In the world of tech gadgets, few companies have managed to create a brand identity as strong and innovative as Dyson. Known for their high-end vacuum cleaners, bladeless fans, and other home appliances, Dyson has consistently pushed the boundaries of engineering and design. However, their foray into wearable technology, particularly with the Dyson Zone—an air-purifying headphone—has left many scratching their heads. The question on everyone’s mind is: why does this exist? And now, Dyson has returned with a new product that has stirred the pot even further.
Let’s take a step back to when Dyson first introduced the world to the Dyson Zone, a combination of headphones and a wearable air purifier. It was, to put it mildly, a peculiar device that garnered attention for all the wrong reasons. When I tested the Dyson Zone, I approached it with an open mind, hoping to find some redeeming qualities in what seemed like an outlandish concept. However, after thorough testing and daily use, I concluded that it was one of the most impractical gadgets I had ever reviewed.
Fast forward a year, and Dyson has unveiled a new version of their headphones, but this time, they’ve removed the air-purifying aspect. What remains is a pair of Dyson-branded headphones that retain the premium price tag but without the cumbersome air purifier. Priced at $500, these headphones are clearly aimed at the high-end market, competing directly with products like the AirPods Max.
One might wonder, with so many established players in the headphone market, why Dyson felt the need to enter this space. The answer likely lies in Dyson’s desire to diversify its product lineup while leveraging its reputation for premium, innovative products. The original Dyson Zone may not have been a hit, but it did generate buzz and positioned Dyson as a company willing to take risks. Now, with a more conventional product—headphones—they seem to be testing whether they can capture a share of the lucrative audio market.
To understand Dyson’s strategy, it’s essential to compare their headphones to Apple’s AirPods Max, a product that has similarly drawn attention for its high price and distinctive design. The AirPods Max, despite being criticized for its weight, outdated charging port, and lack of updates, continues to sell at a premium price. Dyson seems to have noticed this and decided to create a competitor that could potentially lure away some of Apple’s customers.
When you compare the Dyson headphones to the AirPods Max, several similarities and differences become apparent. Both are high-end, over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC), and both are designed to make a statement. However, Dyson’s offering comes in at $50 cheaper and boasts several features that are worth considering.
One of the first things you notice about the Dyson headphones is their weight. At 451 grams, these are the heaviest headphones I’ve ever tested, even surpassing the AirPods Max, which already had a reputation for being hefty. Despite this, Dyson has managed to distribute the weight evenly across the head, making them relatively comfortable for prolonged use.
The build quality of these headphones is exceptional, with Dyson opting for an all-metal design. Everything from the ear cups to the headband is crafted from metal, giving the headphones a robust and premium feel. The headband features a super-soft cushion, which adds to the comfort, but the ear cushions are surprisingly firm, likely due to the batteries housed within them.
One of the more interesting aspects of Dyson’s headphones is the ability to replace both the ear cushions and the back plates. These components are designed to be easily swapped out, with a simple quarter-twist mechanism allowing for quick changes. While this feature may seem like a gimmick, it’s clear that Dyson has put thought into the design. The ability to customize the look of your headphones by mixing and matching different colors and finishes is a nice touch, albeit an expensive one, as each additional pair of ear cushions or back plates costs $50.
This customization option feels like a response to the trend of people personalizing their AirPods Max with different colored ear cups. Dyson has taken this idea and integrated it into their product, offering it as a built-in feature rather than an aftermarket modification.
Of course, the most critical aspect of any pair of headphones is how they sound. After all, no amount of customization or clever design can make up for subpar audio quality. So, how do Dyson’s headphones stack up?
As someone who has tested numerous high-end headphones, I can confidently say that while Dyson’s offering is solid, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its competitors. The sound quality is decent, with a good balance across the frequency range, but it doesn’t excel in any particular area. When compared to the AirPods Max, the Dyson headphones fall short by about 10 to 25% in various genres.
Dyson’s app allows for some EQ adjustments, with three presets: Neutral, Enhanced, and Bass Boost. The Neutral setting provides a flat response, which is ideal for critical listening, while the Enhanced setting offers a sound profile similar to the AirPods Max. The Bass Boost mode, however, is a bit too much, overwhelming the sound with excessive low-end.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a must-have feature in high-end headphones, and Dyson has equipped their product with eight microphones to achieve this. The ANC performance is decent, effectively reducing white noise and other ambient sounds, but it doesn’t quite match the industry leaders like Sony, Bose, or Apple.
