OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

Denon AH C400 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£220
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Denon AH C400 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

7.5

Very good

8.0

Excellent

5.5

Good

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
4.7
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
10
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
10
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
1.0
Ambient sound mode
4.1
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
10
Companion app
5.0
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
10
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#8 in Best Wired Headphones
#9 in Best In Ear Headphones
#209 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
#210 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The Denon AH-C400 Music Maniac in-ear headphones feature high-performance dual balanced armature drivers with a passive crossover, housed in durable zinc die-cast casings to deliver a neutral, audiophile-grade sound profile. Key technical specifications include a wide frequency response of 4Hz to 20,000Hz, an impedance of 43 Ohms, and a sensitivity of 106dB/mW, complemented by a tangle-resistant cable with an integrated microphone and remote for Apple devices. Main advantages include exceptional vocal clarity, impressive passive noise isolation—aided by included Comply foam and multiple silicone ear tips—and a lightweight 9-gram design that offers high long-term comfort. However, notable drawbacks include a non-removable cable, potential bass distortion at maximum volumes, and a high initial price point that may be steep for a dual-driver configuration.

Technical Specifications of Denon AH C400

Overall score

7.5

Show more

Hide

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

8.7

Show more

Hide

Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

balanced armature

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

Show more

Calls & Controls

5.2

Show more

Hide

Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

?

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?

Show more

Connectivity

7.6

Show more

Hide

Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Show more

Features

6.4

Show more

Hide

Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

Show more

Battery

6.0

Show more

Hide

Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

Show more

Design

10

Show more

Hide

Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Denon

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Show more

Denon AH C400 vs the average headphone

Why is Denon AH C400 better than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

Active noise cancellation
Denon AH C400 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.
Importance: HIGH
Denon AH C400 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
95.9% lower weight
Denon AH C400 is lighter than the average headphone (9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Denon AH C400 is lighter than the average headphone (9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.9 g vs 218 g
EQ customization
Denon AH C400 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.
Importance: MEDIUM
Denon AH C400 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
14 Hz lower bass extension
Denon AH C400 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Denon AH C400 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.4 Hz vs 18 Hz
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Denon AH C400 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Denon AH C400 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Denon AH C400 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Denon AH C400 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Denon AH C400 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.
Importance: LOW
Denon AH C400 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Denon AH C400 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Denon AH C400 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
95.9% lower weight
Denon AH C400 is lighter than the average headphone (9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Active noise cancellation
Denon AH C400 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
14 Hz lower bass extension
Denon AH C400 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Denon AH C400 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
16 dB higher max SPL
Denon AH C400 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (126 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Denon AH C400 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Denon AH C400 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Denon AH C400 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
EQ customization
Denon AH C400 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Calls & Controls

Why is Denon AH C400 worse than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

No neodymium magnet
Denon AH C400 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
1 fewer drivers
Denon AH C400 has fewer drivers than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
5 older release date
Denon AH C400 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
May 2012
44.4% lower user score
Denon AH C400 has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.54 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Denon AH C400 has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.54 vs 8.000).5.54 vs 8
2.44x more expensive
Denon AH C400 is more expensive than the average headphone (£220 vs £90).
Denon AH C400 is more expensive than the average headphone (£220 vs £90).£220 vs £90
No neodymium magnet
Denon AH C400 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
What it is: Uses neodymium magnets for stronger, clearer sound
When it matters: When driver construction details are part of how you compare sound hardware.
Importance: LOW
Denon AH C400 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
5 older release date
Denon AH C400 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
May 2012
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Denon AH C400 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017
1 fewer drivers
Denon AH C400 has fewer drivers than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.
Importance: LOW
Denon AH C400 has fewer drivers than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.2 vs 1

Graphic comparison of Denon AH C400 and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Denon AH C400?

Neutral and accurate sound signature ideal for audiophiles
Exceptional midrange detail and clarity
Wide and impressive soundstage for in-ear monitors
Excellent noise isolation, especially when used with included Comply foam tips
High-quality zinc die-cast housing and robust tangle-free cable
Generous accessory package including multiple tip types and a carrying case

What customers dislike about Denon AH C400?

Non-removable/non-replaceable cable is a major durability concern at this price
Reserved bass response may be insufficient for 'bassheads'
Unusual 'arm' design can cause the earpieces to stick out or fall out of the ear
Potential for minor bass distortion at very high volumes
High original retail price was considered poor value (though often discounted later)
In-line remote controls are primarily optimized for Apple devices, limiting Android functionality

Expert reviews

trustedreviews.com

19/06/2013

Denon AH-C400 Review

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Denon AH-C400 highlights these in-ear headphones as a premium, dual-micro balanced armature set designed for an accurate, analytical, and neutral sound profile rather than heavy bass. Featuring a metal construction and Comply foam tips, they offer a secure, comfortable fit that enhances passive noise isolation. The audio performance is noted for...Read more

totallydubbed.net

20/03/2013

Denon AH-C400 Earphones Review – A neutral-sounding earphone

The Denon AH-C400 is a dual balanced armature earphone that provides an exceptionally neutral tonality and an impressive, wide soundstage, making it the reviewer's top choice for listening to Electronic Dance Music (EDM). Its standout pros include excellent packaging, a high-quality selection of accessories like Comply Foam Tx-100 tips, supreme 10/10 mid-range frequencies, and...Read more

bustedwallet.com

21/01/2013

Denon AH-C400 In-Ear Headphones Review

The Denon AH-C400 In-Ear Headphones are a high-end option from Denon's Music Maniac line designed to deliver studio-quality sound and custom comfort. Built with durable zinc die-cast housings and non-tangle cables, they feature dual balanced armature drivers and come packed with seven pairs of interchangeable foam and silicone ear tips, a leather carrying case, and an integrated...Read more

uk.pcmag.com

31/08/2012

Denon Music Maniac AH-C400 In-Ear Headphones Review", "Denon Music Maniac AH-C400 In-Ear Headphones - Review

The Denon Music Maniac AH-C400 In-Ear Headphones ($349.99 list price) target audiophiles seeking a balanced, near-flat frequency response rather than heavy bass. The futuristic design features a double-coated silver cable with a built-in three-button Apple iOS remote and microphone for playback and call management. To ensure a proper seal, Denon packages the earphones with seven...Read more

denon.com

03/06/2026

Denon AH-C400 - Official Datasheet

The Denon AH-C400 is a premium, audiophile-grade in-ear headphone featuring dual balanced armature drivers housed in a lightweight zinc die-cast frame. Expert evaluations highlight its main pros as an exceptionally clear, analytical, and neutral sound signature tuned to a flat EQ, making it highly appealing to audio purists who dislike overly artificial bass boosts. It also excels...Read more

Video reviews

Best alternatives

Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

Headphones

Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

Compare Denon AH C400 with

Compare