OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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Denon AH NCW500 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£350Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:10 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

Denon AH NCW500 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

7.5

Overall score

Score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Score components

80%

7.9

Technical score

20%

6.0

User score

â–²Better than 83% of headphones
7.9

Technical score

Technical score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components

52%

9.3

Sound

20%

5.9

Features

10%

6.9

Design

8%

6.7

Connectivity

6%

4.7

Battery

4%

8.6

Calls & Controls

★Better than 90% of headphones
6.0

User score

User score
6.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

User ratings

30%

5.0

Number of reviews

Based on 98 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 97% of headphones
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Denon AH NCW500

Technical score
Technical score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components:

52%

9.3

Sound

20%

5.9

Features

10%

6.9

Design

8%

6.7

Connectivity

6%

4.7

Battery

4%

8.6

Calls & Controls

7.9
User score
User score
6.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

User ratings

30%

5.0

Number of reviews

Based on 98 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
6.0
Popularity
Popularity
5.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Popularity:
Denon AH NCW500 has a popularity score of 5 points, which is lower than that of 58.9% of products in this category.
5.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components:

60%

7.5

Overall score

40%

8.7

Price

7.9
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
â–² Better than 73% of models
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Driver size
40 mm
â–² Better than 29% of models
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Number of drivers
1
â–¼ Worse than 4% of models
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
5 Hz
Lowest frequency
5 Hz
â–² Better than 86% of models
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
â–² Better than 61% of models
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
Can be used as a headset
yes
â–² Better than 15% of models
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
2
Number of microphones
2
â–² Better than 78% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 2 microphones, more microphones than 77.9% of headphones and equal to 8.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
Boom microphone
no
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
Connectivity
wireless
â–² Better than 51% of models
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
3
Bluetooth version
3
â–² Better than 56% of models
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 3, newer Bluetooth version than 55.5% of headphones and equal to 1.7% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
?
Audio latency
?
Multipoint support
yes
Multipoint support
yes
â–² Better than 69% of models
This pair of headphones supports multipoint. 69.4% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
Ambient sound mode
no
â–¼ Worse than 25% of models
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
yes
EQ support
yes
â–² Better than 77% of models
This pair of headphones supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
yes
Companion app
yes
â–² Better than 78% of models
This pair of headphones works with a companion app. 78.4% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
Voice assistant support
no
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
10 hours
Battery life
10 hours
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 10 hours, lower battery life than 89.8% of headphones and equal to 2.6% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
10 hours
Battery life with ANC
10 hours
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life with ANC of 10 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 95.4% of headphones and equal to 1.2% of headphones.
Charging time
2 hours
Charging time
2 hours
â–² Better than 48% of models
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 2 hours to charge, lower charging time than 47.8% of headphones and equal to 39% of headphones.
Quick charge
no
Quick charge
no
â–¼ Worse than 33% of models
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
530 mAh
Battery capacity
530 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 530 mAh, lower battery capacity than 53.7% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Denon
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
270 g
Weight
270 g
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 270 g, heavier than 70.2% of headphones and equal to 0.9% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Denon AH NCW500 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Hi-Res Audio certification
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • EQ customization
    EQ support
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • Companion app support
    Companion app
    yes
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    5 Hz
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Multipoint support
    Multipoint support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • 10 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    112 dB/mW
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • More flexible connectivity
    Connectivity
    wireless
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • Foldable design
    Foldable
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Hi-Res Audio certification
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    5 Hz
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 10 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    112 dB/mW
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    112 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 17,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Highest frequency
    37,000 Hz
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <20k Hz – >40k Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (37000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.
    37,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 10x higher input power handling
    Max input power
    1,000 mW
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <10 mW – >1.6k mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (1000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    1,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • USB-C charging
    USB Type-C
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This pair of headphones uses USB-C charging, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.5% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Play while charging
    Play while charging
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This pair of headphones can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Has a rechargeable battery
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Multipoint support
    Multipoint support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Connectivity
    wireless
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • AAC codec support
    AAC
    yes
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • AptX support
    aptX
    yes
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • Multipoint connections
    Multipoint connections
    yes
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint connections, while the average pair of headphones does not. 30.2% of headphones support multipoint connections.
  • Clear call microphone
    Noise-canceling microphone
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    On-device controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 1 more microphones
    Number of microphones
    2
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • Quick mic mute
    Mute function
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • EQ customization
    EQ support
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • Companion app support
    Companion app
    yes
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • No voice assistant support
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 20 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    10 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (10 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    10 hours vs 30 hours
  • 20 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Battery life with ANC
    10 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (10 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    10 hours vs 30 hours
  • 23.9% higher weight
    Weight
    270 g
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (270 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    270 g vs 218 g
  • 33.7% lower user score
    User score
    6.0/ 10
    ✕
    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.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Denon AH NCW500
    the average pair of headphones
    Denon AH NCW500 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (5.98 vs 8.000).
    5.98 vs 8
  • 3.89x more expensive
    Denon AH NCW500 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£350 vs £90).
    £350 vs £90
  • 4 older release date
    Release date
    2012
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    November 2012
    2012 vs 2016
  • 33.7% lower user score
    User score
    6.0/ 10
    ✕
    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.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Denon AH NCW500
    the average pair of headphones
    Denon AH NCW500 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (5.98 vs 8.000).
    5.98 vs 8
  • 3.89x more expensive
    Denon AH NCW500 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£350 vs £90).
    £350 vs £90
  • 23.9% higher weight
    Weight
    270 g
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (270 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    270 g vs 218 g
  • 20 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    10 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (10 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    10 hours vs 30 hours
  • 20 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Battery life with ANC
    10 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (10 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    10 hours vs 30 hours
  • No voice assistant support
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 4 older release date
    Release date
    2012
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    November 2012
    2012 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
totallydubbed.net
23/12/2012
Summary of the review
Review of the Denon AH-NCW500 Bluetooth Headphones
A
avguide.ch
08/04/2013
Summary of the review
Test of 8 Noise-Cancelling Headphones - Sound of Silence
(Translated)Show original
O
on-mag.fr
06/08/2013
Summary of the review
Denon AH-NCW500: Luxury Noise-Canceling Headphones for Frequent Flyers
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 98 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Denon AH NCW500

