Sony WH-1000XM4C headphones bring back a classic design with a modern update

By Tom MarshallSeptember 9, 20268 mins read

Sony is bringing back its popular WH-1000XM4 headphones with updated sound tuning, a 10-band EQ, and new colours.

Sony has refreshed its wireless headphone range with three new models: the premium WH-1000XM4C, mid-range WH-CH730N and entry-level WH-CH530. While the latter two offer more affordable options, the WH-1000XM4C is the most interesting addition for anyone looking for a more premium listening experience.

The headphones are essentially a modernised return of Sony’s popular WH-1000XM4, which launched in 2020 and was discontinued in 2025. The new XM4C keeps much of the original design while making a handful of updates to bring it more in line with Sony’s current headphone range.

A familiar design with updated sound

The WH-1000XM4C retains the compact, foldable design of the original XM4. Weighing 253g, the headphones are designed to be comfortable for long periods and can be folded into the included carrying case, making them particularly suited to travelling.

Sony has also introduced a new Lavender colour alongside Black and Platinum Silver.

The biggest change for listeners is the sound tuning. Sony says it has updated the sound profile to reflect modern listening preferences, while the Sony | Sound Connect app now includes a 10-band equaliser for more detailed customisation.

Using 40mm drivers with Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) diaphragms, the headphones are designed to reproduce a broad frequency range and deliver detailed sound across everything from deep bass to higher frequencies.

The headphones also support Sony’s DSEE Extreme technology, which uses AI processing to upscale compressed audio in real time. Sony says the technology analyses elements such as instruments and vocals to restore some of the high-frequency detail lost through compression.

Noise cancellation for focused listening

The WH-1000XM4C continues to use Sony’s 1000X noise-cancelling technology, making noise isolation one of its biggest strengths.

Sony’s Dual Noise Sensor Technology uses two microphones on each earcup to capture surrounding sound, which is processed by Sony’s HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1. A Personal Noise Cancellation Optimiser can also account for factors such as head size, hair and whether you wear glasses.

For creators, effective noise cancellation can be useful well beyond commuting. It can help create a more isolated listening environment when working in a busy studio, editing on a laptop in public or simply listening back to a mix without as much outside noise interfering.

The headphones also offer Quick Attention and Speak-to-Chat features, which make it easier to hear what’s happening around you without completely removing the headphones.

Built for everyday listening

Battery life is rated at up to 27 hours, while a three-minute quick charge can provide up to an hour of playback. The headphones also support multipoint Bluetooth, allowing them to stay connected to two devices and switch between them.

That could be particularly useful for creators who regularly move between a computer and smartphone. You might be listening to a mix from a laptop before switching to a phone call without needing to manually reconnect the headphones.

Sony also includes LDAC support for higher-quality Bluetooth transmission, while the headphones are certified for Sony’s 360 Reality Audio format.