Sony WH-1000XM4C: our analysis of a legendary headphone's return

Sony is making a rare bet in consumer electronics: bringing back a cult classic instead of replacing it. The WH-1000XM4C keeps the 2020 XM4's design and know-how with targeted tweaks. Here's our analysis, spec sheet in hand.

What actually changes

• Bluetooth 6.0 instead of 5.1: a far more modern wireless foundation, for a product Sony expects buyers to keep for years;
• a 10-band equalizer (up from 5) plus a gaming preset: more customization, with richer, clearer vocals and tighter bass per Sony;
• a replaceable battery: a real repairability win, driven by regulatory shifts since 2020.

Codec support for SBC, AAC and LDAC remains, and the QN1 processor and four microphones carry over — this is an evolution of the XM4 platform, not a redesign.

The trade-offs

Rated ANC battery life dips slightly: 27 hours versus 30 on the original. And the core hardware (QN1) dates to 2020 — buyers who want the very latest will still prefer the XM6.

Our verdict

At $299.99 — $50 under the original XM4's launch price — the WH-1000XM4C is a second chance to buy a comfortable, capable classic, updated for 2026. A great pick for anyone who wants premium audio without paying flagship money, as long as you accept slightly lower battery life and a chip that's no longer cutting-edge.