Dyson OnTrac Headphones: Are They Better Than the Zone?

Dyson made headlines globally with its first foray into high-fidelity audio, largely because the Dyson Zone looked more like a sci-fi prop than a pair of headphones. The Zone combined noise cancellation with a filtered air visor that covered the user’s mouth. While innovative, the design was polarizing and heavy. Now, Dyson has returned with the OnTrac. These headphones ditch the air purification mask entirely to focus strictly on premium audio performance. This article breaks down whether this second attempt succeeds where the Zone stumbled and if the $499 price tag is justified.

Leaving the Air Purifier Behind

The most obvious difference between the Dyson Zone and the new Dyson OnTrac is the absence of the visor. The OnTrac is a dedicated high-fidelity audio device. By removing the motors and filters required for air purification, Dyson has significantly streamlined the profile of the headphones.

This shift signals that Dyson is serious about competing with established audio giants like Sony, Bose, and Apple rather than creating a niche hybrid product. The OnTrac looks like a premium pair of headphones rather than a wearable health device. The industrial design remains distinctively Dyson, utilizing CNC-machined aluminum and durable materials, but it fits into a daily commute much more naturally than its predecessor.

Battery Life: A New Industry Standard?

One area where the OnTrac significantly outperforms both the previous Zone and many current competitors is battery life. Dyson engineered the OnTrac to deliver up to 55 hours of listening time.

Crucially, this figure applies even with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) switched on. For context, the Apple AirPods Max offers around 20 hours, and the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers about 30 hours. Dyson achieves this by placing two high-capacity lithium-ion batteries in the headband rather than the ear cups. This design choice serves two purposes:

  1. It expands battery capacity significantly.
  2. It distributes weight more evenly across the head to reduce pressure on the ears.

Active Noise Cancellation and Audio Quality

Dyson claims the OnTrac offers “best-in-class” noise cancellation. The system uses eight microphones that sample external sound 384,000 times per second. This data is used to cancel up to 40 decibels of unwanted noise.

In terms of sound profile, the OnTrac features 40mm neodymium drivers with a frequency response range of 6Hz to 21kHz. This range goes lower than the typical 20Hz found in standard headphones, which potentially allows for deeper, more resonant bass. The audio is designed to be neutral and faithful to the original recording rather than artificially boosted.

Customization is Key

Dyson is betting heavily on style with the OnTrac. The headphones are highly modular. Users can swap out both the outer ear caps and the ear cushions. Dyson offers these parts in various finishes, including ceramic, copper, and aluminum, alongside different colors like CNC Black, CNC Copper, and Ceramic Cinnabar.

There are over 2,000 potential color combinations available. While the headphones come in four base colorways, you can purchase additional cap and cushion sets separately (usually around $50 per set) to match your style.

Direct Comparison: OnTrac vs. The Zone

To determine if the OnTrac is truly “better,” we must look at the hard specifications compared to the original Zone.

Weight and Comfort The original Dyson Zone weighed a massive 670 grams with the visor attached, or 595 grams without it. This made them significantly heavier than almost any other consumer headphone. The Dyson OnTrac weighs 451 grams. While this is a substantial reduction, it is important to note that 451 grams is still heavy. For comparison:

  • Sony WH-1000XM5: ~250g
  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra: ~250g
  • Apple AirPods Max: ~385g

The OnTrac is lighter than the Zone, but it is heavier than its main rivals. However, Dyson mitigates this with the headband battery placement and high-grade foam ear cushions that clamp firmly but softly.

Price Point The Dyson Zone launched at an eye-watering $949. This price reflected the complexity of the miniaturized air purification system. The Dyson OnTrac retails for $499. This cuts the price nearly in half. It places the OnTrac in direct competition with the AirPods Max ($549) and slightly above the premium Sony and Bose offerings (typically $350-$400).

Functionality The Zone was a jack-of-all-trades that mastered air filtration but compromised on weight and social acceptability. The OnTrac is a master of one trade: audio. By removing the complexity of the air motors, Dyson focused all engineering resources on acoustics and battery efficiency.

Is the OnTrac Better?

For the vast majority of consumers, the Dyson OnTrac is a significantly better product than the Zone. The Zone was a marvel of engineering for a very specific niche of users concerned about urban pollution. The OnTrac is a legitimate consumer audio product.

Pros of OnTrac over Zone:

  • Socially Wearable: You can wear these in public without drawing confused stares.
  • Price: At $499, it is accessible to the luxury audio market, unlike the near-$1,000 Zone.
  • Battery: 55 hours is exceptional endurance.
  • Customization: The ability to swap caps and cushions is a fun feature missing from the Zone’s industrial aesthetic.

Cons to Consider:

  • Weight: Despite being lighter than the Zone, 451g is heavy for all-day wear compared to Sony or Bose.
  • Case: The OnTrac comes with a slim “bra” style case similar to the AirPods Max, which offers limited protection compared to the hard-shell case included with the Zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Dyson OnTrac have air purification? No. The Dyson OnTrac is strictly an audio device. It does not include the air purification visor or motors found in the Dyson Zone.

Can I use the Dyson OnTrac for phone calls? Yes. The headphones utilize dual beam-forming microphones to isolate your voice from background noise, making them suitable for calls and video meetings.

How do I control the Dyson OnTrac? The headphones feature a joystick on the back of the right ear cup. This multi-directional control allows you to play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume. ANC modes are toggled by tapping the ear cup.

Is the Dyson OnTrac water-resistant? Dyson has certified the OnTrac with an IP54 rating. This means they are protected against dust ingress and splashing water, so they can handle light rain or sweat, but they should not be submerged.

How long does it take to charge? A full charge takes about 3 hours. However, a quick 10-minute charge can provide approximately 2.5 hours of listening time.