Sony refreshes WH-1000XM4 for the replaceable-battery era

Sony has introduced the WH-1000XM4C, a refreshed version of its popular WH-1000XM4 headphones with user-replaceable batteries. Sony says more than 10 million pairs of the XM4 have been sold. The original 1000X launched in 2016, while the XM4 followed in 2020.

The WH-1000XM4C keeps the XM4 design, active noise cancellation, 40mm drivers and HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1. Sony has slightly retuned the sound for richer vocals and tighter bass, and added a 10-band EQ and Quick Access for Apple Music or Spotify. Battery life falls from 30 hours to 27 hours with ANC on. The headphones cost €250, £219, around $299 or AU$410.

• WH-CH730N: up to 75 hours without ANC, compared with 50 hours for the WH-CH720N. It adds improved ANC, AI-enhanced calls, Bluetooth 6.0, LE Audio and Auracast support. It costs €120, £100, around $135 or AU$190, and launches in September 2026.
• WH-CH530N: up to 55 hours with ANC on or 75 hours with ANC off, compared with 50 hours for the WH-CH520N. It includes AI call technology, multipoint pairing, LE Audio and adjustable 5-step volume control. It costs €60, £50, around $70 or AU$95.