Your XM4s have served you well, but ANC tech has moved on and batteries degrade. Here's whether it's time - and what to get next.
Our picks are based on published specs, verified user reviews, and hands-on experience where noted. We always recommend checking product details and reading reviews relevant to your specific needs before purchasing. How we research · Editorial policy
The XM4 was excellent when it launched. But after 2-3 years of daily use, most owners hit the same wall: ANC that doesn't block as much as it used to (newer competitors have passed it), a battery that barely lasts a workday, and ear pads that have gone flat. If that sounds familiar, the current options are a genuine step up.
The natural successor. Everything you liked about the XM4, noticeably improved across the board.
The budget-smart move - your aging XM4 might actually perform worse than these brand new.
The audiophile move - if the XM4's sound was never quite enough, this is the upgrade.
| Feature | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Soundcore Space Q45 | Sennheiser Momentum 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $248 (original $349) | $399 | $149 | $349 |
| Noise Cancellation | Yes (HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1) | Yes (Auto NC Optimizer) | Yes (3 modes) | Yes (Adaptive) |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (new), ~20 hours (degraded) | 30 hours | 50 hours | 60 hours |
| Codecs | 5.0 (LDAC, AAC, SBC) | 5.3 (LDAC, AAC, SBC) | 5.3 (LDAC, AAC, SBC) | 5.2 (aptX, AAC, SBC) |
| Multipoint | No | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) |
| Weight | 254g | 254g | 295g | 293g |
If your XM4 battery is fading, ear pads are flat, and you're noticing more background noise, don't keep limping along. The XM6 ($399) is the natural successor if you want the best overall. The Space Q45 ($149) is the smart pick if budget matters. The Momentum 4 ($349) is for anyone who wishes their headphones sounded better. All three are a meaningful step up from a 2+ year old XM4.
Sony sells replacement pads for about $30. Fixes comfort but won't help with battery degradation or the widening ANC gap. Reasonable short-term fix if everything else is fine.
The XM5 goes for $279-299 on sale and offers better ANC, multipoint, and lighter weight. Solid upgrade. Worth it if you find it under $280 - though the XM6 is worth the extra $100 if you can stretch.
Sony typically does a new flagship every 2 years. If your XM4 still works and you can tolerate its current state, waiting could get you a deal on the XM6 when the next model drops. But don't suffer through another year of declining performance.