Last year, we said the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones were still surprisingly good by 2025 standards, but this year, Sony’s done us one better.
For the first time in the history of the WH-1000X line, Sony is updating an older pair of flagship headphones with a second generation: the Sony WH-1000XM4C headphones. Priced at $299.99, these are an alternative to the current $450 XM6 flagships, while offering some upgrades on their older counterpart that bring them firmly into the 2026 market.
Budget-friendly offerings don’t stop there. Sony also announced the WH-CH730N headphones, the latest generation of the mid-range line, which will retail for $179.99, and the even more affordable WH-CH530, which goes for $69.99. Both headphones are available for purchase as of Sept. 7. In addition to the standard rollout, Sony will also offer special limited Hello Kitty editions of these two headphones, alongside a Hello Kitty edition for the XM6 headphones.
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Below, find everything you need to know about all the new Sony launches.
Sony WH-1000XM4C headphones: Price, specs, where to buy
Credit: Sony
In the early 2020s, the original Sony XM4 headphones were the headphones on social media. Sony noticed their popularity, particularly among younger users, and thus decided to bring back the magic with the Sony WH-1000XM4C.
At $299.99, they’re cheaper than the premium flagship options (which on average are $450), and even $60 less than Bose’s new mid-range option.
Noise cancellation-wise, they house the same QN1 processor and four-microphone system as the first-generation headphones, so you can expect the same performance there. However, Sony upped the sound quality with a 10-band equalizer (compared to the first gen’s five bands), an updated sound profile, and a gaming equalizer preset. Like the originals, they also feature folding ear cups. They do take a slight battery life hit, offering 27 hours of playback to the first generation’s 30 hours.
The headphones will be available later this fall at Sony, Amazon, and Best Buy.
Sony WH-CH730N: Price, specs, where to buy
Credit: Sony
The Sony WH-CH730N sit at a more affordable price point of $179.99. While the noise cancellation and sound quality won’t be quite as the same level as Sony’s more expensive options, these headphones still pack a punch.
They offer 50 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation on, foldable ear cups for easy portability, custom equalizer settings, and multipoint connection. Plus, for less than $200, they’re a pretty solid value. Their predecessor, the WH-CH720N, were a favorite sub-$200 pick of Mashable’s.
The WH-CH730N are available as of Sept. 7 at Amazon and Sony in five colorways: black, white, pink, blue, and oat.
Sony WH-CH530: Price, specs, where to buy
Credit: Sony
Updates reached even Sony’s most affordable line of headphones. The Sony WH-CH530 are available as of Sept. 7 for $69.99 at Amazon and Sony.
Mashable has long been a fan of the WH-CH520, which you can often find on sale for $50 or less. Note: these headphones do not come with ANC. The CH-530 improve on the past generation by bumping the 50-hour battery life up to 55 hours, adding a 10-band equalizer and gaming equalizer preset, and adding AI noise reduction to the mic for improved call quality.
The headphones are available in six colors: black, cobalt, white, pink, mint, and coral.
Sony x Hello Kitty collab: What to know and where to buy
Credit: Sony
Sony has one final surprise: For a limited time during the holiday season, Hello Kitty editions of the WH-1000XM6, WH-CH730N, and WH-CH530 will be available, featuring a unique colorway and case design.
These editions aren’t available just yet, but you can sign up to be notified as soon as preorder information goes live.
