Sony reintroduces the beloved XM4 headphones for fans.
Six years ago, Sony and Bose were locked in a fierce competition for the best noise-canceling headphones, with each new release pushing the boundaries of sound quality. In the fall of 2020, Sony launched the WH-1000XM4 headphones, which quickly became a favorite among audiophiles for their impressive sound, effective active noise cancellation (ANC), and sleek design. They dominated the best headphones lists until they sold out. Now, Sony has reintroduced them with some minor tweaks as the WH-1000XM4C.
The XM4C retains the same look as the original XM4, including the familiar hinge design and foldable feature, now with an added lavender color option. This compact design was initially abandoned with the release of the XM5 in 2022, but Sony has returned to it, albeit with a slightly less compact version in the XM6. The XM4C also keeps the same QN1 processing chip and four microphones for ANC, though this design is starting to show its age. The XM5 upgraded to eight microphones, while last year’s XM6 boasts twelve and the new QN3 chip.
Sony has updated the sound profile of the XM4C to align with current models, introducing a 10-band EQ in the Headphones app, replacing the previous 5-band EQ on the XM4, along with a dedicated gaming preset. The XM4C now supports Bluetooth 6 instead of 5. Interestingly, the battery life has taken a slight hit, with Sony claiming up to 27 hours of use with ANC on, down from 30 hours. While this isn’t a drastic change, it’s still sufficient for long journeys.
The XM4C will hit the market later this fall for $300, which is $50 less than the original XM4 at launch and $100 cheaper than the current XM6, although it’s pricier than what the XM4 was selling for before being discontinued.
I’ve been a fan of the Sony XM4 since their debut, and I still have my pair on my desk. However, I’m puzzled by their return. A review unit of the XM4C just arrived as I was writing this, so expect a deeper dive soon. The headphone market has evolved over the past six years, and I’m not convinced there’s a strong demand for a comeback. The XM5, while not as compact as the XM4C, are fantastic headphones and currently retail for $200, possibly as a strategy to clear stock ahead of the XM4C launch.
In addition to the XM4C, Sony has unveiled the next generation of its more affordable midrange and entry-level headphones: the WH-CH730N and WH-CH530. Both models feature the same 10-band EQ upgrade and gaming EQ preset as the XM4C, with the CH730N now folding into a more compact shape.
According to Sony, the battery life has also improved for these models: the CH730N offers up to 50 hours with ANC, while the CH530 provides up to 55 hours without ANC. A new safe mode in the app allows users to set a maximum volume limit, a thoughtful feature for parents concerned about their kids’ hearing, though it lacks a locking mechanism.
The WH-CH530 comes in a variety of colors—black, cobalt, mint green, white, pink, and coral—and is priced at $70. The WH-CH730N is available for $180 in black, blue, oat, white, or pink. Both models are available now.
Additionally, Sony is partnering with Hello Kitty for a special bundle that includes headphones—either the WH-1000XM6, WH-CH730N, or WH-CH530 in black or pink—along with a Hello Kitty-shaped carrying pouch and branded bag. These bundles will be available in limited quantities later this year exclusively on the Sony website.
