If you had told me Dyson was entering the audio space five years ago, I would have thought you were crazy, but here we are, currently holding the Dyson OnTrac Headphones in my hands, and I am impressed. This is the second time Dyson has attempted audio, the first being the rather unique Dyson Zone that launched to a relatively mixed reception. Thankfully, they have taken the lessons from the first outing and refined the experience into something very interesting. Featuring a premium design, advanced ANC, and long battery life, combined with fantastic audio performance, it is amazing to think this is the same company that was known mainly for its vacuums until recently.
When I first got the Dyson OnTrac headphones in the office, I was unsure what to think. I had seen them in pictures, but that only says so much about what a piece of tech will actually look like. Opening the box, I was struck by how well-crafted the headphones were. Dyson is known for the striking designs of all its products, and the OnTrac headphones are no different. These headphones offer an incredibly sleek and modern aesthetic that stands out from the crowd of standard black or white offerings.
The OnTrac is built with premium materials; you can feel it when you pick it up, especially when you slide it on. The feel of aluminum, leather and soft-touch plastics adds to the overall premium experience the OnTrac offers. These are headphones you want to know, and they are built for the buyer who wants technology that lasts. Available in four colours (CNC Copper, CNC Aluminium, Ceramic Cinnabar, CNC Black Nickel) and a range of interchangeable ear cup colours, the OnTrac are made to be customized and should be easy to match your current style, even if you want to make a bold statement with all the options on offer.
I have to admit, when I first held the Dyson OnTrac, I was not sure if they would actually be comfortable to wear, despite how well-designed they may look. Thankfully, my concerns were unfounded, with the headphones feeling incredibly comfortable when on. The weight distribution is impressively engineered, with the bulk evenly spread across the headband and ear cups, preventing any single pressure point from becoming bothersome. The clamping force is just right — secure enough to keep the headphones in place during movement, yet gentle enough to avoid that dreaded ‘head-in-a-vice’ feeling after extended wear. The ear cups are generously sized, easily encompassing most ear shapes without pressing against the outer edges.
This engineering also went into how they actually feel when on for an extended period of time. I managed to wear the Dyson OnTrac for hours on end. Even when the office was a bit warm, with our AC not keeping up with the temperatures in Ontario, the headphones never made me feel overly warm or sweaty. I was also pleased to see that even though the OnTrac fit snuggly on, they did not result in pain from extended use. This is something that countless headphones I have tried could not achieve, so I have to tip my hat to Dyson on this one.
What is even more impressive is how flad the Dyson OnTrac manage to fold up, considering how sturdy they are. They are designed to go into the case flat, with the case acting more like a sleeve, keeping things as minimal as possible. I am a fan of this concept since I like keeping my packing when on any sort of trip to a minimum, but it also does mean there is little protection for your OnTrac headphones from the many things that may be in your bag. It is something to note, especially if you plan to use the headphones on the go.
Dyson has combined touch and physical controls for the OnTrac headphones, and despite an initial learning curve, the concept works well. A physical joystick-like button is located on the right ear cup, providing tactile feedback for essential functions like volume, voice assistant, and other settings, while the power button is on the left ear cup. You can also toggle between ANC modes by simply touching the left ear cup with your hand. It might take some getting used to, but it works well once you do. However, I occasionally changed the ANC modes accidentally during daily activities because of how easily the touch sensor activates, though this is a minor issue.
Bluetooth 5.2 ensures a rock-solid connection with an impressive range that easily covers a typical home or office. Multi-device pairing is straightforward, allowing seamless switching between your phone and laptop. The MyDyson app enhances control options, offering customization that tech enthusiasts will appreciate. Voice assistant integration is smooth, responding promptly to wake words.
For a company known for vacuums, Dyson has truly excelled in noise cancellation with the OnTrac headphones. The ANC technology effectively creates a cocoon of silence, adeptly muffling the low rumble of airplane engines and the constant hum of office chatter. Multiple ANC modes cater to different environments, offering everything from full isolation to an adaptive setting that adjusts based on your surroundings. Dyson is claiming 40 dB of noise reduction, and in testing, that checks out. I was able to use these while in our printer room and barely heard the cutter or the binder, something not many headphones can boast.
“Dyson is known for the striking designs of all its products, and the OnTrac headphones are no different.”
One of the more unique features of the OnTrac headphones is found within the MyDyson app. The app provides a range of details, but most notably, it alerts you if the music or audio you’re listening to is too loud and could potentially damage your ears. This is a feature more headphones should consider, especially since many people are unaware of how damaging prolonged headphone use at high volumes can be.
With the main features covered, it’s time to discuss how the Dyson OnTrac actually perform as headphones—and I must admit, I’m impressed. The soundstage is impressively wide, creating an immersive listening environment that brings your favourite tracks to life. The bass response is punchy and controlled, adding depth without overwhelming the mix. The mids are clear and forward, allowing vocals and lead instruments to shine with clarity and depth.
“Dyson has combined touch and physical controls for the OnTrac headphones, and despite an initial learning curve, the concept works well.”
The treble is present without ever becoming harsh or overpowering, adding air and detail to high-frequency elements. The Dyson OnTrac headphones excel in genre versatility, handling everything from classical symphonies to bass-heavy electronic tracks with equal finesse. Dyson has delivered headphones that perform as well as, or better than, many established headphone brands. While the OnTrac might not reach the level of true audiophile headphones—at least not in this iteration—they are more than a worthy alternative to Apple’s AirPods Max.
With all the features and audio quality, I was skeptical that Dyson could deliver on the promise of 55 hours between charges, but they somehow managed it. In real-world testing, the Dyson OnTrac headphones easily powered through a full workweek of heavy use, including music playback, meetings, and noise cancellation. Even at high volume levels, the battery longevity was impressive, a testament to Dyson’s efficient power management. When the battery finally runs low, the USB-C fast charging system provides several hours of playback with just a 15-minute charge. Although wireless charging is absent, the excellent battery performance made this omission something I never missed while testing the OnTrac.
“Dyson OnTrac headphones easily powered through a full workweek of heavy use, including music playback, meetings, and noise cancellation.”
After two weeks of testing, the Dyson OnTrac headphones left me overall impressed. They deliver a solid audio experience and include some nice features, all while offering robust and premium Bluetooth audio hardware. However, the issue lies with the price. At launch, the OnTrac retails for $499, which is $50 more than the equally impressive Sonos Ace at $449, and slightly more than the industry-leading Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, which retail for $469. While Dyson has made a strong case for themselves, it comes with a hefty price tag that may be above what the average buyer is willing to pay.
If price is no object and you’re looking for one of the most unique headphones I’ve tested this year, the Dyson OnTrac fits the bill perfectly. They deliver a top-notch audio experience, have fantastic hardware, and are comfortable to wear, even for extended periods. Dyson is asking you to take a chance on a brand-new player in the audio space, but from what I’ve seen, it’s a chance worth taking. The Dyson OnTrac are headphones worth trying out, if only to experience just how good your music can sound.