The OnTrac is Dyson’s latest product in the high-end headphone market. Dyson is well-known for its cutting-edge technology in vacuums and other household appliances. Dyson’s last attempt at wireless noise-canceling headphones, the Zone air-purifying headphones, costed substantially more and had an exclusive air filtration system. These headphones, priced at $500, are much less expensive.
The Dyson OnTrac headphones come without the distinctive visor and air induction system that characterized the Zone model. Instead, they focus purely on audio quality and active noise cancellation (ANC), making them more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. Despite the absence of the air-purifying feature, Dyson has retained its commitment to customization with the OnTrac.
Available in three primary aluminum-based colors—CNC aluminum, copper, and nickel—along with a ceramic-based version called Ceramic Cinnabar, the OnTrac offers consumers the option to personalize their headphones further. Dyson provides additional outer ear cap and ear cushion pairs in various colors for $50 per pair, allowing for over 2,000 possible combinations. This customization not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also caters to individual preferences in style.
In terms of sound quality, Dyson has equipped the OnTrac with 40mm drivers capable of reproducing frequencies from 6Hz to 21kHz. This wide frequency range promises “deep sub-bass that you can feel” along with clear highs, ensuring a rich and detailed audio experience. The drivers are angled 13 degrees towards the ears within the earcups, aiming to optimize acoustic performance and immersion.
Building on its reputation for cutting-edge technology, Dyson has integrated advanced ANC into the OnTrac headphones. Claiming a reduction of up to 40 decibels, Dyson utilizes eight microphones that sample the surrounding environment 384,000 times per second. This sophisticated noise-cancelling system aims to provide a superior listening experience, blocking out external distractions effectively.
New to the OnTrac is real-time sound tracking through Dyson’s MyDyson companion app, which monitors both in-ear and external volume levels. This feature alerts users to potentially harmful sound levels, enhancing awareness and promoting safe listening practices. Additionally, the app offers three EQ presets—Bass Boost, Neutral, and Enhanced—that users can apply to customize their audio experience further.
Despite its impressive features, the OnTrac is limited in Bluetooth codec compatibility, supporting only SBC, AAC, and LHDC codecs. While LHDC can deliver high-resolution audio, its compatibility with smartphones remains sparse, potentially limiting its usability for audiophiles seeking the highest fidelity.
For users prioritizing audio quality, the OnTrac includes a USB-C port supporting both lossless digital audio and analog audio input. However, akin to Apple’s approach with AirPods Max, Dyson offers the proprietary 3.5mm-to-USB-C cable separately, emphasizing a move towards digital connectivity. The headphones ship with a USB-C charging cable and feature a fold-flat travel case for convenient storage and protection.
Control mechanisms on the OnTrac include a joystick-style knob on the rear of the right earcup for volume adjustment, playback control, and call management. Touch sensors on the outer earcups allow users to toggle ANC with a simple tap. Wear sensors are also integrated, enabling auto-pause/play functionality when the headphones are removed or worn.
Battery performance is a significant highlight, with Dyson claiming up to 55 hours of playtime on a full charge with ANC enabled. Quick charging capabilities are impressive, offering 2.5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge and up to 9.5 hours with a 30-minute charge. This extended battery life ensures prolonged use without frequent recharging, catering to users on the go.
With an emphasis on superior construction quality, aesthetically pleasing customization options, and cutting-edge noise-cancelling technology, Dyson’s OnTrac headphones epitomize a sophisticated approach to consumer audio technology. They are reasonably priced at $500 and provide a good mix of cutting-edge technology and ergonomic design to improve hearing. With the OnTrac, Dyson hopes to uphold its position as a leader in consumer electronics innovation by providing performance and versatility for use in daily life, travel, or deep audio enjoyment.
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