Overview

Dyson’s second-generation headphones drop the Zone’s visor and focus purely on audio. OnTrac launched on July 18, 2024 at 500 USD, emphasizing durable metal construction and extensive color customization (>2,000 cap/cushion combos) [1][2]. Key facts: spec weight 0.451 kg (manufacturer), up to 55 h playback with ANC (manufacturer), 40 mm drivers, 8 ANC mics (manufacturer) [1][2]. Independent data: ~51.1 h continuous playback with ANC, overall attenuation −18.63 dB (full-range ANC isolation), Bluetooth with multipoint (2 devices) and LHDC/AAC verified in testing, and no analog audio out of the box (optional In-Flight Adapter enables wired listening but disables ANC) [3]. Note: manufacturer pages list Bluetooth 5.0–5.3 by region/firmware; third-party testing unit reported v5.0 [1][3][8].

Scientific Validity

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• ANC (quantitative): overall attenuation −18.63 dB (Airplane −18.59 / Office −17.90 / Street −20.79). Leaders like Sony WH-1000XM5 reach −25.81 dB [3][4].
• Battery (quantitative): 51.1 h with ANC measured vs 55 h claim [3][1].
• Wireless/codec: Multipoint (2), LHDC/AAC seen in testing; Bluetooth version varies by source as noted above [3][1][8].
• Distortion (spec): 0.1% THD @94 dB/1 kHz (manufacturer) [1].
• Weight: 0.451 kg spec; lab mass around ~454 g [1][3].

Technology Level

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40 mm neodymium drivers with generally stable imaging and an 8-mic ANC architecture; app features include mode switching and preset EQ. However, the EQ lacks parametric control, Bluetooth stack on the tested unit is v5.0, and sub-bass attenuation trails leaders in measurements [2][3].

Cost-Performance

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Cheapest equal-or-better comparator: Sony WH-1000XM5 at 299.99 USD (current US market), offering stronger ANC (−25.81 dB), lighter build (~0.55 lb), and wired playback included [4][6].
Calculation (explicit): 299.99 USD ÷ 500 USD = 0.60 → score 0.6 (rounded).
Rationale: Same core functions, superior measured ANC, and lower mass; other options (e.g., Bose QC Ultra) exist but are pricier [7].

Reliability & Support

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Two-year warranty (regions vary) and official spare parts/cosmetic modules available; multipoint supported; optional wired adapter disables ANC; firmware via MyDyson app [1][3][8]. No long-term reliability track record yet for this model; high mass may affect comfort longevity.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Solid engineering and modularity, yet choices like higher mass and omission of native analog I/O reduce practical gains versus peers. Investments seem tilted to industrial design/customization rather than measurable ANC leadership or wired flexibility [1][2][3].

Advice

Pick OnTrac if you prioritize build quality, long battery life, and style customization over absolute ANC leadership or wired flexibility. If you want stronger ANC at a lower price, the Sony WH-1000XM5 (299.99 USD) is the better buy; Bose QC Ultra remains a high-performing (but pricier) alternative [4][6][7].

References

[1] Dyson — OnTrac product page (specs: 0.451 kg, up to 55 h, 40 mm; accessories). https://www.dyson.com/headphones/ontrac/cnc-black-nickel (accessed 2025-08-29)
[2] Dyson — “Headphones, remastered: Introducing the Dyson OnTrac” (product announcement/features). https://www.dyson.com/discover/innovation/new-machines/dyson-ontrac-headphones (accessed 2025-08-29)
[3] RTINGS — Dyson OnTrac Review (battery 51.1 h, ANC overall −18.63 dB; multipoint; LHDC/AAC; wired via adapter, ANC off). https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/dyson/ontrac-wireless (accessed 2025-08-29)
[4] RTINGS — Sony WH-1000XM5 Review (overall attenuation −25.81 dB; ~0.55 lb; wired included). https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/sony/wh-1000xm5-wireless (accessed 2025-08-29)
[5] RTINGS — Dyson Zone vs Dyson OnTrac comparison (weights, other indices). https://www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/dyson-zone-wireless-vs-dyson-ontrac/38726/68177 (accessed 2025-08-29)
[6] Best Buy — Sony WH-1000XM5 listing (299.99 USD). https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-wh1000xm5-wireless-noise-canceling-over-the-ear-headphones-black/10104664.p (accessed 2025-08-29)
[7] RTINGS — Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Review (ANC among leaders). https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/bose/quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-wireless (accessed 2025-08-29)
[8] Dyson India — OnTrac page (Bluetooth spec 5.0, 2-year warranty). https://www.dyson.in/ontrac-headphones-cnc-copper (accessed 2025-08-29)

(2025.8.30)