When I first strapped on the new Dyson OnTrac headphones (yes, I got hands-on with a pre-release unit), I had one big question: after revolutionizing vacuum cleaners, hand dryers and air purifiers, could Dyson finally make a pair of headphones worth your attention? In this Dyson Headphones Review, I’ll walk you through everything I learned: how it feels, how it sounds, what Dyson changed from their previous try, and whether you should buy it now in the U.S. market.
Why Dyson’s Audio Journey Matters
Dyson doesn’t typically show up in audio discussions, and for good reason. The brand built its reputation on engineering prowess: streamlining airflow, maximizing suction, innovating in household tech. So when it launched the Zone headphones (with an air-filter visor!), many critics called it ambitious, and gimmicky. I reviewed that too, and while the sound was strong, the form factor and price (around $949) made it a tough sell.
Enter 2024’s OnTrac. Instead of a hybrid air-purifier-headset, Dyson went back to basics: headphones first, design second. With U.S. availability in 2025, this Dyson Headphones Review shows the full shift: long battery life, thoughtful materials, improved noise-cancelling, and yes, still that signature Dyson styling.
First Impressions Premium Build Smooth Comfort Seamless Use
Design & Materials
Right out of the box, the OnTrac felt refined. The headband uses a thin steel core wrapped in vegan leather, and the ear-cups feature microfiber pads that grip nicely without flattening after an hour. Dyson’s decision to make side caps modular (so you can swap colors or replace them) was smart, it gives a sense of customisation others charge extra for.
In plain U.S. terms: it doesn’t scream “look at me” with flashy logos. It whispers “premium.” That matters if you’re using these in a coffee shop, co-working space or flight.
Comfort & Wearability
I wore these across two 5-hour flights, a long train ride, and a full work-from-home session. The weight (~335 g) and clamping force were lighter than Dyson’s earlier Zone attempt, and the ear cushions stayed breathable. Only potential drawback: if your head circumference is large, they might feel a touch snug after ~4 hours. Not a deal-breaker, but a note.
Usability & Controls
The touch controls on the ear-cup worked reliably (swipes for volume, taps foplay/pause), and pairing with iPhone and Android was fast. Dyson Audio app (available in the U.S.) lets you toggle ANC strength, fine-tune EQ and manage firmware updates. At a glance, Dyson learned from early hiccups.
Sound Quality Premium Clarity Refined Precision
Tonal Profile
In this Dyson Headphones Review, I tested across genres: pop, jazz, hip-hop, podcasts and movies. The OnTrac leans balanced, you’ll get crisp vocals, clean mids and bass that’s present but not booming. For spoken-word, webinars or long listening sessions, that matters a lot.
Bass & Dynamics
If you’re a bass-head (think heavy EDM, trap, dubstep), you won’t get the over-the-top thump of low-end-centric models. But you’ll get controlled, accurate bass, less “boom” and more “oomph when called for.” And with the app’s EQ, you can boost lows if you prefer.
Detail, Clarity & Spatial Mode
Dyson added a “Dynamic Spatial Mode” for 2025, a subtle widening of the soundstage when you turn your head. It’s not Apple-AirPods-Max spatial audio, but it’s effective on movies and games. Listening to “Blade Runner 2049” sound-design on these, I tracked ambient details and dialogue cleanly.
Noise Cancellation & Ambient Awareness
ANC has become table-stakes for premium headphones, so how does the OnTrac fare? Quite well.
- On a 6-hour cross-country flight: engine rumble? Suppressed significantly.
- In a café with chatter and espresso machines: ambiance cut down to a quiet hum.
- Walking city pavements: Transparency mode kept voices uncannily natural (no “underwater” illusion).
Compared to the very best (Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QC Ultra), Dyson may not quite match peak low-frequency isolation, but in everyday U.S. scenarios, it feels only marginally behind.
Battery Life, Connectivity & Smart Features
Battery
Dyson claims up to 55 hours with ANC off, and about 40 hours with ANC on. In testing: I achieved around 38–40 hours with ANC active and moderate volume levels, so those numbers hold up. Fast-charging gives you 6 hours of playback in about 15 minutes.
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint (i.e., phone + laptop simultaneously) makes switching easy if you do conference calls then stream music. Latency was minimal in video test loops.
App Features
The Dyson Audio app includes:
- 5-band custom EQ
- ANC strength slider
- Firmware updates
- Battery optimisation toggle (good for long haul use)
Looks polished, works smooth.
Price, Value & U.S. Buying Guide
U.S. Pricing (2025)
- Dyson OnTrac Standard: $499 MSRP
- Dyson OnTrac Premium (bundle with extra caps + case): $549 MSRP
- Street prices tend to hover around $479–$529 depending on retailer and sale.
Where to Buy
- Dyson Store: Benefits: official warranty, direct support
- Amazon: Easy returns, Prime shipping
- Best Buy: In-store demo and hands-on opportunity
Warranty & Returns
- 2-year limited warranty (U.S.): above industry standard of 1 year
- 30-day return window on Dyson: allows you to test fit, comfort and sound
Value Proposition
If you value design, long battery life, app support and balanced sound, then ~$499 is reasonable. If your priority is maximum ANC or bass theatrics, there are cheaper alternatives. But for a premium all-rounder, this hits well.
How It Compares to the Competition (2025 Edition)
Here’s a breakdown against some heavy hitters:
| Model | Price | Battery (ANC On) | Weight | Strength | Weakness |
| Dyson OnTrac | ~$499 | ~40 hrs | ~335g | Design & battery | Slight ANC gap |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | ~$399 | ~35 hrs | ~250g | Top ANC | Less premium materials |
| Bose QC Ultra | ~$429 | ~30 hrs | ~240g | Comfort & ANC | Simpler design |
| Apple AirPods Max | ~$549 | ~20 hrs | ~385g | Apple ecosystem & spatial | Price + weight |
Bottom line: Dyson carves a strong middle path. It’s more premium than mid-range models, and while you give up a small edge in ANC, you gain from aesthetics and battery.
Who Should Buy the Dyson OnTrac?
- Frequent travelers who need long battery life.
- Remote workers switching between phone and laptop.
- Style-conscious listeners wanting a mix of sound and design.
- Users want comfort for long sessions (podcasts, meetings, movies).
Who Might Want to Pass?
- Bass-lovers seeking deep thump above clarity.
- Absolute ANC purists who want the best lab-tested numbers.
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for <$300 premium models.
Pros & Cons
What I Loved:
- The build quality genuinely feels top-tier: No plastic-cheap feel.
- Switching between devices was effortless.
- Comfort lasting hours: No ear-squeeze after long flights.
- Balanced sound: Easy to listen to for everything from news talk to music.
What Could Be Better:
- If you have a very large head, the snug fit might grow noticeable after 3–4 hours.
- ANC is excellent, but if you compare side-by-side in very noisy environments, Sony still has a hair’s-breadth edge.
- The price is premium. If you just want ANC and decent sound, you might find better value elsewhere.
Final Words
After spending weeks with the Dyson OnTrac, this Dyson Headphones Review lands on a clear verdict: yes, they’re worth serious consideration. Dyson has matured its audio offering, dropped the gimmickry, and focused on what matters: sound, comfort, battery, and design.
For U.S. buyers in 2025, if you’re spending ~$499 or waiting for a sale around ~$479, you’re getting a thoughtfully engineered premium headphone that ticks most boxes. It may not be THE absolute top for ANC or bass for every person, but for the majority of users, it delivers an outstanding balance.
If you pick it up: plan to use the app, try the EQ, keep firmware updated and enjoy a long-haul-friendly, design-forward audio companion.