Dyson OnTrac specifications and in-depth review

Dyson OnTrac

Manufacturer: Dyson

The Dyson OnTrac is an over-ear wireless headphone that brings together a broad set of audio and connectivity features in a closed-back design. Built for extended listening sessions, the headphone operates entirely wirelessly and includes active noise cancellation alongside a passive noise reduction design to help limit outside sound from reaching the listener.

On the technical side, the OnTrac uses a 40 mm driver unit with a frequency response spanning from 6 Hz up to 21000 Hz and a sound pressure level of 94 dB/mW, backed by a neodymium magnet. It supports spatial audio and connects via Bluetooth 5 with AAC and LDHC codec support. The 2540 mAh rechargeable battery delivers 55 hours of playback — with or without ANC active — and recharges fully in 3 hours via USB Type-C. Eight microphones handle call quality and noise cancellation duties, and on-ear detection enables automatic playback pause when the headphones are removed.

Pros
  • 55-hour battery life remains consistent whether ANC is active or not, avoiding the typical trade-off between noise cancellation and endurance
  • Eight-microphone array with noise-canceling capability supports clearer call quality when used as a headset
  • Supports both active noise cancellation and passive noise reduction for two layers of sound isolation
  • Spatial audio support adds a wider listening dimension beyond standard stereo playback
  • On-ear detection automatically pauses playback when the headphones are removed, a practical convenience for daily use
  • Ambient sound mode allows the listener to remain aware of their surroundings without removing the headphones
Cons
  • Cannot be folded, making them bulkier to transport or store when not in use
  • No travel bag is included, leaving users to source their own protective carrying solution
  • Wireless range is limited to 10 m, restricting movement from the connected device
  • No fast pairing or NFC pairing support, requiring manual Bluetooth pairing each time
  • No mute function available, which can be a practical limitation during calls or meetings
  • Wireless charging is not supported, meaning the headphones must be plugged in via USB-C to recharge
Who is this for?

The Dyson OnTrac is well suited to users who prioritize all-day listening endurance, given its consistent 55-hour battery life that holds steady even with ANC running. The dual-layer noise isolation — both active and passive — makes it a practical choice for commuters, office workers, or anyone regularly exposed to background noise who wants to maintain focus. Its eight-microphone headset capability also makes it a reasonable fit for users who frequently take calls or participate in remote meetings and need clear voice pickup without a dedicated headset. Ambient sound mode and on-ear detection add everyday convenience that suits listeners who move between focused and aware states throughout the day.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who need a portable, travel-friendly headphone may find the OnTrac limiting, as it cannot be folded and ships without a travel bag, making it less practical to pack or protect on the go. Those who rely on advanced wireless audio codecs such as LDAC, aptX HD, or aptX Adaptive for higher-resolution audio streaming will find those options absent here. The headphone is also a poor fit for anyone who needs quick or effortless device pairing, since it lacks both fast pairing and NFC support. Additionally, users who frequently step away from their source device may run into constraints given the 10 m Bluetooth range cap.

Design:

Fit Over-ear
has a detachable cable
water resistance None
can be folded
is designed for kids
has a tangle free cable
travel bag is included
has an open-back design
has stereo speakers

The Dyson OnTrac uses an over-ear fit with a closed-back design and stereo speakers, making it a full-sized headphone intended for adult use. It does not fold down for compact storage, and no travel bag is included. The headphone has no water resistance rating, and its cable setup is fixed — there is no detachable or tangle-free cable. These design choices reflect a product built around wireless use rather than portability or outdoor durability.

Sound quality:

has active noise cancellation (ANC)
lowest frequency 6 Hz
highest frequency 21000 Hz
driver unit size 40 mm
supports spatial audio
sound pressure level 94 dB/mW
has a neodymium magnet
has passive noise reduction

The Dyson OnTrac is equipped with a 40 mm driver unit backed by a neodymium magnet, covering a frequency range of 6 Hz to 21000 Hz with a sound pressure level of 94 dB/mW. It supports both active noise cancellation and passive noise reduction, giving it two layers of sound isolation. Spatial audio is also supported, and the closed design contributes to the passive noise reduction already provided by the earcups themselves.

Power:

Battery life 55 hours
Battery life (ANC) 55 hours
charge time 3 hours
Has USB Type-C
has a battery level indicator
has wireless charging
battery power 2540 mAh
Has a solar power battery
has a rechargeable battery
has a removable battery

The Dyson OnTrac houses a built-in 2540 mAh rechargeable battery that delivers 55 hours of playback — a figure that remains the same whether active noise cancellation is enabled or not. Charging is handled via USB Type-C and takes 3 hours to complete; wireless charging and solar charging are not supported. The battery is not removable, but a battery level indicator is on board to keep track of remaining charge.

Connectivity:

connectivity Wireless
Bluetooth version 5
has aptX Adaptive
has aptX
has LDAC
has LDHC
has Bluetooth LE Audio
has aptX Low Latency
has aptX HD
has aptX Lossless
has AAC
has Auracast
maximum Bluetooth range 10 m
has fast pairing
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC

The Dyson OnTrac connects exclusively via wireless Bluetooth 5, with a maximum range of 10 m. In terms of codec support, it includes AAC and LDHC, while aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency, aptX Lossless, and LDAC are all absent. Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast are likewise not supported. The headphone also lacks fast pairing and NFC-based pairing, so connection is handled through the standard Bluetooth pairing process.

Features:

has a noise-canceling microphone
has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
number of microphones 8
has a mute function
control panel placed on a device
can be used as a headset
Has an in-line control panel

The Dyson OnTrac can be used as a headset and features an array of 8 microphones, with noise-canceling capability to support clearer call audio. An ambient sound mode is included for situational awareness, and in/on-ear detection enables automatic music pause when the headphones are taken off. Controls are handled via an on-device control panel — there is no in-line control panel on a cable — and a dedicated mute function is not available.

Final Verdict

The Dyson OnTrac is a full-sized wireless over-ear headphone built around endurance and noise management, with its 55-hour battery life unaffected by active noise cancellation standing out as its most practically significant attribute. The combination of ANC, passive noise reduction, spatial audio, and an eight-microphone headset setup gives it a capable feature set for focused listening and remote communication. Its limitations — particularly the lack of foldability, absent travel bag, restricted Bluetooth range, and narrow codec support — mean it is best positioned for stationary or low-mobility use rather than frequent travel. For users who spend long hours at a desk or commute in noisy environments and want a headphone that can go days between charges, the OnTrac presents a well-rounded proposition within those specific boundaries.

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