The transparency mode, which allows external sounds to pass through the headphones, is functional but not exceptional. It’s clear that Dyson prioritized other aspects of the headphones over perfecting the ANC and transparency features.
Where Dyson’s headphones truly shine is in battery life. The decision to place the batteries in the headband rather than the ear cups has paid off, resulting in an impressive 55-hour battery life with ANC enabled. This is more than double what the AirPods Max offers, and it’s a significant selling point for anyone who values long-lasting performance.
The inclusion of a physical off button is also a welcome addition, as many high-end headphones, including the AirPods Max, lack this basic feature. With Dyson’s headphones, you can be sure that the battery isn’t being drained when you’re not using them.
Portability is another area where Dyson’s headphones differ from the competition. Unlike many other over-ear headphones, which can be folded for easy storage, Dyson’s design does not fold. Instead, they can only be laid flat, which makes them less convenient to carry around.
Dyson includes a unique carrying case with the headphones, made from two flat silicone boards connected by elastic. While this case provides some protection, it’s not as practical as the hard-shell cases offered by other brands.
While it’s natural to compare Dyson’s headphones to the AirPods Max, it’s also important to consider how they stack up against other high-end options like the Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, and Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is often regarded as the gold standard for noise-canceling headphones. They offer superior ANC, a more comfortable fit, and a more neutral sound profile. In comparison, Dyson’s headphones are heavier, less comfortable, and have weaker noise cancellation. However, Dyson does offer better battery life and a more premium build quality.
Bose is another major player in the noise-canceling headphone market. The Bose 700s are known for their exceptional ANC and comfortable design. Dyson’s headphones, while impressive in build quality, don’t quite match the Bose in terms of comfort or ANC performance. However, they do offer better battery life and a more customizable design.
Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are praised for their sound quality, which is often described as warm and detailed. Dyson’s headphones, while decent, don’t quite match the audio fidelity of the Sennheisers. However, they do offer a more unique design and better battery life.
At the end of the day, the question remains: should you buy Dyson’s headphones? The answer depends on what you’re looking for in a pair of high-end headphones.
If you’re a fan of Dyson’s products and appreciate the brand’s commitment to innovative design and premium materials, these headphones might be worth considering. They offer a unique look, excellent build quality, and outstanding battery life. However, if sound quality and noise cancellation are your top priorities, there are better options available at a lower price point.
Dyson’s headphones are an interesting entry into the market, but they feel like a product that was designed to make a statement rather than to be the best in class. They’re certainly not for everyone, but for those who value design and brand prestige, they could be an attractive option.
Dyson’s decision to enter the headphone market is a bold move, and it’s clear that the company is trying to expand its product portfolio beyond household appliances. The Dyson headphones are a fascinating experiment, blending high-end audio with the brand’s signature design ethos. While they may not be the best choice for audiophiles or those seeking the best noise cancellation, they do offer something different in a crowded market.
As for the future, it will be interesting to see if Dyson continues to develop wearable tech products or if this will be a one-off venture. The company has always been known for pushing boundaries, and while the Dyson headphones may not be perfect, they certainly stand out.
In a market where many products look and feel the same, Dyson’s headphones are a reminder that innovation often comes from unexpected places. Whether or not these headphones become a commercial success, they represent a step forward in the evolution of wearable tech, and they demonstrate Dyson’s commitment to thinking outside the box.
So, will Dyson’s headphones carve out a niche in the market, or will they fade into obscurity like the Dyson Zone? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: Dyson is a company that isn’t afraid to take risks, and that alone makes them worth watching in the ever-changing landscape of tech innovation.
Dyson’s headphones are a testament to the brand’s willingness to innovate and take risks. While they may not be the best in terms of sound quality or noise cancellation, they offer a unique combination of design, build quality, and battery life that could appeal to a specific segment of consumers. Whether or not they succeed in the market, Dyson has once again demonstrated that they are a brand that isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo.
For those who are looking for something different in the world of high-end headphones, Dyson’s offering might be worth a look. But for those who prioritize audio performance above all else, there are other options that provide better value for money.
Dyson’s headphones are available now for $500, and they come with the promise of Dyson’s engineering excellence and design innovation. Whether or not they’re worth the price is a question only you can answer.
In the end, Dyson’s headphones are a bold experiment that may or may not pay off, but they are undoubtedly a conversation starter and a glimpse into the future of what wearable tech could be
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