How To Spot a Pair of Fake Airpods Pro

As a tech enthusiast and a bit of a gadget geek, I’ve seen my fair share of knock-offs, but nothing quite matches the surge in fake AirPods Pro flooding the market. I recently learned this lesson the hard way.

I bought a pair of what I thought were AirPods Pro from Facebook Marketplace for $150. They looked legit, still sealed in the box. Two weeks in, while charging, they melted internally. Imagine my shock when the Apple Genius at the store informed me they were fakes and, therefore, not covered by warranty. Heartbreaking and an expensive lesson to learn. I don’t want you to go through the same, so let me share my experience and some tips to help you avoid buying counterfeit AirPods Pro.

Here’s How You Can Spot the Fakes

Check the Packaging

If you’re hunting for AirPods Pro and you want to ensure you’re getting the real deal, the packaging is your first clue. Genuine AirPods come in a box that screams quality. It’s not just about the sleek, minimalist design; it’s about the feel of the package in your hands. The real boxes have a glossy, slightly raised picture of the AirPods — it feels premium to the touch. Counterfeits often miss this detail, presenting a more matte and flat image that lacks vibrancy.

The text on the packaging is another giveaway. On a genuine box, the ‘AirPods Pro’ text is smooth and seamlessly integrated into the box surface. In contrast, fake products might feature raised or textured lettering, which you can feel when you run your fingers over it. Also, take a close look at the back of the box. I learned from my mistake that counterfeit boxes may picture the AirPods with the case open — though keep in mind, some variations in official packaging might exist.

Inspect the Build Quality

When you get past the box and start examining the AirPods Pro themselves, pay attention to the construction of the case. A genuine AirPods Pro case has a button on the back that blends smoothly into the case’s body; it’s so well-fitted that you won’t feel it protruding. However, with fakes, this button often feels slightly raised or misaligned. It’s a small detail, but it’s telling.

Inside the case, where the AirPods nestle, the serial number and text are printed very finely — almost challenging to read without squinting. This is deliberate, a subtlety in Apple’s design to maintain aesthetics. Counterfeit AirPods are less finessed here, often showing darker, more legible text. It might seem counterintuitive, but the harder it is to read the serial number and text inside your AirPods Pro case, the more likely it is genuine.

Performance Clues

Regarding performance, genuine AirPods Pro don’t just sound good; they feel good in use. They shouldn’t get warm or hot on a wireless charging pad — that’s a major red flag I wish I had known. Also, listen to how they handle noise cancellation and transparency modes. Authentic AirPods create an immersive, clear sound experience without any ‘airy’ noises, which often plague the fakes.

Lastly, interaction with your iOS device should be seamless. When genuine AirPods Pro connect, a pop-up display on your iPhone shows battery life and connection status instantly — it’s like they’re part of the phone. With fakes, this interaction can be sluggish or buggy, sometimes requiring manual intervention to connect.

My Two Cents

The price might be tempting on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp, but it’s risky. If you’re going to invest in tech like AirPods Pro, do it through a reputable retailer where you’re guaranteed genuine products and a real warranty. Trust me, the peace of mind is worth the extra cost.