Sony revives discontinued XM4 headphones as the XM4C
The Japanese tech giant is relaunching its popular noise-cancelling model with updated connectivity and sound tuning, alongside new budget-friendly options.
Sony has announced the return of its widely acclaimed WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones, rebranded as the WH-1000XM4C. The original model was discontinued in 2025 after years of dominance in the consumer audio market, but the company is bringing it back with minor enhancements to meet current standards. The new model retains the compact, foldable design and the QN1 processing chip that defined the original, while adding a lavender colour option to the existing palette.
The XM4C features updated sound tuning to align with Sony’s current lineup, replacing the original five-band equaliser with a 10-band version and introducing a dedicated gaming preset. Connectivity has also been upgraded to Bluetooth 6, a step up from the Bluetooth 5 standard in the previous iteration. However, the battery life has seen a slight reduction, with Sony rating the new model at up to 27 hours of use with active noise cancellation on, compared to 30 hours for the original.
Priced at $300, the WH-1000XM4C is scheduled for release later this autumn. This price point is $50 lower than the original launch price and $100 less than the current cost of the higher-end XM6 model. The relaunch comes as Sony’s flagship offerings, such as the XM5 and XM6, have moved away from the compact folding design that made the XM4 a staple for commuters and travellers.
Alongside the flagship relaunch, Sony has introduced updated versions of its midrange and entry-level headphone lines, the WH-CH730N and WH-CH530. Both models now feature the same 10-band equaliser and gaming preset found in the XM4C. The WH-CH730N, priced at $180, offers a more compact folding form factor and up to 50 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation. The entry-level WH-CH530, available for $70, provides up to 55 hours of battery life, though it lacks active noise cancellation.
Both the WH-CH730N and WH-CH530 are available for immediate purchase. Sony has also introduced a new "safe mode" feature in its Headphones app, which allows users to limit maximum volume output. While this is a useful addition for parents managing children’s hearing, the limit cannot be locked once set, allowing for potential adjustment.
In a separate move, Sony has announced a limited-edition partnership with Hello Kitty. The collaboration will offer bundles of the WH-1000XM6, WH-CH730N, or WH-CH530 in black or pink, accompanied by branded accessories including a Hello Kitty-shaped carrying pouch and bag. These bundles will be available exclusively on the Sony website later this year.
