If you want to choose wireless headphones yourself, we recommend using the profile section of our catalog. And for a visual comparison of the current generations of AirPods, a summary table may be useful.

How to distinguish original AirPods from fakes: general criteria

To expose fake headphones, you can adhere to universal rules, which are, to one degree or another, valid for any branded equipment and electronics. So, the main distinguishing features of a fake from the original are as follows:

1. The main risk factor before purchase is the cheapness of the headphones.

In the situation with AirPods, checking the cost is especially relevant and important, because Apple offers fixed prices for its products. Accordingly, if you see a price tag that is too low, then there is a high probability of getting a fake or used headphones. At the time of writing this material, you can focus on the following prices in dollars, which we took from the official website (https://www.apple.com/airpods/compare/):

Headphone model Price, US dollars
AirPods (2nd generation) 129
AirPods (3rd generation) 169
AirPods (3rd generation) MagSafe Charging Case 179
AirPods Pro (2nd generation) (USB-C) 249
AirPods Max 549

Please note that in Europe the prices are the same, but in euros (that is, de facto higher). Plus, there are also transportation costs, markups from a specific retail store, etc. In other words, the original is unlikely to be cheaper than the specified fixed prices.

The situation is a little more complicated only with the first AirPods Pro. They were discontinued from the official Apple store when the second generation was released, but are still available in retail. So, the last fixed price tag for them was the same $249 as now for AirPods Pro 2nd gen. To completely get rid of stock in warehouses, sellers can offer discounts. Although, as practice shows, often the first generation even today costs comparable to the second, that is, extreme cheapness is a bad sign.

2. What should you be wary of during the first examination? Packaging, serial numbers, equipment

You can learn a lot about headphones during the first inspection - before and after unpacking. Apple pays attention to detail, and the box is no exception. Counterfeit packaging is distinguished by the following features:

  • imperfect box geometry;
  • not tight placement of the contents inside (checked by light shaking);
  • poor fit of the film;
  • the packaging itself is often flimsy;
  • Upon closer examination, you can find low-quality cardboard and traces of glue.

Replicas also have errors in words in the instructions, and the font of the inscriptions on the headphones themselves and the case is often larger than on the original.

The next important point is IMEI serial numbers. Any product from Apple can be checked on the official website (on the page https://checkcoverage.apple.com/). Here you enter the serial number found on the package, and then the following scenarios are possible:

  • the device is detected by the system and information about your AirPods is displayed, which actually confirms their originality. If the headphones are activated, then below there is a mark “Valid date of purchase” and “Eligibility for service and repair: provided” (indicating the warranty period).” If the headphones have not yet been activated, you will see a message stating that the purchase date could not be verified or confirmed;

The serial number is recognized, which indicates the originality of the headphones, but in this case they have not yet been activated.

  • if it is an incorrect IMEI (and likely a fake), then an error message appears asking something like “Enter the correct serial number.” If you entered everything correctly, then it is not the original;
  • If the headphones are recognized, but the field below says “Eligibility for Service and Repair: Expired,” then you probably have refurbished (used) headphones.
Important! Make sure that the serial numbers on the package and under the cover of the case match, but the digital designations on the left and right “ears,” on the contrary, should be different.

It's also worth checking the package. All Apple TWS headphones have a case, an envelope with documentation and instructions, and a charging cable (more recently, not necessarily Lightning). The Pro versions, that is, in-ear models, also have a set of silicone tabs. But the full-size Max comes without a case, but includes a Smart Case.

Apple Headphones

3. What to look for before activating the “ears”? For materials, assembly, placement of headphones in the case

If possible, it is worth examining the headphones in detail for their originality before the first activation. The company from Cupertino uses high-quality materials - glossy milky-white plastic. Although both the case and the headphones are perfectly smooth, they do not slip out of your hands. The overall build quality is also excellent.

In fakes, the plastic may give off a yellowish tint, bend when pressed, have roughness, plus the activation button is sometimes raised above the surface of the case, and not flat, as it should be. Also, the worst replicas have problems with symmetry and fit of parts.

It is important that real AirPods “sit” immaculately in the designated seating areas of the case. The case fits them tightly, so they do not play or make noise when shaking. In this case, the “ears” are also removed without any problems. Counterfeits often do not have a perfect fit. Plus, the case can open and close abruptly (due to too powerful magnets).

It also happens that real and fake earbuds from Apple have different coatings on the speakers (emitters) and the quality of the chrome parts: bad copies use fabric instead of a metal mesh, and the chrome is dull and not perfectly polished. If we talk about the size of the case and the headphones themselves, then, as a rule, there are no differences between the original and copies.

