BEST HEADPHONES FOR TODDLERS
I am just going to admit it, we wouldn’t be able to travel without our toddler’s tablet. It makes it easier to fly, drive, and just get anything done in general. The next step was finding the best headphones for toddlers so we can have a little sanity.
Now that he is old enough to enjoy different shows, he is now old enough to watch them with headphones without taking them off every 2 minutes. So far, his record is 10 minutes, but it’s getting better with each attempt.
Headphones have become a game-changer for us. We no longer have to listen to Elmo, Number Blocks, Little Baby Bum, or Minions for the 417197198th time.
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Before anyone screams at us in the comments about his hearing, we have consulted with his pediatrician and were given the okay.
Headphones designed for young children have a lower threshold than headphones made for adults.
We still take the necessary precautions and do not turn the volume high and always use the parental controls, so he does not turn them up on his own.
After going through 3 pairs of headphones (he snapped them in half, I don’t know why this kid is so strong), we decided to write a guide for other parents with toddlers. If you are on the go with your little one, here are the best headphones for toddlers.
Related Post: Toddler Travel Essentials
BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES FOR TODDLERS COMPARISON TABLE
There are a few things that I want to know before we get into the list of the top 10 toddler headphones for travel.
We only included headphones that are designed especially for kids. If you are looking for headphones for an adult, these may not fit your needs.
The maximum volume of the headphones is 94 dB (with most being 85 dB), compared to over 100 dB, which is for adults. Remember, toddler headphones are not noise-canceling. The maximum volume is lower to protect their hearing and little eardrums.
All of the wireless toddler headphones on this list have a range of at least 30 feet. Having wireless headphones allows them to move around with room without losing connection.
Many of them can share, resulting in everyone being able to watch the same movie with their headphones.
Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
iClever BTH02 Kids Headphones
Our favorite toddler headphones are iClever BTH02 Kids Headphones because they are durable and have been able to withstand our destructive toddler.
These headphones have withstood being dropped, thrown, and ran over by a bike. If you have an active little one these headphones are perfect for you.
Of all the toddler headphones on our list, these have the longest battery life at 22 hours. That is almost three times as long as some of the other toddler headphones on our list.
Once the battery dies there is a 3.5 mm backup jack to make these headphones last until their next charge. The jack makes it easy to watch movies or shows on the airplane.
There is a carrying case included to keep them looking new and from getting lost. The best thing about these headphones is the price. You can get these for less than $25, so if you have a little Hulk you won’t spend a lot of money.
Pros
- Battery Life
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Wireless & Wired
- Carrying Case
Cons
- Lack of Color Options
- No Parent Control
Related Post: 30 Travel-Inspired Gifts for Toddlers
LilGadgets Untangled Pro Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
The LilGadgets Untangled Pro Wireless Bluetooth Headphones are the most expensive toddler headphones on our list.
These toddler headphones have Sharepoint Technology, allowing multiple headphones to be connected to one device without splitters. Siblings will no longer fight over headphones since everyone can listen on their own devices.
The battery lasts up to 12 hours with 180 hours of standby. An audio cable is included for when the battery dies or for your toddler to use on an airplane to watch movies.
There are complaints in the reviews that the volume is too low. This is subjective since some parents like a lower volume while others prefer a higher volume to reduce noise the background noise on the airplane. Also, if your toddler has a larger head these may not fit.
If you would like to help with their mission a portion of each purchase is donated to nonprofit organizations, to help prevent bullying and raise awareness.
Pros
- Battery Life
- Shareable
- Wireless & Wired
- Travel Pouch
- Lots of Color Options
Cons
- Expensive
- Runs Small
- Cushions Fray
- Low Volume
Woice Bluetooth Headphones for Kids
If you are looking for basic affordable headphones for your toddler the Woice Bluetooth Headphones for Kids is a good option. There are no fancy features, but they get the job done.
The battery life for these headphones is only 6-8 hours, which is considerably less than the other headphones on our list.
If you plan to travel long distances or have a long international flight these toddler headphones may not be for you. If you plan to use them intermittently they are a great affordable option.
If you have any problems these headphones have a 3-month 100% money-back guarantee. Also, if you have any problems there is a 6-month replacement warranty.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Supports SD Card
- Wireless & Wired
- Replacement Warranty
Cons
- Battery Life
- No Travel Case
- No Parent Control
Related Post: 20 Screen-Free Fun & Educational Toys for Toddlers
WOICE Cat Ear Bluetooth Headphones
The WOICE Cat Ear Bluetooth Headphones are the cutest. How cute would your toddler be with little cat ears when they wear their headphones. Many of the color options are for girls, but there is a blue and green pair for boys.
The ears light up which makes it even more adorable. These headphones have a sharing function that allows your kids to listen to the same thing at the same time. This removes some of the arguing between siblings during your flight or road trip.
The battery life is on the lower end at 8 hours compared to the other toddler headphones on our list. If they aren’t used constantly I do not see that being a problem for most families traveling with a toddler.
Most of the complaints are the headphones tend to break near the folding mechanisms.
One of the things we like about these headphones is the 30 days 100% money-back guarantee. You can return them for any reason if you do not like them or if they break.
