The Sony WH-1000XM4C headphones arrive as a direct revival of the original WH-1000XM4, maintaining the same folding over-ear design, lightweight plastic construction, and control layout that made the 2020 model a long-standing favorite. While the exterior remains largely unchanged, the internal architecture has been updated to include Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity, replacing the Bluetooth 5.0 found in the original. Despite these changes, the headphones continue to utilize the same 40mm drivers and QN1 noise-canceling processor as their predecessor.
Reviewers note that the sound profile remains consistent with the original XM4, characterized by a bass-forward signature that provides significant impact without overwhelming the rest of the frequency range. While some critics observed that the midrange can occasionally feel slightly muted compared to newer flagship models, they highlight that the Sony Sound Connect app provides a 10-band equalizer that allows users to adjust the audio output to their preference. The headphones retain support for SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs, ensuring high-resolution wireless audio playback on compatible devices.
Active noise cancellation performance is described as solid, though it reflects the age of the underlying QN1 technology. While the XM4C effectively manages ambient noise, reviewers point out that Sony’s more recent XM5 and XM6 models, which utilize more microphones and advanced processors, offer superior isolation. The physical design remains a highlight for travelers, as the headphones fold into a compact hard-shell case, a feature that was notably absent in the XM5 but restored in the current XM6.
A primary driver for this release is compliance with upcoming European Union regulations regarding battery replaceability. This shift has resulted in a slight reduction in battery life, with Sony rating the XM4C at 27 hours with active noise cancellation enabled, down from the 30 hours offered by the original XM4. While the battery is technically removable, reviewers report that the process is not currently user-friendly, and replacement parts are not yet available for purchase in North America.
Priced at $299.99, the XM4C occupies a middle ground in Sony’s current lineup, sitting below the flagship WH-1000XM6. Critics generally agree that the headphones offer strong value for those who prefer the classic folding design and established sound signature of the XM4 series, even if they lack the cutting-edge noise cancellation and battery longevity of more expensive, newer alternatives.