Video: Could we spot the difference between fake Wish.com AirPods and the real thing? Absolutely

Ah, AirPods. If you’ve been in a city at any point in the past two years you’ll have seen them slammed deep into the ears of, well, everyone.

Apple’s earbuds have been so successful they’ve moved beyond being only a music accessory, instead morphing into a fashion statement in themselves.

There’s an issue. A glaring, painful one: these things don’t come cheap. AirPods retail for $160, which is a fair whack of cash if all you want is to be cool.

And therein lies the problem — what choice does someone have if they want to be AirPod-trendy, but are adverse to spending loads of money?

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Well, whip back the curtains, turn on the walkout music, and enter Wish.com.

If you’re unaware of the site (which would be bizarre, because they’re advertise everywhere on the internet), it’s an ecommerce platform that’s most famous for selling cheap, knock-off versions of popular products.

And you know what? There are a lot of fake AirPods on there. So, we did the only thing we could: bought a pair and put them through their paces.

Want to know how we got on with our fake Wish.com AirPods? Well, you’re gonna have to watch the video above. Enjoy!

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Story by Callum Booth

Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting (show all) Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting was cited widely, including in VICE, the FT, and the BBC. Callum’s writing has appeared in The Verge, The Daily Telegraph, Time Out, and many more. He covers the full spectrum of technology, with a particular focus on how it shapes our daily lives. And a lot of regulation stuff too. Outside of work, Callum’s an avid bookworm, a Fisherman’s Friends addict, and resolutely unshaven. Follow him on Twitter @CallumBooth or visit www.callumbooth.net.