Dyson announces the launch of headphones with built-in air purifier

Dyson unveils its newest product – the Dyson Zone air-purifying headphones.

Jake Dyson_Dyson Zone in use
Jake Dyson unveils the new Dyson Zone air-purifying headphones, London. (Matt Alexander/PA wire)

This is Dyson’s first step into wearable technology. And in true Dyson fashion, it looks a little bizarre; this is a set of noise-cancelling over-ear Bluetooth headphones that simultaneously deliver sound to the ears, and purified airflow to the nose and mouth, through a magnetic face visor.

“Air pollution is a global problem – it affects us everywhere we go. In our homes, at school, at work and as we travel, whether on foot, on a bike or by public or private transport. The Dyson Zone purifies the air you breathe on the move. And unlike face masks, it delivers a plume of fresh air without touching your face, using high- performance filters and two miniaturised air pumps. After six years in development, we’re excited to deliver pure air and pure audio, anywhere,” said Chief Engineer Jake Dyson during the official announcement.

The announcement today comes before the official launch of the Zone headphones, which is slated to be released in Autumn this year. Dyson has yet to announce details of the product, such as its price or battery life.

Dyson Zone air-purifying headphones is conceived after six years and 500 prototypes, tapping on Dyson’s 30 years of expertise in airflow, filtration, and motors technologies.

Jake Dyson_Dyson Zone in use 2
Photo credit: Matt Alexander/PA wire

The air purification technology is a miniature of Dyson’s air filtration technology. The Zone headphones are able to draw air through its ear cups, using a pair of compressors. The air is filtered so that clean air that has no particles or pollutants can then channelled through the no-contact visor to the user’s nose and mouth.

This visor is attached using magnets, which allows it to be removed and in this case, you’ll be using it solely as headphones.

Besides superior air filtration ability (up to 99 per cent of particle pollution), Zone headphones are also said to be using an advanced noise system developed by Dyson engineers.

Dyson Zone acoustic chamber

Its design is optimised for reducing unwanted environmental noise and motor tones to provide advanced noise cancellation.

Dyson Zone acoustic chamber

Comfort is another area the engineers looked into. Researching into head and face geometries, the engineers took care in the clamp force of the headband, the geometry and materials of the visor, and the adjustability of the machine.

You’ll also find that the ear cushions are flatter than conventional ones; this is so that they can offer attenuation and comfort.

The Dyson Zone air-purifying headphones will be available globally from Autumn 2022. Timings will vary by geography. Full product specification and further details on availability will be announced in the coming months.