairable smartphones, made its debut in the true wireless earbuds market in April 2024 with the launch of the Fairbuds. These earbuds were designed with the same sustainability philosophy as Fairphone’s smartphones, featuring replaceable parts and a focus on longevity. Now, just over a year later, the company is preparing to unveil the second generation: the Fairbuds 2. According to the latest information, these new earbuds are slated to arrive in the fourth quarter of this year, meaning between October and December. And thanks to a fresh leak, we now have our first look at the Fairbuds 2 in two color options: green and black.
First Look at the Fairbuds 2
The leaked images, which surfaced online today, show the Fairbuds 2 in a vibrant green and a sleek black finish. The design marks a significant departure from the original Fairbuds, which lacked stems. The new model features stems, a common design choice in many modern true wireless earbuds that often houses additional microphones or battery components. This change could improve call quality and battery life, though it remains to be seen how it affects the overall fit and comfort.
Another notable difference is the charging case. The Fairbuds 2’s case appears thicker than the original’s, suggesting that Fairphone may have managed to fit a larger battery inside. A bigger battery would translate to more listening time between charges, a welcome improvement for users who are always on the go. However, a thicker case might also mean a bulkier package overall, which could be a trade-off for some. The case design still maintains a similar aesthetic to the first generation, with a rounded, pocketable shape and the Fairphone logo prominently displayed.
What We Know So Far
While the leak gives us a good look at the Fairbuds 2’s design, details about specifications and features remain scarce. Based on Fairphone’s track record, we can expect the earbuds to prioritize repairability and sustainability. The original Fairbuds were praised for their modular design, allowing users to replace individual components like the battery and ear tips without discarding the entire product. It’s highly likely that the Fairbuds 2 will continue this tradition, possibly with even more replaceable parts or improved ease of repair.
In terms of audio quality, the Fairbuds 2 will likely build on the foundation laid by their predecessor. The original Fairbuds offered a balanced sound profile and active noise cancellation (ANC), which was impressive for a first-generation product. We can expect the second generation to refine these features, perhaps with improved ANC, better sound tuning, or additional codec support. Battery life is another area where Fairphone could make gains, especially if the thicker case indeed houses a larger battery. The original Fairbuds provided around 6 hours of playback on a single charge, with the case extending that to about 24 hours. If the Fairbuds 2 can push those numbers higher, it would be a significant selling point.
Design Changes: Stems and Case Thickness
The addition of stems to the Fairbuds 2 is a notable design shift. Stems often allow for better microphone placement, which can enhance voice call clarity. They also provide a larger surface area for touch controls, making it easier to adjust volume, skip tracks, or activate voice assistants. However, some users prefer the stemless design for a more discreet look. Fairphone seems to be betting that the benefits of stems outweigh the aesthetic concerns. As for the thicker case, it’s a practical change that could address one of the few criticisms of the original Fairbuds: average battery life. If the new case packs a bigger battery, users can expect longer usage times, which is always a plus.
Color Options: Green and Black
The leak reveals that the Fairbuds 2 will come in at least two colors: green and black. The green option aligns with Fairphone’s brand identity, which often emphasizes eco-friendliness and sustainability. The black option offers a more traditional, understated look. It’s possible that Fairphone will introduce additional colors at launch or later down the line, but for now, these two are confirmed. The green appears to be a deep, forest-like shade, while the black is likely a matte finish that resists fingerprints. Both colors feature the Fairphone logo on the charging case, maintaining brand consistency.
Expected Features and Improvements
Given Fairphone’s commitment to repairability, the Fairbuds 2 are expected to be among the most repairable true wireless earbuds on the market. The original Fairbuds scored highly for their modular design, and Fairphone will likely aim to improve upon that. We might see easier battery replacements, standardized screws, or even user-replaceable drivers. This focus on longevity not only reduces electronic waste but also saves consumers money in the long run, as they can keep their earbuds functioning for years.
In terms of audio, the Fairbuds 2 could feature upgraded drivers for better sound quality. The original Fairbuds used 12mm drivers, which delivered decent bass and clear mids. An upgrade to larger drivers or a more advanced acoustic chamber could result in richer, more detailed audio. Additionally, Fairphone might introduce support for higher-quality Bluetooth codecs like aptX Adaptive or LDAC, which would appeal to audiophiles. However, given Fairphone’s target audience, it’s more likely that they’ll focus on balanced sound and reliability rather than chasing niche codecs.
