30 Hilarious Audio Gear Knockoffs That Belong in the Hall of Shame

Fake audio gear proving that good ideas and quality control are optional.
Fake audio gear proving that good ideas and quality control are optional.

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These knockoffs are so bad, they’re almost impressive.

Every tech lover has encountered a gadget that made them stop and ask, “What were they thinking?” Whether it’s questionable branding, impossible instructions, or features nobody asked for, the world of knockoff audio gear is a goldmine of hilarity.

Get ready to cringe, laugh, and maybe even wonder if some of these designs were intentional.

1. The ‘Wireless’ Part Is in Your Imagination

Wireless earbuds from China (From: Reddit)
“Wireless” earbuds from China (From: Reddit)

Wireless, but only in marketing. The only thing “cutting edge” here is the plug you wish it didn’t have.

2. Dre’s Distant Cousin

Beats by Dr. Dre knock-offs I found in a market in Turkey (From: Reddit)
Beats by Dr. Dre knock-offs I found in a market in Turkey (From: Reddit)

Dr. Dre brings the bass, Steve brings… well, something. These headphones guarantee you’ll hear a sound, but it just might be Steve sighing in the background.

3. The Collab We Never Knew Existed

Samsonic speakers. (From: Reddit)
Samsonic speakers. (From: Reddit)

When Samsung and Sony come together but only in spirit. Samsonic is the knockoff dream team no one asked for but everyone’s cringing at.

4. Low Sugar, High Bass

These are some pretty sweet headphones (From: Reddit)
These are some pretty sweet headphones (From: Reddit)

Perfect for when you want your headphones to remind you of both sick beats and your glucose monitor. Warning: Beetis by Wilford may cause uncontrollable urges to manage your diabetes.

5. Looks Legit to Me

There's something not quite right about my new headphones (From: Reddit)
There’s something not quite right about my new headphones (From: Reddit)

The sound is so snug, it cuts off halfway through every song. Don’t call customer support though, because Samsnug’s warranty policy is just a sticky note that says “Good luck.”

6. Deats Nuts

Found this at a dollar store, seems legit. (From: Reddit)
Found this at a dollar store, seems legit. (From: Reddit)

You’re not just hearing music with these; you’re hearing NANI?! echo through your soul with every beat.

7. Sound Quality: Questionable. Style: Undefeated

I work at a group home for at risk teenagers. (From: Reddit)
I work at a group home for at risk teenagers. (From: Reddit)

These headphones may not deliver bass, but they deliver vibes. Perfect for anyone who’s confident enough to fake it till they make it.

8. Eat Chicken Weapon Sounds Like a Power-Up

AliExpress bluetooth earbuds with eat chicken weapon feature? (From: Reddit)
AliExpress bluetooth earbuds with “eat chicken weapon” feature? (From: Reddit)

When your earbuds promise ‘no game delay’ but casually throw in ‘Eat Chicken Weapon’ like that’s a normal feature. Do I get fries with that?

9. Metal So Heavy It Broke the Dictionary

Metal so heavy it broke the dictionary (From: Reddit)
Metal so heavy it broke the dictionary (From: Reddit)

When your product is so hardcore, even vowels start moshing.

10. Innovation at Its Most Confusing

Wireless headphones... now with 3.5mm audio jack!!! (From: Reddit)
Wireless headphones… now with 3.5mm audio jack!!! (From: Reddit)

When your marketing team works remotely, but the design team insists on staying plugged in… literally.

11. That’s Called ‘Style’

So my little brother bought new earphones. (From: Reddit)
So my little brother bought new earphones. (From: Reddit)

When you can’t decide if you want your cords long or short, so you just go for both.

12. They Don’t Want You to Actually Use Them

I don't think they made the packaging strong enough (From: reddit)
I don’t think they made the packaging strong enough (From: reddit)

These earphones are the real test of patience. If you can get them out, you’ve already earned them.

13. This Looks Creepy

The Smiley Earphones (From: Reddit)
The Smiley Earphones (From: Reddit)

These earbuds look like they know every embarrassing song on your phone. And they’re judging. Hard.

14. Because Who Needs Stereo?

Only hear half of the music. (From: Reddit)
Only hear half of the music. (From: Reddit)

These earbuds are redefining minimalism. One earbud plays music, and the other just stares back at you in disappointment.

