Sony’s beloved WH-1000XM4 launched back in 2020 and hung around on shelves for five straight years, ultimately outliving two of its own successors in the process. And when it finally vanished from Sony’s lineup last year, we assumed that was probably the end of the story. But, it turns out it wasn’t, because Sony has just brought the icon back as the WH-1000XM4C.
Killed by Brussels
To be clear here, the original XM4 didn’t die of old age or decrepit technology. The headphones actually died off because its battery ran afoul of an EU regulation requiring user-removable batteries in portable electronics starting February 2027.
So Sony did the sensible thing and decided to swap in a compliant cell. Funny enough, the WH-1000XM5 (still on sale today) has the same battery problem, and Sony reportedly isn’t fixing that one. Come February, the newer model gets pulled while the six-year-old design model lives on.
Same Cans, 2026 Brains
Everything enthusiasts loved about the headphones is still here. That includes the 40mm drivers, the QN1 noise-canceling processor, and the four-mic array. But perhaps the most exciting inclusion is that folding swivel hinge (a frequent traveler fan favorite).
Now, about the updates. Sony retuned the sound to sit closer to the voicing of the XM5 and XM6, swapped the old five-band equalizer for a proper 10-band unit with a dedicated gaming preset, and reportedly stepped the connection up to Bluetooth 6 (a newer spec than even the flagship XM6 runs). Multipoint pairing sticks around too.
The Battery Asterisk
That regulation-friendly cell does come with a catch that’s worth mentioning. Battery life does drop just a bit from 30 hours to 27 with noise canceling engaged (34 hours with it off).
The consolation prize? Quick charging is actually better now, with three minutes on the cord netting a full hour of playback.
Spec Sheet
Model: Sony WH-1000XM4C (M4 2nd Gen)
Type: Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Drivers: 40mm
ANC Processor: Sony QN1 with 4-mic array
Connectivity: Bluetooth with Multipoint, Wired
Battery Life: 27 Hours (ANC On) / 34 Hours (ANC Off)
Quick Charge: 3 Minutes for 1 Hour of Playback
Equalizer: 10-Band + Gaming EQ
Colors: 3x (Black, Platinum Silver, Lavender)
Pricing & Availability
The Sony WH-1000XM4C arrives this fall priced at $299.99, a full $50 less than the original cost at launch back in 2020. Black and Platinum Silver will be sold through Sony, Amazon, Best Buy, and other authorized retailers, while the new Lavender colorway is exclusive to Sony and Amazon.
Recap
Sony WH-1000XM4C Wireless Headphones
Sony revives its award-hoarding WH-1000XM4 with retuned sound, a 10-band EQ, and an EU-compliant battery, all for $50 less than the original cost in 2020.
