Sony brings back its best‑selling noise‑cancelling headphones
Six years after the original WH‑1000XM4 took the lead in the premium ANC market, Sony has announced a refreshed version – the WH‑1000XM4C. The company describes the new model as a “refined” take on the classic, keeping the core audio and cancellation technology that made the 2020 launch a benchmark, while adding a handful of incremental improvements.
What’s different?
| Feature | WH‑1000XM4 (2020) | WH‑1000XM4C (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Colour options | Black, Silver, Midnight Blue | New matte black + original colours |
| Battery life (ANC) | 30 hrs | 31 hrs |
| Battery life (no ANC) | 38 hrs | 38 hrs |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Firmware | Up to 2.0 | 2.3 with improved latency |
| Price (US) | $349 at launch | $300 (≈£300) |
The changes are subtle. A matte‑finish black variant replaces the glossy finish of the original, appealing to users who prefer a more understated look. Sony also upgraded the Bluetooth stack to version 5.3, promising marginally better connection stability and lower latency – a benefit for Android gamers and video‑call users.
Battery life sees a modest bump when active noise cancellation (ANC) is engaged, moving from 30 to 31 hours, while the maximum 38‑hour run‑time without ANC remains unchanged. Sony attributes the gain to a slightly larger internal cell and refined power‑management firmware (v2.3).
Sound and ANC – still top‑tier?
The original WH‑1000XM4 earned praise for its balanced sound signature, robust bass, and a suite of EQ presets that could be customised via the Sony Headphones Connect app. Early hands‑on impressions from The Verge suggest the refreshed model retains the same 40 mm drivers and DSEE‑Extreme up‑sampling engine, meaning listeners should not notice any regression in audio quality.
ANC performance, which historically rivalled Bose’s QuietComfort 45, also appears unchanged. Sony’s proprietary HD Noise Cancelling Processor V1 continues to analyse ambient sound across multiple microphones, delivering the same industry‑leading reduction in low‑frequency rumble and mid‑range chatter.
Pricing and UK availability
Sony has set the WH‑1000XM4C at $300 in the United States, which translates to roughly £300 after typical UK taxes and import duties. The price positions the headphones directly against Bose’s QuietComfort 45 (£299) and slightly below Apple’s AirPods Max (£549), making them an attractive option for Android users who already own a Sony or Samsung device that can leverage the seamless Bluetooth pairing.
The company will sell the headphones through its own online store and via major UK retailers such as Currys, John Lewis and Amazon UK. Stock is slated to arrive in the first week of November, with pre‑orders opening mid‑October.
Why it matters for Android phone buyers
For readers of android‑mobiles.co.uk who are hunting a new contract handset, a good pair of headphones can be a decisive accessory. The WH‑1000XM4C’s continued support for LDAC – Sony’s high‑resolution Bluetooth codec – means users with flagship Android phones (e.g., Samsung Galaxy S24, Google Pixel 9) can stream near‑lossless audio without needing a separate DAC.
Moreover, the refreshed firmware improves integration with Android’s Media Session API, allowing quicker voice‑assistant activation and smoother hand‑off between phone and headphones. The modest price drop also means you can pair the headphones with a mid‑range contract deal and still stay within a reasonable total cost of ownership.
Bottom line
Sony’s WH‑1000XM4C is less a new product launch than a strategic refresh aimed at recapturing market share after the original model fell out of stock. By keeping the acclaimed sound and ANC core while polishing the exterior, extending battery life by an hour and lowering the price, Sony offers UK consumers a compelling premium‑ANC option that pairs especially well with modern Android smartphones.
If you’re weighing a contract upgrade and want a headset that can double as a travel companion, a home‑office microphone, and a high‑fidelity music player, the WH‑1000XM4C deserves a spot on your shortlist.
