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You next over-ear headphones? Sony launches a trio of models aimed at premium, mid-range and entry-level budgets
It’s the return of the king. That’s right, Sony has just announced a trio of premium, mid-range and entry-level new additions to its wireless headphone catalogue – including an upgraded resurrection of the brand’s market-dominating WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones.
The selection of new WH-CH530, WH-CH730N and WH-1000XM4C models span a range of price points to suit everyone. But perhaps the most exciting new model comes in the form of Sony’s WH-1000XM4C. Back in 2021, we branded the original WH-1000XM4 model as the “reigning king of the headphone market”, with “masterful noise cancellation, street-ready design and extraordinary levels of intelligent fine-tuning”. Now, they’re back, promising even richer sound.
The only downside might be the dip in battery life; with the older model’s battery no longer complying with EU battery regulations, WH-1000XM4C headphones will last you 27 hours rather than 30. However, everything else is the same, or an upgrade. With the same 40mm driver, 10-band equaliser, updated sound tuning and Sony’s tried-and-trusted noise cancellation, you can’t really go wrong.
The WH-1000XM4C headphones also come in a nice selection of colours. Sony has a knack for balancing a more neutral palette with the odd sprinkle of colour, so you can either go for a professional Black or Platinum Silver, or you can show some personality with a pop of Lavender. This premium model will set you back by £219.
If you’re more keen to grab some headphones with crazy battery life, however, Sony’s mid-range option may be a better fit for you. The WH-CH730N promises up to 75 hours of battery life, dropping to a still pretty respectable 50 if you’re taking advantage of the model’s noise cancellation. They also boast Sony’s top-quality sound, as well as a lightweight, foldable design.
The WH-CH730N’s also come with ambient sound abilities (which Sony dubs as its ‘transparency mode’), making it a great option for commuters or people who want great sound quality without blocking out their surroundings. Similar to the WH-1000XM4C, there’s also some level of sound customisation, like a 10-band equaliser and presets geared towards gaming, as well as microphone improvements for calls.
In terms of price, The WH-CH730N costs £100. And you’ve got a range of colourways to choose from, from classic Black, White and Beige, to brighter Pink or Blue.
As for the entry-level WH-CH530, these £50 headphones pack plenty of punch into their lower price point. Serving as an evolution of the WH-CH520, these headphones are sure to be a hit; the original model has been praised across the board, even ranking in The Telegraph’s 2025 rundown of top budget headphones, so tweaking a few details to make them even better is great news for those who want Sony sound quality at an affordable price point.
Improvements include 55 hour of battery life, better call quality and customisable sound. However, Sony hasn’t introduced noise cancellation – so, if that’s a deal-breaker, definitely think about works best for you. Other than that, you’re good to go, and you can choose from a selection of classic and playful colours, including Cobalt, Coral and Mint.
For more information, head to Sony.
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