What is the exact model?
Ask about model number, colour, version and purchase date. Compare these with the product, box, phone settings and official brand app where available.
Productcheck 07
Headphones or
earbuds .
Used headphones may sound fine while hiding worn batteries, an unreliable microphone or fragile hinges. Wireless earbuds add the risks of counterfeits, two separate batteries, a charging case and hygiene.
L·RBoth sideslisten separately
✓Your own phonepair them yourself
Take your timeListen and try every function for at least ten minutes
Bring alongYour phone, familiar audio, charging cable and clean tips
Pay particular attention toAuthenticity, left-right balance, batteries and hygiene
Before you leave
Ask these questions first.
Ask for the full model number, generation and clear photos of the product, labels, case and accessories. A famous brand or valid serial number alone does not prove authenticity.
How long do the batteries last?
Ask about runtime for left, right and case separately. Ask about rapid drain, sudden shutdowns, differences between sides and replaced batteries.
Has it been damaged or repaired?
Ask about drops, moisture, sweat, faulty hinges, replacement pads or earbuds and repairs to charging contacts, cables, drivers or microphones.
What comes with it?
Check the case, compatible cable, audio cable, cover, adapters, pads or tips and receipt. Original parts may matter for fit, charging and resale value.
The hardest risks to spot
Authenticity and battery
check these first.
Counterfeits can look convincing and small worn batteries are often uneconomical to replace. Combine several clues and test both sides and the case separately.
Do not trust a serial number alone
Check finish, weight, lettering, accessories, software details and official app recognition. Counterfeits can copy numbers and pop-up screens. A wrong model, missing function or extremely low price remains suspicious.
Remove accounts and tracking functions
Have the seller remove it from their brand account, app and tracking service, then reset it. AirPods and supported Beats products must be removed from the previous owner's Apple Account and Find My; pairing again is not enough.
Compare left, right and case
Start with similar charge levels if possible. Use both sides for ten minutes, then check for uneven battery drain. Put each earbud back separately and check that charging starts immediately.
Check charging and heat
Move the charging plug very gently and check charging stays steady. Look for dirty or corroded contacts. Product and case should not swell, smell chemical or become unusually hot during a short test.
Inspect the whole product
Six components to test every time.
Pads, tips & mesh
Look for tears, peeling synthetic leather, deformed tips, blocked mesh, strong smells, moisture and excessive earwax. Include replacement pads or missing tips in the price calculation.
Headband, hinges & cable
Gently flex and adjust headphones. Listen for cracking and check play, hairline cracks and cable damage near plugs and earcups. Nothing should work only in one position.
Left-right balance
Play speech or a mono test that should sound centred. Test each side separately. Listen for unequal volume, distortion, rattling and interruptions.
Buttons, touch & sensors
Test play, pause, volume, next track, wear detection and automatic connection. Both earbuds should respond reliably and work independently if supported.
Microphones
Record a voice memo and, if possible, make a short call. Test each microphone mode, both earbuds and any cable microphone separately. Listen for muffled sound, clicks and missing words.
Noise cancellation & transparency mode
Switch noise cancellation and ambient sound on and off several times. The difference should be audible without loud hiss, unequal pressure, whistling or wind-like noise in a quiet room.
The quick practical test
Ten revealing minutes.
Pair with your own phone and use familiar files. Start quietly and only increase briefly: loud sound can hide distortion and strain your hearing.
- 01
Minutes 1–2 — identity and pairing
Compare model details and accessories, pair again and check recognition on your phone and official app. Watch for odd names, missing settings and connection errors.
- 02
Minutes 3–4 — sound
Play speech, music and a left-right test at different safe volumes. Listen for balance, clarity, bass, distortion, rattles and dropouts while moving your head gently.
- 03
Minutes 5–7 — functions
Test buttons, touch, wear detection, microphones, noise cancellation and transparency. Walk a few metres from the phone and check connection stability.
- 04
Minutes 8–10 — battery, case and transfer
Compare charge levels, charge each earbud separately and test cable and contacts. Then remove accounts and tracking, reset and pair again as the new owner.
!
Do not buy if...
Four reasons to walk away.
- 01The official app does not recognise it, model details conflict or essential functions are missing.
- 02One side cuts out, is much quieter, charges poorly or drains much faster.
- 03The seller refuses pairing again, a normal listening test or removal of accounts and tracking.
- 04You see moisture, corrosion, swelling, heavy dirt or cracks, or notice a strong chemical or burnt smell.
Checking mode
Tick off points during
your viewing.
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points checked
Your progressTake your time with the list. A connection pop-up and a few seconds of music do not prove authenticity, cleanliness or technical condition.
This check helps you test carefully, but a short viewing cannot show the remaining battery capacity. Clean according to the manufacturer's instructions before use and preferably replace used tips. Avoid harsh chemicals or liquid in openings, and test at safe volume.