Sony has done something unusual in the headphone market: it has brought back a six-year-old design instead of replacing it.
The company has introduced the Sony WH-1000XM4C, also called the M4 2nd Gen in the U.S. It is based directly on the popular WH-1000XM4 that launched in 2020, but Sony has added several modern features and revised its sound tuning.
That makes the XM4C more than a simple re-release. It is Sony’s attempt to take a proven design, update the parts that matter, and sell it below the current flagship tier.
For everyday buyers, that creates an interesting question: is the WH-1000XM4C the smart value choice, or is it simply an old headphone wearing a new name?
Key Takeaways
- Sony has officially revived the XM4 as the WH-1000XM4C, or “M4 2nd Gen.”
- The U.S. launch price is $299.99.
- It keeps the familiar folding XM4 design.
- Bluetooth moves from 5.0 to 6.0.
- The EQ expands from 5 bands to 10 bands.
- Sony has revised the sound tuning.
- Battery life falls from 30 to 27 hours with ANC.
- Weight remains almost unchanged at approximately 253g.
- The biggest buying issue is the competition from discounted WH-1000XM5 units.
- The XM4C makes the most sense as a value-oriented alternative to Sony’s flagship XM6.
- The battery story could become increasingly important as repairability regulations reshape consumer electronics.
What Is the Sony WH-1000XM4C?
The WH-1000XM4C is a refreshed version of Sony’s WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-canceling headphones.
Sony says the new model retains the strengths of the original, including its 1000X-series noise cancellation, premium sound, familiar folding design and everyday comfort. The company has also introduced new sound tuning, a 10-band equalizer and refreshed colors.
The U.S. model is priced at $299.99. Sony says it will be sold through Sony, Amazon, Best Buy and other authorized retailers, with Black and Platinum Silver available broadly and Lavender offered through Sony and Amazon.
| Feature | WH-1000XM4 | WH-1000XM4C |
|---|---|---|
| Launch generation | 2020 | 2026 |
| Position | Original premium model | Refreshed mid-range/premium model |
| Weight | Approx. 254g | Approx. 253g |
| ANC battery | Up to 30 hours | Up to 27 hours |
| Battery without ANC | Up to 38 hours | Up to 34 hours |
| Equalizer | 5-band | 10-band |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 6.0 |
| Driver | 40mm class | 40mm class |
| U.S. launch price | $349.99 | $299.99 |
The comparison immediately reveals Sony’s strategy. The XM4C is not designed to beat the WH-1000XM6 on every specification. Instead, it takes a familiar design and moves it into a lower price tier.
Why Is Sony Bringing Back a Six-Year-Old Headphone?
Normally, consumer electronics companies move forward. A new model replaces an old model, the old model disappears, and buyers are pushed toward the latest hardware.
Sony is taking a different approach with the XM4C.
The original WH-1000XM4 launched in August 2020 at $349.99. It offered up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation and quickly became one of Sony’s most recognizable premium headphones.
Six years later, Sony clearly believes the underlying design still has commercial value.
There is a practical reason for that. The XM4 uses a compact folding structure that many travelers prefer. The newer XM5 moved to a different, less compact folding design, while the XM6 returned to a more travel-friendly approach.
The XM4C therefore occupies an unusual position. It is not the company’s newest flagship, but it gives consumers access to a design that has already proved itself in the real world.
What Actually Changed in the XM4C?
1. Bluetooth 6.0 Is Now Included
One of the clearest technical upgrades is Bluetooth 6.0.
The original XM4 supported Bluetooth 5.0. Sony’s official XM4C specifications now list Bluetooth Specification Version 6.0, alongside SBC, AAC and LDAC support.
That sounds significant, but consumers should keep expectations realistic. A newer Bluetooth version does not automatically make music sound dramatically better.
Your phone, laptop or tablet must also support the relevant Bluetooth features. For many users, the bigger benefit will come from the XM4C’s overall connectivity platform rather than from Bluetooth 6.0 alone.