A small life hack or how to check the original AirPods case with a flashlight

The case of all current generations of TWS models can be tested using the flashlight of your smartphone. It is necessary to open the lid of the case and direct the light stream to it. In the original case, the plastic should be visible in the recesses, but only partially - dark spots from the functional components of the device are visible inside. A fake often does not have such darkening. But keep in mind that replicas are also being improved, that is, the check should not be limited to just this test.

A noticeable stain when the case is illuminated is a sign of the original.

4. Authentication after activation. Focus on synchronization and functionality

Directly when you turn on (activate) AirPods for the first time, you can identify many differences between real headphones and replicas. “Pitfalls” are possible already at this stage. So, the original immediately “connects” to the iPhone, a menu pops up on the smartphone screen indicating the headphone model and an animated display of the components - a case and two “ears” with their charge level. With fake AirPods of the lower echelon, everything goes wrong already at the synchronization stage - the Cannot Verify AirPods mark appears or the device is recognized as a regular wireless headset. True, good replicas already use original chips from the company from Cupertino, and they give commands to the iPhone to show that these are supposedly real AirPods.

The functionality of fakes is often significantly reduced and does not correspond to what Apple declares. This concerns operating range via Bluetooth, battery life, intuitive control (including support for taps and/or Siri), etc. The specific differences depend on the quality of the replica, that is, a good copy will be close to the original, but a bad copy will be much inferior in most functional aspects.

We have compiled the checklist into a table:

Function Original Fake
Pairing Runs quickly and smoothly There may be nuances, including the Cannot Verify AirPods message
Bluetooth range Honest 10+ meters (and in practice it’s noticeably more in the absence of obstacles) About 3 - 5 meters, and interference and breaks are possible at a shorter distance
Autonomy 5 hours without recharging and more than a day with power in the case. AirPods Max only have up to 20 hours Noticeably less. Without a case up to 3 hours, with it - from 10 to 12 hours
Control Touch control, Siri support, the ability to reconfigure commands for taps. Automatic pause of playback when removing the earphone from the ear Depends on the quality of the copy; many replicas duplicate the main interaction scenarios, but do not allow reassigning commands
Other functions Supports active noise reduction and transparency mode for Pro and Max versions. Other options listed on the official website Depends on the quality of the fake, but most often the real functionality does not match the specification

5. The last point is sound quality

Let's be honest, AirPods are not ideal in terms of clear and spacious sound (especially for audiophiles). Plus, sound quality is a rather subjective point, and it’s not always possible to focus on what when these are your first AirPods or TWS headphones in general. Therefore, we left this check point for last.

In their class, Apple's headphones are really well balanced and leave a good impression. Wide range, clear high notes even at high volumes, normal low frequencies. Counterfeits often betray themselves by having no bass at all, flat sound, wheezing and distortion at maximum speed.

By the way, the original, when synchronized with a smartphone, produces a melodic sound, but many copies are fragmentary, as if playing one note.

Now let’s take a closer look at the features and differences of each current model of Apple wireless headphones.

Popular wireless headphones

Apple AirPods 2

The second generation of TWS earbuds are the most affordable wireless headphones from the Cupertino company today. Moreover, in addition to the version with a regular case, there is also an analogue with support for wireless charging - AirPods 2 with Wireless Charging Case.

Today this is the basic model in the branded line with a minimal set of functions. It received an H1 processor and allows you to activate Siri by voice. Autonomy is 5 hours from one full charge of the “ears” and over a day with recharge in the case.

How to distinguish original AirPods 2 from fake ones (main features):

A clear difference between the clone's speaker grille and the original AirPods.
  • The headphones have a metal mesh, under which two round speakers are visible. For fakes, it can be made of fabric, and the emitters are often not noticeable at all;
  • collaboration with Siri (relevant for all models starting with AirPods 2);
  • lack of unnecessary functions. The second generation of earbuds does not have active noise cancellation and transparency mode;
  • correct markings - the right earphone is A2031, and the left is A2032, the wireless case is A1938, the wired case is A1602 (migrated from the first generation).

Apple AirPods Pro

These are the first vacuum (in-ear) wireless headphones from a company from Cupertino. They have already been discontinued from sale on the official website, but are still found in retail. There are two versions - just with a wireless case (Qi standard) and with a MagSafe case.

The legs of the Pro version are shorter than those of the earbuds, and IPX4 protection has appeared, which makes the model a little more suitable for sports. The package includes a set of silicone tips. The main differences from the second generation earbuds are active noise cancellation and transparent mode, which allows you to hear what is happening around you. The battery life when listening to music is up to 4.5 hours, but 5 minutes in the case gives another hour of work. Objectively, the sound quality of the Pro model is higher than that of the second generation.

