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Sometimes, older is better.
At 8.7, its noise cancelling beats 84% of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 62 of the 241 we've cataloged.
No one has reported on this one yet.
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below average for over-ear headphones — based on 157 of 241 we've cataloged.
6.0 appears on 6% of the 149 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 241).
Bluetooth is the most common — on 44% of the 242 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 241).
below average for over-ear headphones — based on 200 of 241 we've cataloged.
Objective measurements from the SoundGuys test lab — overlay other models to see how this one compares.
Measured frequency response (dB relative) against the SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve. When the measurement goes above the dashed line, that frequency is louder than our preference curve, and when it goes below: it's quieter. Use the curve for comparison purposes only, as your taste may vary.
| Frequency (Hz) | Response (dB) |
|---|---|
| 20 | 7.6 |
| 25 | 7.8 |
| 32 | 7.5 |
| 40 | 6.8 |
| 50 | 5.9 |
| 63 | 4.8 |
| 80 | 4.0 |
| 100 | 3.8 |
| 125 | 3.2 |
| 160 | 1.3 |
| 200 | 0.5 |
| 250 | -0.2 |
| 315 | -1.0 |
| 400 | -2.3 |
| 500 | -1.7 |
| 630 | -2.1 |
| 800 | -2.3 |
| 1000 | -0.1 |
| 1250 | 0.1 |
| 1600 | 0.7 |
| 2000 | 1.3 |
| 2500 | 3.3 |
| 3150 | 7.4 |
| 4000 | 9.5 |
| 5000 | 7.8 |
| 6300 | 3.3 |
| 8000 | 5.0 |
| 10000 | 7.3 |
| 12500 | 0.2 |
| 16000 | -0.5 |
| 20000 | -9.5 |
Passive isolation (dB) with ANC off — how much ambient noise the fit blocks on its own. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | 3.4 |
| 26 | 0.5 |
| 33 | 0.4 |
| 41 | 0.7 |
| 52 | 0.5 |
| 65 | 1.1 |
| 82 | 0.1 |
| 103 | -1.6 |
| 130 | -1.0 |
| 163 | -1.4 |
| 205 | 0.8 |
| 259 | 3.1 |
| 325 | 7.9 |
| 410 | 8.3 |
| 516 | 12.3 |
| 613 | 19.1 |
| 772 | 21.1 |
| 972 | 24.3 |
| 1220 | 30.2 |
| 1540 | 31.4 |
| 1940 | 26.9 |
| 2440 | 29.6 |
| 3070 | 27.5 |
| 3870 | 36.4 |
| 4870 | 43.5 |
| 6130 | 38.8 |
| 7720 | 42.4 |
| 9720 | 40.8 |
| 12200 | 43.1 |
| 15400 | 44.6 |
| 19400 | 37.3 |
Total attenuation (dB) with ANC on — passive isolation plus active noise cancelling. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Total attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | 5.8 |
| 26 | 8.2 |
| 33 | 17.4 |
| 41 | 22.0 |
| 52 | 27.2 |
| 65 | 29.0 |
| 82 | 27.6 |
| 103 | 26.7 |
| 130 | 29.9 |
| 163 | 29.9 |
| 205 | 25.5 |
| 259 | 30.7 |
| 325 | 28.4 |
| 410 | 27.0 |
| 516 | 30.4 |
| 613 | 29.5 |
| 772 | 21.8 |
| 972 | 23.1 |
| 1220 | 25.0 |
| 1540 | 33.8 |
| 1940 | 27.5 |
| 2440 | 29.2 |
| 3070 | 24.8 |
| 3870 | 34.8 |
| 4870 | 46.5 |
| 6130 | 38.6 |
| 7720 | 40.5 |
| 9720 | 42.5 |
| 12200 | 44.5 |
| 15400 | 44.1 |
| 19400 | 37.0 |
The verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM4C is a solid refresh of a classic set of wireless headphones, with updated hardware and performance for 2026.
✓Liked: Price, Effective ANC, Bluetooth 6.0
✕Could be better: No battery care feature, No Auracast
Nobody who owns the Sony WH-1000XM4C has written in yet.
Owner reviews are not paid for, not solicited from specific owners, and not rewritten by us: at most we proofread typos, which is shown on the review’s own page and which the author can undo. The commission SoundGuys may earn on this page comes from retail links, never from owner reviews.
Own the Sony WH-1000XM4C?
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What readers ask about the Sony WH-1000XM4C, answered by the people who own it.
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Ask the first question →Video reviews and comparisons for this product.
Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
Adam BirneyManaging EditorI didn’t love the Sony 1000X The Collexion until I tried this settingSometimes the best upgrade is already hiding in the app.
Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterClip-on earbuds fixed my biggest issue with open-earsClip-on earbuds offer a secure fit, better sound, and zero pressure.
Brady SnyderContributorI ditched my AirPods Pro 3 for Sony's WF-1000XM6 and only lasted a weekI thought the more expensive earbuds would win. I was wrong.Dave CarrVideo Producer/Writer3 headphones I would buy instead of the AirPods Max 2These premium headphones deliver class-leading ANC, longer battery life, and more flexibility for less money.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterSony somehow made the name of its new headphones even worseNobody knows what it means, but it's provocative.Adam BirneyManaging EditorWired headphones are making a comeback: Here's whyIt's about time wired earbuds and headphones had their redemption moment.
Lil KatzContributorI've reviewed headphones for over a decade: Here are 5 things I wish they did differentlyHeadphone companies: help me help you
Christian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasEditor-at-large
1 of 2 would buy again
2 owners · owners report ~40 h per charge vs 40 h claimed
The noise cancelling beat their expectations
Expected more from comfort
1 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
Nothing surprising about comfort
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner · 1 photo-verified
Expected more from comfort
0 of 2 would buy again
2 owners · 2 photo-verified
The noise cancelling beat their expectations
The battery beat their expectations
