Overview

Daiso is a Japanese discount chain founded in 1972. Beyond household goods, it sells basic audio accessories. Typical items include wired earphones at 200円 (1.33 USD) and true-wireless models around 1,100円 (7.33 USD)［1］［2］. Some products list manufacturer specs (e.g., frequency range, impedance, Bluetooth version), but independent lab measurements are generally unavailable［3］［4］.

Scientific Validity

\[\Large \text{0.4}\]

We found no credible third-party measurements (e.g., FR deviation, THD, passive isolation) for Daiso earphones. Only limited manufacturer specifications are available for representative models (e.g., wired “zipper-type” earphones: 20Hz–20kHz, 16Ω; TWS002 series: Bluetooth 5.x, stated battery time)［3］［4］. Starting from the unknown-data baseline (0.5), we deduct slightly due to limited specs and a past recall affecting BT earbuds, ending at 0.4［5］.

Technology Level

\[\Large \text{0.2}\]

Designs appear to use off-the-shelf parts with no evidence of proprietary DSP or advanced acoustic engineering. Daiso has issued iterative improvements (e.g., TWS-G273 series), but the overall engineering ambition remains basic by industry standards［3］［6］.

Cost-Performance

\[\Large \text{1.0}\]

Two representative categories (cheapest equal-or-better with public measurements):

• Wired earphones (200円 / 1.33 USD)
  Same user-facing function (3.5mm in-ear). A widely measured budget IEM with superior, published data is TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO, typically ~59.99 USD in the U.S.［7］［8］. We found no cheaper product with equal-or-better measured performance. → CP = 1.0 (no cheaper equivalent exists).

• True-wireless (1,100円 / 7.33 USD)
  Same user-facing function (TWS + case). JLab GO Air Pop is a measured low-cost TWS at ~19–25 USD with equal-or-better functionality and published results［9］［10］［11］. We found no cheaper, measured equal-or-better option. → CP = 1.0.

Weighted across the two categories, the company-level CP remains 1.0.

Reliability & Support

\[\Large \text{0.2}\]

Convenient store coverage helps with initial exchanges, but there is no long-term support or repair expectation. A prior recall for BT earbuds (risk of overheating while charging) underlines the quality variability typical at this price tier［5］.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

\[\Large \text{0.2}\]

The strategy optimizes price over measured fidelity. While this is rational for disposable use, it does not pursue transparency-driven design validated by measurements.

Advice

• Consider Daiso for emergency/backup use or scenarios with high loss risk.
• If you value audio quality or durability, invest slightly more in a measured entry-level IEM (e.g., TRUTHEAR ZERO) or a measured budget TWS (e.g., JLab GO Air Pop) for far better long-term value［7］［9］.

References

[1] Daiso Industries, “Corporate Profile (ENG, 2025.2)”, https://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Daiso-CompanyInfo.ENG_20242.2025.pdf (accessed 2025-07)

[2] Daiso Online “Earphones & Speakers (includes TWS002)” https://jp.daisonet.com/collections/electricity0208 (accessed 2025-08)

[3] Daiso Online “True Wireless Earphones (TWS002)” https://jp.daisonet.com/products/4550480211886 (accessed 2025-08)

[4] Daiso Online “Stereo Earphones (zipper-type, with mic)” https://jp.daisonet.com/products/4550480403175 (accessed 2025-08)

[5] Daiso Industries “Notice: Recall of two Bluetooth earphone models” https://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/info/important/9328 (2021-04-22)

[6] Daiso Customer Desk “Improvement Case: True Wireless Earphones 2 (TWS-G273)” https://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/soudanshitsu/improvement/37052 (2025-02-12)

[7] RTINGS.com “TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO Review” https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/truthear/x-crinacle-zero (2023-10-31)

[8] Amazon.com “TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO listing” https://www.amazon.com/TRUTHEAR-Crinacle-Dynamic-Drivers-Headphone/dp/B0CM3H8JFK (accessed 2025-08)

[9] RTINGS.com “JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless Review” https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/jlab-audio/go-air-pop-true-wireless (updated 2025-05-30)

[10] Walmart “JLab Go Air Pop product page” https://www.walmart.com/ip/JLab-Go-Air-Pop-True-Wireless-Earbuds-w-Charging-Case-Black/631193073 (accessed 2025-08)

[11] JLab Official “GO Air POP” https://www.jlab.com/products/go-air-pop-true-wireless-earbuds-black (accessed 2025-08)

(2025.8.16)