Sony revives the WH-1000XM4 as the WH-1000XM4C with updated tuning, 10-band EQ and fresh colours

# What changed and what stayed the same Sony's WH-1000XM4C reuses the WH-1000XM4's compact, foldable shell and comfort-minded fit but updates the audio and some features to align with current preferences. It weighs 253g and ships with a carrying case, keeping the model aimed at travellers and long listening sessions.

# Sound and customisation The biggest changes are in tuning and equalisation. Sony says the sound profile has been updated for modern listening preferences and the companion app now offers a 10-band equaliser (plus a gaming EQ in some reports) for more precise adjustments than the older five-band setup.

• 40mm drivers with Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) diaphragms for a broad frequency response.
• DSEE Extreme upscales compressed audio in real time to restore higher-frequency detail.
• LDAC support for higher-quality Bluetooth transmission and certification for Sony's 360 Reality Audio.

# Noise cancellation and on-head features ANC is driven by the same 1000X noise-cancelling approach: Dual Noise Sensor microphones (two per earcup) feed Sony's HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1. There's a Personal Noise Cancellation Optimiser that accounts for head size, hair and glasses.

# Connectivity and battery Bluetooth so the headphones can remain paired to two devices and switch between them without manual reconnecting. That's useful for switching between a laptop and phone.

• Up to 27 hours of playback on a full charge.
• A three-minute quick charge provides up to one hour of playback.

# Design, colours and price

# Who this suits The WH-1000XM4C is aimed at buyers who liked the XM4's size, fit and feature set but want updated tuning and more precise EQ control at a lower price than Sony's most recent flagship models. The combination of detailed customisation, strong ANC, long battery life and multipoint Bluetooth suits commuters, frequent travellers and creators who need a quieter listening environment for work.

# Quick rundown

• Core: Reissued WH-1000XM4 design (foldable, 253g)
• Audio: 40mm LCP drivers, updated tuning, 10-band EQ, DSEE Extreme, LDAC
• ANC: Dual Noise Sensors + QN1, Personal NC Optimiser
• Extras: Quick Attention, Speak-to-Chat, multipoint Bluetooth, 360 Reality Audio certification

• Price & availability: $299.99, available September 2026 (pre-order via Amazon)

If you previously chose the original XM4 for its compactness and ANC, the XM4C looks to be a familiar option with more modern tuning and a finer-grained EQ without changing the underlying design language.