Denon AH-C500W True Wireless Open-Ear Headphones

The Denon AH-C500W is an open true wireless headphone that combines Denon sound with a design that leaves your ear canal free.

Instead of sealing the ear canal like classic in-ears, the AH-C500W sits open on the ear – you hear music and your surroundings at the same time. This is the entry price point in Denon's true wireless line-up, and at the same time the only open model in the range.

Why the AH-C500W?

A 12mm bio-cellulose driver with free-edge suspension – the same driver technology as in the AH-C840NCW – delivers a mature sound despite the open design. Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC, SBC and LC3 makes it Auracast-capable and supports multipoint, so you can switch between two devices without re-pairing.

Because nothing sits in the ear canal, ambient sounds automatically stay audible – handy in traffic, at the office or during sport, whenever you don't want to be completely cut off.

What you hear

A clear, balanced sound with surprisingly present bass for an open design. Naturally, more ambient sound bleeds into the music with open earbuds than with sealed in-ears – that's the design principle, not a flaw.

Who is the AH-C500W for?

For anyone who doesn't want to, or shouldn't, block out their surroundings while listening to music – at the office, jogging along the road, or cycling in everyday life. Straight talk: anyone seeking maximum bass isolation or active noise cancellation is better off with the AH-C830NCW or AH-C840NCW – an open earbud can't and doesn't aim to offer ANC-level quiet.

Our verdict

The AH-C500W is a deliberate alternative to the classic in-ear: less isolation, but more everyday practicality and safety in traffic. For anyone looking for the open design principle, it's a fair entry point with solid sound. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we're happy to explain the difference from the closed Denon models.

Technical specifications

• Type: True wireless headphones, open design
• Driver: 12 mm, bio-cellulose, free-edge
• Bluetooth: 5.3
• Codecs: AAC, SBC, LC3 (Auracast-capable)
• Noise cancelling: none (open design)
• Earbud battery life: up to 7 hrs.
• Battery life with charging case: up to 24 hrs. total
• Charging: USB-C as well as wireless, charging case fully charged in approx. 3 hrs.
• Protection rating: IPX4
• Weight: 4.5 g per earbud, charging case 50 g
• Included: left and right earbuds, wirelessly chargeable charging case, USB-C charging cable, quick start guide

Frequently asked questions

How does the AH-C500W differ from a classic in-ear?

It sits open on the ear instead of sealing the ear canal. This means ambient sounds automatically remain audible – good for safety in traffic or conversations along the way, but without the bass isolation and quiet of a sealed in-ear or ANC model.

Can I wear the AH-C500W for sport?

Yes, with IPX4 it's protected against sweat and splashing water, and the open design lets you hear traffic noise while jogging or cycling. It's not designed for swimming or water sports.

Why buy the Denon AH-C500W at HD Zürisee?

Because we honestly tell you whether open earbuds are the right choice for your everyday life – or whether a closed ANC model suits you better. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil advises you independently, by phone or WhatsApp.

Goes well with

More headphones from Denon, including models with active noise cancellation.