Sony's WH-1000XM4C revives a beloved headphone design with older ANC tech

According to The Verge, the XM4C are remarkably similar to the 2020-era XM4 beyond minor tweaks. They use the same processor for active noise cancellation and four microphones, and their 40mm drivers produce a sound profile with heavy but controlled bass. The review says kick drums and tom hits have good definition, while some midrange elements can sound slightly covered or muted; a 10-band EQ in Sony's Sound Connect app can open up frequencies between 1kHz and 4kHz.

The headphones fold into a compact size and come with a hard-shell zippered case whose loop is now on the zipper rather than the edge. The faux-leather ear cups are described as squishy and comfortable for hours of listening. Codec support matches the XM4 with SBC, AAC and LDAC, and the XM4C retain a 3.5mm connection for wired listening in powered mode or with the headphones off when the battery is low. They do not support USB-C audio, and only a 3.5mm cable is included, so users must supply their own USB-C cable for charging.

The review says noise cancellation is solid but no longer top-tier, which is where the six-year-old technology shows most. The XM4C blocked slightly more low-end noise from air conditioners and trucks than the reviewer's worn original XM4, though that difference could result from newer ear pads. The Verge reports that newer and less expensive headphones, including the Anker Soundcore Space 2, offer comparable ANC, while Sony's XM5 and XM6 and Bose's second-generation QuietComfort headphones isolate better, especially at lower frequencies.

Call quality is described as competent: the XM4C block ambient sound well and voices are clear, but louder noises can break through or make the voice sound compressed. The XM6, which costs $160 more, performs better, according to the review.

A selling point is the replaceable battery, required by upcoming EU regulations for Sony to sell the headphones in Europe. The replacement battery is not for sale in North America, and Sony has not indicated when or whether it will be available there. The Verge also notes there are no instructions yet on how to perform the replacement; the ear cups are easier to remove by hand, but once off, the review says there is no easy way to determine which screws must be removed.

The Verge says the XM4C have less battery life than the original and no Auracast support. Despite the older technology, the reviewer says the headphones still sound great, remain comfortable and get close to the performance of Sony's current flagship for much less money.