  • Outstanding audio fidelity with strong bass performance
  • Highly comfortable pentagon-shaped memory foam ear pads
  • Intuitive integrated control wheel for wireless volume and playback
  • Impressive Bluetooth range and stable connectivity
  • Long-lasting battery life (up to 10 hours) for frequent travel
  • Excellent build quality and premium aesthetics
  • Includes a high-quality carrying case with useful travel accessories

What we don't like about Denon AH NCW500

  • High retail price point compared to similar competitors
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC) is often described as weak or ineffective
  • Bulky, on-ear design that does not fold for compact storage
  • Significant sound leakage can disturb nearby individuals
  • Control wheel functionality is disabled when using the wired audio cable
  • Only supports USB charging with no direct wall outlet option
  • Volume level may not be loud enough for some users

Verdict

The Denon AH-NCW500 Globe Cruiser is a travel-oriented on-ear headphone featuring 40mm dynamic drivers, Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity with aptX and AAC decoding, and active noise cancellation. Key technical specifications include a wide frequency response of 5Hz to 37,000Hz, a sensitivity of 112 dB/mW, and an impedance of 100 ohms when powered on. Weighing approximately 270g, it is designed for comfort with pentagonal memory foam ear pads and a dual-axis earcup articulation that folds flat into a compact leather carrying case. Its main pros include an integrated amplifier, a unique control wheel for volume and playback, dual microphones for clear calls, and a battery life of up to 10 hours with both Bluetooth and noise-canceling active. However, common cons cited by users include a high initial price point, relatively weak noise-canceling performance compared to competitors, and a sound signature that can be overly bass-heavy or muffled in certain modes.

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