2. The EQ Has Doubled From Five Bands to Ten
This is arguably the more useful upgrade for everyday listeners.
The original XM4 provided a five-band equalizer. The XM4C moves to a 10-band EQ, giving users much more control over the headphone’s tonal balance.
That matters because headphone preferences are highly personal. One listener may want stronger bass for hip-hop, while another may want clearer vocals for podcasts and acoustic music.
A 10-band EQ gives users more room to make those adjustments without changing headphones entirely.
If you already understand how to adjust headphone EQ, this could be more valuable than a headline-grabbing hardware specification.
3. Sony Retuned the Sound
Sony says the XM4C features updated sound tuning designed around current listening preferences.
That means the XM4C should not automatically be treated as an identical-sounding XM4 with Bluetooth 6 added. The digital processing and tuning have changed.
This is an important distinction for existing XM4 owners. If you already like the original’s sound, the XM4C is familiar hardware with a different sonic presentation.
Whether that new tuning is better will ultimately depend on your music preferences. Sony’s decision to pair the retuning with a 10-band EQ at least gives listeners more control.
The Biggest Downgrade: Battery Life
There is one specification where the XM4C clearly moves backward.
Sony rates the new model for up to 27 hours with noise cancellation enabled. With ANC disabled, the rating rises to 34 hours.
The original XM4 was rated for up to 30 hours with ANC and 38 hours without it.
That means the XM4C gives up three hours of ANC playback and four hours without ANC.
For a frequent traveler, that difference could matter. For an office worker who charges headphones every few days, it probably will not.
| Use case | XM4C battery impact | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Daily commuting | 27 hours ANC is still substantial | Minor concern |
| Office use | Enough for multiple workdays | Low concern |
| Long-haul travel | Three fewer ANC hours than XM4 | Worth considering |
| Heavy daily listening | More frequent charging | Moderate concern |
The trade-off becomes more interesting because the XM4C is also lighter by roughly one gram, although that difference is too small to matter in normal use.
The Battery Story Is More Important Than It Looks
The reduced battery rating has attracted attention because the XM4C arrives as battery-repairability rules are becoming more important in Europe.
The European Union’s Battery Regulation requires portable batteries incorporated into products to become removable and replaceable by end users, subject to specified exceptions. The relevant Article 11 requirements are scheduled to apply from February 18, 2027.
Several technology publications report that the XM4C uses a user-replaceable battery and connect that change to the upcoming European requirements.
Sony’s U.S. announcement, however, does not explicitly say that the XM4C’s battery redesign was made because of the regulation. That distinction matters, because responsible reporting should separate what Sony confirms from what outside reporting concludes.
The broader trend is still important. Electronics companies are increasingly being pushed toward products that can remain useful after their original batteries wear out.
For headphones, that could have a major effect on long-term ownership. A wireless headphone may remain perfectly functional after several years, but a degraded battery can make the product frustrating to use.
What Most People Miss About the XM4C
The most interesting part of this launch is not Bluetooth 6.0.
It is Sony’s decision to preserve the old XM4 design instead of forcing consumers into the newer flagship architecture.
That matters because product generations do not always move in a straight line. A newer product can improve sound, processing or microphones while losing something users actually value.
The XM4’s folding design is a good example. Travelers often care about how much space headphones occupy inside a bag. A headphone that sounds excellent but takes up more room may be less practical on a flight.
Sony appears to recognize that there is still demand for the older formula.
That makes the XM4C less like a nostalgic re-release and more like a product-positioning experiment.
XM4C vs. XM5 vs. XM6: Which Makes More Sense?
The buying decision becomes clearer when you look at Sony’s current lineup.
| Model | Best for | Key advantage | Main reason to hesitate |
|---|---|---|---|
| WH-1000XM4C | Value-focused buyers | Familiar folding design and lower price | 27-hour ANC battery |
| WH-1000XM5 | Buyers chasing discounts | Newer design and strong call performance | Older generation |
| WH-1000XM6 | Buyers wanting Sony’s flagship | Newest 1000X technology | Higher price |
The XM5 is especially difficult to ignore because Sony is currently discounting it in the U.S. Sony’s own store has listed the XM5 at $299.99, down from its $399.99 MSRP.
