The Simplest Way to Differentiate Between Real and Fake AirPods

Fake AirPods are often priced lower than authentic ones, but they come with reduced functionality and also pose various risks to your ear health. To avoid purchasing low-quality products, check out the 14 simplest ways to differentiate between genuine and fake AirPods in the article below.

Differentiating fake AirPods through packaging is the easiest method for you to check and avoid buying counterfeit or fake products.
Records show that both genuine and fake AirPods have packaging that is 90% similar. However, you can still distinguish genuine products based on the following basic differences:

- The logo on the genuine box is embossed and smooth to the touch. In contrast, fake ones feel rough when touched.
- The back of the genuine AirPods box has clear, moderately bold printing that is easy to read. Fake AirPods boxes often have darker, blurry printing that may appear smudged.
- When opening the box, genuine AirPods boxes are tight and slightly difficult to open. Careless handling may cause the box edges to tear. Fake AirPods boxes, on the other hand, are usually loose and easier to open.
- Additionally, the instruction booklet inside the AirPods box differs from the information printed on the back of the box.

After unboxing, you can quickly identify fake AirPods visually with the following characteristics:

- The mesh at the bottom of genuine AirPods, where it meets your ear canal, will be oval-shaped. Meanwhile, fake AirPods have a round mesh, and the size of the mesh is also larger.
- The mesh color of fake AirPods is silver, instead of the dark gray color of genuine ones.
- The speaker shape in genuine AirPods is clearly visible with a distinct structure that is difficult for fakes to replicate.

The most accurate way to differentiate between genuine and fake AirPods is by verifying the Serial number of the product. If you want to know if the AirPods box you have is fake or not, follow these steps:

Step 1: Locate the product's serial number. The serial number of AirPods can be found next to the barcode or on the lid of the charging case (either on the right or left side of the lid). Alternatively, you can check the serial number by going to Settings and selecting Serial Number.

Apple sets the price of AirPods considerably higher compared to many other headphones on the market. On average, a pair of AirPods is priced at nearly 2 million Vietnamese dong in the Vietnamese market. Therefore, whether you're buying new or used, if the price is only a few hundred thousand dong or more than 1 million dong, it's definitely counterfeit. When looking to purchase AirPods, pay close attention to this detail, as it's a very effective way to distinguish between genuine and fake AirPods.

Another way to identify fake AirPods is through the lightning charging port. In fake AirPods, the joints on the lightning cable often have excess plastic, with a lower level of finish compared to genuine ones. This method of distinguishing between real and fake AirPods is simple and easy to notice, so don't overlook it.

The charging case of AirPods also has a button to help identify genuine AirPods. In fake AirPods, the button on the charging case will protrude slightly, lacking the smoothness of the button on genuine AirPods.

Another effective way to verify genuine AirPods is by looking at the smaller indicator light on the front (for wireless AirPods) and inside the AirPods case (for wired charging), you'll notice the genuine AirPods have smaller indicator lights.

Currently, counterfeit AirPods products in the Vietnamese market only come with a user manual in Chinese. In contrast, genuine AirPods come with user manuals designed in more languages, and the version for the Vietnamese market includes a user manual in Vietnamese alongside many other languages.

Authentic AirPods will automatically connect to Apple devices. Therefore, if you have to manually reconnect every time you open the case, you may have fake AirPods.
Additionally, if you hear a 'ding' sound when you put the headphones in your ears, indicating that your device is connected, then it's genuine AirPods.

If you have to manually reconnect after the first connection, it's highly likely that you have fake AirPods.

A simple way to differentiate between real and fake AirPods is by checking the speaker grille. Genuine AirPods have a finely crafted black speaker grille, while fake AirPods have a roughly made white speaker grille.

 Checking the speaker grille is a very easy way to distinguish between genuine and fake AirPods

Genuine AirPods have a high price tag because, in addition to the exclusive Apple brand, the special features of AirPods also contribute to their high price in the Vietnamese market.

Verifying genuine AirPods through features is a method you should pay attention to when testing the product. Genuine AirPods will have the following features:

- You can use one AirPod while the other charges in the case to alternate.
- Genuine AirPods will connect with the virtual assistant Siri, simplifying usage with voice commands.
- Direct connection to Apple products without needing manual reconnection after the first use.
- You can share one AirPod with someone else while using the other simultaneously.
- For those with hearing impairments, AirPods can serve as a temporary hearing aid.
- If you lose one AirPod, you can use the following method: Go to Find My > Enable Find My iPhone > Send Last Location to locate the remaining earbud.

Distinguishing fake AirPods can be done through the Settings options. Typically, fake AirPods have lower finishing quality compared to genuine ones, so counterfeit products lack many customization options in settings. Genuine AirPods, on the other hand, offer a wide range of options such as double-tap functionality, automatic ear detection, and more.

 Checking Settings is an effective way to verify genuine AirPods

Accessories for AirPods also contribute to helping you distinguish whether you own genuine or fake products. Checking genuine AirPods through battery and microphone is also very simple. The microphone of genuine AirPods will provide better sound quality compared to the microphone on fake AirPods.

Additionally, the battery of genuine products can last up to 24 hours after a full charge, and even if you charge for only 15 minutes, you can still use them for 3 hours. In contrast, fake headphones have a maximum usage time of only 2 to 3 hours after each full charge, requiring constant recharging, and the lifespan of fake headphones is also very poor.

Genuine AirPods will come with official Apple accessories such as Lightning cable, spare ear tips... If you notice any missing accessories in the AirPods box, chances are your product is fake.

Where to buy genuine AirPods?

To avoid mistakenly purchasing counterfeit products, you should buy from reputable electronics stores, such as Mytour. Not only ensuring quality, choosing to buy genuine products also helps you to have long-term warranty for AirPods and have the opportunity to receive many attractive offers from promotional programs. Buy AirPods now at Mytour here.

With the guidance provided on distinguishing between genuine and fake AirPods in the aforementioned article, it's hoped that you'll purchase authentic products, ensuring quality for an excellent user experience.