The AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 differ slightly in size, with the AirPods 4 being marginally smaller and more compact.
Understanding the Physical Dimensions of AirPods 3 and AirPods 4
The physical size of wireless earbuds affects comfort, fit, portability, and even how they perform acoustically. When comparing the AirPods 3 and AirPods 4, it’s essential to zero in on their exact dimensions to understand whether they truly differ or are nearly identical.
Apple’s third-generation AirPods, commonly known as AirPods 3, introduced a new design that departed from the traditional stem style seen in earlier models. These earbuds feature a shorter stem and a contoured shape that fits more naturally into the ear. The overall length of each earbud measures approximately 30.79 mm, with a width of about 18.26 mm and a depth near 19.21 mm.
The newly released AirPods 4 continue Apple’s trend for refinement but bring subtle changes to their size profile. These earbuds are slightly more compact, trimming down on bulk for enhanced comfort during prolonged use. The length clocks in at roughly 29.5 mm, with width around 17.8 mm and depth close to 18.9 mm.
Though the differences might appear minor on paper, even a millimeter or two can influence how snugly the earbuds fit inside various ear shapes and how portable the charging case feels in your pocket or bag.
Design Evolution: How Size Affects Wearability
Size isn’t just about numbers; it translates directly into user experience. The marginally smaller dimensions of the AirPods 4 make them less obtrusive when worn, especially for users who prefer minimalist tech gear that doesn’t protrude much from their ears.
The reduced size also means less weight per earbud, which can reduce ear fatigue during extended listening sessions. Many users find that smaller earbuds stay put better during activities like jogging or commuting because there’s less chance of them catching on clothing or headgear.
On the flip side, the slightly larger footprint of the AirPods 3 provides enough space to house advanced sensors and microphones that contribute to sound quality and noise detection capabilities. This balance between size and functionality is critical in Apple’s design philosophy.
Technical Specifications Comparison Table
| Specification | AirPods 3 | AirPods 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length (mm) | 30.79 | 29.5 |
| Width (mm) | 18.26 | 17.8 |
| Depth (mm) | 19.21 | 18.9 |
| Weight (per earbud) | 4.28 grams | Approx. 4 grams |
| Charging Case Size (mm) | 54.40 x 46.40 x 21.38 | Slightly smaller footprint but not officially disclosed |
| Charging Case Weight | 38 grams | Lighter by a few grams vs AirPods 3 case |
Smaller earbuds often face challenges when it comes to battery capacity because less internal space limits battery size. However, Apple has managed to optimize battery efficiency across both generations without sacrificing playback time drastically.
The AirPods 3 deliver around six hours of listening time on a single charge, with up to thirty hours when combined with multiple charges from the case. The charging case itself is bulkier but packs enough juice to keep users going throughout the day.
AirPods 4 maintain similar battery life despite being smaller by employing more efficient chipsets and power management systems inside their compact shells. This efficiency ensures users don’t lose out on convenience while enjoying a sleeker design.
Not only do individual earbuds vary slightly in dimensions, but their charging cases show subtle distinctions as well. The AirPods 3 case is recognizable by its rounded rectangular shape with smooth edges measuring just over five centimeters tall and four centimeters wide.
The newer AirPods 4 charging case trims down some thickness and edges for an even sleeker profile that fits more comfortably in pockets or bags without adding noticeable bulk.
This difference might seem negligible until you consider daily carry habits; for those who prioritize minimalism or frequently stash their tech gear in tight spaces like jeans pockets or small purses, these few millimeters can make all the difference.
Sound quality depends heavily on driver size, internal acoustic architecture, and microphone placement — all factors influenced by physical dimensions.
The slightly larger body of the AirPods 3 allows room for dynamic drivers tuned for balanced sound reproduction across lows, mids, and highs with spatial audio support enhancing immersive experiences.
AirPods 4 employ newer driver technology that compensates for their smaller size by using improved materials and acoustic chambers designed through advanced modeling techniques by Apple engineers.
In practice, listeners may notice subtle differences like clearer vocals or tighter bass response favoring one model over another depending on personal preferences or usage scenarios such as music genres or podcast listening.
Earbuds must strike a delicate balance between secure fit and comfort since they rest directly inside sensitive ear canals.
The reduced size of the AirPods 4 helps reduce pressure points inside ears while maintaining stability thanks to ergonomic tweaks informed by extensive user testing data collected by Apple over years of product iterations.
Moreover, both generations feature sweat- and water-resistant designs suitable for workouts or outdoor use; however, smaller form factors generally feel lighter during intense physical activity where every gram counts toward comfort levels.
Unlike some true wireless earbuds offering multiple silicone tip sizes for personalized fit adjustments, both AirPods models rely primarily on universal hard plastic tips shaped for general compatibility with most ear types.
This means slight variations in size can impact how well they seal against ambient noise leakage or how comfortable they feel after prolonged wear periods depending on individual ear anatomy.
In this context, even tiny differences between AirPods 3’s marginally larger structure versus the more compact AirPods 4 can sway user preference based purely on physical feel rather than technical specs alone.
So what’s
Key Takeaways: Are AirPods 3 And AirPods 4 The Same Size?
➤ AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 differ slightly in size.
➤ AirPods 4 offer a more compact design.
➤ Both models fit comfortably for most users.
➤ Charging cases also vary in dimensions.
➤ Size changes improve overall user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 the same size?
The AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 are not exactly the same size. The AirPods 4 are marginally smaller and more compact, with slightly reduced length, width, and depth compared to the AirPods 3. These subtle differences affect comfort and fit.
How do the sizes of AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 impact wearability?
The smaller size of the AirPods 4 makes them less obtrusive and lighter, reducing ear fatigue during extended use. This compactness also helps them stay securely in place during activities like jogging or commuting compared to the slightly larger AirPods 3.
What are the exact size differences between AirPods 3 and AirPods 4?
AirPods 3 measure about 30.79 mm in length, 18.26 mm in width, and 19.21 mm in depth. In contrast, AirPods 4 are roughly 29.5 mm long, 17.8 mm wide, and 18.9 mm deep, making them a bit smaller overall.
Does the size difference between AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 affect sound quality?
The slightly larger size of the AirPods 3 allows for more space to house advanced sensors and microphones, which can enhance sound quality and noise detection. The smaller AirPods 4 prioritize comfort but maintain good acoustic performance despite their reduced size.
Is the charging case size different for AirPods 3 versus AirPods 4?
The charging case for the AirPods 4 has a slightly smaller footprint compared to that of the AirPods 3. This makes it a bit more portable while maintaining similar functionality for charging and storage.