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The hardware experts at iFixit are part of a DIY trend that could replace repair shops because they provide the tools and knowledge you need to restore your own tech. If you’re in the market for new headphones, it’s worth checking out the wireless headphones repairability scores on iFixit. This will help you understand how easy it will be to repair your own headphones if they break. And out of all the wireless headphones iFixit has reviewed in the last six years, only one has a perfect repairability score: the Fairphone Fairbuds XL.
According to the iFixit scorecard, a perfect 10/10 score means that a product is extremely easy to disassemble and reassemble, has a free and comprehensive support manual for customers to access, and is compatible with readily available off-the-shelf replacement parts. The iFixit team notes that the Fairbuds XL has a battery that can be replaced without tools. The headband even has a fully replaceable cushion, structure, and crossover cable, which is practically unprecedented.
Other tech repair experts have also lauded the repairability of the Fairphone Fairbuds XL. Phone Repair Guru said they “might be the easiest headphones to fix,” drawing special attention to the fact that the headphones’ internal connection uses a USB-C cable; if it stops working, you can simply use any other USB-C cable to replace it. And if you ever require any specialty parts, everything you need is available directly from Fairphone’s online store.
Should you buy the Fairphone Fairbuds XL headphones?
You’re familiar with the telltale signs that you probably need new headphones: torn ear pads, decaying battery, and damaged cables, just to name a few. But with the Fairbuds XL, none of these are signs that you actually need new headphones. They’re just signs that you need to replace the worn-out parts. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.
On top of that, the Fairbuds XL actually have good sound, too. Reviews have commented on its 40mm audio driver, saying that it delivers a “punchy, warm sound” with “hearty bass.” However, it has a tight soundstage that restricts the expressiveness of certain instruments. Hardcore music lovers may want to have a pair of major audiophile headphones on hand for serious listening, but the Fairphone Fairbuds XL is worth buying for casual everyday use.
It’s a good time to get into the Fairphone ecosystem because Fairphone’s repairable Android phones have come to the U.S. for the first time ever in 2026. Fairphone’s products are all designed to be modular, customizable, and easily repairable. This model isn’t for everyone; it’s understandable to value a higher-end product that operates at its full potential without tinkering. But if you like getting under the hood of your tech, it’s worth checking out the headphones that you can repair by yourself.
