Denon has just introduced two new sets of true wireless earbuds—the AH-C500W and the AH-C840NCW—giving listeners a couple of new choices that aim to balance everyday convenience with the latest in Bluetooth tech. Both models are set to launch on April 15 and are designed for different listening preferences, whether you want to stay aware of your surroundings or block everything out and tune in.
While the two earbuds look pretty similar on the outside, the biggest difference comes down to how they fit and what kind of experience you’re looking for. One is an open-ear design (great for comfort and awareness), and the other includes active noise cancellation (for those moments when you just want peace and quiet). Both offer wireless charging, splash resistance, and support some newer Bluetooth features that could become a lot more useful in the near future.
First up is the AH-C500W, which comes in at $99 / £99 / €99. These earbuds don’t seal off your ear canal—instead, they rest just outside it, a bit like Apple’s regular AirPods. That makes them a nice option if you’re the type who likes to hear what’s going on around you, whether you’re walking, working, or commuting.
Inside, Denon has included 12mm FreeEdge drivers (the same ones used in the more expensive model) to help deliver full, balanced sound. There are also two microphones in each earbud to help with clearer voice calls.
Battery life is solid, with up to 24 hours of total playback time when you include the charging case. A quick 10-minute charge can give you an extra hour of listening time—handy when you're in a rush. The AH-C500W also has an IPX4 rating, which means it can handle light rain or sweat without trouble. It supports wireless charging, too, which is always a nice touch.
Another feature that stands out here is support for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast. LE Audio is the next version of Bluetooth—it’s supposed to sound better while using less power. Auracast is all about audio sharing, meaning you can eventually connect to shared audio streams, whether it’s a public announcement or someone else’s playlist.
If you prefer earbuds that go a bit deeper and give you more control over your listening environment, the AH-C840NCW might be more your speed. These are priced at $159 / £159 / €159 and include adaptive hybrid noise cancellation—so they actively block out background noise—as well as a transparency mode for those times you still want to hear what’s going on around you.
Just like the C500W, these have 12mm drivers and dual microphones on each side. But since they’re in-ear rather than open, they also come with three sizes of soft silicone ear tips to help you get a secure, comfortable fit.
Battery life gets a bump here, too. You’ll get up to 35 hours of total listening time with the case, and a quick five-minute charge will buy you another hour of use. Like the more affordable model, these are IPX4-rated and support wireless charging, Bluetooth LE Audio, and Auracast.
Regardless of which one you pick, both earbuds come with multipoint connectivity. That means you can stay connected to two devices at once—say your phone and your laptop—without constantly switching back and forth. It’s a small feature that can make a big difference if you’re using them throughout the day for different tasks.
And while Auracast isn’t a must-have just yet, it’s one of those things that might be a lot more relevant soon. As more devices roll out with support for it, you’ll be able to share your audio with others or tune in to shared streams in public spaces, which could be pretty convenient down the line.
Both the AH-C500W and AH-C840NCW come in black or white and will be available starting April 15 through Denon’s official site, online retailers, and select stores.
