How to Spot Fake Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones
Flipping the headset over, we can see the ear pads. The design is wrong and we can see L and R on the inside mesh, which is absent in the real model. Another feature missing is the proximity sensor on the left side.
When we look at the real ear WH-1000XM4 cushions, there is an obvious difference, no visible seams. No doubt the real ones are of much better quality and will last longer.
The fake model does have the ability to fold up as well, but when compared to the real headset, it seems as if the space under the headband is bigger.
Whether the fake headset could fit into the original case is unknown but there was a listing where the seller was throwing in the original case with the fake to sweeten the deal, so perhaps it fits.
Another design difference is the headband support.
The real model has a crease in the middle of the support, where as the fake (left) has it closer to the edge. Next, the real model has no screws in the support, but there are 2 screws near the top in the fake.
Comparing the buttons, we can see a pretty obvious difference. The real WH-1000XM4 has no volume button, as the volume is controlled via the touch panel.
I cannot find a photo showing the USB port, so I am am not sure if it is USB type C or micro-USB.
Translating some of the listings, a good majority list the fakes as “replicas”, so it is obvious that they are fake. But there were a few posts where the sellers were listing the fakes as “new and sealed”. So such listings are obvious scams. One listing did state that the fakes were bought off a Chinese marketplace, so perhaps the user was scammed themselves.
The sellers mention that there is no noise cancellation or touch panel, and that they sound like ordinary cheap headphones. These are definitely coming from a chinese source.
As with most things, if a price is too good to be true, it probably is. If in doubt, ask the seller to provide photos of the box and headset. Likewise stay away from shady marketplaces and as I mentioned earlier, use a payment method which includes fraud protection in case you do get scammed.
If anyone finds any other listings with photos of the USB port or better quality photos, drop the links in the comments.
