Sony dusts off its ancient headphones for a surprising 2026 comeback
A fresh leak indicates Sony is working on new headphones with a sub-$300 asking price.
We may get a second-gen XM4 very soon. | Image by PhoneArena
Sony has been busy this year, putting out a fancy set of anniversary headphones. But at $650, the 1000X 'The Collexion' are headphones that few mainstream audio fans would probably buy. Well, it seems the company is preparing another product launch as early as next month.
But this one may be painfully familiar.
But this one may be painfully familiar.
New headphones with familiar XM4 DNA are coming
Possible specs of the Sony WH-1000XM4C. | Image by Dealabs
According to a fresh leak (machine translated), Sony is working on a new set of headphones called the WH-1000XM4C. The familiar name is no coincidence: supposedly, the headset will be a variant of the XM4, which was released back in 2020.
Feature-wise, the upcoming headphones are rumored to share the specs and features of the XM4, including the QN1 HD noise-canceling processor. Special features like Bluetooth multipoint and personalized spatial audio are also expected to land on the upcoming model, though it might have a slightly lower battery life of up to 34 hours (with ANC off).
Would you consider buying the Sony WH-1000XM4C?
30 Votes
Absolutely, as long as the price is right
40%
If it offers some meaningful upgrades, sure
26.67%
I'd rather buy the XM5 on sale
26.67%
I'm not a Sony audio fan
6.67%
Worth waiting for?
If you aren't keen on waiting another month just to see a six-year-old model get a mild refresh, you probably shouldn't hold your breath for the XM4C.
Instead, now that it's on sale with a 38% discount, the XM5 is a tempting alternative. This version debuted in 2022 with better ANC performance and audio quality, showing Sony's continuous innovation.
Although the XM4C could tip the scales with a slightly lower asking price, it's still worth keeping your eye out on deals on more contemporary versions if you're after new Sony headphones right now. I mean, why wait for a refreshed older model when you can get a newer product at around the same price?
Instead, now that it's on sale with a 38% discount, the XM5 is a tempting alternative. This version debuted in 2022 with better ANC performance and audio quality, showing Sony's continuous innovation.
Although the XM4C could tip the scales with a slightly lower asking price, it's still worth keeping your eye out on deals on more contemporary versions if you're after new Sony headphones right now. I mean, why wait for a refreshed older model when you can get a newer product at around the same price?
The bigger picture
I'm not convinced
The XM4 look contemporary despite their age, though. | Image by PhoneArena
For me, the jury is still out. If the upcoming Sony WH-1000XM4C ends up offering upgrades on some fronts, it might work as a cheaper alternative to the XM5 and XM6.
However, if the headphones match the specs of the XM4 (again, these are six years old!), while offering a shorter battery life, I have a hard time seeing their mainstream appeal.
And in case you want more audio news:
- The next self-proclaimed iPhone killer may be a mobile smart speaker
- Explore our full review of the Sony WH-1000XM4
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