Sony brings back its legendary WH-1000XM4 as the WH-1000XM4C at $299.99

Six years after it defined mainstream noise cancelling, Sony is putting its most famous headphone back on shelves. The WH-1000XM4, discontinued in 2025, returns as the WH-1000XM4C (also called the "M4 2nd Gen"), Sony announced in early September.

What changes from the original XM4

The foldable design and QN1 noise-cancelling processor carry over, but several upgrades arrive:

• Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity (up from Bluetooth 5.1 on the original);
• an equalizer expanded from 5 to 10 bands, plus a dedicated gaming EQ preset;
• a user-replaceable battery;
• new finishes: Black, Platinum Silver and Lavender.

Battery life is rated at 27 hours with ANC on, down from 30 hours on the 2020 model. The SBC, AAC and LDAC codecs remain supported.

A more accessible spot below the XM6

Priced at $299.99 in the US, the XM4C sits $50 under the original XM4's launch price ($349.99) and well below the current XM6 flagship. Sony is also launching next-generation versions of two midrange and entry-level lines, the WH-CH730N and WH-CH530.

The XM4C ships this fall through Sony, Amazon and Best Buy; the Lavender finish is a limited edition exclusive to Sony's own store.

Sources

• The Verge — Six years later, Sony revisits its legendary XM4 headphones
• Gadgets Now — Sony brings back legendary XM4 as WH-1000XM4C