Sony Brings Back XM4 as $300 WH-1000XM4C Headphones

TL;DR: Sony announced the WH-1000XM4C on Sept. 7, 2026, a refreshed version of its 2020 WH-1000XM4 with updated tuning, a 10-band equalizer, Bluetooth 6 and a $300 fall release price.

Sony Electronics Inc. announced the WH-1000XM4C, described as M4 2nd Gen, on Sept. 7, 2026 in San Diego, according to 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. The announcement positioned the model as a refreshed version of the WH-1000XM4, combining 1000X Series noise cancellation, premium sound and the earlier design with updated sound tuning for current listening preferences. The company also announced the WH-CH730N and WH-CH530 as updates to its mid-range and entry-level wireless lineups.

The return follows the history of the original model. Sony released the WH-1000XM4 in the fall of 2020 to wide acclaim, and the headphones appeared atop best-headphones lists for years for sound, competitive noise cancellation and compact size, according to Six years later, Sony revisits its legendary XM4 headphones | The Verge. That report states the WH-1000XM4 were discontinued in 2025 after going out of stock. Sony now describes the WH-1000XM4C as based on the popular WH-1000XM4 and building on the fan-favorite model.

A familiar flagship design returns

The WH-1000XM4C retains the visual design of the 2020 WH-1000XM4, according to Six years later, Sony revisits its legendary XM4 headphones | The Verge. That report describes the same hinge design and ability to fold up, in a compact form that Sony moved away from with the XM5 in 2022 and then partly revisited with the XM6.

Sony describes the WH-1000XM4C as a comfortable over-ear design with a polished timeless style, according to 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. The same announcement lists lightweight foldable construction as suited for travel and commuting. Sony identifies frequent travelers, commuters, remote workers, music enthusiasts and students seeking distraction-free listening as the intended users.

Color options mark the most visible change. Sony lists Lavender, Black and Platinum Silver as the three choices for the WH-1000XM4C, according to 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. Coverage in Six years later, Sony revisits its legendary XM4 headphones | The Verge describes the addition of a lavender option alongside standard white and black finishes.

Older ANC hardware, newer tuning and connectivity

Sony states the WH-1000XM4C offers legendary 1000X Series noise cancelling delivering immersive sound that dulls crowds, travel noise and city chatter, according to 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. The model continues to use the QN1 processing chip and four microphones for active noise cancellation, according to Six years later, Sony revisits its legendary XM4 headphones | The Verge.

That hardware lineage contrasts with later flagships. The same Verge report states the XM5 continued to use the QN1 but increased the microphone count to eight, while the XM6 introduced last year use 12 microphones plus a QN3 chip. The 1000X series has defined the premium wireless category since the flagship noise-cancelling range launched in 2016 by combining noise cancellation, sound quality and everyday features, according to 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. Sony calls the WH-1000XM4 one of the series’ most celebrated models for its noise cancelling and classic design.

Sony updated the sound profile to align with current models, according to Six years later, Sony revisits its legendary XM4 headphones | The Verge. The WH-1000XM4C includes a 10-band equalizer in the Headphones app, compared with a 5-band equalizer on the XM4, plus a gaming preset. Sony’s announcement likewise cites trusted 1000X Series premium sound with latest sound tuning and a 10-band equalizer for modern listening tastes, according to 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.

Connectivity also moves forward. The XM4C support Bluetooth 6 instead of Bluetooth 5, according to Six years later, Sony revisits its legendary XM4 headphones | The Verge. Engadget’s reporting in Sony Revives Its WH-1000XM4 Headphones As A Refreshed $300 Option adds that the model retains multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and adds Quick Access for one-touch launch of streaming services, distinct from the Quick Attention chat feature carried over from the first M4.

Battery life steps back slightly

Battery performance is slightly lower than before. Sony claims up to 27 hours with noise cancellation on, compared with 30 hours previously, according to Six years later, Sony revisits its legendary XM4 headphones | The Verge. SoundGuys reporting in Sony just brought back the WH-1000XM4 with useful updates places battery life at up to 27 hours with noise cancellation on and up to 34 hours with it off, three to four hours less than the 1000XM4.

Engadget’s Sony Revives Its WH-1000XM4 Headphones As A Refreshed $300 Option reports the same 27-hour figure with noise cancellation enabled, three hours less than the M4 and four hours less with cancellation off. That report also states Sony revised quick charging so that three minutes supplies one hour of listening time. Sony’s U.S. announcement emphasizes the foldable, travel-oriented build rather than publishing the XM4C endurance figure in its highlighted features, while it separately cites quick-charge performance for the mid-range model.