How to distinguish AirPods Pro from a fake:

The bottom is fake, as the diffuser has a grayish tint.
  • completely black diffusers on the back and sides of the “ears”. Replicas often have a gray or dark gray outline;
  • dense black mesh on the speakers. In the case of fakes, the weave is sparser, and the color of the coating is sometimes lighter;
  • Supports noise reduction and transparency mode.
  • the presence of ear pads (silicone tips) included;
  • The correct markings are A2083 on the right earphone and A2084 on the left. Case number - A2190.

Important! It is more difficult to navigate prices in the case of AirPods Pro, since in fact they have already been discontinued. Ideally, the seller should indicate if they are offering the original, but refurbished.

Apple AirPods 3

The third generation of AirPods was introduced in the fall of 2021. The model, like the Pro version, is already better protected from moisture (IPX4). Compared to the second generation of liners, the leg has become a little shorter. The autonomy of the headphones has been increased - 6 hours without charging and up to 30 hours with the included case. In addition to the version with a regular case, there are Apple AirPods 3 with Wireless Charging Case on sale - with over-the-air power.

In terms of functionality, it is worth highlighting the presence of an adaptive equalizer (it adjusts frequencies in real time) and a spatial audio mode (simulation of surround sound), plus expanded touch control functions.

How to distinguish Apple AirPods 3 from a fake:

  • The headphone stem has become shorter. Low-quality replicas often retain the second-generation form factor;
  • exclusively black grille on the speakers;
  • in the third generation of AirPods, you can use Siri to read notifications coming to your iPhone;
  • autonomy has increased to 6 hours, while replicas will definitely need recharging more often;
  • There is spatial audio, but active noise reduction and other modes are not added;
  • The correct markings are A2565 on the right earphone and A2564 on the left, the regular case is A2897, and the wireless case is A2566.

Apple AirPods Pro 2nd gen

The second generation of Pro headphones will be released in the fall of 2022. In-channel plugs were equipped with a new H2 processor. An improvement has been announced in the noise reduction algorithms and the transparency mode, which allows you to hear what is happening around you, but protects you from harsh sounds. Touch and voice control have also been improved. And the case has its own speaker, so you can easily find it with the Find My function. Also note that in 2023, Apple introduced a version of AirPods Pro 2nd gen USB-C, where the case has a Type C connector, not a Lightning one.

How to distinguish AirPods Pro 2nd gen from a fake:

Real AirPods Pro 2nd gen have a straight signature (left), while the copy has a semicircle (right).
  • smooth markings on the inner surface of the headphones (but on the copy they are slightly rounded);
  • good magnet of the case lid when closing quietly, only slight looseness is allowed;
  • there are sound alerts from the case when it is almost completely discharged;
  • Includes 4 pairs of silicone ear pads of different sizes;
  • Responsive touch controls, excellent voice assistant. Counterfeits are clearly worse at this;
  • correct markings: right earphone - A3047, left - A3048, case with Lightning - A2700, with USB-C - A2968.

Apple AirPods Max

On-ear wireless full-size headphones appeared in the Apple line in 2020. They are significantly more expensive than Apple TWS solutions of the current model range. It uses the H1 audio chip, provides 8 microphones for active noise reduction, supports spatial sound and transparency mode, has an adaptive equalizer and a digital crown (wheel) for control, plus interaction with a voice assistant is implemented.

AirPods Max work for 20 hours without power, and then 5 minutes of connecting to the network will give another 1.5 hours of autonomy. A Smart Case is provided for storage. They are available on sale in five color variations, while all TWS headphones are only white.

How to distinguish original Apple AirPods Max from fakes:

  • There are only 5 colors available to choose from - white (aka light grey), dark grey, blue, pink (with a red headband) and light green;
  • velvet inner surface of the cover with soft fabric. There is an embossed inscription - Designed by Apple in California. Assembled in China. Fakes are usually without text and velvet;
  • The serial number is only on the left ear cup under the ear pads. For a fake, most often on two;
  • smooth rotations and clicks of the digital crown (control wheel) without loud clicks;
  • the correct marking is A2096.
The case in the original Max is velvet and with an inscription (on the right).

As conclusions

Please note! If the seller initially informs the buyer that he is offering an affordable copy, and not the original, then in such a situation everything is relatively transparent: you are informed and can make an informed decision. But if the real products of a company from Cupertino are declared, but in reality you receive a replica, then this is already a deception and a serious violation of consumer rights.

You can protect yourself as much as possible from buying counterfeit devices by choosing sellers responsibly. The longer the store operates and is more widely known, the more it will value its reputation. And if some controversial situation suddenly arises with suspicions that the product is not original, then such a trusted seller will, without any problems, return or replace the product.

We hope that our material helped you learn more about the signs of authenticity of Apple AirPods and you will be able to protect yourself from fakes. Good luck with your choice!