Product test
Ontrac headphone review: stupendous audio quality, but the software needs improvement
by Stefanie Lechthaler
OnTrac: The new headphones from Dyson are trendy and sleek
18.7.2024
Translation: machine translated
Dyson presents its new headphones, the OnTrac. Although they don't come with a dystopian air filter, they do have an amazingly long battery life and a stylish upgrade. I was at the unveiling in London and had the chance to take a quick listen.
The launch of the futuristic air-purifying-headphones Zone caused quite a stir two years ago. The device is designed to protect people in urban areas from ambient noise and bad air. Despite the innovative idea, the controversial headphones had difficulty finding their way into the masses. Now the company is having a second go with the OnTrac. Stylish over-ear headphones that are lighter and slimmer than their predecessor without the air filter.
Source: Dyson
Design to your own taste
Compared to its rather clunky predecessor, the OnTrac is quite slim. This is mainly due to the fact that the battery is built into the headband and the earpiece has been reduced to a minimum as a result. With the multiple swivelling gimbal arms and soft ear pads, the headphones are designed to fit any head size.
The OnTrac is intended to appeal to the individual not only in terms of shape but also design. Dyson has four basic models that can be personalised with different coloured ear pads and end caps. The colour palette is inspired by the company's history.
Source: Stefanie Lechthaler
Long battery life like its predecessor
Jake Dyson himself unveiled the new headphones at the launch event in London and explained that the Zone laid the foundation for the development of the OnTrac. The already astonishingly long battery life of the predecessor has been extended to 55 hours in ANC mode.
The active noise cancellation is said to be able to reduce ambient noise by up to 40 decibels. This is achieved via a level control in the associated app, with a choice of three levels.
Which brings us to the technical side. The OnTrac can only be connected to one device at a time - it does not support multipoint. In addition to Bluetooth, Dyson also offers analogue transmission from the USB-C port on the headphones to the jack, which is said to result in better sound quality. The corresponding cable can be purchased separately. According to Jake Dyson, the company's aim with the OnTrac is to transmit the music as authentically as possible - just as the musicians intended. Without signal distortion and interference.
In addition to ANC regulation, the associated MyDyson app offers an equaliser, a volume throttle and a "listening history". This allows users to track their listening behaviour in terms of volume.
Source: Dyson
Release in Switzerland: August 2024
Three of the four basic models will be available in Switzerland and in our shop from August for the price of 499 francs. The colourful interchangeable ear pads and end caps will be delivered gradually for 49 francs per set. So if you want to personalise the headphones completely, you'll have to wait a little longer.
I have tested the OnTrac. You can find the detailed review here.
Header image: Stefanie Lechthaler
Painting the walls just before handing over the flat? Making your own kimchi? Soldering a broken raclette oven? There's nothing you can't do yourself. Well, perhaps sometimes, but I'll definitely give it a try.