2N3904 VS 2N2222 NPN Transistor: What’s the Differences?

The two most common NPN bipolar junction transistors on the market are the 2N3904 and 2N2222. Furthermore, 2N3904 and 2N2222 have a similar look.

As a result, some individuals may wonder why 2N3904 is so popular yet 2N2222 isn't constantly utilized. If you're undecided about which one to use or which is superior, read on. We'll compare the chip properties and pin schematics of these two transistors in this article.

2N3904 transistor

The 2N3904 is a common NPN bipolar junction transistor used for general purpose low power amplification or switching applications. It is designed for low current and low power, medium voltage operation at moderate speeds.

2N2222 transistor

The 2N2222 is a typical NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) that is used for low-power amplification and switching. It's made to run at moderate speeds with low to medium current, low power, and medium voltage. It was designed to work with TO-18 metal cans, as illustrated in the diagram.

The 2N2222 is a highly common transistor that is used to illustrate an NPN transistor. It is still a small general-purpose transistor that is frequently employed as a small signal transistor.

2n2222 pinout

2n3904 pinout

2n3904 transistor applications

• Module driving circuits

• LED driving

• Relay driving

• Amplifier circuits

• Amplifier modules

• Used at television

• Used at almost all home appliances

2n2222 transistor applications

• Amplifier circuits

• Complementary transistor amplifier circuits

• Used as switch

• PWM

• Embedded systems

• Automation systems

• Inverter circuits

• Rectifier circuits

• Speed control systems

• High current circuits

2n3904 Package

The 2n3904 transistor has a TO-92 package, the external covering is made with plastic and epoxy of suitable size. The main advantage of the TO92 package is the compatibility and the less expensive. The TO92 package can’t withstand higher temperatures.

2n2222 Package  

The 2n2222 transistor had a TO-18 package, the external covering of the transistor is built with metal.

Using the TO-18 package, the 2n2222 had so many advantages, such as it can handle higher values of current and also can have the ability to handle a high amount of temperature. In other words, the TO-18 package acts as a heat sink.

2n2222 complementary PNP

The 2n2222 transistor is an NPN type device, in some circuits they need a perfect complementary PNP transistor.

For applications like siren circuits, amplifier circuits, and flash circuits, a combination of NPN-PNP is needed. For the 2n2222 NPN transistor, we have 2n2907 PNP.

2n3904 complementary PNP

The 2n3904 NPN transistor needs PNP complementary transistor.

The most common PNP transistor used with 2n3904 is the 2n3906.

2n2222 Equivalent

The equivalent transistors for the 2n2222 on a circuit are, 2n2219, 2n1613, 2n2792, and 2n2218.

Other than these transistors, 2n2222 had a more possible equivalent, this is because the 2n2222 is a general-purpose transistor

The only thing we need to consider before replacing the 2n2222 is the pin configuration.

2n3904 equivalent

The equivalent transistors for 2n3904 are, 2n3055 and BC548

The 2n3904 is a general-purpose transistor. 

       As a result, the decision is ultimately based on the amount of current required. The 2N3904 or 2N2222 will suffice if you require less than 200mA. The 2N2222 is the one to choose if you require more than 200mA but not more than 1A. If you need more than 1 amp at the output, you can use a Darlington transistor like the TIP122, which can take up to 5 amps of amplified current. If you want a higher current, the TIP3055 can deliver up to 15A.

However, unless you work in power electronics, you will almost never require this much amperage when dealing with electronics. These are truly harsh circumstances.

      For most circuits, a 2N3904 would suffice, however, if you need more above 200mA, a 2N2222 should be used instead.