Using its knowledge of air filtration and the advancements in noise-cancelling headphone technology, Dyson introduced its Zone headphones in early 2022. Its novel strategy was to improve the air that wearers breathed while navigating cities and fending off seasonal allergies, rather than shielding them against COVID-19 or other viruses. The first model, however, was criticized for having an incredibly limited battery life and costing $949, which prevented many prospective customers from purchasing it.
Fast forward to today, Dyson has returned with its first “audio-only” over-ear headphones, the Dyson OnTrac. Unlike its predecessor, the OnTrac headphones do away with the integrated air filtration system and focus solely on delivering high-quality audio and effective noise cancellation. Priced at $500, these headphones embody Dyson’s commitment to premium design and performance in the audio market.
The design of the Dyson OnTrac headphones unmistakably reflects the company’s signature aesthetic, reminiscent of their V12 stick vacuums, Airstrait hair straighteners, and Cool air purifiers. Dyson has combined premium materials with ergonomic considerations to ensure a comfortable fit and effective noise isolation. The outer caps on the ear cups are crafted from aluminum, copper, nickel, and ceramics, providing durability and a sleek appearance. For enhanced comfort during prolonged use, the headphones feature “ultra-soft microfiber” foam cushions on the ear pads and “multi-pivot gimbal arms” that reduce pressure points and improve overall fit. Dyson has also relocated the battery to the headband to achieve better weight distribution, further enhancing comfort and wearability.
Under the hood, the Dyson OnTrac headphones boast 40mm neodymium speaker drivers with a low impedance of 16 ohms. Dyson claims an impressive frequency response of 6Hz to 21kHz, which extends beyond the standard 20Hz to 20kHz range found in most headphones. The drivers are angled 13 degrees towards the ears to optimize acoustic performance, promising deep sub-bass and clear highs across the entire frequency spectrum. According to Dyson, the OnTrac headphones are designed to reveal subtle audio nuances, making them suitable for audiophiles and discerning listeners who appreciate detailed sound reproduction.
In terms of active noise cancellation (ANC), the Dyson OnTrac headphones feature an advanced system comprising eight microphones that continuously sample external sound at an astonishing rate of 384,000 times per second. These microphones work in tandem with Dyson’s proprietary noise-cancelling algorithm and meticulously engineered internal geometry to achieve up to 40dB of noise reduction. This robust ANC capability ensures an immersive listening experience, effectively blocking out ambient noise whether in busy urban environments or quieter settings.
Battery life, a significant improvement over the Zone model, is another standout feature of the Dyson OnTrac headphones. Dyson asserts that the headphones are capable of up to 55 hours of continuous use with ANC activated, thanks to the inclusion of two high-capacity lithium-ion battery cells. Additionally, users benefit from rapid charging capabilities; a brief 10-minute charge provides approximately 2.5 hours of playback time, while a 30-minute charge extends usage to around 9.5 hours, both with ANC enabled. The headphones also feature intuitive controls, including playback and volume adjustments facilitated by a tactile joystick located on the back edge of the right ear cup. ANC can be swiftly toggled on or off with a simple double-tap gesture on either ear cup, further enhancing user convenience and control.
The Dyson OnTrac headphones come with over 2,000 customizable options for the outer caps and ear cushions. They are sold in many color combinations, including aluminum/orange, copper/blue, black nickel, and ceramic red. Replacement cushions and caps can be purchased separately for $50 for a set of two in order to provide customers with a customized aesthetic experience. Dyson maintains exclusive availability for the majority of customization options, so customers can customize their headphones to fit their unique design preferences even though a variety of colors may be offered by independent sellers.
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