Sony XM4 in 2026: Old Junk or a Budget Cheat Code for Audiophiles?
I'm holding the Sony WH-1000XM4 in my hand. Released in 2020. It is now 2026. In tech years, this thing should be a fossil displayed in a museum.
But the question isn't "Is this an old headphone?". The question is: "Are you willing to pay $400 for a new headphone that actually has fewer features than this old beast?"
The answer: YES, the Sony XM4 is still worth it. But there are terms and conditions applied—sweaty ones. Let's dissect it.
The Price Reality: From King to Commoner
Back when it launched, this thing cost IDR 5 Million ($350). That's a lot of money just to listen to sad songs. But in 2026, the second-hand market is flooded with them.
You can find a mint condition used unit for IDR 1.5 million to 2 million. Even a "New Old Stock" unit is only around IDR 3 million.
The price crashed faster than your crypto portfolio, but the features you get still absolutely crush those cheap earbuds you're so proud of.
Why Is It Still King? (The Pros)
There is one thing that makes the XM4 win effortlessly against its own successor (XM5) and the Apple AirPods Max: It FOLDS.
Seriously, the "folding" feature has gone extinct in modern high-end headphones. The XM4 collapses into a tiny ball, fits in a small bag, and doesn't take up space. Practicality wins.
Also, the ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) is still top tier. Jet engine noise, loud exhausts, or your boss complaining? Gone.
Plus, Multipoint. Connect to your Phone and Laptop simultaneously. Work becomes seamless, no need to disconnect-reconnect like a caveman.
The Dark Side: Sauna and Peeling Skin
But don't celebrate yet. There's a reason it's cheap.
- The Skin Disease (Earpads): The stock earpads are trash. After a year or two, the synthetic leather WILL peel (flake). You will find black debris on your ears and neck like black dandruff. Solution? Buy third-party earpads.
- The Sauna Effect: If you wear these walking under the Jakarta sun, your ears will drown in sweat. Air circulation is zero. These are headphones for AC rooms, not for street food stalls.
Verdict
The conclusion is simple: If you want $350 features but your wallet can only afford a student budget, the Sony XM4 is the cheat code. Just be prepared to replace the ear foams every year.
