Sony Revives Beloved WH-1000XM4 Headphone Design with the New WH-1000XM4C

Image: The Sony WH-1000XM4C bring back a beloved headphone design · Source

Sony’s WH-1000XM4C headphones largely preserve the design and features of the acclaimed six-year-old WH-1000XM4, offering strong sound and noise cancellation with a replaceable battery and a 3.5mm jack at a lower price point than current flagship models.

Sony has introduced the WH-1000XM4C, a new iteration that closely resembles the popular WH-1000XM4 headphones originally released in 2020. Unlike typical product revamps that bring major innovations, the XM4C maintain much of the original model's design, audio technology, and performance, updating only a few details. This move aims to deliver the classic experience many users loved about the WH-1000XM4 while aligning with modern regulatory demands and market preferences.

The XM4C keep the familiar foldable design with plush faux-leather ear cups that provide comfort for extended listening sessions. Users also receive a hard-shell zippered case designed for easy travel. The headphones continue to support SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs, offering high-resolution wireless audio compatibility similar to the XM4.

Sonically, the XM4C feature a 40mm driver that produces a bass-forward sound signature, delivering punchy kick drum and clear lows without overwhelming other frequencies. The midrange may sound marginally muted compared to the original XM4, but this can be adjusted using the enhanced 10-band EQ in Sony’s Sound Connect app, which improves midrange clarity compared to the original five-band EQ.

One standout feature retained is the 3.5mm audio jack, supporting wired listening with active noise cancellation (ANC) even when the headphones are powered. Wired listening via USB-C is not supported, and only a 3.5mm cable is included. The XM4C employ Sony’s QN1 chip and a four-microphone setup for ANC, resulting in noise cancellation performance nearly identical to the original XM4. While effective at reducing ambient noise, especially low-frequency sounds like air conditioners and traffic, the ANC does not match the sophistication of newer Sony models such as the WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6, which utilize more microphones and advanced chips.

Call quality on the XM4C is solid, delivering clear voice capture and ambient noise reduction, although loud background noises may sometimes affect clarity. A notable update is the inclusion of a user-replaceable battery, introduced to meet upcoming EU regulations. However, Sony currently only offers the replacement battery in Europe, with no indication of availability or instructions for North America.

Battery life naturally sees a slight reduction to 27 hours with ANC active, down from the XM4's 30 hours, but still offers ample usage. The headphones lack Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) support and do not currently support Auracast, a feature present in Sony's latest models. Whether future firmware updates will add these capabilities remains uncertain.

The XM4C retain capacitive touch controls on the right ear cup for playback and volume adjustments, as well as gesture-based activation of transparency mode. While functional, some users may prefer physical buttons over touch controls.

Priced at around $300, the WH-1000XM4C offers a compelling option for those seeking the much-admired sound and design of the WH-1000XM4 with modest updates, especially the replaceable battery and wired headphone jack, at a lower cost than Sony's latest flagships. Despite its roots in older technology, the XM4C demonstrate that a proven headphone design can endure and meet current user needs effectively.