The best kids headphones of 2023: for fun, safety, and more

Kid-friendly consumer technology is very popular these days, so it’s no surprise that there’s an entire market of headphones designed specifically for our youngsters. But when we think of “kid-friendly,” sometimes we imagine products that are a little more affordable than those for adults. However, that’s not the case on our list of the best headphones for kids.

We want headphones made for our kids to include parent-controlled volume limits to ensure our kids aren’t damaging their ears. Almost every entry on our list checks this important box, but we also want to point out to you and your products that offer exceptional noise-canceling, built-in mics for phone and video calls, as well as school days. Provide long lasting battery. A long flight.

Pure Sound Labs PureQuits

Best Overall Headphones for Kids

Kids deserve the best when it comes to headphones, which is why we’d like to draw your attention to the top quality Puro Sound Labs PuroQuits, with active noise-canceling designed specifically for kids. The One (ANC) is an excellent set of headphones. Providing noise isolation levels up to 78% and 22 decibel reduction in background noise, the beauty behind Puro Sound’s digital sound processing is that your baby will experience unprecedented sound quality at the lowest and highest volumes, which are as low as 85 decibels. limited to. This model – recommended maximum volume level to protect children’s ears.

With ANC engaged, the PuroQuiets should last up to 23 hours on a single charge, though you may be able to get even better performance with ANC disabled. We’re also glad that Puro Sound thought to include a 3.5mm auxiliary port. This makes PuroQuiets easy to use with airplane infotainment systems and other headphone jack hardware.

At $140, these are definitely more expensive than kid-friendly headphones, but if your child is constantly listening to music, playing games, or engaged in hybrid learning applications, the PuroQuiets are a true boon.

Pure Sound Labs PureQuits

Best Overall Headphones for Kids

Pogs the Gecko

Best Music Headphones for Kids

The Bluetooth-powered Gecko headphones are built for growing kids who are becoming more interested in music, starting to develop an ear for audio quality, and generally being more selective when it comes to headphones. The 32mm neodymium drivers are small enough to be comfortable for kids’ ears, but large enough to deliver some powerful sound. There’s also SafeSound to keep that sound below 85 decibels. Sound clarity tuning software can also help songs sound their best without worrying too much about settings. There’s also a music-sharing feature with the Poglink cable that can connect multiple headphones together to listen to music with friends.

We’re also big fans of the design: The Gecko gets its name from the earcups that are designed to stay in place even during active time, and the adjustable headband can even keep up with a fast-growing tween — though they may be a little larger. Small children can. Plus, the design is made with drops, twists, and accidental bumps in mind, so it should be able to withstand a lot.

Pogs the Gecko

Best Music Headphones for Kids

Buddyphones School+

Best Headphones for School

Designed from the ground up for young students, the School+ boasts volume-limiting circuitry that puts a limit on the headphones’ loud sound while adhering to the less than 85 decibels rule. The headphones themselves offer a comfortable and adaptable fit, but not to a limited extent. The hypoallergenic cushioning is also a nice addition, especially for long class sessions where the ears, neck and head can start to get sweaty.

Whether they’re using them for remote learning at home, in the classroom, or for other shared learning experiences, the included BuddyJack system makes it easy to connect multiple pairs of headphones simultaneously (up to four at once). . There’s also a convenient in-line mic for talking and taking calls. Add the travel bag, decorative stickers, and extra audio cable, and it becomes clear why the Buddyphones School+ is one of the best sets of headphones for learning at home.

Buddyphones School+

Best Headphones for School

LilGadgets BestBuds

Best Earbuds for Kids

Not every young listener wants a clunky set of headphones. For those who want something more in line with the Apple AirPods or similar earbuds, there are the LilGadgets BestBuds. What we like right off the bat is that these are volume-limited wired buds. Keep in mind, these guys max out at 73 decibels, which is a few decibels lower than the World Health Organization’s recommended 85-decibel limit, making it a little quieter. However, the built-in passive noise isolation should help balance external noise against the source volume. Although not wireless like the much-acclaimed AirPods, LilGadgets’ BestBuds cable is tangle-free and comes with a mini-splitter for connecting a second set of buds for shared listening.

The BestBuds come with a sturdy travel case to take on the road or take to the skies, as well as a set of three earbud tips to fit most ear sizes. With a comfortable fit, easy controls (plus an in-line mic), and three color options (blue, black, and pink), the LilGadgets BestBuds are the perfect starter earbuds.

LilGadgets BestBuds

Best Earbuds for Kids

JLab JBuddies Pro

Best for volume control

We certainly don’t want our kids to damage their ears, which is why it’s important to limit the listening volume of their headphones. That’s why products like JLab JBuddies Pro are so important. Not only do these Bluetooth headphones look and sound great, but they also have a built-in volume switch that lets parents choose the maximum volume that kids can listen to.

The recommended decibel limit is 85 decibels, but the switch can also be toggled up to 95 decibels for louder environments. You’ll also be able to expect up to 35 hours of listening, although this figure will depend on how loud the headphones are set and whether ANC is on or not. We’re also big fans of the 3.5mm share port, which allows your little one to connect the JBDeze Pro to a second set of wired headphones for shared listening with a sibling or friend.

JLab JBuddies Pro

Best for volume control

LilGadgets Untangled Pro

Best headphones for sharing

LilGadgets wins another award in our roundup, this time for best sharing capabilities. The Untangled Pro are a rock-solid set of Bluetooth 4.0 headphones made from durable polycarbonate and reinforced stainless steel extenders. If your kids are a little rough with their electronics, the Untangled Pro is perfect for their stamina alone. For active listeners, the headphones will last up to 12 hours during playback and 180 hours on standby without charging. Passive noise isolation comes standard with Untangled, as does volume limiting, with the headphones maxing out at 93 decibels.

The big feature of the Untangled Pro is the built-in SharePort, which negates a splitter, meaning a friend or sibling can connect a second set of headphones directly to the Untangled, allowing easy daisy-chaining to a single audio source. Is allowed. LilGadgets Untangled Pro is available in 10 colors, and the proceeds of each sale go toward a range of antibullying initiatives.

LilGadgets Untangled Pro

Best headphones for sharing

cozyphones kids headphones

The most comfortable headphones for kids

Headphones are not suitable for every child. Active kids may find they always fall off, while others don’t like the weight around their ears. However, there is an alternative: these wool headbands that include built-in, thin speakers for sound in a comfortable package.

The fabric wraps inside are completely removable from the headphones, allowing you to machine wash the headband between uses, and the included cord is 52 inches long, providing plenty of slack to connect the device to both the front and back of the car. Does. You get the option of styles like fox, panda, purple frog and monster, all of which can be easily kept in a school backpack without worrying much about harmful components. Be sure to have extra length in case your child gets entangled in the cords.

cozyphones kids headphones

The most comfortable headphones for kids

Looking for more headphone options? Check out our roundups of the best headphones overall, the best noise-canceling headphones, and the best earbuds. If you’re shopping on a budget, our best cheap headphones guide might be a better fit for you.