Sony is giving one of its most popular noise-canceling headphones a second life.
The new Sony WH-1000XM4C, also called the M4 2nd Gen, costs $299.99 and is based closely on the WH-1000XM4 that originally arrived in 2020.
Instead of completely redesigning the headphones, Sony kept the familiar foldable XM4 form and added updated sound tuning, a more detailed equalizer and new colors.
Preorders are already open through Sony, with the company saying the headphones will become available this fall. Sony’s U.S. store currently shows estimated delivery around late September to early October, depending on the color and availability.
Quick Take
- Model: Sony WH-1000XM4C
- Also called: M4 2nd Gen
- Price: $299.99
- Status: Available to preorder
- General release: Fall 2026
- Colors: Black, Platinum Silver and Lavender
- Lavender availability: Sony and Amazon only
- Battery life: Up to 27 hours
- Weight: About 253 grams
- Major update: New sound tuning and 10-band EQ
- Design: Foldable over-ear design based on the original XM4
What Is the Sony WH-1000XM4C?
The easiest way to understand the XM4C is to think of it as a refreshed version of the old WH-1000XM4 rather than an entirely new generation.
Sony itself describes the XM4C as being based on the popular WH-1000XM4, retaining the older model’s noise cancellation, premium sound approach and foldable design.
That is unusual because Sony has already moved well beyond the XM4 in its flagship lineup. The newer WH-1000XM6 currently sits at the top of the company’s over-ear noise-canceling range.
The XM4C instead creates another option below the latest flagship for shoppers who liked the older XM4 design or do not want to spend as much on Sony’s newest premium headphones.
What Changed From the Original XM4?
The most obvious update is sound customization.
Sony says the XM4C gets refined sound tuning designed for current listening preferences and a new 10-band equalizer.
An equalizer, or EQ, allows listeners to adjust different parts of the audio spectrum, such as bass, midrange and treble.
More adjustment bands provide finer control over how the headphones sound.
Sony is also introducing a new Lavender color alongside Black and Platinum Silver. The Lavender version will be sold only through Sony and Amazon in the U.S.
Beyond those updates, Sony is intentionally keeping much of what made the original XM4 recognizable.
The XM4C remains foldable, comes with a carrying case and weighs approximately 253 grams.
Battery Life Is Actually Shorter
One specification has moved in the opposite direction.
Sony rates the new WH-1000XM4C for up to 27 hours of playback.
The original WH-1000XM4 was officially rated for up to 30 hours of continuous music playback with noise cancellation turned on, or as much as 38 hours with noise cancellation off.
So shoppers should not assume that the “2nd Gen” label means every specification has improved.
For most people, 27 hours is still enough for several days of commuting or a long international flight, but the reduction is worth knowing if battery life is one of your main priorities.
Actual battery performance will also depend on settings and usage.
How Much Does the XM4C Cost?
Sony has set the U.S. suggested retail price at $299.99.
Black and Platinum Silver will be sold through Sony, Amazon, Best Buy and other authorized retailers.
Lavender will have more limited distribution through Sony and Amazon.
Sony’s own store is already accepting preorders.
The company has not announced one universal U.S. release date for every retailer, instead saying the XM4C will become available this fall.
Current estimated delivery dates on Sony’s store should therefore be treated as order estimates rather than a guaranteed nationwide launch date.
XM4C vs. XM6: What’s the Difference?
The XM4C is not replacing the WH-1000XM6.
Sony continues to position the XM6 as its premium flagship model.
The XM6 uses Sony’s newer noise-canceling hardware, including the HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 and a 12-microphone system. Sony rates the XM6 for up to 30 hours of battery life with noise cancellation turned on.
The XM4C takes a different approach.
It gives buyers:
- The older compact foldable XM4-style design
- Sony 1000X-series noise cancellation
- Updated sound tuning
- A 10-band EQ
- A lower $299.99 list price
That makes the XM4C less of an XM6 competitor and more of a lower-priced alternative within Sony’s premium family.
If you specifically want Sony’s newest noise-canceling technology, the XM6 remains the model to compare.
If portability, the classic XM4 design and a lower starting price matter more, the XM4C becomes the more interesting option.
Should Existing XM4 Owners Upgrade?
Probably not based on the announced changes alone.
Sony has improved the sound customization and refreshed the tuning, but the XM4C is deliberately based on the same product concept.
The new headphones even have slightly shorter advertised battery life.
Someone whose original XM4 still works well may not gain enough from the XM4C to justify spending another $299.99.
The XM4C makes more sense for someone who:
- Previously owned XM4 headphones and wants a replacement
- Prefers the XM4’s foldable design
- Wants Sony noise cancellation below the newest flagship price
- Likes the new Lavender color
- Wants more detailed EQ adjustment
It may also appeal to travelers who prefer headphones that fold into a compact carrying case.
Sony Also Released Two Cheaper Headphones
The XM4C was not Sony’s only headphone announcement.
Sony also introduced updated WH-CH730N and WH-CH530 models.
The WH-CH730N costs $179.99 and includes active noise cancellation, a new foldable design and up to 50 hours of battery life with noise cancellation on, according to Sony.
The entry-level WH-CH530 costs $69.99 and offers up to 55 hours of playback. It does not occupy the same premium category as the XM4C, but it provides a much cheaper option for everyday wireless listening.
Both cheaper models are available now, while the XM4C is still listed as a preorder.
Is the XM4C Worth Waiting For?
The answer depends on why you liked the original XM4.
Sony is not pretending this is a completely new headphone design. The appeal is largely the opposite.
The company is bringing back a familiar design that remains popular, updating the sound controls and selling it as a less expensive alternative to its newest flagship.
That also means shoppers should compare carefully before buying.
Older Sony models frequently receive discounts, and the price difference between an XM4C and a discounted newer model can change.
The most important takeaway is simple:
The WH-1000XM4C costs $299.99, keeps the classic foldable XM4 design, adds updated sound tuning and a 10-band EQ, and is available to preorder now for a fall 2026 release.
Sources
Sony Electronics, “Sony Electronics Introduces WH-1000XM4C (M4 2nd Gen) Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones”
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-introduces-wh-1000xm4c-m4-2nd-gen-wireless-noise-cancelling-headphones-and-updates-popular-mid--and-entry-level-wireless-headphones-with-wh-ch730n-and-wh-ch530-302871097.html
Sony Electronics, WH-1000XM4C official U.S. product listing
https://electronics.sony.com/audio/headphones/headband/p/wh1000xm4c-s
Sony USA, original WH-1000XM4 specifications
https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm4/specifications
Sony Electronics, WH-1000XM6 official product and specifications
https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm6/specifications
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