California-based startup Daisy Sound is entering the competitive premium headphone market with its first product, the Daisy One. Aiming to offer a fresh, design-forward alternative to established brands, the Daisy One boasts a retro aesthetic and noise-canceling capabilities at a slightly more accessible price point than top-tier competitors.
CEO and founder Jack Mulroe felt the premium headphone scene had become predictable, dominated by similar-looking devices and a focus on technical specs rather than user experience. "It just felt kind of stale," Mulroe stated, noting that Beats was the last truly culturally relevant brand in the space. Daisy Sound, composed of industrial designers from outside the audio industry, seeks to inject new life into the market.
The Daisy One is designed to compete directly with high-end noise-canceling headphones like Apple's AirPods Max and Sony's WH-1000XM6, which typically retail for $450 to $550. With a price tag of $399, the Daisy One aims to undercut these giants while delivering a premium experience. "I knew we'd be competing against the bigs: Sony, Bose, Beats, Apple," Mulroe said, expressing confidence in his product's ability to stand out.
Crafted with durability in mind, the Daisy One features an aluminum build and composite TR90 headstraps, a material commonly used in eyewear and known for its flexibility. The ear pads attach magnetically for easy removal, and the headphones offer both Bluetooth and wired connectivity via USB-C and a 3.5-mm auxiliary jack. Available in silver, Pacific blue, and Kelp green, the design draws inspiration from California's relaxed vibe. Notably, the headphones come pre-loaded with ambient soundscapes recorded in California and a guided breathwork exercise.
The Daisy One offers approximately 35 hours of battery life with noise canceling active and 45 hours without. While the company emphasizes longevity, the current model does not feature a user-replaceable battery, though Mulroe indicated this is something they are exploring for future iterations. Early reviews have been mixed, with some testers on TikTok pointing out that the transparency mode could be improved. Mulroe acknowledged this feedback, attributing it to the challenge of competing with established players like Apple and Sony in advanced audio features, and suggested it could be addressed via a future software update.
Launching amidst global supply chain issues that are increasing electronics costs, Daisy Sound faces the challenge of convincing consumers to trust an unproven brand. However, Mulroe remains optimistic, projecting a relaxed California confidence. "Pick ours up next to Sony and Bose and tell me who you like more because I'm that confident in build quality," he asserted, believing Daisy Sound is positioned for long-term success.