If for some reason they stop working, due to no fault of your own there is a 6-month replacement warranty. You can get a new pair, with no hassle.
Pros
- Battery Life
- Shareable
- Wireless & Wired
- Travel Pouch
- Support SD Card
- LED Lights
- Color Options
Cons
- Battery Life
- Durability
- No Travel Pouch
Yusonic Kids Bluetooth Headphones Wireless
Our second favorite headphones for toddlers are the Yusonic Kids Bluetooth Wireless Headphones. The controls on the side of the headphones are great for older toddlers 3 and older. You get 15 hours of playtime and 200 hours of standby.
These headphones come with a protective travel pouch, which we love because we are always losing things if they do not have a case.
The case will also help with keeping the headphones look new after months of use. There is a 3.5mm cord included so they can be wired once the battery dies.
Pros
- Battery Life
- Travel Pouch
- Comfortable
Cons
- Low Sound
- Small Fit
Related Post: Best Smartwatches for Toddlers
BEST WIRED HEADPHONES FOR TODDLERS COMPARISON TABLE
The best headphones for 2-year-olds are usually wired headphones.
They are just easier to keep track of, don’t require charging, and are less likely to stop working.
This section has the best-wired toddler earphones for planes. Your little one can use their toddler headphones for iPads or tablets.
Last update on 2024-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mpow CH6S Kids Headphones
If you are looking for affordable headphones that your toddlers can share the Mpow CH6S Kids Headphones are the perfect option. They have volume control between 85dB and 94dB.
The higher volume can be used when traveling on an airplane with your toddler. This will not make them noise-proof, but they will be able to hear their shows or audiobooks above the airplane noise.
The earpads on these headphones are large than others and therefore offer more comfort. It would be nice if these headphones come with a travel case to make it easier for storage and transport.
There are complaints about the durability of these headphones for toddlers. The head is cushioned but the plastic near the ear pads is made with plastic.
This makes it more likely to break while your toddler is trying to fold. Personally, I am not a fan of the rubber cord because it is easily tangled. I like thicker cords because they are more durable, they can handle the antics of a toddler.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Sharing Function
- Volume Control
- Color Options
- 2-Year Warranty
Cons
- No Travel Case
- Durability
- Longevity
- Rubber Cord
Elecder i36 Kids Headphones
We like to recommend Elecder i36 Kids Headphones for older toddlers, usually 4 and older. That is because these headphones are designed for older kids as opposed to toddlers ages 2 to 3.
After all, they have more bass compared to the other headphones. Also, the headphones adjust more than other toddler headphones making these great for older kids, up to 12 years old.
It may just be my personal preference but the way the headphones fold in seems weird and make it more difficult to store.
I prefer them to fold inward to be compact as opposed to simply folding in the earpads. These are some of the lightest headphones on our list at less than 5.5 ounces.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Sound Quality
- Color Options
- 1-Year Warranty
- Bass Isolation
- Lightweight
- Long Cord
Cons
- No Sharing Function
- Folding Position
- No Travel Case
iClever Boostcare Kids Headphones
You must admit the iClever Boostcare Kids Headphones are adorable. The cat ears are just too cute for words. What is more adorable than a toddler in cat ear headphones? I’ll answer for you, nothing.
There is volume control to make the sound safe for your little one.
One of my major dislikes about these toddler headphones is the lack of padding. Although the material is food-grade silicone and is durable enough to withstand a toddler they aren’t comfortable.
There is no head cushioning to make it easier to wear for an extended period.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Volume Control
- 18-Month Warranty
Cons
- Uncomfortable for long periods
- Thin headband
LilGadgets Connect+Style Wired Headphones
The LilGadgets Connect+ Style Wired Headphones are the latest headphones from the LilGadgets brand and are perfect for toddlers.
These headphones are perfect for toddlers as young as 2-years-old and as old as 5-years-old. The hinges are reinforced with stainless steel, making them more durable for rough kids.
There is no need for a splitter with the sharing functionality. The max volume is 93 dB, which is perfect for toddlers on an airplane. These headphones come with a microfiber carrying case, making them perfect for travel.
Pros
- Sharing Function
- Comfortable
- Design Options
- Detachable Cable
- Travel Case
- Long Cable
Cons
- No Volume Control
- Cable is detachable
Snug Play+ Kids Headphones
I absolutely love the color and design options that Snug Play+ Kids Headphones offer. The Girl Power design above is my favorite, but there are other cool designs like llamas, robots, cars, pineapples, and monster trucks.
These are our favorite wired headphones for younger toddlers. We love the sharing port that allows you to connect as many headphones as you want. The volume is automatically limited to protect your toddler’s ears.
What we like most about these headphones is how comfortable they are. We use these headphones for our son, and so far, they have lasted for over 4 months.
It would be nice if a carrying case was included with the headphones, which would make it easier when we travel. They do fold small enough, so they don’t take up much space.
Pros
- Sharing Function
- Comfortable
- Design Options
- Durable
- Volume Control
Cons
- No Travel Case
- Expensive
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING THE BEST HEADPHONES FOR A TODDLER
When looking for the best headphones for your toddler, there are a few things you need to consider.
