Sony WH-1000XM4C Launched With Updated Sound, 10-Band EQ and 27-Hour Battery Life

Key Highlights

• Sony WH-1000XM4C launched in the UK at £219
• Retains the WH-1000XM4’s over-ear design and active noise cancellation
• Features updated sound tuning and a new 10-band equaliser
• Uses 40mm drivers with LDAC, AAC and SBC codec support
• Offers up to 27 hours of playback with noise cancellation enabled
• Supports Bluetooth 6.0 and multipoint connectivity

Sony has refreshed its wireless headphone lineup with the WH-1000XM4C, launching it alongside the WH-CH730N and WH-CH530, a refreshed version of its popular WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-cancelling headphones. The new model keeps the familiar over-ear design and Sony’s established noise-cancellation technology while introducing updated sound tuning and more audio customisation options.

The WH-1000XM4C is positioned as a premium wireless headphone for commuters, travellers, remote workers and music listeners who want strong noise cancellation without moving to Sony’s newest flagship design.

Design & Build

The Sony WH-1000XM4C retains the familiar over-ear, foldable design of the original WH-1000XM4. Sony has kept the overall look largely unchanged, making the new model feel more like an evolution of an established headphone than a complete redesign.

At 253 grams, the headphones remain relatively lightweight for an over-ear model. Sony describes the construction as comfortable for extended listening, making the WH-1000XM4C suitable for long flights, commuting, working and everyday use. The headphones also come with a carrying case for easier transport.

The new model is available in Black, Platinum Silver and Lavender, with Lavender being the most distinctive addition to the colour lineup.

Audio & Sound Quality

Sony has retained the 40mm drivers used in the original WH-1000XM4 but has updated the sound tuning for the WH-1000XM4C.

The company says the revised tuning is designed to deliver clearer vocals, improved separation, richer sound and stronger bass response. This makes the headphones more than just a cosmetic refresh of the older model.

Another important upgrade is the addition of a 10-band equaliser, giving users considerably more control over the sound profile. This can be useful for listeners who prefer different sound signatures for genres such as electronic music, rock, classical or podcasts.

The WH-1000XM4C also supports Sony’s DSEE Extreme processing technology, which is designed to improve the quality of compressed digital music. LDAC support is included alongside the more widely supported SBC and AAC codecs.

Active Noise Cancellation

Noise cancellation remains one of the main reasons to consider the WH-1000XM4C.

The headphones use Sony’s 1000X-series noise-cancelling technology and retain the QN1 noise-cancelling processor from the original WH-1000XM4. The system is designed to reduce common background sounds such as traffic, crowds and transport noise.

Sony also includes Personal NC Optimiser, which adjusts noise-cancellation performance based on individual conditions, along with Ambient Sound Mode for situations where users need to hear their surroundings. Quick Attention is also available when users need to temporarily listen to external sounds.

For frequent travellers and commuters, this remains one of the strongest practical features of the WH-1000XM4C.

Connectivity & Features

The WH-1000XM4C supports Bluetooth 6.0 and multipoint connectivity, allowing users to keep the headphones connected to two devices and switch between them when needed.

The headphones also support wired listening through the included 1.2-metre detachable cable, giving users another option when Bluetooth is unavailable or when they want to conserve battery.

Sony’s Precise Voice Pickup technology is designed to improve voice capture during calls. The headphones can therefore serve as both a music-listening device and a work-from-home or commuting headset.

Users can also customise the audio experience through Sony’s companion software, including the 10-band equaliser and other sound settings.

Battery & Charging

Sony rates the WH-1000XM4C for up to 27 hours of music playback with noise cancellation enabled.

This is slightly lower than the original WH-1000XM4’s rated battery life, but the change is connected to an important hardware update: the WH-1000XM4C uses a battery designed to meet upcoming European requirements for more user-replaceable portable batteries. The trade-off is therefore a modest reduction in endurance compared with the older model.

A full charge takes approximately three hours over USB, according to the supplied specifications.

For most commuters and office users, 27 hours should still be enough for several days of intermittent listening before needing to recharge.

Price & Availability

The Sony WH-1000XM4C is priced at £219 in the UK and is scheduled to become available in September 2026.

It is priced at £219 in the UK and is available in Black, Platinum Silver and Lavender. Sony says the headphones will be available from 10 September 2026.

Competition & Alternatives

The biggest appeal of the WH-1000XM4C is therefore not that it completely changes Sony’s premium headphone formula. Instead, it brings an established design and ANC platform back with updated sound tuning, Bluetooth 6.0 and improved customisation.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The Sony WH-1000XM4C is an interesting return of one of Sony’s most recognisable premium headphone designs. Rather than attempting a major redesign, Sony has focused on practical improvements such as updated sound tuning, a 10-band equaliser and Bluetooth 6.0 while retaining the established noise-cancellation system.

The headphones make the most sense for frequent travellers, commuters, remote workers and music listeners who want premium noise cancellation and extensive audio customisation.

The biggest compromise is battery life. At up to 27 hours with ANC enabled, the WH-1000XM4C still offers solid endurance, but it does not match the original XM4’s 30-hour ANC rating.

Best for: Travellers, commuters, music enthusiasts and users who want premium ANC at a lower price than Sony’s newest flagship.

Consider alternatives if: You want Sony’s latest design, the newest flagship features or maximum battery life.

Bottom line: The WH-1000XM4C is less of a completely new headphone and more of a carefully updated classic. Its combination of proven ANC, 40mm drivers, LDAC, Bluetooth 6.0 and improved sound customisation makes it a compelling premium option at £219.

More Details