Credits: Dyson

• The earlier model of air-purifying Dyson Zone headphones may help explain why a premium home appliance company ventured into making headphones.
• The Dyson OnTrac™ headphones offer an unusual design with wide customizable color options, excellent sound quality, an impressive battery, and ANC surpassing many competitors in the under $500 price range

Dyson, famous for its innovations in wireless vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, air purifiers, and other home gadgets, has introduced its second pair of wireless headphones. These new wireless headphones resemble the Dyson Zone model, as the headband also features three protrusions, but at least the Dyson OnTrac™ doesn't come with the odd cleansing mask. I believe the Zone model was essential for Dyson and was released as a bridge gadget on the company path which produces premium vacuum cleaners and air purifiers to make one of the best headphones. Perhaps we will eventually see Dyson headphones with a fan, and I would welcome that result.

Some experts think the second attempt is more interesting, if not outright successful. Technical specialists are already stating that the new model can compete with the AirPods Max and full-size Bose headphones in specific areas.

The full-size Dyson OnTrac™ headphones look a lot like the Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay H95 models. They have a similar shape for the body and ear cups, plus soft microfiber ear pads that fit the ears well and block sound effectively. With balanced weight distribution and an optimized clamping force in the headband, they provide a snug fit without discomfort.

You can choose from four main color combinations:

• CNC Aluminum (Including Chrome Yellow cushions and CNC Aluminum caps)
• CNC Copper (Including Prussian Blue cushions and CNC Copper caps)
• Ceramic Cinnabar (Including Dark Iron cushions and Ceramic Cinnabar caps)
• CNC Black Nickel (Including Dark Iron cushions and CNC Black Nickel caps)

These colors only apply to the headband, as other parts can be switched out. The standout feature of the Dyson OnTrac™, aside from its sound quality, is its customization options, which provide around 2,000 ways to personalize them. By buying interchangeable ear pads and outer covers in any color you like, you can create a unique version that stands out. Additionally, the Dyson OnTrac™ comes with a special carrying case for easy flat storage.

The full-size OnTrac™ headphones feature 40mm drivers that cover frequencies from 6Hz to 21,000Hz. This broad range allows for deep, rich bass as well as clear highs during listening. While most headphones function within 20 to 20,000Hz, Dyson offers an improved audio experience. Plus, the uniquely designed angled earcups enhance sound transmission.

The latest Bluetooth headphone models, especially the premium ones, come with adaptive noise cancellation. However, Dyson has raised the bar. Their model features eight microphones for impressive noise absorption, tracking surrounding sounds 384,000 times per second to actively reduce background noise. Plus, there are two additional microphones for clear call quality and adaptive transparency mode.

You can connect headphones for wired listening using a 3.5 mm to USB-C adapter, but there’s no dedicated headphone jack. Bluetooth supports SBC, AAC, and LDHC codecs for better wireless audio quality, but this currently works only with some OnePlus, Nothing Phone, Motorola, and a few other brands' phones.

The OnTrac™ headphones not only offer great sound quality but also come with a unique control system. They feature a joystick for playback control, buttons for listening modes switching, and sensors on the outer ear cups that let you switch Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with a double tap. If you take off the headphones, the sensors will pause the sound to save the battery, and it will start playing again as soon as you put them back on. The headphones also automatically turn off after 30 minutes of inactivity to preserve battery life.

Like most modern audio devices, using an app is important for adjusting settings but is not required for pairing. With the MyDyson app, users can monitor noise exposure levels and tweak the equalizer with presets such as Bass Boost, Enhanced, and Natural. However, there is no option for manual equalizer adjustments.

Extended battery life is another key benefit. The Dyson OnTrac™ headphones can run for up to 55 hours of continuous listening with active noise cancellation (ANC) on, which is a significant improvement over the 20 hours of the AirPods Max and 38 hours of the Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay H95. This long battery life is thanks to two high-capacity lithium-ion cells in the headband, which also help distribute weight for comfortable wear. You can charge the headphones via a USB-C port, reaching a full charge in just 3 hours. Plus, there's a quick 10-minute charge option that gives you an extra 2.5 hours of playback.

You can buy the Dyson OnTrac™ headphones directly from the official Dyson website for $499.99. This is the only place to find the CNC Black Nickel and Ceramic Cinnabar colors. Other colors will be available at most retailers, including Amazon, starting from mid-August. Extra ear cushions and outer caps will cost $50 each.

Dyson has impressed us once again with their new headphones. They come with a fresh design, clear sound, long battery life, and various color customization options, making them a top pick among headphones under $500 this year. We won't debate the price of Dyson OnTrac™, as these are premium headphones. They offer user-friendliness, a comfortable design, and effective Active Noise Cancelling, and Dyson stands out in these aspects.