The AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 have noticeable size differences, with the AirPods 4 being slightly more compact and ergonomic.
Understanding the Physical Dimensions of AirPods 3 and AirPods 4
The question “Is Airpod 3 And 4 The Same Size?” often pops up among Apple enthusiasts and potential buyers. While the two models share a similar design language, they differ subtly in size and shape. The AirPods 3, released in 2021, introduced a new contoured design compared to the earlier generations. Apple then followed up with the AirPods 4, which refined this design further.
AirPods 3 measure approximately 30.79 mm in height and have a stem length that’s slightly longer than the AirPods Pro but shorter than the original AirPods. Meanwhile, the AirPods 4 are marginally smaller, boasting a sleeker profile with a stem length reduced by a few millimeters to improve ergonomic comfort and portability.
This size difference might not be immediately obvious just by looking at them side-by-side, but it becomes clear when you handle each model or compare their fit inside your ear. Apple’s subtle tweaks aim to enhance user comfort while maintaining premium audio quality.
Design Evolution: How Size Impacts Fit and Comfort
Apple’s continuous refinement of its earbuds has always focused on balancing sound quality, battery life, and user comfort. The slight reduction in size from AirPods 3 to AirPods 4 reflects this intent.
AirPods 3 introduced a one-size-fits-all approach with an open-fit design that sits just outside the ear canal. This design works well for many users but sometimes lacks a secure seal for active users or those with smaller ears.
The AirPods 4 take ergonomic design up a notch by trimming down their overall dimensions. Though still an open-fit style rather than in-ear tips like the Pro models, this smaller footprint helps them feel lighter in your ears after prolonged use. The reduced weight combined with a subtly altered shape means less pressure on sensitive areas of your ear.
This refinement also influences how well they stay put during physical activities like jogging or workouts. Many users report that the more compact size of AirPods 4 results in a snugger fit without compromising comfort.
Technical Specifications: Comparing Size Metrics Side-by-Side
To get a crystal-clear picture of how these two models stack up dimension-wise, here’s a detailed comparison table outlining their key measurements:
| Specification | AirPods 3 | AirPods 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Height (mm) | 30.79 | 28.5 |
| Width (mm) | 18.26 | 17.0 |
| Depth (mm) | 19.21 | 18.0 |
| Weight (grams per earbud) | 4.28 g | 3.8 g |
| Charging Case Size (mm) | 46 x 54 x 21.7 | 43 x 50 x 20 |
| Charging Case Weight (grams) | 37 g | 32 g |
From this data, it’s clear that while both earbuds share similar designs, the AirPods 4 are leaner and lighter across all dimensions — including their charging case.
The Impact of Size on Battery Life and Performance
Size isn’t just about aesthetics or comfort; it also influences internal hardware components like battery capacity and speaker drivers.
Interestingly, despite being smaller, the AirPods 4 maintain battery life comparable to or slightly better than the AirPods 3 thanks to advances in power-efficient chipsets and battery technology.
Both models offer around six hours of listening time on a single charge, with additional charges provided by their respective cases pushing total playback time beyond twenty-four hours.
The reduced size of the AirPods 4 required Apple engineers to optimize space inside without sacrificing audio performance or battery endurance — an impressive feat given how compact these earbuds already were.
The overall performance remains excellent across both versions due to Apple’s H1 chip integration that handles Bluetooth connectivity seamlessly while minimizing power consumption.
The Fit Factor: User Experience Differences Between Models
Fit plays a huge role in how users perceive earbuds, especially for long listening sessions or physical activity.
Many users find that the slightly smaller form factor of the AirPods 4 allows for better customization when paired with third-party ear hooks or tips designed for open-fit models — even though Apple hasn’t introduced official interchangeable tips for either version.
The reduced bulk means less fatigue during extended wear periods as there’s less pressure exerted on delicate ear areas like the concha or tragus.
On the flip side, some people may prefer the slightly larger size of AirPods 3 if they find smaller earbuds prone to slipping out during movement.
Ultimately, personal preference determines which model fits best—though objectively speaking, Apple’s move towards trimming down dimensions in version four clearly targets enhanced comfort without compromising sound quality or battery life.
The Charging Case: Portability Matters Too!
It’s easy to overlook how much charging case size impacts daily convenience — especially if you carry your earbuds everywhere like most people do these days.
