The initial rumour about a set of Dyson headphones that could vacuum the dust right out of your ear canals was, predictably, a magnificent flight of fancy. The truth, however, is almost as intriguing: Dyson has stepped into the notoriously crowded audio arena with the Dyson OnTrac ANC over-ear wireless headphones. While their previous venture, the infamous Dyson Zone, included a futuristic-looking air-purifying visor that was less “audio accessory” and more “personal portable biome,” the OnTrac is Dyson’s focused and refined attempt at a high-end, noise-cancelling headphone, leaving the air filtration theatrics behind for a simple, yet premium, audio experience. This new offering focuses on serious audio fidelity and comfort, proving that Dyson knows how to separate the signal from the noise—both literally and figuratively.
Specs Appeal: A Deep Dive into Dyson’s Hardware
Dyson, the company that convinces you to spend a small fortune on a fan, has applied its engineering obsession to audio, and the specifications of the OnTrac are certainly something to write home about. At the heart of the sound performance are custom-built 40mm neodymium speaker drivers. This is paired with an expansive frequency response, clocking in at 6Hz to 21kHz. For those keeping score, this extends well beyond the typical 20Hz to 20kHz range most consumer headphones inhabit, promising a rich, detailed experience that captures both subterranean bass and almost painfully brilliant high notes. The headphones feature a remarkably low total harmonic distortion of 0.1% at 94dB at 1kHz, which is a strong technical indicator of clean, crisp sound reproduction. Connectivity is handled via Bluetooth 5.0, which, while reliable, is perhaps the one area where the specs feel slightly behind the curve compared to some competitors pushing 5.2 or beyond.
Engineered Silence: Active Noise Cancellation
For Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the OnTrac uses a serious array of microphones—eight dedicated to noise cancellation and one for telephony—working in concert to deliver what Dyson proudly calls “best-in-class” performance, capable of reducing up to 40dB of ambient clamour. The system is designed to monitor and cancel external noise 384,000 times per second, ensuring your commute from Sydney to Lidcombe, or your office work in between, is an absolute oasis of sound. You can cycle between ‘Isolation Mode’ for maximum silence, ‘Transparency Mode’ to pipe in ambient noise (a must for hearing platform announcements), and ‘Off’ mode, all easily controlled via the intuitive joystick or the MyDyson app. The inclusion of the MyDyson app also allows for ‘Real-time Sound Tracking,’ which reports on the noise pollution levels around you, though you can’t actually purify it—you’ll just know exactly how much noise you’re successfully blocking out, which is a satisfying kind of data.
Comfort and Endurance: Built for the Long Haul
The design boasts a premium build, utilising an aluminium body with caps available in high-grade finishes like CNC ceramic and anodised aluminium, a significant aesthetic departure from the sea of plastic typically seen in the category. The weight comes in at a noticeable 451g, which is on the heavier side, though Dyson has cleverly positioned the high-capacity lithium-ion batteries within the headband’s lower cushions to better distribute the weight. This engineering decision aims to reduce the clamp force and pressure points on the ears, enhancing comfort for extended use—a critical feature for anyone spending all day in a shared office space. The ear cushions themselves are supersoft microfibre sealed around open-cell, high-rebound foam, designed for both acoustic and thermal comfort.
Powering Your Peace: Battery Life Review NSW
The endurance of the Dyson OnTrac headphones is, to put it mildly, monumental. Dyson claims an astonishing up to 55 hours of continuous listening with ANC switched on. This kind of battery life is not just excellent; it is genuinely transformative for travel and intense work periods. Considering that many high-end rivals offer about half this time, the OnTrac’s long-haul capability is one of its most compelling attributes. For the Australians needing reliable, long-lasting noise-cancelling wireless headphone deals, this is a clear, decisive advantage. The quick-charge functionality is equally impressive: a mere 10 minutes plugged into a USB-C cable will net you 2.5 hours of playback, and 30 minutes gets you up to 9 hours. A full charge takes approximately 3 hours. This eliminates battery anxiety entirely; you could forget to charge them for a few days and still be fine, which is a beautiful thing.
Battling the Titans: Dyson OnTrac ANC vs Sony XM5 Comparison Sydney
When any new contender enters the premium ANC space, it must immediately be weighed against the established royalty, particularly the Sony WH-1000XM5 (or XM5). In the Sydney market, where high-stakes commuting demands the best ANC, the comparison is crucial.
The Sony XM5 is often praised for its lighter build and industry-leading ANC, making it a perennial favourite. However, the Dyson OnTrac makes a strong case for itself.
Audio Performance and ANC Quality
While the XM5’s sound profile is often described as warm and consumer-friendly, the OnTrac steps forward with superior technical specifications, particularly the expanded frequency range 6Hz–21kHz vs the XM5’s standard 20Hz–40kHz with LDAC, though the low end is the critical difference here) and lower distortion. Reports suggest the OnTrac delivers a more analytically detailed and perhaps slightly more bass-prominent sound out of the box. In terms of pure Active Noise Cancellation, the XM5 is incredibly refined at blocking out consistent, low-frequency hums (like a plane engine). The OnTrac’s 40dB attenuation and high sampling rate are designed to be “best-in-class” for a wide range of noise, and it competes very closely with the XM5, though some users may still find the XM5’s pressure-less ANC implementation marginally more effective for certain ambient sounds.
The Value Proposition: Pricey but Premium
Dyson has never been a brand associated with the word ‘affordable,’ and the OnTrac headphones do not break that tradition. They sit firmly in the premium-tier pricing bracket, meaning they are a bit pricey and represent a significant investment when considering your next set of over-ear headphones. You won’t be finding them in the bargain bin next to entry-level models. However, the asking price reflects the unique industrial design, the customisable aesthetic options (various CNC-machined outer caps and cushions are available), the robust premium material construction (aluminium), the stellar 55-hour battery life, and the technically advanced audio specifications. For the discerning user who values statement-making design and long-lasting performance alongside high-fidelity sound, the OnTrac manages to justify its position. They are not merely a pair of headphones; they are a piece of wearable Dyson technology.
A New Frequency: The Verdict on Dyson’s Audio Odyssey
The Dyson OnTrac headphones are a fascinating product because they manage to distill the core Dyson ethos—premium engineering, bold design, and class-leading functional performance in a specific area—into a set of audio cans. They shed the eccentric air-purifying visor of the Zone to focus entirely on being a premium noise-cancelling headphone. With exceptional battery endurance, a technically sophisticated audio profile, and an ANC system that confidently stands toe-to-toe with the best in the market, the OnTrac is more than just a successful second attempt; it’s a genuine competitor.
If you’re looking to upgrade to headphones that sound amazing, last forever, and offer a distinct look, they present a convincing, if pricey, alternative to the established guard.
