Sony revives its legendary WH-1000XM4 headphones
Sony brings back the iconic WH-1000XM4 headphones as the WH-1000XM4C, launching this fall for $300, alongside new WH-CH models and a Hello Kitty partnership.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Sony brings back the discontinued WH-1000XM4 headphones as the WH-1000XM4C
- Features the exact same foldable visual design with a new lavender color option
- Upgraded with a 10-band EQ, Bluetooth 6 support, and modern sound profile
- Available this fall for $300, alongside new WH-CH models and Hello Kitty bundles
Following the discontinuation of the popular WH-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones in 2025, Sony is bringing them back to the market as the WH-1000XM4C. First released in the fall of 2020, the original model spent years atop best headphone lists due to their audio quality, competitive active noise cancellation, and compact foldable size before going out of stock.
Visually, the WH-1000XM4C look identical to the original XM4, featuring the same hinge design and foldability that Sony temporarily moved away from with the 2022 XM5 before partially returning to with the XM6. Alongside the classic look, Sony has introduced a new lavender color option to join the traditional lineup.
Under the hood, the XM4C utilize the same QN1 processing chip and four microphones for active noise cancellation as their predecessor. This architecture is starting to show its age, given that the XM5 utilized the QN1 with eight microphones, while last year's XM6 upgraded to 12 microphones and the newer QN3 chip.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Sony did update the sound profile of the XM4C to align with current models, adding a 10-band EQ in the Headphones app—up from the previous 5-band setup—alongside a dedicated gaming preset and support for Bluetooth 6. Interestingly, battery performance takes a slight dip, with Sony claiming up to 27 hours of playback with ANC enabled, compared to the 30 hours offered by the original model.
Sony's decision to resurrect a six-year-old design indicates continued consumer demand for highly portable, folding headphones. Pricing the WH-1000XM4C at $300 undercuts current flagship models while providing a familiar form factor that many audio enthusiasts preferred over newer non-folding alternatives.
Alongside the XM4C, Sony refreshed its midrange and entry-level lineup with the introduction of the WH-CH730N and WH-CH530. Both headphones receive the 10-band EQ upgrade and gaming preset, while the CH730N adopts a more compact folding design. Battery life sees an improvement as well, with the CH730N offering up to 50 hours with ANC and the CH530 reaching up to 55 hours without ANC. A new safe mode in the app also allows parents to limit the maximum volume output.
The WH-CH530 are priced at $70 and come in black, cobalt, mint green, white, pink, and coral, while the WH-CH730N cost $180 and are available in black, blue, oat, white, or pink. Both are available now. Additionally, Sony announced a limited-edition partnership with Hello Kitty featuring bundles that include headphones, a Hello Kitty-shaped carrying pouch, and branded bags exclusively on the Sony website later this year.
Source: The Verge
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