Price and fall timing

The WH-1000XM4C will be available later this fall for $300, according to Six years later, Sony revisits its legendary XM4 headphones | The Verge. That price is $50 cheaper than the XM4 when that model first appeared and $100 cheaper than the XM6 currently cost, though more than late discounted prices before discontinuation. Engadget’s Sony Revives Its WH-1000XM4 Headphones As A Refreshed $300 Option similarly lists a $300 fall arrival, $50 less than the M4’s 2020 debut price.

SoundGuys reporting in Sony just brought back the WH-1000XM4 with useful updates lists the price as $299.99 for fall 2026 availability through Sony, Amazon and other retailers. That report states the Lavender color will be available only through Sony and Amazon. Sony’s U.K. announcement lists September 2026 availability at approximately GBP £219 / EUR €279, alongside Black and Platinum Silver options.

Sony Vice President of personal entertainment Masaaki Hori said the release reflects continued consumer interest in a model recognized for noise-cancelling performance, sound quality and comfort, according to 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. The statement places the XM4C alongside the WH-CH730N, WH-CH530, recently announced 1000X THE COLLEXION and the WH-1000XM6 as a broader range for different needs and budgets.

WH-CH730N adds folding and longer playback

Sony also updated its mid-range line with the WH-CH730N, described as offering noise-cancelling technology and everyday versatility at a more approachable price, according to 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. The model is designed for commuters, hybrid workers, students and casual listeners, with a new lightweight and foldable design, improved call quality and longer battery life than its predecessor.

Key specifications include Dual Noise Sensor noise cancellation, a lightweight over-ear build and customizable audio settings, according to the same Sony announcement. Sony lists battery life up to 50 hours with noise cancellation on, plus quick charge where three minutes provides one hour of playback. The headphones include Precise Voice Pickup Technology combining beamforming microphones, microphone placement and AI noise reduction for calls, alongside LE Audio, Multipoint connection and Fast Pair/Swift Pair features.

The WH-CH730N will cost $180 and offer up to 50 hours of battery life with noise cancellation, according to Six years later, Sony revisits its legendary XM4 headphones | The Verge. Sony lists white, pink, blue, black and new oat among the color choices, while the Verge report lists black, blue, oat, white and pink. Engadget’s Sony Revives Its WH-1000XM4 Headphones As A Refreshed $300 Option describes the model as a direct replacement for the WH-CH720N, with redesigned earcups, a folding headband, revised noise cancellation, more natural vocals, a 10-band equalizer and gaming equalizer, and Background Music mode borrowed from the 1000X line. That report places battery life at up to 50 hours with noise cancellation on and 75 hours without, and lists September arrival in black, blue, tan, white and pink for $180.

WH-CH530 targets first-time buyers

The WH-CH530 is an entry-level wireless model without active noise cancellation, according to Six years later, Sony revisits its legendary XM4 headphones | The Verge. Sony describes it as a lightweight, easy-to-wear design delivering reliable wireless audio for first-time buyers, online learning and everyday listening, according to 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.

Battery life rises to up to 55 hours total, five hours more than the previous model, with AI-assisted call quality and both 10-band and gaming equalizers, according to Sony Revives Its WH-1000XM4 Headphones As A Refreshed $300 Option. The Verge likewise reports up to 55 hours without noise cancellation and notes the absence of noise cancellation on the CH530. Sony’s announcement cites up to 55 hours and AI noise reduction for clear calls during lessons and meetings.

The WH-CH530 costs $70 and comes in black, cobalt, mint green, white, pink and coral, according to Six years later, Sony revisits its legendary XM4 headphones | The Verge. Engadget lists the same $70 September arrival and the same six colors, described as black, purple, green, white, pink and coral. Both new affordable models receive the same 10-band equalizer upgrade and gaming preset as the XM4C, with the CH730N also gaining a more compact folding form, according to the Verge report.

Safe listening and Hello Kitty bundles

Sony added hearing-focused software tools to the affordable models. A new safe mode in the app lets users limit maximum volume output, according to Six years later, Sony revisits its legendary XM4 headphones | The Verge. That report notes the feature may appeal to parents protecting children’s hearing but cannot be locked once set. Engadget’s Sony Revives Its WH-1000XM4 Headphones As A Refreshed $300 Option describes safe listening mode as a percentage-based maximum-volume setting, with a weekly sound-allowance check and usage tracking over time, available on both the WH-CH730N and WH-CH530.

Sony is also introducing a Hello Kitty collaboration. The bundles include WH-1000XM6, WH-CH730N or WH-CH530 headphones in black or pink, plus a Hello Kitty-shaped carrying pouch and branded bag, according to Six years later, Sony revisits its legendary XM4 headphones | The Verge. Those bundles will be available in limited supply later this year only through the Sony website.