Apple's AirPods 4 reviewed Some AirPods Pro 2 features have carried over to the more affordable style, which is lighter and has no rubber ear tips However, there is one big thing the AirPods 4 doesn't have that will come as a shock to some shoppers

When I opened the AirPods 4 box, I myself was surprised to find no charging cord in the box I repeat, the AirPods 4 do not come with a charging cord Although the new entry-level AirPods have switched from the long-awaited Lightning charging to USB-C charging, you still need to provide your own cord to charge the earphones

This disappointment applies to both the standard $129 AirPods 4 and the $179 AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation In other words, even if you opt for the more expensive pair with the wireless charging case, the USB-C cable is not included in the box

In fact, this is one of the main differences between the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 2 The Pro-level earphones come with a USB-C charging cable We should also mention that the AirPods Pro 2 currently sells for $189 (down from $249), while Apple's USB-C charging cable costs $19

We are not saying that the AirPods 4 are not worth getting In fact, when it comes to buying the best wireless earbuds, I know many people who prefer the “open ear” style over ear tips Plus, if you've purchased a technology or gadget in recent years, there's a pretty good chance you have a spare USB-C charging cord

Additionally, the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation come with a wireless charging case, so you can use a wireless charger (or even the Apple Watch's magnetic charger, which is also available)

Still, the charging cord is something most people expect to find in the box; even cheaper wireless earbuds under $100 still come with a charging cable