Active noise cancellation is another area ripe for improvement. The original Fairbuds had ANC that was effective but not class-leading. The Fairbuds 2 could benefit from a more advanced ANC system that adapts to the environment, similar to what we’ve seen from companies like Sony and Bose. Transparency mode, which lets outside sound in, is also likely to be enhanced. These features would make the Fairbuds 2 more competitive in a crowded market.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a critical factor for true wireless earbuds, and Fairphone will be looking to improve here. The original Fairbuds offered 6 hours of playback with ANC off and about 4.5 hours with ANC on, plus an additional 18-20 hours from the case. If the Fairbuds 2’s case is indeed thicker due to a larger battery, we could see total listening time exceed 30 hours. Fast charging is another feature that could be added; the original Fairbuds took about 2 hours to fully charge, but a quick 10-minute charge could provide a couple of hours of playback. Wireless charging is also a possibility, though Fairphone has not included it in their previous products.
Repairability and Sustainability
Fairphone’s core mission is to make electronics more sustainable, and the Fairbuds 2 will undoubtedly reflect that. The earbuds are expected to be fully repairable, with spare parts available directly from Fairphone. This includes batteries, ear tips, charging cases, and possibly even the internal drivers. Fairphone also emphasizes fair labor practices and recycled materials, so the Fairbuds 2 will likely be made from eco-friendly materials and produced in factories with ethical standards. This approach sets Fairphone apart from mainstream brands and appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.
Competition and Market Position
The true wireless earbuds market is fiercely competitive, with offerings from Apple, Samsung, Sony, Bose, and many others. Fairphone’s Fairbuds 2 will not compete on raw performance alone; instead, they will appeal to a niche audience that values repairability, sustainability, and ethical production. The Fairbuds 2 will likely be priced higher than budget earbuds but lower than premium models, offering a unique value proposition. If Fairphone can deliver solid audio quality, good ANC, and long battery life while maintaining its repairability promise, the Fairbuds 2 could carve out a loyal following.
Compared to the original Fairbuds, the second generation needs to address a few shortcomings. The lack of stems in the original was a design choice that some users found less comfortable, and the battery life was average. By adding stems and possibly a larger battery, Fairphone is directly responding to user feedback. The Fairbuds 2 also need to improve call quality, as the original Fairbuds were criticized for mediocre microphone performance. With stems, Fairphone has more room to place better microphones, which should help.
Potential Pricing and Availability
Fairphone has not yet announced pricing for the Fairbuds 2, but we can look at the original Fairbuds for guidance. The first-generation Fairbuds launched at €199 in Europe, which is on the higher side for true wireless earbuds but justified by their repairability and ethical build. The Fairbuds 2 might see a slight price increase due to improved features, or Fairphone could keep the price stable to remain competitive. As for availability, the Fairbuds 2 are expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025, so we should see an official announcement in the coming months. They will likely be available through Fairphone’s website and select retailers in Europe, with possible expansion to other regions later.
What This Means for Fairphone Fans
For fans of Fairphone, the Fairbuds 2 represent another step in the company’s mission to make sustainable electronics mainstream. The original Fairbuds proved that repairable earbuds are possible, and the second generation aims to refine that concept. The leaked images show a more modern design with stems and a thicker case, hinting at improved functionality. If Fairphone can deliver on battery life, audio quality, and repairability, the Fairbuds 2 could be a compelling option for anyone looking to reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing performance.
However, Fairphone faces challenges. The true wireless earbuds market is dominated by big players with massive R&D budgets, and Fairphone’s niche appeal may limit its reach. But for those who prioritize ethics and sustainability, the Fairbuds 2 are worth waiting for. The fact that Fairphone is continuing to invest in this product line shows its commitment to the cause, and that alone is commendable.
Conclusion
The Fairbuds 2 leak has given us a tantalizing glimpse of Fairphone’s next true wireless earbuds. With a launch expected in Q4 2025, the earbuds will come in green and black, feature stems, and a thicker charging case that may house a larger battery. While specifications are still under wraps, we can expect improvements in battery life, audio quality, and repairability. Fairphone’s dedication to sustainability and ethical production will continue to set its products apart. As the launch date approaches, more details will surely emerge, so stay tuned for updates. For now, the Fairbuds 2 look like a promising evolution of a unique product line, and they could be the perfect choice for eco-conscious consumers who want great sound without compromising their values.
