If you once had your eye on the WH-1000XM4 but backed off as newer models kept getting pricier, this one's for you. Sony Thailand has launched the WH-1000XM4C, an over-ear noise-cancelling headphone in the 1000X series, at 10,990 baht, on sale from 19 October 2026. Sony calls it the second-generation XM4: it keeps the 2020 model's design and noise cancelling, and changes the sound and software instead.
What stays, what changes
SoundGuys reports that the active noise cancelling (ANC) hardware is unchanged, with the same four mics and QN1 chip as the XM4, and it still folds. What's new is a retuned sound closer to the XM5 and XM6, and the app EQ goes from 5 bands to 10. For sound quality you still get LDAC (wireless audio at up to 990kbps), DSEE Extreme (AI that restores detail to compressed music files) and Hi-Res Wireless Audio.
A little less battery, fast charging stays
Sony Thailand quotes up to 27 hours of battery. SoundGuys reports that's with ANC on, and 34 hours with it off, about 3 to 4 hours less than the original XM4. Sony Thailand says a 3-minute charge gives 1 hour of listening.
Colours, price and where to buy
There are three colours: Black, Platinum Silver and Lavender. Black and Silver are sold at 6 Sony Store branches, the Sony Store website and authorised dealers nationwide. Lavender is sold only at Power Buy, from 19 October to 31 December 2026. Register the product through My Sony (scan the QR code in the box) to get a 15-month warranty.
In the US it launched at US$299.99, about US$50 less than the XM4's 2020 launch price of US$349.99.
In our view, the XM4C suits anyone who wants 1000X-level ANC in a foldable, bag-friendly pair without paying flagship money. If you already own an XM4, the upgrade is hard to justify, because the core hardware is almost the same.
Adapted from TECHHaus Thailand (techhausth.com/91625), with additional details from SoundGuys and What Hi-Fi?
