We've all come across them. Those incredibly cheap "AirPods Pro" ads on dodgy websites or street corners — typically for less than $10. Curiosity got the better of me, and I thought: Why not? I purchased a pair for $9 just to find out how bad (or amazingly good?) they actually were.
The outcome? Let's just say. I was surprised — both positively and negatively.
The Unboxing Experience
From the get-go, the box resembled Apple's closely. It boasted the pristine white box with the picture of the earbuds on the exterior, "AirPods Pro" in that same-looking font, and even the iconic flip-lid opening mechanism.
But as soon as I picked up the box, the fantasy began to dissipate. The print wasn't quite right, the cardboard seemed cheap, and no Apple logo or serial number was anywhere to be found.
What was inside the box:
The "AirPods Pro" themselves
A Lightning cable (well, sort of)
Two spare sets of ear tips
A suspiciously titled "manual" full of typos
It was already obvious: these didn't come from Cupertino.
The Look and Feel
At first sight, the earbuds really did look good. The shape, the size, even the small black microphone mesh — all duplicated to a T. If you caught someone wearing them from across the room, you'd likely think they were using genuine AirPods Pro.
But when I actually picked them up, the differences were clear:
They were extremely light — almost empty
The case plastic was cheap and clicked when pressed
The lid was shaky, and the magnet was loose
The LED indicator flashed as if possessed
Despite that, I persisted. Time to see the real test — performance.
Pairing and Connectivity
Unexpectedly… they paired fast! My phone sensed "AirPods Pro" within seconds. That was not what I anticipated. But connected, the troubles began:
The connection dropped intermittently every 10-15 minutes
Audio lag was abysmal with video playback
No actual pop-up animation as on the actual AirPods
At this stage, it was apparent: they were designed to simulate the Apple experience — but only superficially.
Sound Quality: The Biggest Surprise
Here's where things took a serious surprise turn: the sound wasn't as terrible as I had anticipated.
Don't get me wrong — it wasn't great, but for $9? It was tolerable. The volume got pretty loud, there was some bass, and podcasts or audiobooks sounded… passable.
But:
No noise cancellation (of course)
Soundstage was flat and lifeless
Bass felt artificial
Mids were muddy and highs were often harsh
So if you’re hoping for AirPods Pro quality — you’re dreaming. But for casual listening or backup use? Honestly, not the worst thing ever.
The Battery Life
This was a disaster.
The case claimed to charge the earbuds fully, but:
The earbuds lasted just 45 minutes of playtime
Charging the case didn’t seem to do anything after day 2
No method to accurately report battery level
Essentially, if you were going to use these on a trip to work or for a gym session, forget it. The battery drained faster than it could charge.
Microphone and Calls
Calls were… ridiculous.
The other person said I sounded like I was underwater
Wind noise? Totally intolerable
Using it outside? Not an option
These are not suitable for work calls, Zoom sessions, or anything that needs voice clarity.
So, Was It Worth It?
Sincerely? Sort of. For $9, I received a cool little experiment and a surprisingly decent pair of earbuds for the money. They're ideal for:
Emergency earphones if your actual ones croak
Wearing at home to listen to podcasts or audiobooks
As a prank gift for acquaintances
Would I use them as an actual alternative to AirPods Pro, however? No way.
The Takeaway
Purchasing $9 AirPods Pro taught me an expensive lesson — you receive what you pay for. Though the outcome was unexpected (they did function), they failed in all the things that are important: audio quality, battery life, microphone clarity, and durability.
They look the part, but they're a poor replica.
If you desire solid earbuds with great sound and longevity, stick with proven brands — even if it costs a little more.
But if you're the adventurous type and you want to have a quirky tech tale to share — sure, go for a $9 pair. Just don't blame me.