Identifying Counterfeit Powerbeats Pros

We've come to the time in the product story line where the counterfeits for Beats Powerbeats Pro earbuds are beginning to look very similar. China's website, Alibaba, has begun listing counterfeit Powerbeats Pros, and they're a very good copy of the original.

In this post, I'll help you identify frauds.

First thing you need to look for is the serial number. This is an almost full-proof way check authenticity of the product. Locate the serial number on the inside of the earbud or under the lid of the charging case.

Once you've located and recorded the serial number, you'll want to check that number. Keep in mind some forgers will use a verifiable serial numbers over and over, but Apple will catch on eventually, and flag that number. Head over to the registration page on the Beats website located here: Beats Registration

Another way to verify your Powerbeats Pros is by doing a quick visual inspection. The first thing you should notice is the "b' logo on the side of the earbud. The embossment of

the "b" logo on the original earbud has a sheen to the logo and a very shallow recess. Where as some of the counterfeit products have no sheen whatsoever, and have a deep recess.

You can clearly see the deep embossment of the "b" logo of this counterfeit piece

Some counterfeits are just more obvious

Here you can see how shallow and reflective the logo is on the original piece

From here it gets a little more difficult to separate the counterfeit from the original. As the case is a nearly identical copy, without exposing the internal logic boards, there is almost no way to tell them apart, except by verifying the serial number. However, one easily missed clue is the text that is displayed in the pairing window when you're pairing your earbuds.

The clue here is the inherent discrepancies due to a language barrier, and is easily discernible. Below is a prime example of the incorrect text in the pairing window. Keep in mind that this depiction is just an example.

You can see the incorrect text in the pairing window

When you're pairing your Powerbeats Pros, the image below is the image you should see and the text in the image should read "Powerbeats Pro." The image should also be animated, rotating counter-clockwise during the pairing process, such as the images below.

This is the correct image and text

The only variation to this is if you have multiple Powerbeats Pros paired to your devices. You'll then see a "#2" or "#3" next to the text. Sometimes, if you're buying a used pair of earbuds, people will change the device name. You may then see, "Not Your Powerbeats Pros." One way to correct this is to attempt to pair the earbud case, or reset them. Once you've reset the Powerbeats Pros, you should see the text shown above in the pairing window.

Lastly, you can verify the authenticity of the Powerbeats Pros by the accessories that are included. The lightning cable used is often bulkier and dull in appearance and the packaging is incorrect. And the additional earbud tips in a plastic bag can often be a sign of a counterfeit product.

Below are a couple examples of the counterfeit accessories:

Note the packaging on the lightning cable and bag of extra earbud tips of this counterfeit piece

Correct lightning cable packaging

Notice the smooth, reflective appearance of this original lightning cable

Authentic extra earbud tips

In closing, if you can buy from a verified distributor, do. Trying to save a few bucks by dealing with unknown sellers is just asking for trouble. And if the listing or ad states that the product is being shipped from China, look elsewhere, like here at Powerbeats Pro Parts!

As we WILL NEVER sell counterfeit parts and only source our products from major electronics distributors.

Let me know in the comments if you've experienced anything with fake goods or if you have any questions!

I really help this posts helps someone avoid the hassle of buying counterfeit products!

Thanks for reading,

Nathaniel