Denon launches £219 AH-C820W wireless neckbud headphones

Neckbud-style headphones are, like true wireless headphones, becoming increasingly prevalent in the market, and Denon is encouraging that trend with its new AH-C820W.

These neckbuds are the first headphones to combine dual drivers with the brand’s patented Denon Double Air Compression technology, which sees a 11.5mm driver positioned in front of a second driver, supposedly allowing greater movement of air tighter control of bass performance. 

Denon has worked to damp vibrations by mounting the drivers in a die-cast zinc and resin housings, and ports at their rear are designed to help equalise air pressure behind the drivers to reduce distortion.

Low-latency aptX Bluetooth provides a wireless connection between the headphones and your source, while a USB cable offers wired listening and charging. Speaking of which, they offer a claimed rechargeable battery offers 10 hours of listening.

The neckband’s vibrate function can alert owners of incoming calls on a paired phone, too, and the Denon Audio app opens doors to various functionality, including audio optimisation for the connected portable device, a player interface for playlists and play queues, and access to TuneIn Radio.

Last but not least, the AH-C820Ws are fitted with Comply TZ500 memory foam ear-tips, of which there are five supplied sizes.

The AH-C820Ws (£219) will be available in December.

MORE: Black Friday deals: Save on Award-winning Denon AV receivers

Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10 years in the hi-fi industry, she has been fortunate enough to travel the world to report on the biggest and most exciting brands in hi-fi and consumer tech (and has had the jetlag and hangovers to remember them by). In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.