Sony Brings Back WH-1000XM4 as XM4C for $299.99 This Fall

Nostalgia has a SKU. On September 7, 2026, Sony announced the WH-1000XM4C (“M4 2nd Gen”)—a revival of the 2020 WH-1000XM4 that left the channel in 2025. The Verge and SoundGuys both covered the return: same foldable silhouette, updated software-facing features, and a $299.99 U.S. ask for fall availability.

What stayed, what changed

Hardware continuity is the point: QN1 processor, four-microphone ANC, 40mm drivers, and the compact hinge that XM5 abandoned and XM6 only partially reclaimed. Updates called out by Sony and reviewers:

• 10-band EQ in the Headphones app (XM4 had five), plus a gaming preset
• Retuned sound profile for “modern listening tastes”
• Bluetooth 6 (up from BT 5 on the original)
• New lavender color alongside black and platinum silver

Battery is the one step back: Sony rates about 27 hours with ANC and 34 hours without—a few hours shy of the original XM4’s claims. Verge notes XM6 still leads on mic count (12) and QN3 silicon if you want 2025-flagship ANC, at a higher street price.

The rest of the lineup refresh

• WH-CH730N — $179.99, foldable midrange ANC, up to 50 hours with ANC, new oat color
• WH-CH530 — $69.99 entry on-ear, up to 55 hours, six colors including cobalt/coral/mint; no ANC

Both get the 10-band EQ treatment and clearer call features (Precise Voice Pickup / AI noise reduction in Sony’s language). CH730N and CH530 are listed as available from September 2026; XM4C black/silver land this fall, lavender at Sony and Amazon only.

Rocks take

A deliberate “best of 2020, cheaper than XM6” play—not a new flagship. Buy if you missed foldable XM4 comfort; skip if you already own XM5/XM6 clearance deals. Independent coverage: The Verge.

FAQ

Price? WH-1000XM4C $299.99 USD.

Same as XM4? Same design/ANC chip family; EQ, BT, tuning, and battery differ.