Overview

Dyson is a British engineering company founded by James Dyson, best known for premium home appliances. It entered audio with the Zone (2022) and the audio-only OnTrac (2024)[6]. The OnTrac launched at 499.99 USD in the US[1] (Japan reference price 74,990円[6]).

Scientific Validity

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Per the manufacturer, the OnTrac uses 40mm/16-ohm neodymium drivers, rated 6Hz–21kHz, THD 0.1% @ 94dB/1kHz, and an 8-mic ANC array sampling at 384,000 times/s for up to 40 dB reduction; battery life is rated up to 55 hours[1][2]. Third-party measurements report weighted ANC attenuation 18.63 dB (Bass 11.10 / Mid 21.87 / Treble 27.24 dB) and 51.0 h of battery life[3]. Extended ultrasonic bandwidth brings negligible audibility gains. By contrast, Sony’s WH-1000XM5 measures 25.81 dB overall ANC (Bass 17.63 / Mid 28.25 / Treble 33.04 dB)[4]. Score: 0.6.

Technology Level

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Dyson’s execution is sophisticated: dual cells in the headband for up to 55 h runtime[2], 13° driver tilt, 8-mic ANC, and 2,000+ color combinations[1][2]. While mechanically and ergonomically advanced, we don’t see measurement-level breakthroughs versus established leaders, hence 0.8.

Cost-Performance

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Comparator (cheapest equivalent-or-better): Sony WH-1000XM5 — matches core functions (ANC/Bluetooth/calls/app EQ) and beats the OnTrac in measured ANC[4]. Representative US market price 299.99 USD (Best Buy)[5].
Review target price (denominator): 499.99 USD[1].
CP calculation: 299.99 ÷ 499.99 ≈ 0.60 → score 0.6.

Reliability & Support

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As a new audio entrant, long-term field data are limited (baseline 0.5). Dyson provides a 2-Year Limited Warranty and global support infrastructure, adding +0.1 to 0.6 overall[2][12].

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The design prioritizes ownership experience (runtime, customization, materials). However, major costs don’t translate into superior measured transparency or ANC versus peers at the price, lowering rationality. Mechanical/algorithmic choices (driver tilt, ANC) are sensible, so we set 0.3.

Advice

Choose OnTrac if you value exceptional battery life, customization, and comfort. For measurement-driven performance and value, Sony WH-1000XM5 (~299 USD) is more rational[4][5]. If maximum ANC is your priority, consider Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (MSRP 449 USD)[10][11].

References

[1] Dyson, “Headphones, remastered: Introducing the Dyson OnTrac™ headphones”, https://www.dyson.com/discover/innovation/new-machines/dyson-ontrac-headphones, published 2024-07-18 / accessed Aug 2025 (8-mic/384k sampling, up to 40 dB, 6–21 kHz, 499.99 USD, 13° tilt)
[2] Dyson, “Dyson OnTrac™ headphones (CNC Aluminium)”, https://www.dyson.com/headphones/ontrac/cnc-aluminum, accessed Aug 2025 (55 h battery, THD 0.1% @94dB/1kHz, 2-Year Limited Warranty)
[3] RTINGS, “Dyson OnTrac Wireless Review”, https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/dyson/ontrac-wireless, published 2024-10-25 / accessed Aug 2025 (ANC weighted attenuation 18.63 dB; band splits; 51.0 h battery)
[4] RTINGS, “Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Review”, https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/sony/wh-1000xm5-wireless, published 2022-05-27 / accessed Aug 2025 (ANC weighted attenuation 25.81 dB; band splits)
[5] Best Buy, “Sony – WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Over-the-Ear Headphones”, https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-wh-1000xm5-wireless-noise-cancelling-over-the-ear-headphones-black/6505727.p, accessed Aug 2025 (299.99 USD)
[6] AV Watch, “Dyson OnTracヘッドホン 国内発売（直販74,990円）”, https://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1624947.html, 2024-09-19
[10] Bose, “Shop Noise-Cancelling Headphones”, https://www.bose.com/c/headphones/noise-cancelling, accessed Aug 2025 (QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: MSRP 449 USD; current sale 379 USD shown)
[12] Dyson, “Headphones | Dyson® Official Website”, https://www.dyson.com/headphones, accessed Aug 2025 (2-Year Limited Warranty)

(2025.8.30)