Sony reportedly planning a cheaper version of its WH-1000XM4 headphones
Leaks suggest Sony will launch a more affordable, updated version of its six-year-old WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones in September, keeping most of the original's features at a lower price but with slightly reduced battery life.
According to reliable leaker billbil-kun, Sony is preparing a new variant of its long-running WH-1000XM4 headphones called the WH-1000XM4C. The model is expected to arrive in early September 2026 in black, silver, and lavender color options, priced at roughly €249.99 or £219.99 — around $289 to $297 after currency conversion.
The move follows Sony's May release of its premium, $650 The Collexion headphones, suggesting the company is now also pursuing a more budget-friendly direction for its 1000X line.
Similar performance, lower price
The original WH-1000XM4 launched in 2020 for $349.99, while the newer WH-1000XM6 debuted last year at $449. Leaked details indicate the WH-1000XM4C will retain much of the original's core functionality, including active noise cancellation powered by Sony's QN1 chip (the XM6 uses the newer QN3 chip), spatial audio support, hi-res audio compatibility, and touch controls on the earcups.
The main tradeoff appears to be battery life. The original XM4 offers up to 38 hours of playback with ANC off, or up to 30 hours with it on. The new XM4C is expected to max out at 34 hours without ANC, or 27 hours with it enabled.
Fans of the older design
Since the WH-1000XM4 debuted, Sony has made two major design changes to the line. The 2022 XM5 model dropped the folding earcup design, resulting in a bulkier carrying case, while last year's XM6 reintroduced folding earcups along with a wider, more comfortable headband. Even so, some users still prefer the original XM4's design, and the cheaper XM4C could offer a good option for those whose aging XM4 units are now suffering from diminished battery performance.
