Sony's new WH-1000XM4C ANC headphones go up for pre-order with more features and a lower price point

Sony has expanded its 1000X Series of ANC headphones with a new model. A refreshed version of the popular WH-1000XM4 from 2020, the new WH-1000XM4C retains the best features of the original while adding some useful updates at a lower starting price. Specifically, it is available to pre-order from Sony and Amazon for $299.99, about $50 less than the original XM4’s launch price.

Familiar design with upgraded sound and EQ

The WH-1000XM4C keeps largely the same design as the original model, including an over-ear, foldable shape that fits neatly inside the included carrying case. This time, however, Sony has added a new lavender colorway alongside the existing black and silver options.

On the inside, the second-generation model promises the same impressive noise-canceling performance as the original XM4, thanks to its four-microphone setup and QN1 processor. It retains the same 40mm drivers but adds Bluetooth 6.0 and tuning borrowed from the newer XM6, which should deliver better sound than the original XM4. Sony has also upgraded the five-band equalizer to a 10-band EQ and added features such as Gaming EQ and Quick Access.

There is one downgrade, however. Sony claims the WH-1000XM4C can last up to 27 hours with ANC enabled and 34 hours without it. That is up to four hours less than the original XM4, which was rated for 30 hours with ANC on and 38 hours with it turned off.

Pricing and availability

The Sony WH-1000XM4C will be widely available this fall for $299.99, placing it below both the 1000X THE COLLEXION (curr: $598 on Amazon) and the WH-1000XM6 (curr: $398 on Amazon). Ahead of its official release, the new ANC headphones can be pre-ordered through Amazon and Sony, with shipping set to start on September 28 in the US and September 19 in Germany. They are also listed at Best Buy, though the lavender colorway is only available from Sony and Amazon.

The WH-1000XM4C is not Sony's only new pair of headphones. The company has also introduced the more affordable WH-CH730N and WH-CH530, which will go on sale this September for $179.99 and $69.99, respectively.