Compare · Updated 1 Nov 2026
Sony WH-1000XM4C vs Sony WH-1000XM5
Get the XM4C. Brand new, folds small, swappable battery, and none of the XM5's hinge trouble. The XM5 sounds a touch clearer and lasts a few hours longer, that's all.
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Which one is for you?
Sony XM4C
Travel, a pair that folds small and a battery you can replace: that's the XM4C.
Is the Sony WH-1000XM4C worth it?Sony XM5
Get the XM5 for a better deal on the day, a clearer sound and a few more hours.
Is the Sony WH-1000XM5 worth it?Key differences
Sony XM4CSony XM5
Sound
Musical, balanced
Clearer, more open✓
Folds small
Yes✓
Only flat
Battery (noise cancelling on)
About 27 hours, replaceable
About 30 hours
Build
Proven XM4 design✓
Hinges can crack
Price
Similar
Similar on sale
Related pages
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 1 Nov 2026How we decide