Sony unveiled WH-1000XM4C headphones with a replaceable battery for $300
Sony has returned the full-size WH-1000XM4 headphones to the market, originally released in 2020. The updated WH-1000XM4C model retains its familiar foldable design and noise cancellation system but now features a replaceable battery, Bluetooth 6.0, new sound tuning, and a 10-band equalizer.
What has changed
The main technical change concerns the battery. In the WH-1000XM4C, it can be replaced by users using standard tools. This design complies with EU regulation 2023/1542: starting February 18, 2027, batteries in relevant portable devices must be removable and replaceable by users. Sony has not yet disclosed the price of the spare battery.
The downside was slightly reduced battery life. The WH-1000XM4C offer up to 27 hours of playback with active noise cancellation and up to 34 hours without it. The original WH-1000XM4 achieved 30 hours with ANC enabled. For calls, the device is rated for up to 20 hours with noise cancellation and up to 27 hours without it.
A full charge takes about three hours, while three minutes at the outlet provides roughly one hour of playback. Charging is done via USB-C. The official accessory list no longer includes a USB-C cable: the box contains the earbuds, case, a 1.2-meter audio cable, and documentation.
Audio and noise cancellation
The acoustic section remains virtually unchanged. It uses 40-mm dynamic drivers and the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 noise-cancellation processor. The ANC system hardware is identical to that of the WH-1000XM4 and operates with four microphones, two on each earcup. Ambient Sound mode, Personal NC Optimizer, and Quick Attention remain available; the latter temporarily lets in external sounds when you touch the earcup.
Sony has changed the factory sound tuning. The company claims to offer cleaner and richer vocals and a more controlled bass, but the actual difference can only be assessed in comparative tests. The Sony | Sound Connect app now features a 10-band equalizer instead of the more limited settings of the original model. An equalizer gaming preset is also included.
The headphones support DSEE Extreme and the SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs. When transmitting via Bluetooth, the frequency range is 20 Hz – 20 kHz at a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz, and up to 20 Hz – 40 kHz with LDAC at 96 kHz and 990 kbit/s. For wired connections, the claimed frequency range is 4 Hz – 40 kHz. There is a 3.5-mm input and a passive mode that operates without powering the electronics.
Bluetooth 6.0 and control
Another notable update is the switch from Bluetooth 5.0 on the WH-1000XM4 to Bluetooth 6.0. Multipoint support allows simultaneous connection to two devices. However, the set of audio codecs remains unchanged, and LC3, LE Audio, and Auracast are not listed in the official specifications for the WH-1000XM4C.
NFC, which allowed quick pairing of original WH-1000XM4 headphones with a smartphone, is missing from the specifications of the new version. The touch panel on the ear cup has been retained. Speak-to-Chat with automatic music pause when conversation begins and the wear sensor that stops playback after removing the headphones are also still present.
A Quick Access feature has been introduced to quickly launch supported music services without using the smartphone. Settings and personalization are managed through Sony | Sound Connect.
Design, price, and sales launch
The design has changed very little. These are closed, over-ear headphones with foldable earcups, so the WH-1000XM4C take up less space in the included case. The weight is 253 grams. Available in black, Platinum Silver, and a new lavender color.
In the US, Sony refers to the WH-1000XM4C as the M4 2nd Gen model and prices it at $299,99. This is $50 less than the official price of the original WH-1000XM4. Preorders are now open at the US Sony Store with deliveries expected in late September.
In Germany, the WH-1000XM4C costs €249, in France it is €249,99, and in the United Kingdom the recommended price is £219. Sales and deliveries to European markets begin in September.