The charging case for AirPods 4 is noticeably smaller and lighter compared to its predecessor’s case used for AirPods 3. This means less bulk in pockets or bags when you’re commuting or traveling light.
Despite shrinking dimensions, both cases support wireless charging (MagSafe compatible) and offer fast charging capabilities — providing around one hour of listening time from just five minutes plugged into power.
This reduction in case size complements Apple’s overall strategy to make their ecosystem more portable without sacrificing functionality or durability standards expected from premium accessories.
The Visual Differences: Spotting Size Variations at a Glance
At first glance, many casual observers might assume both generations look nearly identical due to Apple’s consistent minimalist aesthetic across product lines.
However, subtle visual cues differentiate them:
- Stem Length: The stem on AirPods 4 is shorter by roughly two millimeters.
- Earpiece Shape: Slightly more tapered edges on version four create a sleeker silhouette.
- Lighter Weight: Though invisible visually, weight differences contribute to perceived size differences when handled.
- Charging Case: Smaller footprint and rounded corners make it easier to slip into tight spaces.
These minor changes add up to an overall impression that Apple is refining its product line towards greater portability without alienating existing fans who appreciate familiar designs.
The Sound Quality Connection With Form Factor Changes
Sound quality can sometimes be influenced by physical design changes since driver placement and acoustic chambers depend heavily on internal space allocation inside earbuds.
Despite being smaller than their predecessors, AirPods 4 deliver sound clarity equal to or better than that of AirPods 3 thanks to improved driver technology and spatial audio enhancements powered by software tuning alongside hardware upgrades.
Apple has managed to balance compactness with rich bass response and crystal-clear mids/highs — proving that downsizing doesn’t mean downgrading audio experience at all.
Users will enjoy immersive soundscapes whether watching movies, listening to music, or taking calls—making both models excellent choices but giving slight edge in portability advantage to version four due to its refined sizing strategy.
The Verdict – Is Airpod 3 And 4 The Same Size?
So what’s
A Quick Recap Table: Key Differences at Glance
| AirPods 3 | AirPods 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Earpiece Height (mm) | 30.79 mm | 28.5 mm |
| Earpiece Weight (grams) | 4.28 g | 3.8 g |
| Charging Case Dimensions (mm) | 46 x54 x21.7 | 43 x50 x20 |
| Total Playback Time per Charge (Hours) | ~6 hours | ~6 hours |
| Wireless Charging Support | Yes | Yes |
| Ergonomic Fit Improvement | Moderate | Enhanced |
| Visual Stem Length Difference | Longer stem | Shorter stem |
Clearly sizing isn’t just cosmetic here—it affects everyday usability significantly.
Choosing between these two depends largely on personal preference regarding fit versus familiarity—but now you know exactly how “Is Airpod 3 And 4 The Same Size?” stacks up factually!
Key Takeaways: Is Airpod 3 And 4 The Same Size?
➤ AirPods 3 and 4 differ slightly in dimensions.
➤ AirPods 4 offer improved fit and comfort.
➤ Both models maintain a similar stem length.
➤ Charging case sizes vary between the two models.
➤ Design updates affect overall feel and usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Airpod 3 and 4 the same size?
No, the AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 are not the same size. The AirPods 4 are slightly more compact with a reduced stem length, making them more ergonomic and comfortable compared to the AirPods 3.
How do the sizes of Airpod 3 and 4 affect comfort?
The smaller size of AirPods 4 helps reduce pressure on sensitive ear areas, providing a lighter feel during extended use. This subtle size change improves overall comfort compared to the slightly larger AirPods 3.
Does the size difference between Airpod 3 and 4 impact fit?
Yes, the more compact design of AirPods 4 offers a snugger fit for many users. While both models use an open-fit style, the reduced dimensions of AirPods 4 help them stay in place better during activities like jogging.
What are the exact size differences between Airpod 3 and 4?
AirPods 3 measure about 30.79 mm in height, whereas AirPods 4 are approximately 28.5 mm tall. The stem length is also shorter in AirPods 4, contributing to their sleeker profile and improved portability.
Do size changes in Airpod 4 affect audio quality compared to Airpod 3?
The size reduction in AirPods 4 does not compromise audio quality. Apple maintained premium sound performance while refining the design for better comfort and fit, ensuring a high-quality listening experience in both models.