New Delhi | Updated: October 30, 2019 04:53 PM IST
4 min read
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Online classified sites like Olx and Quikr are flooded with AirPods knock-offs
If you were searching for AirPods on Olx or Quikr, you have undoubtedly come across a lot of lookalikes. There are AirPods knockoffs which are fooling millions of consumers with identical designs and similar features. Many of these AirPods copycats are priced between Rs 799 and Rs 1,999, a fraction of what the Apple AirPods cost. The scary part is that these cheap AirPods replicas are soaring in popularity given the price difference.
So, if you are planning to buy a brand new pair of AirPods or a used model from OLX or any other e-commerce platform you should take some caution to ensure what you are buying is genuine, because Chinese manufacturers are pushing counterfeit AirPods into India.
Here are a few tips to avoid being ripped off.
Fake AirPods vs Genuine AirPods: Price
The first and most important difference between fake and original AirPods is the price. While researching for this story, I found a pair of AirPods selling for Rs 1,999 on OLX, a popular site for buying and selling pre-owned products. The seller described the unit as genuine. At first glance, it may seem like a sealed unit sold by Apple, but that price should be the first red flag that this is not the real deal. AirPods for Rs 1,999? The price should raise eyebrows, because AirPods aren’t cheap. You need to dish out Rs 14,900 or Rs 16,699, with a wireless charging case, for the AirPods 2.
A seller on Olx is selling Apple Airpods for Rs 1,999.
Fake AirPods vs Genuine AirPods: Serial number
At the back of my mind, I thought maybe the AirPods are genuine and the seller is not lying, As it turns out, I was wrong. I looked up the serial number — listed on the back of the retail box to check the warranty status. Upon entering the serial number (details of how to find this information can be found here), I receive the message ”We’re sorry, but this serial number isn’t valid. Please check your information and try again.” It quickly became clear that this isn’t genuine AirPods, though.
If you’re planning to buy used or refurbished AirPods, be sure to check the serial number to verify the genuine purchase.
Just remember, every Apple product has a serial number. AirPods too have a unique serial number written on the underside of the case lid. If you are not sure whether the AirPods is genuine or fake, make sure you do check out its serial number inside of the case lid, above the left earbud.
Fake AirPods vs Genuine AirPods: Build quality
AirPods clones can be hard to distinguish from the genuine one. I recently tried AirPods clones and they were a bad copy. They were larger in size and never felt like the original AirPods I own and use daily. Also, I actually had trouble fitting them into my ears. The point to remember is that the fake AirPods will feel cheap compared to the AirPods.
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The market is flooded with AirPods clones, which can cost anywhere between Rs 799 and Rs 1,999, a fraction of what the Apple AirPods cost.
Fake AirPods vs Genuine AirPods: Audio quality
AirPods clones will never able to match the audio quality you’d expect from the Apple version. The clones failed to impress me and it is unlikely to impress you. So try them out before you pay if possible. In my case, the bass was disappointing and so was the overall sound. AirPods knock-offs also lacked proximity and accelerometer, which means you’ll have to use buttons to play and pause.
Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.
Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:
Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.
Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.
Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.
Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.
Find all stories by Anuj Bhatia here.
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4 min read
Online classified sites like Olx and Quikr are flooded with AirPods knock-offs
A seller on Olx is selling Apple Airpods for Rs 1,999.
If you’re planning to buy used or refurbished AirPods, be sure to check the serial number to verify the genuine purchase.
The market is flooded with AirPods clones, which can cost anywhere between Rs 799 and Rs 1,999, a fraction of what the Apple AirPods cost.
