Hardware Analysis The Verge Verified Post (2026) Sony Audio Workbench

Sony WH-1000XM4C Feature & Comparison Workbench

Sony has officially revived its fan-favorite discontinued active noise-canceling headphones under the refreshed WH-1000XM4C designation. Compare physical foldability, audio processing chipsets, pricing adjustments, and upgrade suitability side-by-side.

Source context: "After the WH-1000XM4 were discontinued in 2025, Sony is bringing them back as the WH-1000XM4C." — The Verge on X (@verge)

Configuration & Value

Target Market Price ($) $279
$199 (Entry) $279 (Launch Relaunch) $399 (XM5 MSRP)
Active Model
Sony WH-1000XM4C
Relaunch Status
Relaunched / Active
Launch Price Delta
-$69.00 vs Original Launch
Folding Hinge
Yes (Foldable Hinge Restored)
Hardware Decision Verdict
High Value: Combines legendary XM4 foldability with refreshed component availability.

Three-Generation Spec Matrix XM4 vs XM4C vs XM5

Hardware Spec Original XM4 (2020) WH-1000XM4C (2026) WH-1000XM5 (2022)
Status Discontinued (2025) Active Return Active Current
Foldable Hinge Folds Flat & Inward Folds Flat & Inward Non-folding Only
MSRP / Baseline $348.00 $279.00 $399.99
ANC Processor HD QN1 HD QN1 (Rev C) V1 + Integrated QN1
Battery Life 30 Hours (ANC On) 30 Hours (ANC On) 30 Hours (ANC On)
Driver Size 40 mm 40 mm 30 mm Carbon Fiber
Bluetooth Codecs LDAC, AAC, SBC LDAC, AAC, SBC, LC3 Ready LDAC, AAC, SBC
Carry Case Size Ultra-compact Clamshell Ultra-compact Clamshell Expanded Collapsible Case

Upgrade Priority Scorer

Select the features essential to your listening workflow to compute relative fit for the XM4C:

XM4C Relaunch Fit Index:
Strong recommendation based on folding and sub-$300 value.
90 / 100