I've just reviewed the Apple AirPods 4, and I think they offer a lot for the price. Several AirPods Pro 2 features are carried down into a more affordable style that's and lightweight and rubber eartip-free. But there's one big thing the AirPods 4 don't have, and I think it'll come as a shock to some shoppers.
When I unboxed the AirPods 4, I myself was surprised that there's no charging cord in the box. I'll repeat: AirPods 4 do not come with a charging cord. Although the new entry-level AirPods make the long-awaited switch from lightning to USB-C charging, customers will need to muster up their own cord to get their earbuds juiced up.
This disappointment applies to both the standard, $129 AirPods 4 and the $179 AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. That means, even if you opt for the pricier pair with the wireless charging case, you still won't get a USB-C cable in the box.
In fact, that's now one of the key differences between AirPods 4 vs. AirPods Pro 2. The Pro-level earbuds do come with a USB-C charging cable. I should also mention that AirPods Pro 2 are on sale right now for $189 (down from $249), and that a USB-C charging cable from Apple costs $19. So, you'll spend more on AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation plus a charger than you would for AirPods Pro 2.
That's not to say the AirPods 4 aren't worth getting. In fact, I know plenty of people who prefer the "open ear" style over eartips when it comes to shopping for the best wireless earbuds. Plus, the likelihood of having a spare USB-C charging cord around is pretty high if you've purchased any tech or gadgets in recent years.
What's more, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation have a wireless charging case, so you can use a wireless charger (or even an Apple Watch magnetic charger, which is something that a lot of people might not know about.)
Still, I do think a charging cord is something most people expect to see in the box — especially when it's something you're buying at the Apple Store. Even cheap wireless earbuds under $100 come with corresponding charging cables, after all.
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