AirPods guide
AirPods 2 vs AirPods 3 vs AirPods 4: what’s the difference?
AirPods 2, AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 are three different generations, and the differences matter when you are replacing a single earbud or charging case. The shape changes from generation to generation, but the safest way to identify yours is still the model number.
AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 can look especially similar at a glance. Check the A-number before buying a replacement.
AirPods 2 vs 3 vs 4 at a glance
| Model | Design | Chip | Key features | Listening time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 2 | Classic longer stem | H1 | Simple open-ear AirPods design | Up to 5 hours |
| AirPods 3 | Shorter, wider contoured stem | H1 | Personalized Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, force sensor, IPX4 | Up to 6 hours |
| AirPods 4 | Refined shorter open-ear design | H2 | Personalized Spatial Audio, Voice Isolation, IP54. ANC version adds noise control features. | Up to 5 hours standard |
The easiest visual differences
AirPods 2
AirPods 2 keeps the familiar long-stem shape used by the first generations of AirPods. If your earbuds have the noticeably longer stem, they are much easier to distinguish from AirPods 3 and AirPods 4.
AirPods 3
AirPods 3 has a shorter stem and a more rounded, contoured earbud shape. It introduced features such as Personalized Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ while keeping an open-ear design without silicone tips.
AirPods 4
AirPods 4 also uses a short-stem open-ear shape but moves to the H2 chip. There are two AirPods 4 versions: standard AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.
Standard AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC use different model families and different charging cases. Check which version you have before ordering any replacement part.
Model numbers for AirPods 2, 3 and 4
| Generation | Earbuds | Charging case |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods 2 |
A2031 / A2032
|
A1602 or A1938
|
| AirPods 3 |
A2564 / A2565
|
A2566 or A2897
|
| AirPods 4 |
A3050 / A3053 / A3054
|
A3058 |
| AirPods 4 with ANC |
A3055 / A3056 / A3057
|
A3059 |
Are the charging cases interchangeable?
You should match the charging case to the correct AirPods generation and version. This is especially important with AirPods 4 because the standard and ANC versions use different charging cases.
See the AirPods charging-case compatibility guide.
Which generations does ReSet currently stock?
ReSet currently lists replacement parts for AirPods 2, AirPods 3 and AirPods 4.
Which one do I have?
Start with the A-number rather than the product name you remember buying. Then confirm the side and charging case before ordering.
Check your AirPods before you replace them.
Use the Model Finder to match your model number to the correct generation and replacement part.
Open Model FinderApple and AirPods are trademarks of Apple Inc. ReSet is independently operated and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Apple Inc.