Sony is bringing back one of its best-known noise-canceling headphones with a 2026 refresh. The new WH-1000XM4C, also called the M4 2nd Gen, builds on the popular WH-1000XM4 launched in 2020 while keeping much of the original's familiar design. Sony has priced the new model at $299.99.

The WH-1000XM4C retains Sony's over-ear, foldable design and its QN1 noise-canceling processor. The company has updated the sound tuning for what it says are today's listening preferences and added a 10-band equalizer, giving users more control over the headphones' sound.

Sony has also brought the headphones up to date with Bluetooth 6, while the refreshed model supports features aimed at modern listeners, including gaming-oriented audio settings. A new lavender color joins the black and platinum-silver options, with lavender offered exclusively through Sony and Amazon.

One notable trade-off is battery life. The WH-1000XM4C is rated for up to 27 hours with active noise cancellation enabled, compared with 30 hours for the original XM4. The new model does, however, use a replaceable battery design, reflecting newer European requirements around battery repairability.

At $299.99, the XM4C sits below Sony's current flagship WH-1000XM6, giving the company a mid-range option built around a design that has already developed a strong following. Sony says the headphones will arrive in the U.S. this fall through Sony, Amazon, Best Buy and other authorized retailers.

The revival is an unusual move for Sony, but it could appeal to buyers who prefer the XM4's compact folding design and established noise-canceling performance without paying flagship-level prices.