I switched from Sonos to Dyson's OnTrac headphones for a month – will I go back?

Having rigorously tested a multitude of leading headphones, my current preferred audio devices are the Sonos Ace. These exceptional noise-cancelling headphones consistently impress with their remarkable comfort, lightweight construction, extended battery life, and impressive audio quality. While the Ace are my usual travel companion, I have recently explored an alternative: the Dyson OnTrac.

Dyson’s OnTrac headphones follow the company’s unconventional Zone headphones, designed to combine music playback with air purification—a concept addressing pandemic-era concerns. Although the Zone headphones were an unusual product and did not achieve widespread popularity, users, including Express.co.uk, acknowledged their impressive sound performance.

Fortunately, Dyson’s latest OnTrac headphones have abandoned the air-filtering component and concentrated on refining the audio capabilities. With the Sonos Ace temporarily set aside, the question arises: how do the Dyson OnTrac fare, and are they a worthwhile investment?

After extensive use in various settings—planes, trains, offices, and home environments—I have been genuinely impressed. Considering Dyson’s primary reputation in vacuum cleaners, fans, and hair dryers, the engineering team has delivered a commendable audio product.

The sound quality is robust and easily comparable to established competitors like Bose and Sony. Throughout my testing, diverse music genres sounded rich, detailed, and exceptionally clear, with well-balanced bass. Dyson has integrated custom-built 40mm neodymium drivers, positioned at a 13-degree angle towards the ear, contributing to the excellent audio experience.

Furthermore, the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is highly effective, minimizing external noise and enhancing audio immersion.

The OnTrac incorporates eight Active Noise Cancelling microphones that detect external sounds 384,000 times per second to optimize noise reduction. Testing in crowded environments, including London Underground trains, bustling cafes, and a transatlantic flight, revealed the ANC’s effectiveness in minimizing distractions and enhancing focus on audio content.

Battery performance is also remarkable, with Dyson claiming over 52 hours on a single charge. This claim is validated by my experience, as battery depletion was never a concern during travel.

The OnTrac headphones feature a distinctive and highly customisable design.

Users can personalize the appearance by interchanging ear cup colours and outer plates, either at purchase or with optional accessories.

The modular design allows for easy alterations, enabling users to adapt the headphones’ style to personal preferences or outfits. The OnTrac design is undeniably distinctive and may elicit varied reactions, but it introduces a refreshing element of individuality to the headphone market.

Customization options, including headband colour adjustments, are available online, adding an engaging aspect to the purchasing process.

However, the cost of accessories should be noted. While the OnTrac headphones are already priced at £449, additional ear cups or outer plates are priced at £50 each, significantly increasing the overall expense.

Purchasing multiple accessories could elevate the total cost beyond £649.

Further expenditure may arise from the optional audio cable, required for wired connections to headphone ports or in-flight entertainment systems, priced at an additional £20.

Beyond customization, other user-friendly features include straightforward controls for volume adjustment, track pausing, and ANC deactivation.

The Dyson application provides extensive sound settings for personalized audio tuning. The headphones incorporate intelligent features such as automatic pausing upon removal, a foldable design for compact storage, and volume safety alerts.

Despite the positive aspects of Dyson’s OnTrac headphones, certain drawbacks warrant consideration. While comfortable and sonically impressive, their weight might be unsuitable for all users.

The included travel case appears underwhelming given the headphones’ premium price point, and the single-device connectivity limits seamless switching between devices like phones, tablets, or laptops.

The absence of multi-device support, a common feature in headphones like AirPods Pro 2 and Sonos Ace, is a notable omission.

As previously mentioned, the £449 price tag is substantial, and the unique aesthetic may not appeal to everyone.

Will the Dyson OnTrac replace my Sonos Ace as my primary headphones? Initially, I anticipated a swift return to the Ace. However, my experience with Dyson’s headphones has been surprisingly positive.

They deliver outstanding audio, effective ANC, appealing customization features, and remarkable battery longevity.

Dyson’s audio division has achieved a significant accomplishment. Yet, concerns regarding weight, price, and limited multi-device connectivity persist. The design, akin to Marmite, will not resonate universally—understatement being absent from their visual identity.

While the OnTrac will not supplant my Sonos Ace, they have surpassed initial expectations. For users seeking distinctive headphones that deviate from conventional designs, the Dyson OnTrac are a compelling option and will not disappoint in performance.