6
Counterfeit AirPods aren’t usually that easy to spot. We’ll tell you what to look for in a low-cost fake version.
Spotting Fake AirPods: How to Tell Originals from Fakes
If you’re planning to buy Apple AirPods on online platforms, be careful not to accidentally fall for knockoffs.
- You can spot fake AirPods by the Chinese characters on the packaging. Also check for spelling errors—these are another telltale sign of a knockoff.
- The weight and the inscriptions on the case can also provide clues. Counterfeits are often lighter than the original, and the lettering on the case and earbuds looks sloppy or is printed crookedly.
- Furthermore, Apple AirPods are always perfectly sealed in plastic. So if there’s air trapped between the plastic wrap and the packaging, it’s a fake.
- If you’ve already purchased AirPods and want to verify that they’re genuine, you should test various features. Genuine AirPods automatically connect to Apple devices when inserted into your ears and—depending on the model—offer features such as active noise cancellation. If these features don’t work, proceed with caution.
- Another way to spot fake AirPods is to check the serial number. Enter it on the Apple website . If an error message appears, you can be sure that your earbuds are a knockoff.
- Note, however, that even counterfeit AirPods these days may have a seemingly valid serial number, as it can be copied. If all parts (earbuds and case) have the same serial number, that’s a sign of a counterfeit.
Fake AirPods—Are They Worth Buying?
Apple AirPods are practically considered a status symbol. But not everyone is willing to spend that much money on headphones. That’s why there are affordable alternatives to Apple AirPods that you can use.
- It’s worth opting for models that don’t necessarily look like Apple AirPods but still deliver impressive technical performance. That’s because with most Apple knockoffs, you’ll have to compromise on sound quality or build quality.
- For example, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC from Anker are highly recommended.
These stand out especially for their long battery life of 10 hours without the case. The sound quality of these earbuds is also impressive.
- Also worth checking out are the Galaxy Buds FE. They offer balanced sound, active noise cancellation, and are built to last. Plus, these earbuds are water-resistant.
- If you’re looking for particularly compact and lightweight earbuds, you should check out the Sony LinkBuds S . They offer excellent active noise cancellation and deliver a clear, bass-heavy sound.
