January 6, 2022, 2:49 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
They cost between 25 and 55 euros on the trading platform “Wish”: refurbished, original Apple AirPods. TECHBOOK ordered several models.
On its website, Apple currently offers three models of its wireless earbuds: 2nd generation AirPods, the new 3rd generation AirPods, and the AirPods Pro. Apple’s pricing starts at 149 euros for the 2nd generation and goes up to 279 euros for the Pro models. Online, you can often find the cheaper AirPods for as low as 129 euros. These are new prices, but are there cheaper options for AirPods? The magic word is “refurbished.” On specialized sites, you can often save 30 percent and buy AirPods Pro for just under 200 euros.
But what if refurbished AirPods are much cheaper than new ones from Apple? That’s what sellers on Wish promise.
Overview
Refurbished AirPods on Wish from 25 euros
On Wish, sellers offer products from all sorts of categories, including tech. Many of these come from places like China. Their tech products are often available at extremely low prices. You can find no-name headphones, for example, for under 10 euros. When the U.S. company Wish became popular in Germany a few years ago, there were quick accusations of having a problem with counterfeits. Fakes from all sorts of categories were found, whether watches, designer clothes, or tech products. The platform has always defended itself against these claims, as a spokesperson told TECHBOOK in 2018. At that time, they launched a small PR campaign in Germany.
TECHBOOK ordered three models that were explicitly described as original Apple AirPods on Wish.
AirPods models from Wish in the test
TECHBOOK subjects the ordered AirPods models to three tests. These are largely based on direct comparisons with AirPods purchased from a German Apple Store. The goal is to determine whether they are refurbished original products or counterfeits. First, we examine the packaging of the devices, then the appearance and workmanship of the charging case and AirPods. Finally, we conduct a functionality and audio test on the earbuds. Based on the observations and tests, TECHBOOK draws a conclusion.
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1.) AirPods packaging comparison
The following differences were noticed in comparison with the packaging from the Apple Store. You can watch the video to see for yourself.
AirPods Pro for 55 euros
- Slightly different shade of white
- Font differs
- Apple logo glitters less
- Arrangement of printed symbols is different
AirPods (2nd Gen.) Superior version for 30 euros
- Different shade of white
- Font differs
- Apple logo glitters less
- Arrangement of printed symbols is different
AirPods (2nd Gen.) Basic version for 25 euros
- Colors significantly different
- Box warped and made of thinner cardboard
- Font differs
- Apple logo glitters less
- Arrangement of printed symbols is different
2.) Quality check of charging case and earbuds
In the second round of testing, the hardware had to prove itself. We examined the earbuds and charging case for their exterior.
AirPods Pro for 55 euros
- Glue residue on the back of the charging case
- Silver tone on the hinge of the charging case differs
- Text on the back is less fine and inconsistent
Although there are only minor visual deviations from the original, there are still significant differences in quality.
AirPods (2nd Gen.) Superior version for 30 euros
- Lid is lighter
- Hinge has different resistance
- Text differs
AirPods (2nd Gen.) Basic version for 25 euros
- Also lighter
- Very flimsy
- Text differs
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3.) Connecting and sound test of AirPods from Wish
In the final part of our test, we focused on the functionality of the AirPods. We tested the connection to iPhone and MacBook, as well as sound and call quality.
AirPods Pro for 55 euros
- Problems switching connections between devices
- Sound initially good, but weaker on bass
- Poor call quality
AirPods (2nd Gen.) Superior version for 30 euros
- Connection with devices works
- Sound immediately identifiable as worse
- Poor call quality
AirPods (2nd Gen.) Basic version for 25 euros
- Charging case defective and cannot connect
- Sound completely tinny and absolutely poor
- Hardly understandable during calls
Conclusion: AirPods from Wish are likely fake
After all three test rounds, a fairly clear picture emerges. None of the ordered models passed even one test round. There were deviations from the original comparison models from the Apple Store in terms of packaging, hardware quality, and sound test.
The three ordered models also differ significantly from each other. While the supposed AirPods Pro make a somewhat solid impression, the basic version for 25 euros is quite junk. Overall, all models are far from Apple’s quality standards. This could especially affect longevity, if it can even be discussed. In the test, the glue of an “AirPods Pro” earbud came off after just 5 minutes, and we had two parts in hand.
For these reasons, TECHBOOK advises against purchasing. Besides the quality deficiencies, ordering counterfeit goods can even be illegal in certain cases. You can learn more about this in our article on the topic.
Neither Wish nor Apple answered TECHBOOK’s questions about the potentially counterfeit AirPods on Wish.