15. These Earbuds Are Always Right

Right and 'reft' earbuds. (From: Reddit)
Right and ‘reft’ earbuds. (From: Reddit)

Looks like the quality control team decided to take the day off.

16. Yeah, I’ve Got the ‘A.S.S. 3000’

Which speakers do you have? (From: Reddit)
Which speakers do you have? (From: Reddit)

The engineers really pushed the boundaries of creativity here: it’s a speaker, it’s active, and it’s a system. Groundbreaking.

17. Headphones That Will Give You Childhood Trauma

Beats by Dad (From: Reddit)
Beats by Dad (From: Reddit)

Forget sound quality, the only thing these headphones amplify is your childhood trauma. Every song comes with a built-in lecture about how overpriced the real ones are.

18. The Only Tesla I Can Afford

New Tesla headphones. (From: Reddit)
New Tesla headphones. (From: Reddit)

Forget electric cars. These headphones are proof that anything can slap a famous logo on the box and call it luxury.

19. I Wonder How Large the ‘Regular’ Size Is

Funny AirPods ripoff. (From: Reddit)
Funny AirPods ripoff. (From: Reddit)

Nothing screams “mini” quite like earbuds bigger than your fingers. These are perfect for anyone who wanted AirPods but with the proportions of a cartoon prop.

20. The Apple Logo Adds at Least $100 in Value

Totally real. (From: Reddit)
Totally real. (From: Reddit)

Clearly, Apple was ahead of its time in the 80s. These headphones are giving “Apple meets garage sale chic!”

21. Bluetooth on Wired Headphones? Why Not

Lightning earbuds that need Bluetooth to function. (From: Reddit)
Lightning earbuds that need Bluetooth to function. (From: Reddit)

It’s an innovation for when you want all the hassle of wires and none of the convenience of wireless.

Apparently, this is a thing for most fake lightning earbuds these days.

22. So How Does It Sound?

'Superb ass' headphones. (From: Reddit)
‘Superb ass’ headphones. (From: Reddit)

These headphones don’t just bring the bass. They also deliver a strong contender for the most awkward product design of the year.

23. Who’s Sonia?

Sonia headphones (From: Reddit)
Sonia headphones (From: Reddit)

Sonia might not be a household name, but she’s clearly the face of high-end audio. These earphones bring all the sophistication of a €3 masterpiece.

24. Perfect for Playing Car Horn Soundtracks

Speakers that bang and honk. (From: Reddit)
Speakers that bang and honk. (From: Reddit)

The Bonks brand knows its audience. If your playlist is just a loop of chaotic sound effects, these speakers are for you.

25. Warning: Reading This Might Give You Headaches

Boats speaker. (From: Reddit)
Boats speaker. (From: Reddit)

The real challenge is making it through this description without laughing. If “muoic doesn’t move you,” maybe the “haas” and “Boats” will.

26. Nothing Says Premium Like a Knock-Off With Confidence

Got some genuine Sone earphones to go with my Ayphone (From: Reddit)
Got some genuine Sone earphones to go with my Ayphone (From: Reddit)

Who needs Sony when Sone gives you “powerful, bass-driven stereo sound“? Sure, it’s powered by hope and corner-cutting, but hey, it’s a comfortable fit!

27. That’s Not Suspicious at All

Meze Noir for $30. (From: Reddit)
Meze Noir for $30. (From: Reddit)

At $30.99, these headphones promise style, elegance, and a sound experience that’s probably functional.

28. I Need an Explanation

Lightning dongle that requires Bluetooth to work. (From: Reddit)
Lightning dongle that requires Bluetooth to work. (From: Reddit)

The real mystery isn’t how it works. It’s why it exists.

29. Maybe I Need This When I’m Older

Headphones with 'built-in hearing technology' (From: Reddit)
Headphones with ‘built-in hearing technology’ (From: Reddit)

Built-in hearing technology” really makes you wonder what other headphones are using.

30. Just Your Regular Tooth Headphones

Tooth headphones. (From: Reddit)
Tooth headphones. (From: Reddit)

They say nine out of ten dentists recommend these headphones, but the tenth probably just couldn’t stop laughing at the packaging.

For more laughs, here are our favorite headphone memes.

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