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  • Technology

4 tips for recognising a counterfeit JBL column

  • 23 February 23

JBL is an American company specialising in the manufacture of loudspeakers. Since it was founded, the brand has built its reputation on its high-quality products, which produce more than satisfactory sound. Their range includes mobile speakers, headphones and Bluetooth earphones. In the space of just a few years, JBL's Bluetooth speakers have become everyday essentials. This strong reputation means that there are many detractors, particularly counterfeiters. How can you spot a JBL counterfeit?

1. The packaging

Genuine JBL products have one and the same high-quality packaging, regardless of the product sold. Of course, what differentiates them from each other is the product purchased, which is shown in the photo on the packaging, and of course the characteristics associated with that product. To find out whether it's a real or fake JBL, make sure you read the labels carefully - they should be very legible and of good quality. If it's genuine, you should find the serial number, a QR code, the brand logo, product information and compliance icons. 

On the left, a fake JBL product, on the right a genuine JBL product.

In this box, if it's a genuine JBL product, you should find adapters for different types of plug, instructions for use, a charger and a flat, perfectly folded power cable.

2. The product

Genuine JBL products are worth their weight in gold because they're made from high-quality materials, beautifully finished and flawless. So pay close attention. For example, in the speaker grille, the JBL logo is integrated and not glued on like on a counterfeit JBL Flip, JBL Charge or JBL Xtreme. 

On the left, an original product, on the right, a JBL counterfeit.

Also, just like on the packaging, if it's a genuine JBL product, you should find a serial number and conformity codes on the product. If not, it's undoubtedly a JBL replica.

Also check the buttons on the control panel. On replica JBL columns, they are very often of poor quality and smaller than on the original JBL columns.

Finally, on authentic JBL floorstanding speakers, the speaker connectors are grouped together and covered by a cover that ensures that the product is watertight. There are only three inputs: jack, USB and micro-USB. Some fake floorstanding speakers have four. 

On the left, a genuine JBL column, on the right a replica JBL column.

3. Sound quality

Whether you are a music lover or not, it will be very easy for you to recognise a poor quality sound given the product. An original product should sound good. On a counterfeit JBL product, you may notice hissing, poor sound or a sound that is never loud enough.

4. A few other details

The smell

When you receive a poor-quality fake JBL product, you'll know right away because there may be a chemical smell emanating from it.

Weight

You should also pay attention to the weight of your JBL floorstanding speaker: a floorstanding speaker designed by counterfeiters is generally lighter than a genuine JBL portable speaker.

Autonomy

Finally, battery life is also an important consideration, with the genuine JBL speaker designed to last up to 20 hours. A replica JBL will only last up to an hour on a single charge.

Buy your used JBL column safely with Obvy

To avoid any type of scam between private individuals on classified ad sites such as Facebook Marketplace or Leboncoin, make your second-hand purchases on Obvy. Whether it's a second-hand connected speaker, a second-hand car or even a service, choosing Obvy means choosing security.

With the Obvy system, you can trace the transaction. In the event of dissatisfaction, if you discover that the item is a counterfeit thanks to our tips, you can return it to the seller.