Dyson Rolls Out Its First Audio-Only Innovation: Headphones With No Air Purifier

Images courtesy of Dyson

Dyson is syncing up with the headphone sphere with the launch of the OnTrac, a pair of cans promising audiophile-level sound and a dash of personal flair. Known for its high-powered vacuums, bladeless fans, and dystopian air-purifying masks, the British tech giant is now hoping to win over music lovers with its first audio-only product.

Images courtesy of Dyson

At first glance, the OnTrac is a fashion statement. With a dizzying array of color and finish combinations, Dyson is betting that you’ll find a look that screams “you.” The headphones come in four base colors—CNC Aluminum, Copper, Nickel, and Ceramic Cinnabar—each with a distinct, premium finish.

Image courtesy of Dyson

From there, you can mix and match outer caps and ear cushions in shades like Oyster Pink, Dark Iron, and Chrome Yellow for a truly personalized look. Dyson says there are over 2,000 combinations, so you can create your personal genre.

While style is important, the company hasn’t skimped on substance. The company claims best-in-class Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which is tech-speak for blocking out the world. To achieve this, the OnTrac employs eight microphones that sample external noise a whopping 384,000 times per second. That’s a lot of listening for some tiny mics.

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It’s hard not to link this with the company’s Zone model from the COVID era, which combined noise cancellation with air purification. The OnTrac, on the other hand, is purely for blasting music with.

Sound quality is where headphones truly live or die, and Dyson is confident the OnTrac delivers. Powered by 40mm neodymium drivers, the headphones promise a wide frequency range, capturing everything from the deepest bass to the highest treble. The company has also angled the speakers slightly towards the ear for a more direct sound experience.

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Battery life is a crucial factor for any wireless headphone, and Dyson boasts an impressive 55 hours on a single charge with ANC turned on. That’s enough juice for even the most dedicated audiophiles.

Comfort is another key consideration for headphones you might wear for hours on end. Dyson says it’s partnered with US Ergonomics to ensure the OnTrac is as comfy as possible. Soft cushions, adjustable arms, and even weight distribution are all on the menu.

Image courtesy of Dyson

The tech giant isn’t just playing by ear in the already saturated market of over-the-ear headphones. “With over 30 years of experience in aeroacoustics, we’ve mastered sound physics,” explains chief engineer Jake Dyson in a statement sent to DesignTAXI.

“By reducing noise through in-house anechoic chambers and expert engineers, we've applied and further expanded our audio knowledge to develop the Dyson OnTrac headphones. Our first over-ear audio only headphones deliver best-in-class ANC, exceptional sound quality, and all-day comfort through unique materials, design and customization.”

The Dyson OnTrac is priced at US$499.99, which puts it firmly in premium headphone territory.

Image courtesy of Dyson

[via Dyson, images courtesy]