AirPods headphones: spot the fakes!

Apple's new AirPods, accompanied by their wireless charging cases, are reinventing wireless headphones. With the development of tablets and smartphones, AirPods offer users greater freedom and make up for the lack of comfort experienced with wired headphones. Unfortunately, like most other Apple products, AirPods are counterfeit accessories. Apple sells products at high prices, and the AirPods are no exception. A large number of advertisements from private individuals appear on classified ad sites such as Leboncoin or Facebook, making it tempting to get the latest pair of headphones at a lower price.

However, it's important to follow a few tips before you buy.

1. The packaging box

If you're sold a pair of headphones in their original box, the quality of the box and the features inside should immediately catch your eye. The AirPods image is embossed on the top of the box, unlike a counterfeit. On the sides you'll find all the labels (serial number), the Apple logo and the name 'AirPods'. If yours is missing any of these elements, you're probably looking at a counterfeit. Also look out for the words 'made in china', which are often found on fake boxes.

On the left, the original AirPods box, featuring the embossed model, logo and labels. On the right, an example of counterfeiting. 

2. Housing

Firstly, when you receive your headphones, look at the case - it's the most noticeable difference! Counterfeit products are much larger and heavier than an original Apple case. The case opens and closes using a metal system, unlike the counterfeits, which often use a clip system.

Keep a close eye on the quality - counterfeits often look very cheap and you can quickly spot that you're dealing with a fake when you know the quality of the original Apple products.

On the back, you'll find the words "Designed by Apple", which are usually absent on a fake model.

On the left, an original Apple case, much smaller than a counterfeit like the one on the right.

3. The serial number

The most reliable way to check that your AirPods are real is to check the serial number, which is a series of letters and numbers. This can be found on the bottom of the cover. Each pair of AirPods has a unique serial number.

You can then check the authenticity of your headphones by looking up the serial number directly in your phone's settings.

You can find the same serial number on your AirPods, on your charging case and also on the original packaging next to the barcode and on the invoice.

Always lift the cover as shown in the photo to find the serial number on the bottom of the cover.

Curious to find out more about Apple's audio products? Take a look at our articles on AirPods Max and AirPods Pro.

4. Earphones

Like the case, the fake Airpods are generally larger than the original AirPods.

The small black dot next to the sound output is usually missing on a counterfeit.

You'll usually find a button to turn the earpiece on on a fake model, usually replacing where the sensor is located on AirPods. Apple's originals do not have a button to turn the device on or off.

On the left, a counterfeit AirPods earphone, on the right an original Apple earphone. 

5. The logo

When you buy your AirPods second-hand, they will inevitably come with at least the charging case and sometimes the original box. Check that the Apple logo and brand name are present, as they will be absent on a counterfeit product.

Secure your second-hand AirPods purchase with Obvy

All the brands are trying, with varying degrees of success, to compete with the famous AirPods, Apple's flagship product. They are becoming increasingly popular, especially with the recent release of the latest generation of wireless headphones. Sales are on the increase, but so are counterfeits.

Buying second-hand seems to be an interesting way of getting an original pair of shoes more cheaply.

Thanks to the various points mentioned above, you're now well equipped to tell the difference between a genuine pair of AirPods and a counterfeit. What's more, to buy your wireless headphones with complete peace of mind, use Obvy! Thanks to our secure payment system, you'll have full traceability of the transaction, and you'll also be able to turn around if the advert turns out to be dishonest when you receive it in person or when it's delivered.

And if you're planning to buy the latest Apple phone, find out how to recognise a genuine iPhone X by reading our article on the subject, as well as our article on how toavoid buying counterfeit AirPods Pro.