The WH-1000XM4C weighs 46 g more than the WH-CH730N on Sony's specifications. Its approximate UK launch price was £119 higher. Those differences are straightforward to calculate; whether either matters in your routine is the more useful comparison.
We have not physically compared these headphones. This is a feature comparison with our own arithmetic and use-case analysis, followed by links to separately attributed physical reviews.
Put the launch figures in one place
The inputs come from Sony's CH730N page, XM4C page and 7 September UK announcement. The prices are approximate launch figures, not current seller quotes.
| Documented item | WH-CH730N | WH-1000XM4C |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 207 g | 253 g |
| Folding design | Yes | Yes |
| Advertised playback maximum | Up to 50 hours with ANC | Up to 27 hours; check stated conditions |
| Approximate UK launch price | £100 | £219 |
Calculate the difference without inventing a verdict
Subtracting the weights gives 253 − 207 = 46 g. Relative to the CH730N, the increase is 46 ÷ 207 × 100 = 22.2%, rounded. That is a comparison of mass. It is not a measurement of comfort or pressure, and it cannot tell us how either headband fits you.
For launch price, £219 − £100 = £119. The XM4C was 2.19 times the CH730N's approximate UK launch price. It does not follow that it was 2.19 times as enjoyable or useful. The arithmetic identifies the additional expenditure; the features and your priorities must explain what it buys.
Battery maxima need more care. Two advertised durations are not a controlled test with matched settings. Compare the stated conditions before making a runtime claim, then consider your actual interval between charging opportunities.
Give the bag and charging routine real entries
Write down the longest listening period you need between charges and where the folded pair will travel. A one-hour journey in each direction over five days requires ten listening hours in this illustrative schedule. Standby and your chosen settings still matter; the schedule is a requirement, not a predicted result for either model.
The XM4C listing includes a carry case and two-device multipoint. If those features matter, inspect how you would use them. If they do not, they have less work to do in justifying the current price difference.
Keep physical-test evidence in its own column
Our CH730N roundup and XM4C roundup attribute What Hi-Fi?'s findings to its respective reviews. They can help identify fit, sound and noise-reduction questions without becoming a direct MP3Raid head-to-head test.
Finish the comparison with today's final local prices, including delivery and required accessories. Then name the particular advantage you would pay extra for. If the answer is unclear, a larger model number and a longer feature list have not settled the decision.