Daisy Sound, a new audio brand headquartered in California, has unveiled its first product: the Daisy One headphones, priced at $399 — $50 to $150 less than competing premium noise-canceling models from Apple, Sony, and Bose, according to WIRED. The launch marks the entry of a team of industrial designers from outside the audio industry into a saturated headphone market that CEO and founder Jack Mulroe calls "kind of stale."
Design and Materials
The Daisy One headphones are built with an aluminum body and composite TR90 headstraps, a material widely used by headphone manufacturers, Mulroe noted. Weighing 318 grams, they are slightly heavier than some competitors. The ear pads snap on and off via magnetic connections for easy replacement. Three color options are available: silver, Pacific (blue), and Kelp (greenish-brown). Mulroe described the design as "California-inspired" and durable, saying "You can just yeet it" while stretching the headband. Most of the design team is based in California, with some former engineers from Harman Professional Solutions, an audio company owned by Samsung.
Audio and Features
The sound system inside the Daisy One is developed by Utah-based ((nxc)) systems, which Daisy Sound contracts with. The headphones store ambient soundscapes recorded in California, such as ocean waves and Big Sur forest ambiance, and include a guided breathwork exercise. Battery life is rated at 35 hours with noise cancelling on and 45 hours off, though the battery is non-replaceable — a feature Mulroe says the company is working on for future models. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, USB-C, and a 3.5-mm auxiliary jack. Early reviewers on TikTok criticized the transparency mode, which lets in ambient sound, calling it lacking. Mulroe acknowledged the feedback: "Transparency, it's tough because we are up against Apple and Sony, who have great [intellectual property], great designers, great engineers, so they did it." He added that a software patch could upgrade the feature.
Competitive Landscape
The Daisy One goes head-to-head with Apple's AirPods Max ($450–$550), Sony's WH-1000XM6, Bose, Beats, and others. Mulroe stated, "I knew we'd be competing against the bigs: Sony, Bose, Beats, Apple. I didn't really mind that competition. It's going to be all good." The market also includes London-based Nothing and Anker's Soundcore budget options, as well as premium brands like Bowers & Wilkins and Grado.
Industry Context
The headphones launch amid memory shortages driving up costs across the electronics industry, according to WIRED. Mulroe expressed confidence despite the challenging timing, projecting a relaxed attitude consistent with the brand's California ethos. The company is an unproven, industry-outsider brand asking customers to take a chance on its first product. Production timeline details were not disclosed in the source.
Sources:
