Dyson’s OnTrac Headphones: A Surprising Success
Dyson, the company renowned for its innovative vacuums and hair care products, has a history of venturing into diverse product categories. While some, like their air purifiers and fans, find a niche market, others, like their ludicrous Zone headphones with an attachable air filter, fall flat. So, when Dyson announced its latest offering, the OnTrac headphones, a pair of over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC), skepticism lingered. Could Dyson, known for its innovative engineering and bold designs, truly compete in the already saturated noise-canceling headphone market?
The answer, surprisingly, is a resounding yes. The OnTrac headphones, priced at $499, are a compelling contender in the world of audio. With their impressive sound quality, effective noise reduction, and comfortable fit, Dyson has delivered a product that stands its ground against established giants like Apple, Sony, and Bose.
Sucking Up: First Impressions and Design
The OnTrac headphones arrive in a large box, echoing the luxurious packaging of premium audio products. However, the included hard case falls short of expectations. Unlike the sleek, protective cases that accompany premium offerings like the AirPods Max, the OnTrac’s case is simply a slip-in design with open holes at the top and bottom, making it susceptible to dust and debris. This lack of robust protection is a disappointment, especially considering the hefty price point.
Visually, the OnTrac embraces a similar aesthetic to Dyson’s vacuums: bold, maximalist, and bursting with color options. The review units, sporting a flashy metallic copper with navy blue accents, exude a sense of contemporary style. Dyson’s decision to make the earpads and earcup caps customizable allows users to personalize the look and replace components as they wear out. This is a welcome feature that sets the OnTrac apart, offering a level of flexibility not often seen in this price range.
Weighing in, the OnTrac is undoubtedly bulky, with a weight of 451 grams, making it heavier than the Sonos Ace (311 grams) and AirPods Max (385 grams). However, Dyson compensates for this with a comfortable headband and thick, plush earcups, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit that helps minimize the felt weight.
Bells and Whistles: Functionality and Performance
Turning on the OnTrac involves pressing a small, physical button on the bottom of the right earcup, accompanied by a noticeable noise and flashing light. Control is handled through a joystick on the right earcup (a feature borrowed from the AirPods Max) and touch controls on the left earcup to toggle between transparency mode and noise cancellation. This hybrid approach, while innovative, proves to be a minor annoyance. The touch sensitivity of the earcup can be overly responsive, leading to accidental activation of ANC or transparency mode, especially during activities like gardening or exercise. Ideally, these functions would be controlled by dedicated buttons instead of touch.
ANC Performance and Sound Quality
The OnTrac’s performance is where it truly shines. The active noise cancellation effectively dampens ambient noise. Whether it’s the rumble of a plane engine, the chatter of a crowded cafe, or the hum of an office, the OnTrac does an exceptional job of blocking out unwanted sounds. Transparency mode allows you to hear your surroundings without having to remove the headphones, making it ideal for situations where you need to remain aware of your environment.
Sound quality is impressive, delivering a balanced audio experience with clear highs, well-defined mids, and rich lows. The headphones are capable of handling various genres, from classical music to heavy metal, without any noticeable distortion. The bass is present and punchy, but not overpowering. This nuanced sound profile proves that Dyson isn’t just focused on gimmickry, but on creating a headphone that delivers a genuine audiophile experience.
Battery Life: A Powerhouse
Dyson promises an impressive 55 hours of battery life on a single charge, and this claim holds true. The OnTrac easily outlasts many competitors, offering unparalleled longevity for users on the go. This extended battery life is a major selling point, eliminating the need for frequent charging.
The Verdict: A Strong Contender
The Dyson OnTrac headphones are a bold statement from a company known for pushing boundaries. While their bulky design and imperfect case may not appeal to everyone, the OnTrac delivers outstanding noise cancellation, impressive sound quality, and exceptional battery life. The combination of these features makes the OnTrac a compelling choice for discerning audiophiles who want a comfortable and immersive listening experience.
They surpass expectations and demonstrate that Dyson is capable of creating a truly competitive audio product. The OnTrac headphones are a testament to Dyson’s ability to translate their innovative engineering prowess into a different product category, proving that they can compete with the best in the world of audio.
