Here are the measurements of all AirPods generations, plus helpful tips for better fit and comfort.
AirPods are known for their lightweight and comfortable design, thanks to their ergonomic build.
Despite this, some users find that the AirPods don’t fit their ear shape, leading to discomfort and sound quality concerns.
I’ll address this issue by offering a guide to the size dimensions of all AirPods models and practical solutions for achieving a better fit. Read on to learn more!
AirPods 2nd Gen
Dimensions of the AirPods 2:
- Height: 1.59 inches (40.5 mm)
- Width: 0.65 inch (16.5 mm)
- Depth: 0.71 inch (18.0 mm)
- Weight: 0.14 ounce (4 grams)
Dimensions of the AirPods 2 case:
- Height: 2.11 inches (53.5 mm)
- Width: 1.74 inches (44.3 mm)
- Depth: 0.84 inch (21.3 mm)
- Weight: 1.35 ounces (38.2 grams)
I find the AirPods 2 quite comfortable due to their semi-open design. They don’t have silicone ear tips, allowing them to sit shallowly in my ears, which enhances breathability and minimizes ear fatigue. However, this also compromises noise isolation as they don’t completely seal the ear canals.
Aside from this, they’re super lightweight and easy to forget when you’re wearing them, even with their hard surface construction.
Compared to the AirPods 3, this model has longer stems. I find that this makes them feel less balanced and secure and more prone to getting knocked out due to their larger size.
AirPods 3rd Gen
Dimensions of the AirPods 3:
- Height: 1.21 inches (30.79 mm)
- Width: 0.72 inch (18.26 mm)
- Depth: 0.76 inch (19.21 mm)
- Weight: 0.15 ounces (4.28 grams)
Dimensions of the AirPods 3 case:
- Height: 1.83 inches (46.40 mm)
- Width: 2.14 inches (54.40 mm)
- Depth: 0.84 inch (21.38 mm)
- Weight: 1.34 ounces (37.91 grams)
The AirPods 3 retains the familiar design of the AirPods 2, but a fundamental improvement is the shorter stems. The earbuds are also a few millimeters larger than the previous model, allowing them to sit more securely in my ears.
Ultimately, these design changes make them feel more balanced and secure, reducing their chances of being accidentally dislodged. As such, the AirPods 3 are a definite upgrade in comfort and practicality.
AirPods Pro 1st Gen
Dimensions of the AirPods Pro:
- Height: 1.22 inches (30.9 mm)
- Width: 0.86 inch (21.8 mm)
- Depth: 0.94 inch (24.0 mm)
- Weight: 0.19 ounces (5.4 grams)
Dimensions of the AirPods Pro case:
- Height: 1.78 inches (45.2 mm)
- Width: 2.39 inches (60.6 mm)
- Depth: 0.85 inch (21.7 mm)
- Weight: 1.61 ounces (45.6 grams)
The AirPods Pro are similar in size to the AirPods 3 but have slightly larger earbuds due to the added ear tips. They’re also a bit heavier, though this extra weight is not noticeable when wearing them.
With the silicone ear tips, the AirPods Pro have a tighter fit and stay in my ears better than the AirPods 2 and 3, which sometimes fall out. I can also wear my AirPods Pro for a long time without discomfort. However, they sometimes need readjusting when I’m exercising, as the ear tips tend to get slippery with sweat.
Overall, the AirPods Pro fit better than other earbuds I’ve tried, like the Galaxy Buds2 and Sony WF-1000XM5.
AirPods Pro 2nd Gen
Dimensions of the AirPods Pro 2:
- Height: 1.22 inches (30.9 mm)
- Width: 0.86 inch (21.8 mm)
- Depth: 0.94 inch (24.0 mm)
- Weight: 0.19 ounces (5.3 grams)
Dimensions of the AirPods Pro 2 case:
- Height: 1.78 inches (45.2 mm)
- Width: 2.39 inches (60.6 mm)
- Depth: 0.85 inch (21.7 mm)
- Weight: 1.79 ounces (50.8 grams)
The AirPods Pro 2 are virtually identical to the original AirPods Pro, offering a similar comfortable and stable fit. The key update in the 2nd generation is the addition of XS ear tips. Although I prefer medium-sized ear tips, the XS tips are excellent for smaller ears, ensuring a more secure and snug fit.
AirPods Max
Dimensions of the AirPods Max:
- Height: 7.37 inches (187.3 mm)
- Width: 6.64 inches (168.6 mm)
- Depth: 3.28 inches (83.4 mm)
- Weight: 13.6 ounces (384.8 grams)
Dimensions of the AirPods Max Smart Case:
- Weight: 4.74 ounces (134.5 grams)
The AirPods Max features rotating ear cups, breathable silicone suspension bands, and fabric ear pads. They also have a step-less adjustment headband, allowing you to smoothly resize its fit without being limited to the fixed steps or stops in conventional headband designs.
Overall, the AirPods Max feel excellent for short periods of use (2 to 2.5 hours). The suspension headband and cushy ear pads distribute pressure on the head and ears, giving me no cause for complaint.
However, weighing nearly a pound, the AirPods Max are heavier, which becomes more apparent during extended use (over 3 hours). The clamping force can also feel a bit fatiguing after a while, but nothing that a little headband stretching can’t fix.
I should point out that some headphones excel from the start regarding comfort. For instance, my Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones were comfortable right out of the box and remained without adjusting even after long periods.
How to Make AirPods Fit Better
You can use several methods and accessories to improve your AirPods fit or keep them from falling out. Try the following:
- Wear them properly: Ensure your AirPods are dry and clean for improved grip. Then press them into your ears and gently rotate the stem toward the front of your face to secure them in place.
- Do the Ear Tip Fit Test: This test helps you find the best-fitting ear tips for your AirPods Pro by assessing the seal and audio quality. Simply open the AirPods Pro case, go to Settings, select your AirPods Pro, tap on Ear Tip Fit Test, and follow the onscreen instructions.
- Switch to memory foam tips: Memory foam ear tips enhance the AirPods fit by conforming to the unique shape of each ear canal, providing a tighter and more customized seal. This improves stability, reducing the chances of the AirPods falling out.
- Apply waterproof tape: This is a cost-effective DIY solution to secure AirPods in place, as waterproof tape maintains its stickiness even in wet conditions. You get a better grip by applying small dots around the AirPods’ sensors, making them perfect for active use.
- Add grips: Anti-slip silicone grips and pads give the AirPods added traction and are slim enough to fit in the charging case without removing them. One downside to the silicone grips is that they’re extremely thin and require careful handling to prevent tearing.
- Add hooks: There are ear hooks for AirPods that wrap around the outside of the ears and those that use the ear’s natural inner contours to provide additional support. This makes them particularly useful for running or exercising, where constant motion might otherwise dislodge the AirPods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do they make AirPods for small ears?
No, Apple hasn’t released AirPods specifically for smaller ears. However, rumors indicate that the upcoming AirPods Lite and AirPods 4, expected between late 2024 and early 2025, may feature a smaller design. Meanwhile, using the smaller ear tips with the AirPods 2 can improve the fit of your current AirPods.
Can you return AirPods if they don’t fit your ears?
Apple offers a 14-day return and exchange/refund policy for AirPods purchased directly from its stores or online, provided all original accessories and documentation are included. Note that personalized AirPods can be returned but not exchanged. Another option is Amazon, which has a 30-day return window.