When a new gadget drops, especially one as ubiquitous as AirPods, the first thing many of us wonder about is how it stacks up against what we already know. And for the latest AirPods 4, that often boils down to the nitty-gritty: size and how it feels in your hand (and ear).
Let's dive straight into the dimensions, because sometimes, a millimeter here or there makes all the difference. Each individual AirPods 4 earbud measures in at 30.2 mm in height, 18.3 mm in width, and a slim 18.1 mm in depth. They're quite light too, tipping the scales at just 4.3 grams each. This means they're designed to be comfortable and unobtrusive, pretty much in line with what we've come to expect from Apple's earbuds.
Now, the charging case is where things get a bit more varied, depending on which AirPods 4 model you're looking at. The standard AirPods 4 charging case comes in at 46.2 mm in height, 50.1 mm in width, and 21.2 mm in depth, weighing in at 32.3 grams. If you opt for the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, the case is virtually identical in height and width (still 46.2 mm and 50.1 mm respectively), but it's just a hair deeper at 21.2 mm, and it weighs a touch more at 34.7 grams. It's interesting how these small differences in weight and depth can add up, even if they're not immediately obvious at first glance.
For those who might be comparing them to the AirPods Pro (3rd generation), the earbuds themselves are quite similar in size. The Pro earbuds are a bit taller at 30.9 mm, slightly wider at 19.2 mm, and noticeably deeper at 27.0 mm, making them a bit heavier at 5.55 grams each. The charging cases also show a clearer distinction. The AirPods Pro 3's MagSafe charging case is taller at 47.2 mm, significantly wider at 62.2 mm, and a bit deeper at 21.8 mm, coming in at a heftier 43.99 grams. It's clear that while the AirPods 4 aims for a familiar feel, the Pro line offers a slightly different physical footprint, especially in the case.
Ultimately, while the technical specs might seem like just numbers, they translate into how these devices feel and fit. The AirPods 4 continues the trend of sleek, compact design, with subtle variations between the standard and ANC models, ensuring they remain a comfortable and convenient audio companion.
