No. The AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 charging cases are different sizes, and a cover made for one won't fit the other. Most of the gap is in the width. The AirPods 3 case is 54.4 mm wide and the AirPods 4 case is 50.1 mm, which makes the AirPods 4 case 4.3 mm (about 8%) narrower. The earbuds themselves are much closer in size, but the cases are not.
Two terms come up below. A charging case is the white case Apple ships with your earbuds. A cover is the protective case you buy separately and fit over it.
AirPods 3 vs. AirPods 4 Charging Case Size
Apple lists the same size and weight for the AirPods 3 Lightning Charging Case and the MagSafe Charging Case. The standard AirPods 4 case and the AirPods 4 ANC case also share the same height, width and depth. Only their weight differs.
| Measurement | AirPods 3 charging case | AirPods 4 charging case | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 1.83 in (46.40 mm) | 1.82 in (46.2 mm) | 0.2 mm shorter |
| Width | 2.14 in (54.40 mm) | 1.97 in (50.1 mm) | 4.3 mm narrower |
| Depth | 0.84 in (21.38 mm) | 0.83 in (21.2 mm) | 0.18 mm thinner |
| Weight | 1.34 oz (37.91 g) | 1.14 oz (32.3 g), or 1.22 oz (34.7 g) with ANC | 5.6 g lighter (3.2 g with ANC) |
Source: Apple's AirPods model comparison.
Are AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 the Same Size?
The earbuds are very close. An AirPods 4 earbud measures 30.2 x 18.3 x 18.1 mm and weighs 4.3 g. An AirPods 3 earbud measures 30.79 x 18.26 x 19.21 mm and weighs 4.28 g. That puts the AirPods 4 earbud about 0.6 mm shorter and 1.1 mm thinner, with almost the same width.
This has no effect on cover fit. A cover goes over the charging case, not the earbuds, and the charging cases are where the two models differ.
Will an AirPods 3 Cover Fit AirPods 4?
No. A cover made for the 54.4 mm AirPods 3 case is wider than the 50.1 mm AirPods 4 case, so it won't hold the case snugly.
The ports and controls are different too. The AirPods 3 case has a Lightning port and a setup button on the back. The AirPods 4 case has a USB-C port and no back button, and you pair it by double-tapping the front. Covers are cut to match those details, so the openings differ as well.
It doesn't work in the other direction either. An AirPods 4 cover is sized for the narrower case, so it can't stand in for an AirPods 3 cover.
Can You Use an AirPods 3 Charging Case With AirPods 4?
Apple lists each AirPods 4 charging case as compatible only with its matching earbuds. The standard case works with AirPods 4, and the ANC case works with AirPods 4 (ANC). Apple doesn't list AirPods 4 earbuds as compatible with the AirPods 3 charging case, so use the case that came with your earbuds. If earbuds from different generations end up in the same case, you may get a “Mismatched AirPods” alert.
Apple explains how to tell the models apart on its Identify your AirPods page, and covers the alert on its Mismatched AirPods page.
Are the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 ANC Cases the Same Size?
On the outside, yes. Both measure 46.2 x 50.1 x 21.2 mm. The ANC case is heavier, at 34.7 g against 32.3 g. It also supports wireless charging and has a speaker on the bottom, while the standard case charges through USB-C only.
The two cases aren't interchangeable. Each one works only with its own earbuds, so when you buy a cover, pick the one listed for your version, standard or ANC.
Choosing a Cover for AirPods 4
A cover is optional, but it should be made for your model. These four are from ESR.
AirPods 4 Cyber FlickLock Case (HaloLock)
Strong magnets in the lid hold with 650 g of force, and an internal latch keeps your AirPods locked in if the case takes a fall. Slide the rubber switch on the front and the latch releases, the magnets flip and the lid springs open, so you can get to your earbuds with one hand. The back has magnets for MagSafe chargers.
AirPods 4 Orbit Hybrid Case (HaloLock)
A hard outer shell over a flexible, shock-absorbing core gives you two layers against drops. Magnets in the back line up with MagSafe chargers, and the braided strap goes around your wrist or clips to a bag or belt.
AirPods 4 Cyber Tough Case (HaloLock)
This one is made from durable polymer with Air Guard corners for drop and scratch protection. A cutout lets you see the status light, and four magnets keep the lid shut. It charges on MagSafe chargers with the cover on.
AirPods 4 Cloud Soft Case (HaloLock)
Liquid silicone with a matte finish that takes the hit from drops and bumps. It works with MagSafe chargers, so you can charge without taking it off.
ESR's AirPods 4 covers also fit AirPods 5. See the AirPods 5 cases if you're upgrading.
If you own AirPods 3, shop the AirPods 3 cases instead. An AirPods 3 cover is too wide for the AirPods 4 case, and an AirPods 4 cover is too narrow for AirPods 3.
Browse all ESR AirPods 4 cases
Compare protective, MagSafe-compatible and everyday AirPods 4 covers, then take 20% off with code BLOG20.
FAQ
Does an AirPods 3 case fit AirPods 4?
No. An AirPods 3 cover is too wide for the AirPods 4 case, and Apple doesn't list AirPods 4 earbuds as compatible with the AirPods 3 charging case.
Can AirPods 4 fit in an AirPods 3 case cover?
No. The AirPods 4 case is 4.3 mm narrower than the AirPods 3 case, so the cover won't fit snugly.
Can you charge AirPods 4 in a different generation case?
Apple doesn't support it. Each AirPods 4 charging case is listed for its matching earbuds only, so charge them in the case that came with them.
Does an AirPods Pro case fit AirPods 4?
No. The AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3 charging cases are 60.6 mm and 62.2 mm wide, while the AirPods 4 case is 50.1 mm wide, so a Pro case or cover won't fit. Use the case and cover made for your exact AirPods model.
Does the AirPods 4 ANC case have the same size as the regular one?
Yes. Both measure 46.2 x 50.1 x 21.2 mm. The ANC case weighs 34.7 g and the standard case weighs 32.3 g, and the two aren't interchangeable.
