Sony has brought back one of its most popular headphones. The WH-1000XM4C, which Sony also calls the "M4 2nd Gen", was announced on September 7, 2026 at a suggested price of $299.99. The Black and Platinum Silver versions are now listed on Amazon in the US. A new Lavender color is sold only by Sony and Amazon.
Sony also refreshed its cheaper models at the same time: the WH-CH730N at $179.99 and the WH-CH530 at $69.99. So if you want Sony noise cancelling this fall, you now have three clear price levels. Here is what changed, and which one makes sense.
Key dates and prices
| Model | US price (Sony) | Announced | US availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| WH-1000XM4C | $299.99 | Sept 7, 2026 | This fall (Black, Platinum Silver now listed on Amazon) |
| WH-1000XM6 | $449.99 at launch | May 2025 | On sale now |
| WH-CH730N | $179.99 | Sept 7, 2026 | Available now (from September 2026) |
| WH-CH530 | $69.99 | Sept 7, 2026 | Available now (from September 2026) |
Sources disagree on the WH-1000XM6 price today. Launch reports list $449.99, while Gear Patrol lists it at $460. Check the price at checkout.
Prices outside the US are different. MusicTech lists the XM4C at £219 in the UK. ChannelNews in Australia lists $449.95 with stock expected in late October.
Specs compared
| WH-1000XM4C | WH-1000XM6 | WH-CH730N | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise cancelling chip | QN1 (same as the 2020 XM4) | QN3, 12 microphones | Dual Noise Sensor |
| Battery (ANC on) | Up to 27 hours | Up to 30 hours | Up to 50 hours (75 with ANC off) |
| Quick charge | 3 min = up to 1 hour | 3 min = 3 hours (per launch reports) | 3 min = up to 1 hour |
| EQ | 10-band | Yes | Customizable |
| Hi-res codec | LDAC | Yes | Not stated |
| Weight | About 253g | Not stated by our sources | About 207g |
| Foldable | Yes, with case | Yes, with magnetic case | Yes |
| Colors | Black, Platinum Silver, Lavender | Several, incl. Black, Midnight Blue, Sandstone | Black, White, Pink, Blue, Oat |
The XM4C keeps the original's 40mm drivers and QN1 noise cancelling processor, according to Gear Patrol. Sony's Amazon listing confirms LDAC, DSEE Extreme upscaling and a 3-minute quick charge for up to one hour of playback.
What is new on the WH-1000XM4C
The headphones look the same as the 2020 model. The changes are small but useful:
- 10-band EQ. The original XM4 had a 5-band EQ. You now tune the sound in the Sony Sound Connect app.
- New sound tuning. Sony says it has refreshed the sound profile.
- New color. Lavender joins Black and Platinum Silver.
- Lower price. Gear Patrol says it is $50 cheaper than the XM4's launch price.
There is one downgrade. Battery life drops from 30 hours to 27 hours. MusicTech says this is because the original battery no longer meets EU battery rules. One Australian report also mentions Bluetooth 6, but we could not confirm that in Sony's US release.
Where each one wins
- WH-1000XM4C wins on value. You get Sony's well-known noise cancelling, LDAC and a foldable design for $299.99. The catch: it is six-year-old hardware with a new EQ.
- WH-1000XM6 wins on noise cancelling and calls. The QN3 chip is about 7x faster than the QN1, says Sony, and it uses 12 microphones. Battery is also a little longer at 30 hours.
- WH-CH730N wins on battery and weight. At 207g and up to 50 hours with ANC on, it is the best travel pick for the money. Its noise cancelling is a step below the 1000X line.
One thing to watch: Gear Patrol notes the WH-1000XM5 (2022) has been discounted to about $300, the same as the XM4C. The XM5 is a newer design, so compare both before you buy.
Which should you buy?
- Buy the WH-1000XM4C if you want strong noise cancelling and LDAC for around $300, and you like the classic XM4 fold-up design.
- Buy the WH-1000XM6 if you take a lot of calls or fly often, and you want Sony's best noise cancelling.
- Buy the WH-CH730N if you want long battery life and light weight on a budget.
- Buy the WH-CH530 at $69.99 only if you just want cheap wireless on-ear headphones. It has no noise cancelling.
- Wait if you can. Black Friday is November 27, and the XM6 and XM5 often get deals. Full reviews of the XM4C are also still coming in.
Check Sony WH-1000XM6 price on Amazon
Want to line up more headphones? Use our compare tool. You can also see how the XM6 stacks up against Bose and Technics in our Technics vs Sony vs Bose comparison.
Other tech news this week
- Apple announced the HomeView display, HomePod mini 2 and a new Apple TV 4K on October 13. See our HomeView, HomePod mini 2 and Apple TV 4K guide.
- Apple's first foldable, the iPhone Duo, opens for preorder on October 16 from $1,999 and goes on sale October 23.
- Oppo will launch the Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max globally on October 21. Leaked European prices vary, and US sales are unlikely.
Sources
- Sony Electronics press release via PR Newswire (Webull): WH-1000XM4C, WH-CH730N and WH-CH530
- Gear Patrol: Sony unexpectedly revived an old pair of noise-canceling headphones
- MusicTech: Sony WH-1000XM4C
- ChannelNews: Sony revives popular XM4 headphones and expands budget range
- ETV Bharat: Sony WH-1000XM6 launch price and specifications
- Amazon: Sony WH-1000XM4C listing (specs)
- BGR: 5 new gadgets to keep on your radar in October 2026
- Tech Advisor: Oppo Find X10 global launch set for 21 October
Image: Sony WH-1000XM4C in Black, via Sony.
