Six years later, Sony revisits its legendary XM4 headphones

Six years ago Sony and Bose were in the middle of a noise-canceling battle, with each new model of headphones better than the last. In the fall of 2020, Sony released the WH-1000XM4 headphones to wide acclaim. They sat atop best headphones lists for years, thanks to their great sound, competitive ANC, and compact size, until they went out of stock. Now Sony has brought them back, with minor improvements, as the WH-1000XM4C.

The XM4C look identical to the original XM4 (although they now have a lavender option), with the same hinge design and ability to fold up. It’s a compact design that Sony moved away from when it released the XM5 in 2022, and then returned to (although not quite as compact) with the XM6. But it’s not just the look that’s returned. The XM4C still use the same QN1 processing chip and four microphones for ANC. That design is showing its age: The XM5 still used the QN1, but had eight mics. Last year’s XM6 have 12, plus the new QN3 chip.

Sony did update the XM4C’s sound profile to bring it in line with current models, and the headphones have a 10-band EQ in the Headphones app, instead of the 5-band on the XM4, plus a gaming preset. The XM4C also support Bluetooth 6 instead of 5. Surprisingly, the battery performance on the new headphones is slightly worse. Sony claims the XM4C get up to 27 hours of use with ANC on as opposed to 30 hours previously. Not a huge difference, and still more than enough for a cross-country trip.

The XM4C will be available later this fall for $300, which is $50 cheaper than the XM4 when they first came out (and $100 cheaper than the XM6 are now), but more than they could be found for before being discontinued.

I have loved the Sony XM4 since they came out, and still have my pair hanging on the side of my desk. Beyond nostalgia, though, I’m confused why they’re coming back. A review sample of the XM4C arrived at my door while I was writing this, so some deeper investigation will be coming soon. But the headphones industry has moved forward in the past six years, and I’m not sure there’s a need to go back. And the XM5, while they don’t fold up as nicely as the XM4C, are excellent headphones and currently available for $200 (though that price may be an effort to clear out inventory ahead of the XM4C).

Alongside the XM4C, Sony released the next generation of two of its less-expensive midrange and entry-level headphone lines: the WH-CH730N and WH-CH530. They both get the same 10-band EQ upgrade and gaming EQ preset as the XM4C, and the CH730N will now fold up into a more compact form.

The two headphones also get a boost to battery life according to Sony: The CH730N get up to 50 hours with ANC, and the CH530 get up to 55 hours (there’s no ANC on the CH530). A new safe mode in the app allows a user to limit the max volume output of the headphones. It’s a nice addition for parents looking to protect their kids’ hearing, although there’s no way to lock the limit once it’s been set.

The WH-CH530 come in black, cobalt, mint green, white, pink, and coral and cost $70. For $180, you can get the WH-CN730N in black, blue, oat, white, or pink. Both headphones are available now.

Sony is also doing a partnership with Hello Kitty. Bundles include headphones — the WH-1000XM6, WH-CH730N, or WH-CH530 available in black or pink — a Hello Kitty-shaped carrying pouch, and Hello Kitty-branded bag. The bundles will be available in limited supply later this year on the Sony website only.