Dyson is venturing into the personal audio space with the OnTrac, their second attempt in this field. Initially, during the pandemic, they released over-ear headphones called Zone that included an air-purifying face mask. This move signaled Dyson’s serious consideration of creating audio products.
The OnTrac focuses solely on high-end headphone functionality without any additional features like face masks. They have a unique modular design that allows users to swap out the ear cushions and outer caps for personalized aesthetics. But is this customization enough to justify the higher price?
With a price tag of $500 for over-ear headphones, consumers question whether the brand recognition alone justifies the cost. There needs to be something exceptional about the OnTrac to compete with established headphone options.
Standing out in a crowd
Dyson’s design approach with the OnTrac brings a fresh and innovative look to the headphone market. The battery placement in the headband and the removable ear cushions and outer caps add a touch of uniqueness. The headphones offer four different headband colors and numerous options for the cushions and caps, resulting in over 2,000 design combinations.
Weighing 451g, the OnTrac headphones are slightly heavier than usual but are comfortable to wear over extended periods. The microfiber material used for the cushions provides a soft feel, though it tends to heat up faster compared to faux leather options, leading to potential heating issues during prolonged use.
The headphones offer strong passive noise isolation due to their size, ensuring minimal sound leakage and enhancing the active noise cancellation feature. Overall, the design and comfort of the OnTrac contribute to a pleasant listening experience.
Easy setup, canceling out the noise
The OnTrac headphones boast a simple setup process through the MyDyson app, offering access to basic controls and further information. They support SBC, AAC, and LHDC codecs, providing a reasonable range of audio quality options. However, the lack of Bluetooth 5.0 multipoint support may limit connectivity options.
Although the app lacks customization features for ANC, controls, or EQ settings, it offers a unique “Sound exposure” feature that monitors ambient noise levels. The headphones excel in noise cancellation, with Dyson claiming a reduction of up to 40dB in background noise.
Despite missing spatial audio and several customization options, the OnTrac headphones deliver strong sound quality, excellent battery life, and effective ANC. They provide a seamless listening experience, particularly in crowded or noisy environments.
Strong sound and clarity, with a twist
The OnTrac headphones offer a balanced sound profile, with customizable presets like Bass Boost and Enhanced for varied audio experiences. The headphones deliver sound with measured precision, designed to maintain the artist’s intended audio dynamics without overpowering certain frequencies.
While the headphones support wired playback via USB-C, additional customization options for sound and better codec support could elevate the listening experience. The intuitive onboard controls, wear sensors for automatic pausing, and long battery life make the OnTrac headphones a compelling choice.
Long battery life, an unusual case
The OnTrac headphones boast an astounding 55-hour playback time with ANC enabled and support fast charging, providing 2.5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge. Additionally, the headphones feature an automatic power-off function after 30 minutes of inactivity.
With a unique sleeve-style protective case, the OnTrac headphones sit flat and do not fold, resulting in a slightly larger footprint. While the case protects the headphones well, it lacks space for additional accessories like outer caps or cushions.
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