Preview: Dyson OnTrac Wireless Headphones Are Bigger, Bolder Than Beats

In April 2023, we reported on the Dyson Zone Headphones which were a little weird, to say the least. In addition to headphone features for music listening, it also included a detachable air purification system that made the wearer look like Antman or Bane. It was not something that too many of us would consider wearing.

For 2024, Dyson has released their second headphone, the OnTrac. There is no air purification system this time, making the OnTrac a more traditional set of wireless noise cancelling over-ear headphones. 

Features

Noise Cancellation: The Dyson OnTrac headphones incorporate a custom Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) algorithm which uses 8 microphones, sampling external sound 384,000 times a second. This combines with superior materials and carefully designed internal geometry to cancel up to 40dB of unwanted noise.

Enhanced Sound Range: The OnTrac incorporates 40mm, 16-ohm neodymium speaker drivers and advanced audio signal processing for optimal sound quality. Dyson claims tha the the headphones reproduce frequencies from as low as 6 Hertz to as high as 21,000 Hertz, providing deep sub-bass that you can feel, and clear highs at the upper end of the frequency range.

In addition, the speaker housing is tilted 13 degrees towards the ear. This provides a more direct audio response.

55-Hour Battery Life with ANC: The Dyson OnTrac provides up to a 55-hour battery life. Depending on your use habits this could provide as much as two weeks of listening even with ANC enabled. Two high-capacity lithium-ion battery cells are included. The battery cells are in the headband for more even weight distribution. To switch between ANC on and off, users can just double-tap on either ear cup.

All-Day Comfort and Acoustics: Certified comfortable by US Ergonomics, Dyson OnTrac combines comfort with great listening acoustics. Select materials and ergonomic design ensure a superior acoustic seal and lasting comfort.

High-grade foam cushions and multi-pivot gimbal arms relieve ear pressure, while battery positioning in the headband evenly distributes weight. Soft micro-suede ear cushions and optimized clamp force provide a consistent fit across diverse head sizes.

Additional features that optimize headphone listening include:

• Head Detect: Capacitive sensors detect when earcups are removed from the ears, signaling to pause your audio. Audio resumes automatically once replaced.

• Intuitive Joystick: Easily play, pause, skip, fast forward, and rewind tracks, or hold down for voice commands.

• Crystal-Clear Calls: Dual beam-forming microphones pick up your voice clearly, not outside noise.

• MyDyson App: The MyDyson app includes real-time soundtracking that monitors in-ear and external volume, alerting users to potentially harmful levels. The MyDyson app also enables owners to choose between three custom EQ modes: Bass Boost, Neutral, and Enhanced. The MyDyson app provides automatic software updates. The app is available for iOS and Android.

Colors & Finishes

The Dyson OnTrac comes in four colorways which are crafted with unique, durable finishes designed by Jake Dyson and the Dyson CMF (Color, Material, and Finish) team. Inspired by the CNC manufacturing process, options include CNC Aluminium, Copper, and Nickel. The Ceramic Cinnabar variant has a ceramic-feel painted finish.

In addition to these four colorways, users can also customize the Dyson OnTrac with custom outer caps and ear cushions in various colors and finishes.

• CNC Aluminum
• CNC Copper
• Ceramic Cinnabar
• CNC Black Nickel

From Jake Dyson, Chief Engineer: “Dyson’s audio engineering mission is to preserve the integrity of the artist’s sound wave, free from interference. We also wanted to create a set of headphones that people would cherish, be excited by, and be proud of. With over 30 years of experience in aeroacoustics, we’ve mastered sound physics. By reducing noise through in-house anechoic chambers and expert engineers, we’ve applied and further expanded our audio knowledge to develop the Dyson OnTrac™ headphones. Our first over-ear audio-only headphones deliver best-in-class ANC, exceptional sound quality, and all-day comfort through unique materials, design, and customization.”

Comparison

Initial Impressions

By eliminating the air purification part from their first headphone, not only is the price less, but Dyson has shed some weight and increased comfort. Although it still looks to be a bulkier travel companion than its competitors.

Dyson OnTrac competes in the extremely competitive luxury over-ear noise cancelling wireless headphone category. Out of the gate, it faces some stiff competition from Apple, Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, Focal, Master & Dynamic, Sennheiser, Sony, and more.

Assuming it sounds near as good or better than competitors, its bold oversized and colorful design could sway some Beats buyers. But to carve out a niche in a crowded headphone market its style better be on track (pun intended).

Price & Availability

The Dyson OnTrac Headphones are priced at $499.99, £449.99 in the U.K. Extra sets of ear cups and ear cushions cost $49.99, or £49.99 in the U.K.  The Dyson OnTrac can be purchased directly from Dyson.com.

Available caps and cushions for customization: Available direct from Dyson.com The outer caps are machined from high-grade aluminum, for a lightweight, durable finish in a range of colors and finishes – ceramic or anodized. Each set is priced at $49.99.

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