I Tried Dyson's OnTrac Headphones and They're Actually Worth the Hype

From top-performing hair tools to powerful vacuums, Dyson is one of our favorite home gadget brands because of its innovative product design and performance. The brand has perfected the art of airflow and created a wide range of products that enhance the efficiency of our everyday tasks. Now, Dyson is entering the noise-canceling headphone space with its OnTrac Headphones ($500).

While the focus on noise cancellation is new, the OnTrac Headphones aren't Dyson's first attempt at headphone design. In 2023, the brand released the Dyson Zone headphones, which feature a built-in air purifier. To create headphones that had optimal noise cancellation, the Dyson engineering team decided to ditch air purification and offer something more style-centric and versatile.

I got to put them to the test in the streets of NYC and in-flight. Keep reading to find out my honest thoughts on these headphones.

Expert Featured in This Article

Jake Dyson is the director and chief engineer at Dyson, focusing on development of lighting products, wearable technology, AI, software, and connectivity.

What I Like About the Dyson OnTrac Headphones

The Dyson OnTrac Headphones block out environmental noise more than any other pair of headphones I've tried. Just by wearing the headphones, the air cabin noise on my flight was dulled, quieter, and a bit more hollowed out at a lower frequency. Then, as soon as I turned on the isolation mode, that humming cabin noise was completely drowned out. The air cabin noise was so quiet, I had to concentrate and actively listen for the humming to notice it, especially while playing audio. In fact, the air hostess had to tap my shoulder to get my attention because I could not hear her voice when I was binge-watching Netflix.

Jake Dyson, director and chief engineer at Dyson, tells PS that his team aimed to create a natural, lifelike listening experience with these headphones — or as he says, "sound as the artist intended." Whether I'm listening to music or a podcast, or watching an intense thriller or reality TV, the audio is crystal clear and never distorted. It's an immersive experience that is true to life, without enhanced bass or imbalances between voices and background noises.

Dyson's OnTrac headphones are comfortable, and they feel lightweight compared to other headphones on the market. The placement of batteries on both sides of the headphones means that the weight feels equally balanced on my head, and the plush microfiber cushions are big enough to cover my entire ear without interfering with my piercings. The headphones also have an adjustable headband that allows them to stay put without compressing my head.

Although you can control the sound via the buttons on the side of the headphones, you can also enhance your listening experience using the accompanying MyDyson app. The app lets you control your noise-cancellation settings, see your sound exposure, and personalize your experience with three preset equalization settings. "On the app, you get a score of the pollution you've been exposed to throughout the day," Dyson says. "It's tracking the dangerous sounds that can damage your ears from the outside. When an ambulance goes past a police car, it's causing a lot of damage to your ears, but people don't realize it, so it's informative."

I could see how loud and potentially damaging the air cabin noise is while I was on a flight. When I turn on the noise-cancellation feature, it actively mutes the external environment and, by doing so, protects my ears from noise pollution. It also tells me when my internal headphone volume is too high and potentially damaging to my hearing. The app is constantly linked to your headphones, even if the headphones are connected to a different device, so I can control my audio settings using my phone while watching a movie on my iPad.

What to Consider Before Trying the Dyson OnTrac Headphones

Unlike other headphones on the market, OnTrac's transparency mode allows in more external sound compared to having both the isolation and transparency modes off. I can hear the humming in the airplane, and it's as if I'm not wearing headphones at all. Other headphones in the market utilize transparency mode to block out noise, but not to the extent of the noise-cancellation mode.

While I love the customization aspect of these headphones, the outer caps and ear cushions are $50, which can be a bit pricey on top of the cost of the headphones themselves. However, you can get an extra complimentary pair of outer caps and ear cushions when you order from the Dyson site.

Another small thing to note is that these headphones don't sit well on your ears if you use a thick neck pillow while traveling.

Who Are the Dyson OnTrac Headphones Best For?

I've worn these headphones while traveling, commuting, and working out, and they are comfortable no matter what I'm doing. It's also worth the investment if you are concerned about noise pollution and want to be more aware of your hearing health, given the app's noise pollution tracking and metrics.

Are the Dyson OnTrac Headphones Worth the Splurge?

At $500, these headphones are expensive compared to others in the market. However, if you have the budget and want a truly immersive sound experience, they are worth the splurge. Out of all the noise-canceling headphones I've tried, the OnTrac is the most effective pair I own.

Additional Details

Where are the Dyson OnTrac Headphones Available?

The Dyson OnTrac Headphones are available on the brand's site, Amazon, and Best Buy.

Rating:
★★★★★

Anvita Reddy (she/her) is an assistant editor for PS Shopping. She has a passion for products and reviews home gadgets, cookware, tech, and more. Having dealt with acne as a teenager and into adulthood, her expertise lies in beauty. She tests skin care, makeup, and hair care, plus countless other beauty products.