Here are all of the things that I considered when buying the best headphones for our toddler.
Volume
All headphones for toddlers, especially 2-year-olds, should have volume control.
The usual volume limit is 85 dB, but if your toddler plans on using their headphones on an airplane, the volume can be as high as 94 dB. That is because the external noise is louder on a plane than in a car or at home.
Parental Control Settings
Some of the toddler headphones on our list have parental control, which is perfect for a younger toddler. If you have a 2-year-old that loves their headphones, I recommend finding a pair with parental controls.
The controls allow you to set the volume limit, depending on the situation. If you are on an airplane with your toddler, the volume can be increased, then decreased when you are at home or in the car.
Comfort
Although toddlers shouldn’t wear headphones for long periods, they should be comfortable. Most headphones for toddlers have soft cushions on the ear, but also the headband.
I prefer headphones with a cushion on the headband it’s just more comfortable and provides a snug fit. I have noticed headphones without the cushion tend to slide down more.
Wireless or Wired
There are pros and cons to using wireless or wired headphones. There are a lot of different factors to think about. I recommend purchasing wired headphones for younger toddlers 18 between the age of 18 months and 3-years-old.
When your little one gets older, usually 4-years-old, you can entrust them with the responsibility of charging their headphones when needed. This gives them a sense of responsibility, which is essential for their development.
Durability
For some reason, toddlers seem to have super strength and can easily break things. Having headphones that can withstand an active toddler, especially 2-year-olds, is essential.
We’ve gone through three pairs, thanks to our strong and happy 2-year-old son. He broke them accidentally (before he turned 2), trying to put them on by himself, like a big boy.
Battery Life
If you decide to purchase wireless headphones for your toddler, battery life is important. Most headphones will last for several days, with moderate use, before needing to be charged.
Remember, many wireless headphones come with a 3mm headphone jack, so your toddler can continue using them even after the battery dies.
Cord Length
If you decide to purchase wired headphones for your 2-year-old, the length of the cord matters. Younger toddlers play with everything, even the cord to headphones.
For safety reasons, we like shorter cords, so he doesn’t hurt himself by accidentally wrapping the headphone cord around his neck. This is a personal choice, depending on the age and maturity of your toddler.
Color
Color isn’t a huge factor when buying the best headphones for your toddler, but it is a plus. I believe colors and designs are a way to express ourselves.
Letting your toddler pick their favorite color headphones will make them feel like a big kid and give them a sense of pride.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TODDLER HEADPHONES
Are headphones safe for toddlers?
Let’s just jump right into this answer, yes. Headphones designed for toddlers are safe for them to wear. This is because they have a volume control set at or less than the recommended 85dB.
There are headphones with higher volumes such as 94dB that should only be used in noisier environments such as an airplane. Just remember, they should not listen to that volume for more than one hour per day.
Will headphones damage my toddler’s hearing?
Prolonged exposure to loud headphones can result in hearing loss over time. This is why you should purchase headphones designed for toddlers and monitor their usage.
Ideally, they should only be using headphones for up to one hour per day.
Can my toddler use my headphones?
No, you should not allow your toddler to use your headphones.
This is because their hearing is still developing, and headphones designed for adults are too loud.
Over time they can experience hearing loss for using headphones for a prolonged period louder than the recommended volume.
At what age can toddlers wear headphones?
There isn’t a straightforward answer to this question because it depends on your toddler. For example, our son (19 months) has to touch and investigate everything, so getting to wear headphones has been a challenge.
He likes to put them on, but they do not stay on his head for long. We are slowly trying to get him to wear them for longer periods, but it is a work in progress.
If your toddler is comfortable wearing them at 18 months, then go for it. Just make sure the volume is low, and they increase the volume on the device.
Should I get wireless or wired headphones for my toddler?
This is a question that is asked a lot and the answer depends on your preference and your specific circumstances. Each option has different pros and cons, but the best headphones for your toddler will vary.
Wireless headphones can be a hassle because you have to remember to charge them. If you are anything like me, you will probably forget when you need them the most.
For older toddlers, usually, 4 and up, can be responsible for charging their headphones, wireless is a great option.
We purchased wireless headphones that included a cord to make them wired. This is a great compromise when you aren’t sure which to choose.
We use the wire because I always forget to charge the headphones. The downside is, he likes to pull on the cord and usually disconnect the headphones, then gets upset when he can’t hear. Ah, life as a parent of a toddler. 🙂
Can my toddler wear earbuds?
No!!!! Toddlers should not wear earbuds or headphones that sit directly in the ear canal.
The best headphones for toddlers are over-the-ear headphones designed for kids.
How do I get my toddler to wear headphones?
Like many of our other answers, this will depend on your toddler’s personality. We have to introduce new things to our toddler slowly to get him to “comply.” That kind of sounds bad, but he’s a curious little one.
So far, imitation has been working for us. Our toddler sees me with my headphones on a lot when I am working, and he wants to wear his headphones like a big boy.
Much like sleep training, it will take time and patience to get them used to headphones. If you’ve found a method that works for your toddler, please share.
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