Denon AH-C840NCW Review: How Good Are These Budget AirPods Pro Competitors?

Explore the Denon AH-C840NCW earbuds, budget-friendly rivals to AirPods Pro, with solid noise cancellation and decent sound quality.

Finding Your Place Among Earbuds

Sometimes, when diving into the world of earbuds, the landscape feels neatly divided into three camps: those trying to compete with AirPods, those aiming squarely at AirPods Pro, and then the wild cards doing their own thing. The Denon AH-C840NCW earbuds slot comfortably into that middle bracket. They’re not just another pair of wireless buds—they carry the promise of active noise cancellation and silicone tips, nudging them beyond the basic model AH-C500W and closer to the Pro-level experience.

Denon, a Japanese brand with a legacy in high-quality audio equipment like home systems and speakers, doesn’t primarily focus on personal audio gear. Yet, the AH-C840NCW shows they can hold their own, especially against big-name competition like Apple’s AirPods. While they don’t quite knock the AirPods Pro off their pedestal, they offer a worthy alternative for those who want the look and feel without the full price tag.

A Familiar Design That Feels Just Right

If you glance at the Denon AH-C840NCW, you’ll immediately sense that Apple’s design played a big role here. Think of these earbuds as near-identical twins of AirPods Pro—something that might raise eyebrows but is actually quite comforting if you’re a fan of that style. They’re light, comfortable, and snug in the ear, even if the silicone tips feel a tad on the smaller side.

Denon took a smart approach by sticking close to a proven design. Weighing just 5.1 grams each, these buds won’t weigh down your ears, making long listening sessions a breeze. However, the fit isn't flawless—during active moments like running or gym workouts, the buds needed frequent adjustment, hinting that the silicone tips might lack enough grip for vigorous use.

The carrying case complements the earbuds perfectly—compact and pebble-shaped, easy to slip in your pocket or bag. Plus, it charges via USB-C, a modern convenience that’s now a must-have.

Specs and Features: Basic But Solid

Unlike the AH-C500W, the AH-C840NCW proudly sports active noise cancellation (ANC), which is a significant upgrade. The ANC here doesn’t disappoint; it efficiently drowns out background noise without leaving annoying artifacts behind. There’s also a transparency mode—though Denon’s take felt more like a softened ANC rather than the crisp environmental awareness you get from some other brands.

The companion app, simply called "Headphones" and available on both Play Store and App Store, lets you customize touch controls, switch ANC modes, toggle LE Audio, and even pair two devices simultaneously thanks to multipoint connectivity. However, the app’s equalizer is a bit of a minimalist’s dream, offering only five bands with no presets, which might leave audio tinkerers wanting more.

Battery life holds up well—7 hours with ANC active, stretching to 10 with it off. Add the charging case, and you’re looking at 24 to 35 hours total, which comfortably beats the average true wireless earbuds in this price range.

Sound Quality: Warm and Inviting

Denon equipped these earbuds with a single 12mm driver, a tried-and-true component that delivers a warm, slightly bass-boosted sound signature. The bass is nicely deep and well-defined without overpowering the mix, and the highs stay crisp and defined. Vocals come through clearly, drums hit with good punch, and keys have a nice shimmer.

That said, the soundstage feels a bit restrained. The music doesn’t quite open up to reveal all the subtle layers and harmonies that make a track truly immersive. It’s a solid listen, but not one that will have you rediscovering your favorite albums.

One drawback: the maximum volume is on the lower side. While perfect for quiet environments like home or office, if you’re battling city noise or want to jam out loud during a workout, you might find yourself constantly nudging the volume up without much satisfaction.

Price and Value: A Mixed Bag

At roughly $220 USD, the Denon AH-C840NCW earbuds sit comfortably below Apple’s AirPods Pro price point while offering many similar features. They represent good value compared to the premium brand, but when stacked against other competitors in the same price bracket, the picture gets murkier.

Several contenders offer sturdier builds, richer feature sets, or punchier sound profiles—often all three. Denon’s earbuds hold their own but don’t provide enough extras to make them a standout bargain in a crowded market.

Should You Buy the Denon AH-C840NCW?

Denon’s AH-C840NCW earbuds are a decent pick if you want an AirPods Pro lookalike with noise cancellation without breaking the bank. Just keep in mind their limitations—the fit isn’t perfect for high-movement activities, and their feature list feels a bit barebones. If you want earbuds that mimic Apple’s style without matching the price, these are worth a look, but don’t expect them to outshine the competition.

Other Options to Consider

• OnePlus Buds 4: Offering arguably the best noise cancellation in this price range, they match Denon’s price but deliver a richer bass experience.
• Skullcandy Method 360: Known for a robust in-ear fit, powerful bass, and long battery life, these earbuds bring a unique sound profile and rugged design.
• Nothing Ear (1): A feature-packed choice with a distinctive sound, though battery life is a notable weakness. They often sit around the same price point as Denon’s buds.

My Testing Routine

I spent two weeks with the Denon AH-C840NCW, immediately after reviewing the AH-C500W. My testing environments spanned home, office, gym, outdoor runs, and public transit. I connected the earbuds to my Android device and ran the gamut of streaming apps like Spotify, YouTube, Netflix, and several games.

The earbuds performed reliably in most scenarios, though the fit challenges became most apparent during workouts and outdoor movement.

“Denon AH-C840NCW earbuds carry the promise of active noise cancellation and silicone tips, nudging them closer to a Pro-level experience.”
— Personal Audio Enthusiast

Ready to relive the charm of classic album covers while enjoying your music? Browse and shop your favorite album cover posters at our store to bring that iconic vibe into your space!

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the battery life of Denon AH-C840NCW with active noise cancellation?
  The earbuds provide about 7 hours of playback with ANC enabled, extending to 24 hours with the charging case.
• How effective is the noise cancellation on these earbuds?
  Denon’s ANC effectively reduces background noise and offers a transparency mode, though the latter is softer compared to other brands.
• Do the earbuds fit securely for workouts?
  The fit is comfortable but may require frequent adjustments during vigorous activities due to the silicone tips' material.
• Can I customize the sound profile?
  Yes, via the Denon "Headphones" app, which includes a 5-band equalizer without presets.
• Are these earbuds water-resistant?
  They have an IPX4 rating, which protects against light splashes but not heavy water exposure.