I love the new AirPods 4, except for the fact they're missing one major thing in the box

News
By last updated

They're awesome earbuds, except for this one thing

AirPods 4
(Image credit: Future)

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. 

YouTube YouTube
Watch On

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. 

Apple AirPods Pro 2: was $249 now $189 @ Best Buy

Apple AirPods Pro 2: was $249 now $189 @ Best Buy
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 are "nearly perfect wireless earbuds" according to our review, offering world-class noise cancelation, spatial audio, quality sound and 6-30 hours of battery life. The audio quality is even a bit better. Grab them while you can.

View Deal

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.

More from Tom's Guide

Kate Kozuch
Kate Kozuch

Kate Kozuch is the managing editor of social and video at Tom’s Guide. She writes about smartwatches, TVs, audio devices, and some cooking appliances, too. Kate appears on Fox News to talk tech trends and runs the Tom's Guide TikTok account, which you should be following if you don't already. When she’s not filming tech videos, you can find her taking up a new sport, mastering the NYT Crossword or channeling her inner celebrity chef.