How Can You Tell A Fake Bose QC25?

The Bose QuietComfort 25s are one of Bose’s most counterfeited products. 

If you’re purchasing a pair from a non-authorized dealer, there are several identifying features to look out for.

How can you spot a fake pair of Bose QC25s?

Before purchasing a pair of Bose QuietComfort 25s, verify that they are authentic by examining features such as the quality of the materials, the alignment of the battery sticker, and the legitimacy of the product’s serial number. Bose Support can also help customers identify fake products.

If you’re going to spend $100 or more on a pair of headphones, you want them to be real.

In this post, you’ll learn how to identify fake Bose QC25s, how to locate authorized Bose dealers in your area, and what to do if you think you purchased a counterfeit pair of headphones. 

Let’s get started!

Identifying a Fake Bose QC25

Bose sold its QuietComfort 25s from 2014 until 2019. These headphones feature an in-line microphone and a carrying case. 

First and foremost, make sure the product you’re purchasing includes both of these items. 

Something missing from the package is an obvious sign that you purchased a fake pair of Bose headphones.

However, many counterfeiters pay attention to details.

For example, a warranty card in the box does not make the headphones certified Bose. 

In most cases, counterfeiters include these details to trick customers into believing that the product is authentic.

Some counterfeiters are so good, that they sell products with names not even sold by Bose. 

For example, the Bose counterfeit page explains that the company has never sold a product with a name including the letters “TWS.” If you come across one of these headphones, you’ll know it is a fake. 

In fact, you should verify that Bose even makes and sells the product you are considering purchasing.

Since there isn’t one obvious way to know if the Bose QuietComfort 25s you’re looking at are real, you’ll have to examine several more minor features.

When possible, verify these minute details before purchasing the potentially fake Bose headphones from an unauthorized dealer.

Start with the serial number listed on the product. 

You can locate the serial number on the headphones inside the right ear cup.

Bose also prints the serial number on the product’s packaging.

If you connect your device with the Bose Connect app, then you can view the serial number in the app.

(Of course, if the headphones pair with the Bose Connect app, you can rest assured that they are Bose.)

Once you have the serial number, type it into Bose’s Support Product Finder. 

If the serial number appears as a pair of QuietComfort 25s, it is likely an authentic Bose piece. Unfortunately, counterfeiters can find and copy real Bose serial numbers.

For this reason, even if the serial number matches the correct Bose product, continue verifying other details as follows.

Next, look at the overall product. Does it look, feel, or even smell cheap? If so, it probably is. 

Bose uses quality materials to manufacture its headphones, and the company holds its craftsmanship to high standards. 

If the QuietComfort 25s you’re looking at have imperfections, less than ideal finishes, or smell like glue, then they are fakes.

Still not sure if the Bose QC25s are real or not? Look at the battery sticker. If the sticker is crooked at all, then they aren’t Bose. 

Bose aligns its stickers perfectly straight.

Last but not least, look for the hologram on the back of the in-line microphone.

If the hologram looks fake at all, it probably is. 

However, the lack of a hologram doesn’t necessarily mean that the headphones are fake. 

Bose frequently changed designs over the five years of producing the QC25 headphones.

In fact, some headphones made in the same year might have different designs. 

These differences are because Bose manufactures its products in two different factories. 

Bose QuietComfort 25s manufactured in Mexico will feature a hologram on the back of the in-line microphone and a headphone outline in the carrying case. 

Meanwhile, those manufactured in China will have neither of these details.

How to Identify a Certified Bose Dealer

The best way to get a real pair of Bose headphones is to purchase them directly from Bose. 

If you don’t want to buy them directly from Bose, you can also visit a Bose-certified retailer. 

Customers can find Bose-certified dealers both online and in person. 

If the store is authorized to sell Bose products, it should feature the “Bose Authorized Dealer” emblem either in their store or website. 

However, Bose does explain that not all authorized dealers have this emblem where customers can see it.

Not sure whether you’re dealing with a certified retailer or not? Bose is there to help.

If you’re looking into a company in the United States, call Bose’s support line at 1(800)999-2673 or email them at support@bose.com. 

For those looking into retailers outside the United States, you’ll need to obtain contact information for the correct country. You can find this information on the Bose Worldwide website. 

Once you connect with the proper agent, ask them about the retailer in question. 

The agent will let you know whether the retailer is authorized to sell Bose or not. 

You can also find authorized Bose stores using the Bose Store Locator.

What to Do if You Buy Counterfeit Bose

It is too late to check the retailer’s status as an authorized Bose dealer after you’ve purchased the product. 

When the product arrives, you can still call Bose to find out if they are a certified retailer. 

Think you got a counterfeit pair of Bose QuietComfort 25 headphones? Reach out to Bose’s counterfeit department to report the purchase.

While you likely won’t get your money back, they can help you verify if the product truly is fake, as well as direct you where to purchase a real pair. 

Contact the Bose counterfeit department by email at Report_Counterfeits@bose.com. 

It’s always better to verify a Bose product’s authenticity before making the purchase rather than afterward. If you purchase the product first, you could be out a large chunk of cash with less than subpar headphones in your possession. 

If you’re hoping to purchase a pair of Bose headphones cheaply, visit the Bose website or an authorized dealer’s store. Look for the “Special Offers” section. Here you can find real Bose products at significantly less expensive prices.