That creates a strange situation where the new XM4C and older XM5 can occupy roughly the same price territory.
If the XM4C launches at its full $299.99 price while the XM5 remains heavily discounted, consumers should compare the two rather than assuming the newer model is automatically the better deal.
For the latest flagship experience, the XM6 remains the obvious choice. But for travelers who specifically want a folding Sony over-ear design at a lower price, the XM4C becomes much more interesting.
Real-World Impact for Everyday Buyers
Most people do not buy headphones because of processor names.
They buy them because they want to hear music on a train, concentrate in an office, take calls from a laptop, or sleep through a noisy hotel room.
That is where the XM4C’s design makes sense.
The headphones weigh about 253 grams, support multipoint connectivity and retain Sony’s established ANC architecture. Sony also says the headphones support LDAC, DSEE Extreme and a wired connection.
That combination makes the XM4C more practical than a specification sheet might suggest.
There is also a useful travel advantage: the headphones fold into their carrying case. That is a small feature until you are trying to fit headphones, a laptop and other gear into a crowded backpack.
If you are comparing models using our headphone buying guide, this is exactly the type of feature that should influence the decision.
Expert Take: This Is a Value Play, Not a Flagship Replacement
The XM4C makes more sense when viewed as a value product rather than a new flagship.
Sony already has the WH-1000XM6 for customers who want the newest technology. The company does not need the XM4C to outperform that model.
Instead, Sony can use a proven platform to cover a lower price point while keeping the recognizable 1000X branding.
That strategy could work particularly well with consumers who know the XM4 name but do not want to spend flagship money.
It also gives Sony another way to compete against Bose, Sennheiser, Apple and rapidly improving value-focused headphone brands.
The Bigger Picture: Headphones Are Becoming Longer-Lived Products
The XM4C launch arrives at an interesting moment for consumer electronics.
Wireless headphones used to have an obvious weakness: their batteries eventually wear out, while the rest of the hardware may remain perfectly usable.
European battery rules are now pushing manufacturers toward more repairable designs. The European Commission says the battery rules are intended in part to prevent premature obsolescence and improve battery collection and replacement.
That could change how consumers judge headphones.
Battery life may no longer be only about how many hours you get between charges. Buyers may increasingly ask how easily the battery can be replaced after several years.
That is potentially more important for sustainability than squeezing another few hours out of a brand-new battery.
What Happens Next?
The most important test for the XM4C will not happen in Sony’s specification sheet.
It will happen in stores.
Once the XM4C reaches more retailers, its value will depend heavily on street pricing. If the XM5 falls below the XM4C, the older flagship may remain the better bargain for some buyers.
If the XM4C quickly receives discounts, however, its folding design, refreshed tuning and newer connectivity could make it one of Sony’s strongest value propositions.
Long-term battery replacement will also be worth watching. Consumers should pay attention to how Sony documents replacement procedures, whether replacement batteries become available, and how repair services handle the new design.
That information will tell us much more about the XM4C’s long-term value than the launch specifications alone.
Who Should Buy the WH-1000XM4C?
- Buy it if you want: Sony’s proven XM4 design at a lower launch price.
- Buy it if you travel: The folding design remains highly practical for bags and carry-ons.
- Buy it if you like customization: The 10-band EQ gives you much more control than the original XM4.
- Consider the XM5 instead: If you find it significantly cheaper than the XM4C.
- Choose the XM6 instead: If you want Sony’s newest flagship features and processing.
- Wait for reviews: If sound tuning, call quality or long-term battery replacement is your main concern.
