Sony Revives WH-1000XM4C Noise-Canceling Headphones

Six years ago, Sony and Bose were at the forefront of the noise-canceling headphones market, each releasing models that pushed the boundaries of sound quality and technology. In the fall of 2020, Sony launched the acclaimed WH-1000XM4 headphones, which dominated top product lists for years due to their impressive audio performance, competitive active noise cancellation (ANC), and compact design. After a period of absence, these headphones are making a comeback, now known as the WH-1000XM4C.

The new XM4C headphones retain the design of their predecessor, with a familiar folding mechanism and hinge. Notably, they now offer a new lavender color option. While some may see this as a retro return, it’s worth mentioning that during the launch of the WH-1000XM5 in 2022, Sony shifted away from this compact styling. Nevertheless, the XM4C brings back beloved features including the classic QN1 processing chip and four microphones dedicated to ANC, although the technology feels somewhat dated compared to newer models.

Further highlighting this evolution, the XM5 employed eight microphones, while last year’s XM6 feature twelve and introduce the more advanced QN3 chip. Despite a familiar aesthetic, the XM4C does provide some modern updates. The sound profile has been refined to align with current models, and a significant upgrade is the inclusion of a 10-band equalizer in the companion app. This contrasts with the previous 5-band version and introduces a dedicated gaming preset.

In terms of wireless capabilities, the XM4C support Bluetooth 6, which allows for more robust connectivity than its predecessors. However, the battery life on the new model is slightly reduced, providing up to 27 hours of usage with ANC active, compared to 30 hours from the original model. This remains ample for travel or extended usage, despite the minor decline.

Set to launch later this fall, the XM4C will be priced at $300, which is notably $50 less than the original WH-1000XM4 at launch, and $100 cheaper than the current XM6 models. This pricing strategy introduces a compelling option for users interested in high-quality audio.

In addition, Sony also unveiled the next generations of its more affordable headphones, the WH-CH730N and WH-CH530. Both of these models now come with the advanced 10-band EQ feature and a gaming preset. The CH730N has the added benefit of a folding design for portability, while the CH530 offers an impressive battery life of up to 55 hours without ANC for its price point.

As part of its expansion, Sony is also leveraging a partnership with Hello Kitty, offering themed headphone bundles that include models such as the WH-1000XM6, WH-CH730N, and WH-CH530. Available in both black and pink, these bundles will feature special carrying pouches and are expected to launch in limited supply later this year on the Sony website.