Pros
- Proven XM4 folding design
- Lower $299.99 U.S. launch price than the original XM4
- Bluetooth 6.0
- 10-band EQ
- Updated sound tuning
- LDAC support
- Multipoint connectivity
- Strong established ANC platform
Cons
- Battery life falls from 30 to 27 hours with ANC
- Not Sony’s latest flagship platform
- Value becomes complicated if XM5 discounts continue
- Consumers should wait for independent testing before judging sound and call performance
My Recommendation
The WH-1000XM4C is one of Sony’s most unusual headphone launches in years, but that does not make it a bad one.
In fact, the decision to revive the XM4 makes sense if Sony wants a recognizable premium headphone below its flagship tier.
The key is price. At $299.99, the XM4C is interesting, but current XM5 discounts make the comparison much closer than Sony’s product naming suggests.
For everyday consumers, I would not buy the XM4C solely because it is the newest release. I would compare its street price against the XM5 and XM6, then decide whether the folding design, 10-band EQ and refreshed platform matter more than maximum battery life.
The XM4C is therefore not really about bringing the past back.
It is Sony betting that a great headphone design can stay relevant when the company updates the parts consumers actually notice.
That is a much more interesting experiment than simply releasing another numbered successor.
FAQs
What is the Sony WH-1000XM4C?
The WH-1000XM4C is a refreshed version of Sony’s WH-1000XM4, marketed in the U.S. as the “M4 2nd Gen.” It keeps the familiar design while adding Bluetooth 6.0, a 10-band EQ and revised sound tuning. Sony’s official specifications list 27 hours of ANC playback.
How much does the WH-1000XM4C cost?
The U.S. suggested price is $299.99. Sony says the headphones will be sold through Sony, Amazon, Best Buy and other authorized retailers.
Is the WH-1000XM4C better than the original XM4?
It is more modern rather than simply better. The XM4C adds Bluetooth 6.0, a 10-band EQ and revised tuning, but battery life drops from 30 to 27 hours with ANC enabled.
Does the WH-1000XM4C support Bluetooth 6?
Yes. Sony’s U.S. specifications list Bluetooth Specification Version 6.0. The headphones also support SBC, AAC and LDAC.
How long does the WH-1000XM4C battery last?
Sony rates it for up to 27 hours with noise cancellation enabled and up to 34 hours with ANC disabled. The original XM4 was rated for 30 and 38 hours respectively.
Does the WH-1000XM4C have a 10-band EQ?
Yes. This is one of the notable software upgrades over the original XM4. Sony says the new model provides personalized sound settings through a 10-band equalizer.
Is the XM4C the same as the WH-1000XM4?
No. Sony describes it as being based on the original XM4, but the XM4C has updated sound tuning, Bluetooth 6.0, a 10-band EQ and new color options. Its battery rating is also different.
Should I buy the XM4C instead of the XM5?
It depends on price. Sony’s U.S. store has recently listed the XM5 below its $399.99 MSRP, so buyers should compare actual sale prices before choosing.
Why does the XM4C have less battery life?
Sony confirms the 27-hour rating but does not explain the reduction in its U.S. announcement. Independent reports connect the redesigned battery to upcoming European battery-replacement requirements, but that specific causal explanation should be treated as reporting rather than a direct Sony statement.
Does the XM4C fold for travel?
Yes. The XM4C retains the familiar folding design of the original XM4, making it more convenient for travel than some headphones with fixed or less compact designs. Sony describes it as a design intended for everyday use and transport.
Is the XM4C good for airplane travel?
On paper, it remains a strong travel option because it combines over-ear ANC, a folding design, multipoint connectivity and up to 27 hours of ANC playback. Buyers who fly frequently should also compare it with newer flagship models in our noise-canceling headphones for airplane travel guide.
How should I choose between the XM4C and other headphones?
Start with your main use case, then compare ANC, comfort, battery life, sound signature, connectivity and price. Our complete headphone buying guide provides a broader framework for making that decision.
Published: September 11, 2026
Updated: December 11, 2026
